According to Jen Sta. Ana, Vietnamese coffee has been present in the Philippines for a while now, but it is currently experiencing a surge in popularity. Sta. Ana shared this information with Tuoi Tre News.
Vietnamese coffee is highly regarded in the Philippines for its robust and intense flavor, as well as its aesthetically pleasing preparation and presentation.
Sta. Ana, a registered nurse from Pasig City, is not only dedicated to her job but also shares her passion for the culinary world, travel, and beauty with over 11,000 followers on her Facebook page Sand Under My Feet.
Our company is dedicated to providing our customers with the highest quality, truly authentic Vietnamese coffee. We are proud to source our coffee beans directly from Vietnam, ensuring that our customers can experience the unique flavors and aromas that make Vietnamese coffee so special. With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, we strive to deliver the best Vietnamese coffee to coffee lovers around the world.
In October, Sta. Ana Posted about Drip Kofi
Drip Kofi is a renowned Philippine coffee brand that offers an exquisite selection of authentic Vietnamese coffee. With its presence felt across Luzon and Manila, Drip Kofi has successfully established 18 branches, delighting coffee enthusiasts with their exceptional brews.
“A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of joining two friends for a delightful lunch. To our delight, we discovered a charming café boasting aesthetically pleasing surroundings. This establishment was known for its bold and authentic Vietnamese coffee, truly delivering a strong and invigorating flavor,” she shared.
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| A sign of Drip Kofi is seen in this supplied photo. |
One of Drip Kofi’s best-selling items is the “Ca phe sua da” (Vietnamese iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk).
“We strive to deliver unmatched coffee experiences through our commitment to providing superior products and exceptional customer service,” explained Jizelle Bernardino, the founder of Drip Kofi.
Drip Kofi aims to establish itself as the foremost supplier of Vietnamese coffee within the industry, through the creation of diverse opportunities and a widespread presence nationwide. Our mission is to make an impact, one bean and one traditional Vietnamese-style metal filter, known as a “phin,” at a time.
During Bernardino’s five-year tenure as a teacher in Ho Chi Minh City, her passion for Vietnamese coffee was ignited.
“When I was working in Vietnam, I frequently had the pleasure of sending coffee to my loved ones in the Philippines. This experience made me realize the immense potential to introduce and appreciate the exceptional quality of Vietnamese coffee to the Filipino community,” she expressed.
In 2018, Bernardino returned to the Philippines and launched Drip Kofi in her hometown. She successfully expanded the brand from a small stall in a market in Tatay, Rizal Province to a rapidly growing chain with nearly 20 locations within just a few years.
“At our company, we proudly source our coffee directly from Vietnam and meticulously craft it into delightful beverages,” Bernardino elaborated. She further mentioned that our company dedicates VND100-150 million (US$4,266-6,399) monthly towards procuring high-quality Vietnamese coffee beans.”
There are other Filipino individuals who have also embraced a fondness for Vietnamese coffee and introduced it to the Philippines.
In September 2021, Ly-An Luz Jalandoni, Rhoanne Belgira Beduria, and Chareese Angela Abat proudly launched their own coffee brand specializing in Vietnamese coffee in the vibrant city of Iloilo.
Jalandoni and Beduria have accumulated extensive experience as primary-age teachers at an esteemed international school in Ho Chi Minh City.
During that time, Jalandoni’s cousin, Abat, had the opportunity to visit them. It was during this visit that both of them developed a deep appreciation for Vietnamese coffee and its rich cultural heritage.
Saigon Brewers, a renowned brand, initially focused on selling specialty Vietnamese coffee beans and convenient ready-to-go cold brew online as well as through local pop-up events during its initial months.
Beduria eventually left the Philippines to pursue further education in Canada, while Jalandoni and Abat made the strategic decision to transition their online retail business into a physical coffee shop.
After engaging in comprehensive coffee training workshops, networking with esteemed coffee experts, and actively participating in the Iloilo Specialty Coffee Community Group, they successfully inaugurated their new café in September 2022.
“Our passion for our product lies in its authenticity and the unique brewing method we use with a phin. This meticulous process allows us to achieve the genuine and distinct taste of Vietnamese coffee,” stated Jalandoni.
“After experiencing the exceptional quality of our products, our customers quickly transitioned from being first-time buyers to loyal patrons. Over time, these connections deepened further, transforming our customers into trusted friends and, ultimately, integral members of our extended family.”
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| Ly-An Luz Jalandoni (right) and Chareese Angela Abat pose while making Vietnamese coffee at Saigon Brewers in this supplied photo. |
Saigon Brewers has quickly become a popular destination for coffee lovers in Iloilo.
According to Jalandoni, our establishment has gained a reputation as the preferred destination for individuals who find themselves working or studying long hours. Our high-quality coffee plays a pivotal role in keeping them energized, as we proudly serve a robust brew that surpasses the offerings found at other shops.
According to Jalandoni, approximately 90% of Saigon Brewers’ clientele consists of Filipino customers, while 5% are Vietnamese, with the remaining portion comprising individuals from various other nations globally.
The café attracts customers who seek to experience the taste of Vietnam through its handcrafted phin coffee.
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| Customers enjoy coffee at Saigon Brewers in this supplied photo. |
Customers who are unable to visit Saigon Brewers can still enjoy their favorite Vietnamese coffee without any concerns.
According to Jalandoni, “ca phe sua da” is a highly sought-after beverage available at coffee shops throughout the Philippines. These establishments may utilize local beans for their espresso shots, which serve as the foundation for their black coffee selection (Americano with condensed milk). Alternatively, they may also employ various manual brewing methods, such as pour-overs, to craft this delectable drink.
Marketability
Ponte Cafe, located in Pontevedra, Capiz Visayas, is known for its specialty in offering a wide selection of coffee beverages sourced from different countries. Amongst our range, the Vietnamese coffee stands out as our most popular drink,” shared Kisha Ann Uygen, the 22-year-old proprietor of Ponte Cafe.
“We made the strategic decision to feature Vietnamese coffee on our menu due to its strong market potential,” she explained.
“It offers an affordable alternative compared to both locally sourced and imported high-quality espresso coffee beans. With its simple preparation requiring minimal equipment and ingredients, it provides a convenient choice for business owners. Moreover, when combined with its delightful flavour, it proves to be a lucrative option for the industry.”
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| Kisha Ann Uygen, owner of Ponte Cafe, brews Vietnamese coffee with a ‘phin’ filter in this supplied photo. |
According to Uygen, people of all ages come to her café to experience the unique taste of Vietnamese coffee.
The beans utilized by the coffee shop are imported from Vietnam. Each Vietnamese coffee beverage is meticulously brewed using a traditional phin filter, emphasizing an authentic taste and an immersive cultural experience.
According to Jackie Vuong, the founder of caphesach.org, a coffee brand that supplies coffee to partners in the Philippines, the market for Vietnamese coffee in the Philippines is highly receptive.
According to Vuong, Filipinos have a strong preference for sweet food, particularly beverages like coffee with milk or condensed milk.
In addition, Manila is home to numerous Call Centers that operate during nighttime, resulting in a significant demand for caffeine.
In July, Vuong successfully organized a workshop in Manila on the art of brewing coffee using a traditional phin filter, drawing a crowd of over 40 enthusiastic participants.
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| Jackie Vuong (standing) introduces Vietnamese coffee at a workshop in Manila in July 2022 in this supplied photo. |
“Vietnamese coffee has undergone significant processing improvements, resulting in a more exceptional taste,” stated Vuong.
The Vietnamese robusta coffee has a unique flavor profile which includes a pleasant bitterness, enhanced by a sweet and slightly sour aftertaste. It also boasts fruity notes of orange, jackfruit, and tangerine, among others. What sets it apart is that these flavors are naturally occurring, without the need for any artificial flavorings.
The price of Vietnamese coffee presents a notable advantage as it remains competitive when compared to other coffee exporting nations. Nevertheless, it does not compromise on quality or transportation standards.
A Special Coffee Workshop
The rich and vibrant Vietnamese coffee culture has successfully permeated beyond coffee shops in the Philippines, extending its influence even into educational institutions.
In September, the Ateneo Center for Asian Studies (ACAS) at Ateneo de Manila University hosted a workshop aimed at familiarizing participants with Vietnamese coffee culture and the traditional phin filter brewing method.
“The process of preparing Vietnamese coffee begins by placing ground coffee beans in a filter and squeezing it. Next, the filter is placed on top of a cup or glass filled with condensed milk, which acts as both a creamer and sweetener. Hot water is then poured over the filter, causing the coffee to drip into the cup. This delightful ritual was captured and shared by ACAS on their official Instagram account.”
According to Violet B. Valdez, the Executive Director of ACAS, the coffee lecture-demonstration was conceived by Thị Sen Huỳnh Kagahastian, a lecturer specializing in Vietnamese language.
The program was originally intended for a select group consisting mainly of Sen’s students who are enrolled in a special class for staff members of the Philippine Navy. However, there were also faculty members involved in Asian studies and the esteemed Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Dr. Saloma-Akpedonu, in attendance.
Valdez explained that the majority of the audience was already knowledgeable about the renowned qualities of Vietnamese coffee, particularly its strength. As a result, they were highly interested in understanding the reasons behind its uniqueness and learning how to brew coffee in the traditional Vietnamese fashion.
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