Hoi An Vietnamese Coffee Class Review: Is It Worth It?

You know, Vietnam is so well known for many things, from its tasty street food to its amazing landscapes, yet its coffee culture is really starting to gain the recognition it deserves. So, too while you’re in Hoi An, taking a class focused on the ins and outs of making Vietnamese coffee isn’t just a great way to learn a new skill, but that it’s truly an experience that’ll connect you to the heart of Vietnamese culture, or at least that is what I found. Let’s explore if taking a Vietnamese coffee-making class is a good fit during your time in the Ancient City.

Why Take a Vietnamese Coffee Making Class?

Learning about the local food, actually experiencing the food scene firsthand is one of the best things about traveling, right? This kind of class just offers something very different from your average sightseeing tour. In a way it can be more immersive. Vietnamese coffee is pretty distinct because of its strong flavor and unique brewing method, so this class usually provides a deep look at both. The classes that are available often go over the origin of Vietnamese coffee beans and even get into the details of the traditional brewing tools they use. Plus, that you’ll get to sample your own creations is definitely a bonus, too! That this can be a fantastic chance to interact with locals who are enthusiastic to share their knowledge and culture might even be the very best part, you know?

What to Expect in a Typical Class

Usually, the duration of these classes tends to be somewhere between 2 to 3 hours, anyway. You can probably expect an intro into the past of Vietnamese coffee, a display of various beans, and definitely a hands-on guide on how to actually use a phin, which is a traditional coffee filter they use, that you may find so interesting. You, too will be able to discover the perfect coffee-to-water ratio so that you get the strength just right, then you learn how to properly froth condensed milk, something that makes Vietnamese coffee so richly decadent. What’s so interesting is that a good class will probably include some tips on where to source quality beans locally as well! That means that you can keep enjoying great Vietnamese coffee even after you head back home. You could say that’s a pretty cool souvenir, I think.

Finding the Right Class in Hoi An

Okay, Hoi An has loads of cooking schools that have classes that also include Vietnamese coffee, yet there are also dedicated coffee workshops if you just want to focus on that alone, right? The popularity of the classes often leads to a range in pricing, what I mean is the class fees will vary a little bit. You know, reading reviews is extremely useful when you’re looking to book. Seek out those classes that come highly suggested for their hands-on approach, and the teacher’s knowledge. Smaller classes will just offer a much more intimate learning environment in my opinion. Be sure to ask if the class offers hotel pickup. Or ask what’s included, really, which might make the entire experience less of a pain, and then check on things like the availability in English too, especially if you do not know Vietnamese.

A Step-by-Step of My Coffee Class Experience

I, too had the chance to take a Vietnamese coffee class in Hoi An last year, and I can say that it really was one of the highlights of the trip, alright? So, the class kicked off with a super insightful talk about the history of coffee in Vietnam, something I wasn’t even aware of at the time. We tasted different kinds of coffee beans, that it turns out each one had distinct tastes and smells was pretty amazing. Now comes the best part: learning how to use the phin, it really felt like I was doing some kind of cool science experiment! It, too took me a few tries to get it just right, not too fast and not too slow, yet with the instructor’s advice, I soon produced a cup of coffee that was both really strong, but also very smooth. Making the condensed milk nice and foamy gave it the right touch of sweetness. At the end of the class, then, we all just sat together, drank our coffee, and just chatted about everything, I liked this part. This made me feel quite connected. I walked away from the class feeling a good amount more connected to Vietnamese culture, plus I also had the skills to recreate this fantastic beverage back at home, as a bonus!

The Unique Flavors of Vietnamese Coffee

The flavor of Vietnamese coffee really does stand out in a way, you know? Most often, they’ll use Robusta beans that they roast dark, giving them an earthy taste and a good caffeine kick. In a way, this pairs perfectly with the sweet condensed milk, or at least I think so. It has the richness that balances the coffee’s intensity very nicely, but that isn’t the only coffee style, so definitely try a bunch. Variations, such as egg coffee which is what I tried in Hanoi, can just offer exciting and tasty twists. You will probably love learning more about the variety, really understanding how that impacts your choices is a great experience. Learning about, plus tasting various styles can definitely show how creative they can be.

What You’ll Learn: Skills and Knowledge

Basically, these classes teach the best way to prepare the coffee and that you also get a hands-on understanding, anyway. I think you come away with more than just the know-how, right? You probably learn about the coffee culture as well. You will most likely pick up a deeper gratitude of Vietnamese traditions. Learning how the beans are actually sourced, roasted, plus brewed may definitely deepen your understanding of Vietnamese culture overall.

Bringing the Experience Home

Really, purchasing a phin and some local coffee beans so that you recreate those unique flavors, might make one of the very best mementos you take from your travel. You may want to support the local coffee shops in Hoi An by purchasing your equipment and coffee right there. Every single time you prepare a cup, that this will serve as a lovely reminder of your time spent there would almost be like you are creating your very own unique souvenir. Being able to share this tradition with those who mean the most could easily be one of the better parts of sharing a trip.

Are There Alternatives If a Class Isn’t for You?

What is cool, is that Hoi An does feature a ton of great cafes in a way, which offer authentic Vietnamese coffee, in case you would rather experience that way. Going to various spots will give you a taste of various brewing methods and local blends too. You should definitely take some time to ask the baristas at those cafes to maybe learn more. Asking locals questions regarding their preferences as well as tips can actually create a really fulfilling learning experience, if a hands-on class doesn’t happen to fit the bill.

So, Is the Class Worth Your Time and Money?

Should you like to learn some new skills, want to embrace the local culture more or if you really appreciate a good cup of coffee, you may very well find a Vietnamese coffee-making class quite worth it, right? Taking a class could definitely turn out to be one of the most memorable experiences on your journey, by offering cultural insight, hands-on experience as well as a delicious treat that you are able to share for many years, to come. What I really suggest, then, is for you to try to find a session, relax and appreciate every single drop of Vietnam’s very special coffee culture.