An Authentic Coffee Journey in Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam’s Salted Coffee Class Experience
If you’re exploring Ho Chi Minh City and seeking an experience that combines local culture with a fun, interactive twist, the Vietnam Salted Coffee Class offers just that. Though we haven’t taken it ourselves, the reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of a lively, educational session that rivals any typical coffee tasting.
What makes this class stand out? First, you’ll appreciate the knowledgeable guide, Ryan, whose background in Vietnam and Australia adds a personal touch and clarity to the storytelling. Second, the hands-on brewing activity is engaging, giving you a tangible skill you can take home. Lastly, the delicious tasting of freshly made salted coffee, which has been gaining popularity, adds a rewarding flavor experience.
One thing to consider is the short duration—at around 45 minutes, it’s a quick but comprehensive dive into Vietnamese coffee culture. It’s ideal for those on a tight schedule or travelers eager for a snapshot of local flavors. This class is perfect for coffee lovers, curious foodies, or anyone interested in discovering a uniquely Vietnamese twist on a beloved beverage.
- Key Points
- Exploring the Experience in Detail
- Location and Meeting Point
- The Introduction to Vietnamese Coffee Culture
- The Salted Coffee Brewing Process
- Tasting and Customization
- Extras and Takeaways
- Price and Value Analysis
- Why Reviewers Love It
- Who Would Enjoy This Tour?
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs
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Key Points

- Hands-on experience: Make your own Salted Vietnamese Coffee under expert guidance.
- Rich storytelling: Learn about the history and significance of salted coffee from a local Vietnamese guide with international flair.
- Inclusive and friendly atmosphere: Small group size (max 16) ensures personalized attention.
- Value for money: For just $20, you get a complete experience, recipe card, and a certificate.
- Convenient location: Starts at MamaPho in central Ho Chi Minh City, easy to reach by public transport.
- Authentic taste: Opportunity to customize your coffee’s saltiness and enjoy freshly brewed drinks.
Exploring the Experience in Detail
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Location and Meeting Point
The tour kicks off at MamaPho – The Home of Pho, located at 70 Ngo Duc Ke, in the heart of District 1. This central spot makes it easy to incorporate into your city exploration. The familiar setting of a well-known Vietnamese restaurant adds a friendly, approachable vibe to the start of your coffee adventure. Since the activity ends back at the same meeting point, it’s perfectly suited for those staying nearby or planning a day of sightseeing in the area.
The Introduction to Vietnamese Coffee Culture
The first 10 minutes are dedicated to understanding how coffee became such a cornerstone of Vietnamese daily life. Expect lively trivia and stories that reveal why coffee shops are social hubs here and how salted coffee fits into the bigger picture. The guide, Ryan, shares insights that go beyond the basics, making this part both educational and fun. You might find yourself appreciating Vietnam’s coffee obsession even more after learning about its origins and rise in popularity.
The Salted Coffee Brewing Process
The core of the class is a 25-minute hands-on brewing session. Ryan demonstrates every step, from measuring ingredients to the brewing technique, emphasizing local methods and key ingredients. You’ll learn how a simple mix of coffee, salt, and water can be transformed into a memorable drink. The interactive element allows you to make your own salted coffee, adjusting the salt to suit your taste—a fun way to customize your experience.
Throughout this process, you’ll appreciate the attention to detail—using easy-to-find ingredients, and hearing tips from the guide about how to replicate the process at home. Reviewers have noted the quality and friendliness of the instruction; one said Jovel and her team provided a “top notch event from start to finish” with “knowledgeable and friendly” staff.
Tasting and Customization
Once your coffee is ready, you’ll get a 5-minute window to enjoy your creation. Guests have the chance to taste and tweak their salted coffee—adding more salt or adjusting the flavor as they prefer. The guide provides water and light snacks to complement the coffee, making this moment both relaxing and delicious.
Several reviewers appreciated the taste of the coffee; one described it as “tasty” and praised the friendly environment that made experimenting fun. The ability to customize the saltiness is a plus, giving you control over the flavor profile and making each cup unique.
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Extras and Takeaways
Before wrapping up, you’ll receive a recipe card to recreate the salted coffee at home, plus a certificate of completion—a small but memorable keepsake. The tour also offers a 10% discount on retail products and 15% off food and drinks, providing extra value if you want to extend your culinary exploration or purchase a souvenir.
Price and Value Analysis

At $20 per person, this experience offers excellent value. For that price, you get a comprehensive 45-minute session, skillful guidance, a tasting, and educational materials—far more engaging and memorable than a simple coffee shop visit. Compared to other specialty experiences, it’s affordable, especially considering the personalized attention in small groups of up to 16 travelers.
Given the inclusion of snacks, recipe, and certificate, you’re also gaining practical skills and a cultural souvenir worth remembering. For coffee lovers or those curious about local flavors, this class provides a genuine taste of Vietnam’s innovative coffee scene.
Why Reviewers Love It
According to reviews, the knowledgeable guides and friendly atmosphere are major highlights. One reviewer said it was “informative, tasty, friendly, and fun,” emphasizing the approachable and educational nature of the experience. Others appreciated the delicious coffee and the chance to explore a unique local twist on a beloved beverage.
Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for foodies, coffee enthusiasts, and curious travelers wanting an authentic, interactive taste of Vietnam’s coffee culture. It’s suitable for all ages and doesn’t require any prior coffee knowledge—perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers. If you’re short on time but want a meaningful cultural activity, this class fits the bill.
Those interested in a relaxed, social environment will find the small group setting adds to the friendly vibe. Plus, if you enjoy learning how local dishes and drinks are made, this hands-on session offers a satisfying mix of education, entertainment, and delicious results.
Final Thoughts

The Vietnam Salted Coffee Class in Ho Chi Minh City provides a well-rounded, enjoyable introduction to a regional specialty. It combines expert guidance, cultural storytelling, hands-on brewing, and delicious tasting—all for a reasonable price. The experience’s small-group setting fosters interaction and personalized attention, making it a memorable highlight of your trip.
Whether you’re a passionate coffee lover or simply eager to try something new, this class will leave you with a new appreciation for Vietnam’s creativity in beverages. Plus, you’ll walk away with a handy recipe and a certificate, perfect for sharing your newfound skills back home.
In summary, if you want a fun, authentic, and educational activity that’s easy to fit into a busy itinerary, this Salted Coffee Class offers excellent value and a taste of local ingenuity. It’s a playful, flavorful journey worth taking in Ho Chi Minh City.
FAQs

Is this tour suitable for non-coffee drinkers? While primarily focused on Salted Vietnamese Coffee, the experience is engaging and educational, and those who are curious about local customs or enjoy tasting unique drinks may still find it worthwhile.
How long does the class last? The entire experience takes approximately 45 minutes, making it a quick yet fulfilling activity that fits well into a busy day.
Where does the tour meet? The session begins at MamaPho, located at 70 Ngo Duc Ke in District 1, a central and easily accessible spot.
What’s included in the price? For $20, you get a guided class, coffee ingredients, water and snacks, a recipe card, a certificate, and discounts on retail and food.
Can I customize my salted coffee? Yes, you can adjust the saltiness to suit your taste during the tasting part of the session.
Are tips and gratuities included? No, tips are not included, so if you feel the guide did a good job, it’s customary to tip at your discretion.
What if I cancel last minute? You can cancel free of charge if you do so at least 24 hours before the activity. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.
Is this experience suitable for families? Yes, it’s family-friendly and suitable for most age groups, especially those interested in food and culture.
This Salted Coffee Class in Ho Chi Minh City promises a fun, authentic peek into Vietnam’s innovative beverage scene. Whether you’re craving a new skill or a taste adventure, it’s a small investment that offers big flavor and cultural insights.
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