Most of us were taught that good coffee means arabica. Robusta, if it came up at all, was the cheap stuff in instant jars.

Vietnam tells a different story. Across the country, from street corners in Hanoi to family kitchens in Da Lat, Robusta is the coffee people actually choose. It's strong, smooth when brewed well, and tied to a daily ritual that's as much about the pause as the caffeine.

If you're curious about Robusta, here's what it is, where Vietnamese Robusta comes from, why it's worth trying, and how to brew it the traditional way.

What is Robusta coffee?

There are two main species of coffee that people drink: Arabica and Robusta.

Arabica is the one most UK cafés serve. It tends to be naturally sweeter and more delicate, with brighter acidity and fruity or complex floral notes.

Robusta is the other half of the story. It's a hardier plant that grows well at lower altitudes, where pests are worse, so it evolved to produce more caffeine as a defence. It naturally contains roughly twice as much caffeine as arabica. It makes a bolder cup: fuller body, a deeper, more chocolatey flavour, and less acidity.

Neither is better. They're just different, and everyone's palate is different, it's worth knowing which one suits your morning. We like it because we know that we will get that strong satisfying caffeine hit to sustain us throughout the day, (one good cup a day) and not have to go elsewhere.

Why Vietnam, and why Robusta? Isn't it harsh coffee?

Coffee arrived in Vietnam in the 19th century, brought by the French. Over time, the Central Highlands, known as Tây Nguyên, became the heart of Vietnamese coffee. Its red basalt soil and climate suit Robusta very well, and today Vietnam is the world's largest producer of Robusta.

Cheap Robusta often mixed in instant coffee and budget blends is rough and bitter. Our Robusta has a smooth like arabica character taste because they are digitally roasted in Vietnam and single origin. Our beans come direct from Vietnam's Central Highlands , Gia Lai, Đắk Lắk and Kon Tum, all in the Tây Nguyên region. 

Vietnamese coffee culture grew up around Robusta because it's what the land produces. The way it's brewed and made suits it. Strong, concentrated coffee, often softened with a little sweetened condensed milk, became part of everyday life.

Why you might choose our speciality Robusta

1. Bold flavour. If you find some coffees thin or sour, Robusta may be more your style. Expect a rich, full-bodied cup, with chocolate notes in our medium dark roast and a gentle hint of tropical fruit in the aftertaste. 

2. A proper kick. Robusta has more caffeine than arabica, so a small cup goes a long way. If you want to feel awake, this does the job. One good cup a day and you are good to go! (See the note on caffeine below.)

3. Lower acidity. Robusta is generally less acidic than arabica, which many people find gentler and smoother in the cup.

4. It takes milk, ice and sweetness well. Robusta stands up to additions without disappearing. That's why it's the base of Vietnamese iced coffee and often comes with condensed milk, which brings out some interesting flavour notes.

5. A slower way to start the day. This is the one our first tasters kept coming back to. They didn't just talk about taste. They talked about the feeling in that moment: watching the coffee drip, the strong coffee aroma, time to themselves before the day begins. One described it as a time to gather their thoughts. Robusta in a Phin filter turns coffee into a pause and an impact.

What our tasters said: 'In the morning mindfulness. Not on the move. Coffee you have before you leave to go to work. I would take it to wake up to life.' Jeremy

How to brew it the Vietnamese way

Check out our simple 3 step brew guide with a phin filter.

A note on caffeine

Because Robusta contains more caffeine, you may want to start with a smaller cup or less coffee than you're used to. In the UK, the NHS advises that most adults keep to around 400mg of caffeine a day, and lower limits apply during pregnancy (200mg or less per day). If you're unsure, check with your GP. If you want a gentler brew, use closer to 10g of coffee.

Where to start

If you're curious, the easiest way to try Vietnamese Robusta is with our ritual starter kit that includes a 250g bag of single-origin ground Robusta and a stainless steel Phin filter, so you have everything for your first brew. If you already own a Phin, you can order the 250g bag on its own.

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CẢM ƠN for reading, and enjoy the wait.