Gasaco Railway Milk Coffee: A Taste of Vietnamese Coffee Culture and Tourist Delights

Despite being the second-largest coffee exporter, the allure of Vietnamese coffee, its history, and the local way of enjoying it, remains largely unknown.
This post aims to bridge that gap.
Unveiling Vietnamese Coffee Culture: Local Traditions
Vietnamese coffee is typically enjoyed in two ways:
- Strong, black coffee
- Phin coffee with condensed milk
Many international visitors initially find black Vietnamese coffee strong due to its use of Robusta beans, known for their higher caffeine content and bolder taste compared to Arabica beans.
To balance this boldness and create a sweeter experience, locals often add condensed milk to their coffee, a tradition born from historical necessity.
Condensed Milk and Vietnamese Coffee: A Sweet Connection
Why condensed milk instead of regular milk? The answer lies in history.
When the French introduced the phin coffee ritual to Vietnam, it quickly gained popularity. Many Vietnamese aspired to adopt the luxurious French lifestyle, however, replicating the French way of enjoying coffee with fresh milk proved challenging.
Fresh milk was scarce in Vietnam's hot climate, requiring expensive imports. Additionally, the lack of widespread refrigeration made storing fresh milk impractical.
Therefore, Vietnamese coffee drinkers sought a more accessible alternative. Condensed milk, with its extended shelf life, became the preferred choice. It perfectly balanced the bold Robusta coffee flavor, making it more palatable for a wider audience, thus quickly won the hearts of the locals.
While condensed milk remains the traditional pairing, modern variations exist, using fresh milk, coconut milk, or even yogurt to pair with locals daily phin coffee ritual.
The Art of Phin Coffee Brewing
Phin coffee, a beloved local brewing method, involves a small metal filter placed on top of a cup. Coffee grounds are placed within the filter, and hot water is slowly poured over them, producing a strong, dark brew that drips directly into the cup. Condensed milk (or other pairings) are often added to the bottom of the cup before brewing for a sweeter coffee
True Essence of Vietnamese Coffee

While the phin filter and condensed milk are iconic elements, the true essence of Vietnamese coffee lies in the unique, locally grown Robusta beans. It's not Vietnamese coffee without the locally-produced beans.
At Gasaco, we perfectly understand that.
That's why Gasaco Railway Milk Coffee was carefully crafted with high-quality Robusta beans grown in the (North, South?) … of Vietnam. Gasaco Railway Milk Coffee offers a taste of the authentic Vietnamese coffee known worldwide in a convenient, travel-friendly 250ml can.
Beyond the delicious brew, the packaging design features iconic Vietnamese landmarks, inviting tourists on a visual journey through the country's captivating landscapes and cultural treasures.
So, whether you're a seasoned coffee enthusiast or simply curious to explore the world of Vietnamese coffee, Gasaco Railway Milk Coffee offers a convenient and flavorful way to embark on your own coffee adventure, while also discovering the beauty of Vietnam.