Brewed in Vietnam, Loved in Kolkata: The Rise of Condensed Culture in a Cup

Image Source: Telegraph India

Kolkata's coffee culture is undergoing a taste revolution, and it's dripping—in more ways than one—with Vietnamese panache. From its reputation for adoration of cha and iced coffee, the city is now falling head over heels for the rich, creamy taste of Vietnamese coffee, with a cultural spin and a dose of caffeine.

Flavor Trends Brewing Across the City

Vietnamese coffee, made with dark-roasted robusta beans and sweetened condensed milk, is growing in popularity for its rich, chocolatey taste and smooth finish
Comprising a traditional Phin filter, the drink molds itself into tiered shapes and is normally served cold—perfect for the climate of Kolkata
Despite its high-calorie content, it's winning over even the health-conscious masses due to its unique taste and experience

Café Culture and Consumer Curiosity

Vietnamese coffee is Pico and Serentea's best-seller, with customers shifting away from cold brews to this robust substitute
Coffee shop owners claim that it's not just about the caffeine anymore—it's about storytelling, ritual, and a sensory experience
The drink's low acidity and smooth texture make it a less strong variant than Turkish or espresso coffees

Variants and Innovations on the Platter

Serentea comes in four varieties, from Arabica-based pour-overs to Vietnamese black pour-overs
New tastes like coconut and salted coffee are being incorporated to give the experience a new and exciting feel
Other similar cafes like Voila and The Bhawanipur House are not far behind, offering their respective versions of the Vietnamese favorite

Cultural Connection and Culinary Curiosity

The history of using condensed milk goes back to wartime Vietnam, when fresh milk was not available
Now, this requirement turned into a signature, providing Kolkata coffee connoisseurs with a taste from the past in each cup

To others, it's not just a drink—it's a passport to a culture in a glass.

Sources: Telegraph India, Indulge Express, Hello! Magazine India, Galatta India, My Kolkata, Pico Café, Serentea Café