What is Salt Coffee? How to Prepare Delicious and Authentic Salt Coffee

You may have heard of or even tasted salt coffee, a trending drink. Moca Coffee will help you learn more about its history, flavor, and how to prepare it. You will be surprised by the simple method of making this type of coffee.

1. What is Salt Coffee?

Salt coffee is a beverage made from the combination of pure coffee, milk, and the special ingredient of salt, which has a salty taste that you might think wouldn’t match with coffee. The reason salt and coffee harmonize so well is that when salt dissolves in water, it releases sodium ions, which suppress bitterness, highlighting the creamy sweetness of the milk and the aroma of the coffee.

Although it is a new trending drink, salt coffee actually has a long history. Worldwide, salt coffee is quite popular in many countries under different names. There is a story that sailors and fishermen, while at sea, made coffee with seawater, thus creating salt coffee. In Ethiopia, shipyard workers used salt coffee as an electrolyte to keep their spirits up during long work hours.

In Vietnam, salt coffee was first served at a coffee shop on Nguyen Luong Bang Street, Hue City, and quickly became a familiar drink among the locals. Although not as famous as Hanoi egg coffee or Saigon iced milk coffee, salt coffee has become a “sensation” spreading across Vietnam. From major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to regions like Quang Nam, salt coffee attracts a large number of customers, with many shops selling thousands of cups daily. Brands like Chú Long Salt Coffee further demonstrate the strong appeal of this drink.

2. Benefits of Salt Coffee

2.1 Enhances Taste

Salt helps balance the flavor of the coffee, highlighting the rich taste and reducing bitterness. This provides a richer tasting experience compared to regular coffee.

2.2 Good for Digestion

Salt stimulates digestion, helping the digestive system function better. The combination of salt and coffee can help reduce bloating and indigestion.

2.3 Reduces Stress

Some studies suggest that salt coffee can help reduce stress and improve mood thanks to the unique combination of ingredients in this drink.

2.4 Provides Energy

Coffee is a quick source of energy due to its high caffeine content. When combined with salt, this effect can be optimized, helping you stay alert and focused at work.

2.5 Supports Heart Health

Sea salt contains beneficial minerals like magnesium and potassium, which can support heart health when consumed in moderation.

2.6 Cultural Experience

Enjoying salt coffee not only brings health benefits but also offers an opportunity to experience and explore a distinctive part of Hue and Vietnamese culture.

3. How to Prepare Delicious and Authentic Salt Coffee

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

• 25g pure coffee
• 95ml boiling water
• 25ml condensed milk
• 200ml Rich’s cream
• 5g salt
• Kettle, coffee filter, whisk, milk jug, stirring spoon, glass cup…

Step 2: Brew the Coffee

Brew the coffee using the traditional phin method. Preheat the equipment with boiling water. Add 25g of ground coffee to the filter, gently shake to evenly distribute the coffee. Slowly pour 45ml of boiling water into the filter, wait for about 1-2 minutes for the coffee grounds to absorb water and expand. Use the press to compress the coffee, then add another 50ml of boiling water, and wait for the coffee to drip. Note to use water at about 90 degrees Celsius to prevent overcooking the coffee.

Step 3: Add Creamy Salt

While waiting for the coffee to drip, add 200ml of Rich’s cream and 5g of fine salt into a measuring cup. Use a whisk to whip the mixture for 2-3 minutes.

When the coffee has finished dripping, remove the filter, add 25ml of condensed milk. Then slowly pour 15-20ml of the creamy salt mixture into the coffee cup. You can sprinkle some cocoa powder on top for decoration.

Step 4: Enjoy

To drink, simply stir the coffee with the creamy salt and add ice if you prefer it cold or enjoy it hot.

4. Tips and Notes for Making Salt Coffee

• Choose pure, clean coffee to ensure the best flavor. Therefore, buy coffee from reputable brands to ensure quality.
• Ensure that all equipment is clean and preheated with boiling water.
• The ratio of ingredients will determine the flavor of the coffee. Refer to the recipe and adjust the quantities to suit your taste.
• To fully enjoy the rich and deep flavor of salt coffee, try sipping it slowly.

With this preparation method, we hope you will successfully make and enjoy this unique salt coffee drink!