Vietnamese coffee refers to coffee grown and produced in Vietnam, the world’s second-largest coffee exporter and the leading producer of Robusta beans. Robusta thrives in Vietnam's tropical climate and highlands, particularly in regions like the Central Highlands, where rich volcanic soil and ideal elevations create optimal growing conditions.

What makes Vietnamese coffee distinct isn’t just where it’s grown - it’s how it’s brewed and enjoyed. Traditionally, it’s made using a phin filter, a small metal drip brewer that allows hot water to slowly extract the coffee, resulting in a strong, concentrated brew. The flavor is typically bold, earthy, and high in caffeine compared to Arabica varieties.

Culturally, Vietnamese coffee is often prepared with sweetened condensed milk or served over ice, creating a rich and balanced drink that has become a staple of daily life in Vietnam and is gaining popularity around the world.

Arabica and Robusta are the two primary species of coffee beans cultivated and consumed around the world, each with distinct characteristics in flavor, growing conditions, caffeine content, and price.

Arabica beans are known for their delicate, nuanced profiles - often featuring floral, fruity, or acidic notes. They typically grow at higher elevations and require specific climate conditions.

Robusta, on the other hand, is bolder and more intense. Its flavor profile leans toward earthy, nutty, and sometimes woody notes, with a more straightforward and powerful taste. Robusta plants are hardier, more resistant to pests and diseases, and thrive in lower altitudes - making them especially well-suited to Vietnam’s landscape.

At Fat Miilk, we specialize in Robusta, a bean that contains nearly twice the caffeine of Arabica. That higher caffeine content not only delivers a serious energy boost but also adds to the rich, full-bodied flavor that Robusta lovers seek.

We source directly from smallholder farmers across Vietnam’s Central Highlands, a region known for its ideal Robusta-growing conditions. With the support of our dedicated team on the ground, we carefully vet each farm and work hands-on to ensure consistent quality from seed to sip.

There’s no middleman, no shortcuts - just deep relationships built on trust, transparency, and mutual respect. By staying close to every step of the process, we’re able to prioritize fair pricing, provide ongoing support to our farmers, and help strengthen their harvests year after year.

We proudly roast in-house and only roast to order. This small-batch approach allows us to maintain peak freshness, flavor, and quality in every bag. By controlling the roast from start to finish, we ensure that what you’re drinking is never sitting on a shelf.

Fat Miilk beans are 100% roasted coffee without any added dairy, additives, oils, or artificial flavorings.

Before Vietnamese coffee was widely recognized for its diverse origins, regions, varietals, and brewing methods, it was most commonly associated with one iconic preparation: Cà Phê Sữa Đá—strong Vietnamese coffee poured over ice and mixed with sweetened condensed milk. That creamy, bold classic is where many people’s journey with Vietnamese coffee begins. It’s also where our name, Fat Miilk, draws inspiration.

We honor the cultural significance and global love for this drink, but our name is also a statement. It signals that there’s more to the story. Vietnamese coffee isn’t just a style - it’s a whole ecosystem of tradition, innovation, and untapped potential. Through our product offerings, storytelling, and brand, Fat Miilk exists to expand that narrative and showcase the richness of Vietnamese coffee beyond the cup.

At the moment, we do not offer decaf coffee.

At the moment, we do not sell ready-to-drink coffee. You can experience our coffee in person at our Chicago storefront or brew it at home with our Vietnamese coffee kit.

Coffee doesn’t “expire” in the way fresh produce does, but it does lose freshness and flavor over time. The shelf life depends on how it's stored and whether it’s whole bean (which lasts longer) or pre-ground (which ages faster).

At Fat Miilk, we roast to order in small batches, and each bag is clearly labeled with a roast date. For peak flavor, we recommend enjoying your coffee within 4 months of roasting, though it can stay fresh for up to 6 months if stored in a cool, airtight environment.

To maintain maximum freshness, store your coffee (whether whole bean or ground) in a cool, dark place, away from heat, light, air, and moisture. For best results, use an airtight container and avoid storing coffee in the fridge or freezer, where it’s exposed to moisture and can absorb unwanted odors.

We recommend purchasing smaller quantities and enjoying your coffee within a few weeks of opening.

No matter how you take your coffee, we’ve got a roast for you.

From bold and smooth to rich and robust, explore our lineup to find your perfect match.
Read more about our product profiles and offerings here.