A Memorable Coffee Workshop Experience at Su Quan Roastery in Hanoi

Coffee is not just a drink in Vietnam, it’s a part of daily culture, history, and even art. During my trip, I was lucky enough to receive an invitation to join a coffee workshop at Sử Quán Roastery Coffee Workshop in Hanoi. As a coffee lover, I couldn’t wait to learn more about Vietnamese coffee and try brewing it myself.

This workshop turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had, combining culture, flavors, and connection with people from different backgrounds.

1. First impressions: A warm and cozy atmosphere

I was the first to arrive at the workshop. This gave me time to look around and appreciate the space. The classroom felt cozy and clean, decorated with wooden furniture in warm coffee tones.

What caught my attention most was a corner decorated with dried lotus leaves — arranged beautifully like an art installation. It gave the whole space a unique and stylish vibe, showing the love and attention to detail from the hosts.

2. The host: Passionate and knowledgeable

Our instructor was a young woman from Nghệ An. From the very first moment, she welcomed us warmly, guiding us through the session with enthusiasm. As she shared stories about coffee, from its origins to brewing techniques. I could feel her deep love for coffee shining through her words and even her eyes. It wasn’t just teaching; it was storytelling filled with passion.

3. The Participants: A cultural exchange

That day, our class was small because it was close to a holiday, but it made the experience even more special. Among my classmates were two Italians, both big coffee lovers. They drink coffee almost every day and even took notes on recipes during the workshop.

It felt like a cultural exchange — we compared Italian coffee traditions with Vietnam’s. For example, in Italy, coffee is often served with breakfast, while in Vietnam people enjoy coffee throughout the day, often as a way to stay awake and socialize.

👉 Want to explore more about Vietnam’s unique coffee culture? Check out our Vietnam Coffee Tour for an unforgettable journey.

4. Learning about coffee in Vietnam

One of the highlights of the class was learning about the origins of Vietnamese coffee and how the French introduced it here. We learned to recognize the difference between Arabica and Robusta beans just by smelling them.

We also discussed Vietnam’s iconic coffee styles such as:

• Egg Coffee (Cà phê trứng) from Hanoi;
• Salt Coffee (Cà phê muối) from Hue;
• Traditional Phin Coffee;
• Coconut Coffee;
• And even a special coffee cocktail created by Su Quan Roastery.

👉 Want to dive deeper into Vietnam’s coffee heritage? Don’t miss Buon Me Thuot, the country’s coffee capital.

5. Hands-on brewing experience

This was the most exciting part: actually making coffee myself. I chose to prepare Vietnamese iced milk coffee (Cà phê sữa đá) – a classic drink loved by almost everyone. To my surprise, I managed to brew it correctly, and later I even made it for my mom during the holiday. She loved it and said it was delicious which made me really proud.

Each participant brewed a different type of coffee. There was a funny moment when we tried the coffee cocktail: we had to swirl the cup before drinking, and some coffee spilled out — but instead of being a mistake, it felt like a joyful, artistic accident.

Discover another side of Hanoi’s coffee culture through its hidden cafes.

6. Why this Workshop is worth trying

This wasn’t just a class about brewing coffee. It was an experience that connected people through stories, flavors, and laughter. I learned not only about coffee but also about cultural differences in how people enjoy it. If you love coffee or simply want to experience something authentic in Hanoi, I highly recommend Sử Quán Roastery Coffee Workshop.

You can book the exact tour I joined via Sun Getaway here: Hanoi Coffee Making and Tasting – the perfect way to immerse yourself in Vietnam’s authentic coffee traditions.

7. Practical Tips for Visitors

• Workshops are available in both the morning and afternoon, so you can choose what suits your schedule.
• Don’t worry if you’re new to coffee brewing — the instructors are patient and helpful.
• Bring a camera, because the space is beautifully decorated and you’ll want to capture the moments.

8. Conclusion

Joining this workshop gave me more than just coffee knowledge. It brought me memories, laughter, and a new appreciation for Vietnamese coffee culture. Whether you’re a tourist or a local coffee lover, this is an experience you shouldn’t miss in Hanoi.

I’m Dương Phạm, a Vietnamese woman from Tuyên Quang who has been living and working in Hanoi for 5 years. As someone who truly loves coffee, this workshop was a very special experience for me. What made it even more meaningful is that my mother is also a coffee lover — so being able to bring back knowledge (and even brew a proper Vietnamese iced coffee for her) was unforgettable.