Civet Coffee

Civet Coffee in Tuy Hoa City, Phú Yên Province: A story from mr.hotsia

When talking about famous and much-discussed coffee in Southeast Asia, one that cannot be missed is “Civet Coffee” or Kopi Luwak, which many dream of trying at least once in their life. But for me, mr.hotsia, tasting authentic civet coffee in Tuy Hoa City, Phú Yên Province, Vietnam, in January 2016 was a direct experience I want to share honestly.

Tuy Hoa, a coastal city with its own unique charm in Phú Yên Province, is where I stopped after a bus ride from a nearby city. While strolling in the city center, I found a civet coffee shop whose owner was very dedicated and proud of his product. He tried to persuade me to buy some to take home, but I chose to just taste it in the shop first.

The taste of civet coffee here feels different from regular coffee on many levels. I, mr.hotsia, felt the coffee had a natural sweet and sour note but not overwhelmingly memorable as imagined. The aroma was quite mild and smooth, without any burnt or strange smells as some might expect. Although the price is higher than normal coffee, for me, it was more about experiencing a unique coffee culture in this city.

Besides civet coffee, Tuy Hoa itself has many interesting charms in various aspects. If anyone wants to experience the local lifestyle here, I recommend visiting the fresh market or asking for local restaurants serving authentic nem chua, which I have written about in my article.Food and Cuisine of Tuy Hoa LocalsThere you will find fresh ingredients and the rich flavors of authentic Vietnamese food, which perfectly complement the travel experience.

For travelers planning to stay overnight in Tuy Hoa, I, mr.hotsia, recommend a hotel I was impressed with for its friendly price and complete services:Khach San Quynh Hoa HotelAn old hotel but well maintained, equipped with air conditioning, hot water, and internet. Though not very fast, it greatly facilitates communication during travel.

Lifestyle and Coffee Atmosphere in Phú Yên

I like how the people of Tuy Hoa proudly tell the story of civet coffee as a valuable local treasure different from elsewhere. Although I wasn’t wowed by the taste enough to buy some to take home, seeing the production process, coffee bean selection, and the owner’s care made me feel that “civet coffee” is not just an ordinary drink but an art and culture truly reflecting the identity of this area.

In this city, sitting and sipping coffee amid the sea breeze and the small mountain view nearby is an activity I, mr.hotsia, recommend trying because it fills you with calmness and connects you well with the surrounding nature.

Travel and Advice from mr.hotsia

Traveling to Tuy Hoa is quite convenient. I chose to take a bus from a nearby city, Binh Dinh, which took about two to three hours—just right for resting and changing the atmosphere along the way.

If anyone wants to try civet coffee here, I recommend looking for a shop whose owner is dedicated and quality-conscious, like the one I found, as it will give you a more complete experience. Don’t forget to try local food alongside to fully experience the diverse food and drink culture of Phú Yên Province.

For those interested in more details about Tuy Hoa City and Phú Yên Province, you can read more in the articleTuy Hoa City, Phú Yên Provinceof mine that will introduce you to the landscapes, lifestyle, and interesting tourist spots in this city.

Summary from mr.hotsia

Civet coffee in Tuy Hoa might not be the “ultimate” experience for everyone, but for me, mr.hotsia, it is a story that deeply connects me with the local lifestyle and the dedication of the people here. Traveling and tasting on-site like this is what makes tourism valuable and memorable beyond just taking photos or checking in. And if you love coffee and want to try something unique in a small coastal town in Southeast Vietnam, this place should suit you well.