TOC Gallery, a coffee shop from Hue City, Vietnam has recently been gaining popularity and seeing an increase in customers since September after introducing their peculiar drink: cà phê mắm ruốc, or simply known as shrimp paste coffee.
According to the co-owner of the cafe, mam ruoc is an important part of the cuisine in Hue. So when deciding on what to experiment on for their new creation, he and his team decided to try out this Hui staple. After 6 months of experimentation, he and his team finally led to the creation of this one-of-a-kind recipe that captures the local essence.
Mam ruoc, the signature ingredient of the drink, is made through fermenting sea shrimp and salt mixed together, with the saltiness pairing well with the caffeinated beverage. The drink features condensed milk, arabica beans grown in the mountainous region of A Luoi, robusta, and the titular shrimp paste cream, all while being topped up with some dried tuna shavings.
When first hearing about the drink, many were skeptical whether coffee paired with shrimp paste would work. However, after tasting this bizarre drink, many found out that the saltiness of the shrimp paste saltiness blended well with the overall drink, with many quoting the lasting aftertaste it leaves.
TOC Gallery, is located at Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Thuan Hoa Ward, Hue City. Check out their Facebook and Instagram pages for more information and try out their viral drink for yourself!