From the “coffee to go” trend in America in the 1970s to takeaway coffee in Vietnam – a symbol of convenience, dynamism, and creativity in modern life.
1. What is the Takeaway Coffee Culture?
Takeaway coffee is a quick, convenient, and practical way to enjoy coffee, perfectly suited to the busy pace of urban life. Instead of sitting in a cafe for a long time, customers bring their own paper or insulated coffee cups and enjoy their coffee on the go. The defining characteristics of this model are convenience, personalization, and speed of service, making it an indispensable trend in modern life.
2. The Origins of Takeaway Coffee
The takeaway coffee culture originated in the United States in the 1970s. At that time, industrialization accelerated, and the demand for a quick yet high-quality beverage exploded. The first paper coffee cups appeared in small shops, then spread with the development of coffee chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts. The phrase “coffee to go” quickly became associated with the image of dynamic young people, holding a cup of coffee as they hurried through the streets to start their day.
3. Why is takeaway coffee booming in Vietnam?
In Vietnam, takeaway coffee became a strong trend around 2010, as urbanization became increasingly evident. The driving factors include: • Convenience: Saves waiting time, suitable for office workers and students.
• Flexible pricing: From street-side coffee at 15,000 VND to high-end brands at 70,000–100,000 VND.
• Wide variety of choices: From iced milk coffee and Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk to cold brew and latte art.
• Supporting technology: Online ordering and delivery applications.
4. Popular Types of Takeaway Coffee
1. Vietnamese filter coffee to go – Rich and authentically Vietnamese.
2. Iced milk coffee for takeaway – Sweet and creamy, easy to drink.
3. Cold brew to go – For those who love “cool” coffee.
4. Latte, Cappuccino – Influenced by Western styles.
5. Iced blended coffee, frappuccino – A refreshing drink for the hot season.
5. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Takeaway Coffee
1. Is takeaway coffee cheaper than coffee at a cafe? It depends on the brand, but it’s usually 10–20% cheaper due to savings on on-site service costs.
2. Are takeaway paper coffee cups safe? Most cups meet food safety standards, but it’s advisable to choose a reputable brand.
3. Can I order takeout coffee with my own recipe? Yes. Most shops allow you to customize the amount of sugar, milk, and ice.
The takeaway coffee culture is not just a trend, but has become a symbol of dynamism, creativity, and rapid adaptation to the pace of urban life. Each cup of coffee – whether iced milk coffee or latte – carries a story, an energy, a “pulse” of modern life.