Experiencing Traditional Wood-Fired Coffee in Hoi An

In recent years, as the coffee market has become saturated with modern roasting technologies, many coffee lovers are returning to old-world traditions. Among these, wood-fired coffee has emerged as a captivating highlight. It is no longer just a quick beverage to fuel your day, but a journey back to an authentic, rustic, and bold flavor profile that modern methods can hardly replicate.

Hoi An needs no introduction to travelers. This heritage town is famed for its time-worn yellow walls, moss-covered tiled roofs, and the peaceful rhythm of life along the poetic Hoai River. Yet, the old town holds much more depth. Hoi An’s true character is also reflected in how locals savor their coffee: slowly, unhurriedly, and with a touch of nostalgia. If you are looking for a place to fully experience this beauty, stop by Cavalry Coffee. Cavalry not only offers an airy space to slow down, but also invites you to discover the fascinating art of wood-roasted coffee.

Unlike modern electric or gas roasters controlled with the simple turn of a dial, wood-fired coffee relies entirely on the artisan’s hands, eyes, and experience. Roasters must stand beside the fire, carefully tending to each log to ensure heat spreads evenly through every single bean. They continuously observe the color shift, listen for the distinct first and second cracks, and catch the subtle changes in aroma escaping the roasting drum.
A lapse of just a few seconds can result in scorched beans or an uneven roast. For those who crave the traditional Vietnamese coffee profile—bold, intense, and deeply robust—this is the absolute holy grail.

Setting itself apart from Cavalry’s modern machine-roasted offerings, our wood-fired coffee delivers a raw, authentic character rooted in two key features:

Naturally Sweetened Robusta Beans
Crafted from 100% Natural-process Robusta beans dried whole in the sun. This traditional method lets the fruit’s natural sweetness soak into the heart of the bean, creating a balanced flavor profile without sharp sour notes.

Authentic Wood-Smoke Infusion
Without electric heating or gas controls, our roasters carefully guide the flame by hand. The deep radiant heat ensures a thorough, uniform roast, while natural wood smoke envelops the beans inside the drum—delivering a rustic smoky aroma and a rich, smooth finish.

Previously, to enjoy a true cup of wood-fired coffee, travelers usually had to sign up for hands-on coffee workshops. There, guests would build the fire themselves, turn the roasting drum, and wait as each bean roasted over the open wood flame.
However, many visitors found themselves longing for that deep bitterness and signature smoky aroma long after leaving Hoi An. In response to that love and demand, Cavalry has officially launched packaged wood-fired coffee. Now, you can easily brew and enjoy this unique flavor right at home anytime, without having to wait for your workshop visit.

To suit your preferences at home or in the office, our products come in flexible packaging options:

• Whole Bean (250g / 500g bag): Ideal for those who love grinding their own coffee at home. Grinding right before brewing locks in maximum essential oils and delivers the freshest wood-smoke aroma.
• Ground for Phin Drip (250g / 500g bag): Pre-ground to the precise grind size for traditional Vietnamese Phin filters. The coffee grounds bloom evenly, ensuring a steady brew without clogging or dripping too fast.

If you’re unsure about the right coffee-to-water ratio, check out our quick guide below.

To bring out every note of wood-smoke and the signature bold finish, here is your simple brewing guide:

• Step 1 – Warm the Filter: Rinse your Phin filter with boiling water to maintain a consistent brewing temperature.
• Step 2 – Measure the Grounds: Add 20–25g of coffee and give the filter a slight shake to distribute the grounds evenly.
• Step 3 – The Bloom Phase: Pour 30ml of boiling water (92–95°C), replace the lid, and wait 1–2 minutes as the coffee blooms and releases its natural aromas.
• Step 4 – Final Pour: Add 50–60ml more hot water, sitting back as the rich brew slowly drips into your cup.

In the middle of a hectic day, spending a few quiet minutes each morning brewing your own Phin coffee does more than just wake you up—it grants you a moment of pure serenity. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the soothing, wood-fired atmosphere on your next visit to Hoi An, or simply seek the perfect bag of coffee to savor at home every day, Cavalry Coffee is always here to walk alongside you.
Don’t hesitate to message Cavalry Coffee today for personalized advice on choosing between whole bean or Phin-ground coffee. Planning a trip soon? Book ahead to secure your spot for a memorable wood-fired coffee experience!
Book ahead to secure your spot for a memorable wood-fired coffee experience!