25/07/2026
☕ Kopi Luwak or Vietnamese Weasel Coffee?
They are more closely related than most people think.
One of the questions we hear almost every day at GOVI'S Specialty Coffee Bean is:
"Do you have Kopi Luwak?"
It always starts an interesting conversation.
Most travelers know Kopi Luwak, the world-famous civet coffee from Indonesia. The name itself comes from the Indonesian language: "kopi" means coffee, while "luwak" refers to the Asian palm civet.
What many visitors don't realize is that Vietnam also has a long tradition of producing civet coffee.
Here comes another interesting fact.
In Vietnam, you'll often hear the term Vietnamese Weasel Coffee. This name has become very popular in tourism and among international visitors. However, from a biological perspective, the animal involved is not a weasel, but the Asian palm civet.
That's why you'll also see the more accurate name:
Vietnamese Civet Coffee.
Both names are commonly used, and both refer to the same traditional Vietnamese coffee.
So, are Kopi Luwak and Vietnamese Weasel (Civet) Coffee the same?
Not exactly.
Although both involve the Asian palm civet, each country produces a very different coffee because of its own coffee-growing traditions.
The differences come from:
☕ Coffee varieties
☕ Climate and terroir
☕ Processing methods
☕ Roasting philosophy
☕ Local coffee culture
Indonesian Kopi Luwak is often recognized for its smooth body and earthy character.
Vietnamese Weasel Coffee, on the other hand, is usually richer in chocolate, roasted nuts and bold flavors that reflect the personality of Vietnamese coffee.
Neither is "better."
They simply tell two different stories.
At GOVI'S, we believe that understanding the story behind your coffee makes every cup even more memorable.
If you're curious about Vietnamese Weasel Coffee (Vietnamese Civet Coffee), we'd love to share its history, explain why the terminology can be confusing, and help you discover one of Vietnam's most fascinating coffee traditions.
Because sometimes, the best part of travel isn't just tasting something new...
It's learning something you didn't know before.
📍 GOVI'S Specialty Coffee Bean
34 Hàng Buồm – Hanoi Old Quarter