Vietnamese Coffee Beans:
Robusta, Arabica, Culi and Moka

Robusta and Arabica are coffee species. Culi is a name for peaberry beans, which are classified by shape, while Moka is associated with Arabica coffee.

First decide whether you need green coffee for roasting or a finished roasted product. For green coffee, compare the offered lot, processing and green-bean specification. For roasted coffee, compare the species or blend, roast and intended preparation, then taste the samples under the same conditions.

Robusta is the common name for Coffea canephora and makes up most of Vietnam’s coffee production. It is grown in warmer conditions than Arabica and is used in a range of roasted and instant products.

For a particular coffee, compare its origin, processing, roast or green-bean specification and sample. Elevation alone is not enough to assign a lot’s quality, and the name Robusta does not guarantee one fixed flavour profile.

Read more about differences between Arabica and Robusta in our article.

Arabica is the coffee species Coffea arabica. It generally requires cooler growing conditions than Robusta. Vietnam produces Arabica as well as Robusta, though Arabica represents a smaller part of its production.

Ask whether an offered coffee is Arabica alone or a blend, and compare the actual origin, processing and roast. Use a sample and product specification to assess its flavour rather than assuming that every Vietnamese Arabica tastes the same.

Civet or “weasel” coffee describes a processing method rather than a coffee species. The term is used for coffee recovered after coffee cherries have passed through a civet.

Check the underlying bean type, origin and processing information for the product. A label alone does not establish the coffee’s quality; compare the supplier’s records and a sample.

Culi is the Vietnamese name for peaberry beans: a rounded bean shape rather than a separate coffee species.

Peaberry coffee can be offered as Arabica or Robusta. Check the composition of the exact product instead of assuming that every Culi coffee is Robusta.

For purchasing, ask for the species, origin, roast and a sample. Use those details to compare the coffee; bean shape alone does not establish a fixed caffeine level or flavour.

Moka is a name associated with Arabica coffee, rather than a separate species alongside Arabica and Robusta.

When comparing a Vietnamese coffee labelled Moka, confirm its variety, growing origin and roast. Use the specification and sample to judge the offered coffee instead of assuming that every Moka product has the same taste, rarity or price.

MR.VIET lists whole bean and ground coffees in its current coffee range, alongside instant, drip and capsule formats.

Check the ingredient composition and preparation instructions for the exact product.

Buying for retail or distribution? Discuss the relevant MR.VIET products for your market.

Once you have chosen a bean or blend to trial, compare samples using the same equipment and finished drink. Our coffee brewing methods guide helps you match a coffee format to the equipment you plan to use.

For a wholesale shortlist, compare Vietnamese coffee manufacturers by product format and supplier checks.