Coffee may be the first thing people associate with Vietnamese cafés, but tea plays an equally important role in everyday life. One of the most recognizable examples is kumquat tea, known in Vietnam as trà tắc. Found everywhere from street-side stalls to modern cafés, it is valued for its refreshing citrus flavor, light sweetness, and ability to cool down a hot afternoon.
In Paris, kumquat tea has gradually appeared on Vietnamese café menus alongside coffee, matcha, and coconut drinks. For visitors unfamiliar with Vietnamese drinks, it often becomes an unexpected discovery: simple, bright, and very different from the heavier milk-based beverages that dominate many café menus.
If you’re looking for kumquat tea in Paris, here’s what it is, what it tastes like, and where to try it.
What Is Kumquat Tea?
Kumquat tea is a tea-based drink made with kumquat, a small citrus fruit known in Vietnam as tắc. Although it looks similar to a miniature orange, kumquat has a distinctive flavor that combines sweetness, acidity, and a slight bitterness from the peel.
In its most common form, kumquat tea combines brewed tea, fresh kumquat juice, kumquat slices, and a touch of sweetness. The result is a drink that feels lighter than fruit juice but more flavorful than plain iced tea.
At Vietnamese cafés, kumquat tea is often served cold. Some versions focus on black tea, while others use green tea as the base. The exact recipe varies, but the goal remains the same: balancing tea and citrus so neither overwhelms the other.
At Ha Noi 1988 Flowers & Archives, the menu includes Kumquat Tea, alongside a wider selection of Vietnamese teas, fruit teas, and matcha drinks. At Cộng Cà Phê, kumquat appears in several tea-based drinks, reflecting the brand’s broader focus on Vietnamese beverages beyond coffee.
Kumquat Tea Variants To Enjoy
On Vietnamese café menus, kumquat tea can appear under different names, including kumquat tea, trà tắc, honey kumquat tea, kumquat mountain tea, and kumquat salted plum. The core idea stays the same: a tea or citrus-based drink built around the bright, aromatic flavour of kumquat.
At Cộng Cà Phê, kumquat appears in drinks such as Honey Kumquat Mountain Tea and Saigon Kumquat Salted Plum. The first version leans more tea-like, with honey and citrus notes, while the second is more Vietnamese-style: sweet, salty, sour, and refreshing.
At Ha Noi 1988 Cà Phê and Ha Noi 1988 Flowers & Archives, kumquat tea can sit naturally beside other Vietnamese tea and fruit tea options, including lemon tea, orange tea, mango tea, and flower tea. These drinks are not always listed under the exact phrase kumquat tea, but they belong to the same light, citrus-forward tea family.
How Is Kumquat Tea Made?
Kumquat tea starts with brewed tea, usually served chilled.
Fresh kumquats are then squeezed or sliced into the drink. Sweetener may be added depending on the café’s style, but the citrus remains the main character. Ice is typically added before serving.
The challenge is balance. Too much kumquat and the drink becomes overly acidic. Too much sweetener and it loses its refreshing quality. Too much tea and the citrus disappears.
Unlike coffee-based drinks, kumquat tea relies on brightness rather than intensity. The best versions allow the tea and fruit to complement each other rather than compete.
Because of that, kumquat tea is almost always served cold. While hot versions exist, the iced version is the one most people associate with Vietnamese café culture.
Where to Try Kumquat Tea in Paris
Ha Noi 1988 Cà Phê
Located at 35 Rue Galande, 75005 Paris near Notre-Dame, Ha Noi 1988 Cà Phê focuses on Vietnamese drinks, desserts, and café culture inspired by Hanoi.
While coffee remains central to the menu, the café also serves tea-based drinks that provide a lighter alternative to phin coffee and coconut coffee. The quiet atmosphere makes it a comfortable place for an afternoon tea break.
- Website: https://www.viet-eat.com/en
What customers say:
“Very nice and authentic place to have your drinks in. 😀 🤩 Cakes are also delicious and tasteful. ☕🍰 The service is just the best; they are kind, courteous, and helpful” — Khashayar Reyhani
“A very nice little café. The girl working there alone is so adorable. The matcha was a 10/10 a bit sweet and the Vietnamese flan was straight from heaven loved it! the café is small but cute and have springy vibes with all the flowers in there.” — Yass
Ha Noi 1988 Flowers & Archives
Located at 51 Rue des Archives, 75003 Paris in the Marais, Flowers & Archives combines a Vietnamese café, flower studio, pastry shop, and cultural space.
The menu includes Kumquat Tea alongside matcha drinks, fruit teas, Vietnamese coffee, and pastries. The floral setting pairs naturally with lighter drinks such as tea and citrus-based beverages.
- Website: https://www.viet-eat.com/en/flowers-archives
- Instagram: @hanoi.1988.flowers
What customers say:
“A truly lovely little café in the heart of the Marais district.” — Leviatorr r
“Ha Noi 1988 in the Marais is an absolute hidden treasure: part flower shop, part café – and all charm. It was my first time trying Vietnamese coffee and it was love at first sip: rich, bold, and perfectly sweet.” — Mara
Cộng Cà Phê
Located at 18 Rue Volney, 75001 Paris near Opéra Garnier, Cộng Cà Phê is known for bringing Vietnamese café culture to Paris through coffee, tea, and coconut-based drinks.
The tea menu includes kumquat-based beverages alongside traditional Vietnamese coffee and specialty drinks. For visitors who want to explore Vietnamese drinks beyond coffee, it offers a broader perspective on how tea fits into everyday café culture.
- Website: https://congcaphe.fr
- Instagram: @congcaphe.fr
What customers say:
“The coffee and matcha are excellent, truly capturing the authenticity of Vietnam, and the atmosphere is pleasant. I’ve seen many comments complaining about crowds. I went on a Monday afternoon, it was quiet and the service was quick, perfect for studying or relaxing.” — Ml Son
“Great café, with a very good drinks menu. I especially loved the matcha and the coconut bean coffee.” — Sarah Salmi
Frequently Asked Questions About Kumquat Tea
What is kumquat tea?
Kumquat tea is a tea-based drink made with brewed tea and kumquat, a small citrus fruit known in Vietnam as tắc.
What is kumquat tea made of?
It is typically made with tea, fresh kumquat juice or slices, sweetener, and ice.
Is kumquat tea different from lemon tea?
Yes. Kumquat has a sweeter, more aromatic flavor than lemon and contributes additional complexity through its peel.
Is kumquat tea served hot or iced?
It is most commonly served iced, which highlights its refreshing citrus character.
Where can I try kumquat tea in Paris?
You can find kumquat tea and other Vietnamese tea drinks at Ha Noi 1988 Cà Phê, Ha Noi 1988 Flowers & Archives, and Cộng Cà Phê.
Looking for kumquat tea in Paris? Visit Ha Noi 1988 Cà Phê, Ha Noi 1988 Flowers & Archives, or Cộng Cà Phê to discover a refreshing Vietnamese tea drink built around citrus, balance, and everyday café culture. For menus, opening hours and café information, visit viet-eat.com and congcaphe.fr.
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