How to Make Authentic Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)

Coffee

Vietnamese iced coffee, known as Cà Phê Sữa Đá, is a delightful combination of bold dark-roast coffee and creamy sweetened condensed milk, served over ice. The rich, strong flavor and enticing creaminess of this classic beverage have made it a global favorite. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or someone exploring new flavors, mastering the art of Vietnamese iced coffee is a rewarding experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to making this iconic beverage.

Table of Contents

What is Vietnamese Iced Coffee?

A beverage with strong cultural and historical roots is Vietnamese iced coffee. Traditionally, it blends:

Robusta beans are commonly used to make strong, dark-roasted coffee with a strong, bitter flavor.
Condensed milk that has been sweetened for sweetness and smoothness.
Ice to make a cool, refreshing beverage.

Among iced coffee varieties around the world, this combination stands out due to its delicate balance of sweetness and bitterness.

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Tools and Ingredients You’ll Need

Essential Tools

Phin filter – A small, portable coffee brewing tool.
A heatproof glass or mug – To hold the brewing coffee.
A kettle – For boiling water.

Key Ingredients

Dark-roast robusta coffee: Genuine Vietnamese coffee brands such as Cafe Du Monde or Trung Nguyên are strongly suggested.
Sweetened condensed milk: Choose brands such as Nestlé or Longevity for sweetened condensed milk.
Boiling water: For best results.
Ice cubes: For the finest display, use freshly produced, crystal-clear ice.

How to Make Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare Your Coffee

14 grams, or two tablespoons, of dark-roast coffee should be measured. This amount is ideal for a 4-ounce phin filter.
Use coffee that has been finely ground to the consistency of table salt.

2. Assemble the Phin Filter

Cover your glass with the drip plate.
Fill the brew chamber with the coffee grinds.
Use the gravity press to lightly tamp the coffee. To guarantee even extraction, do not apply excessive pressure.

3. Bloom the Coffee

Pour about 2 tablespoons of boiling water into the phin to saturate the grounds. Let it sit for 30–45 seconds to allow the coffee to “bloom,” releasing its gases and enhancing the flavor.

4. Brew the Coffee

Pour boiling water into the pan slowly until it is almost full. Put the lid on to keep the heat in.
It should take five to seven minutes for the coffee to fully brew, and it should flow slowly. To guarantee a powerful flavor, aim for a continuous drip..

5. Mix and Serve

Add 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to the brewed coffee. Adjust to taste.
Stir until well combined.
Fill a glass with ice and pour the coffee mixture over it. Serve immediately.

Alternative Brewing Methods

If you don’t have a phin filter, here are some other methods to enjoy Vietnamese iced coffee:

1. French Press

For a robust brew, use a ratio of 1:2 coffee to water.
After 4 to 5 minutes of steeping, squeeze and pour condensed milk over ice.

2. Espresso Machine

Get two shots of espresso.
For a fast variation, combine with ice and condensed milk.

3. AeroPress

Before plunging, soak the finely ground coffee for two minutes.
Serve over ice and sweeten with condensed milk.

Tips for the Perfect Vietnamese Iced Coffee

For a bolder, more traditional flavor, use real robusta beans.
Use coconut cream and a little sugar in place of condensed milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Before stirring, serve in a clear glass to highlight the lovely coffee and milk layering.
For a frosty finish, place your glass in the freezer.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Info

Caffeine Boost: Vietnamese iced coffee offers a significant caffeine kick, great for morning energy or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Caloric Content: A typical serving has approximately 130–150 calories, depending on the amount of condensed milk used.
Antioxidants: Dark-roast coffee contains antioxidants that may support heart health.

Customizations

Make your Vietnamese iced coffee unique:

For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon.
For a tropical twist, use condensed milk instead of coconut milk.
To make a coffee slushie, blend the beverage with ice.

Where to Find Ingredients

Phin filters Vietnamese specialty shops and Amazon both sell phin filters.
Coffee brands: For real flavors, look for Vinacafe or Trung Nguyên.
Condensed milk: Nestlé and Longevity are both often found in supermarkets.

Conclusion

Vietnamese iced coffee, which is simple to make at home, has become my addiction. It’s satisfying to see each drop trickle past the phin filter. The result—strong, creamy, refreshing coffee—is nearly as delightful as the process. Try out novel brewing methods or the tried-and-true, but this recipe ensures that you will always make a delicious cup.

As you sit there and imagine the crowded coffee shops of Saigon, prepare your phin filter and treat yourself to a taste of Vietnam. Nothing compares to this genuine beverage. It will be to your liking, I promise!

1. What makes Vietnamese iced coffee different?

The use of robusta beans, which are stronger and more bitter than arabica beans, plus the substitution of sweetened condensed milk for ordinary milk or sugar make Vietnamese iced coffee unique. A special harmony of strong and creamy flavours is produced by this combination.

2. Can I make Vietnamese iced coffee without a phin filter?

Yes, Alternative brewing techniques, such as an espresso machine, French press, or AeroPress, are available. While the phin filter delivers the most true flavor, these methods can yield a similar robust coffee.

3. What is the best coffee brand for Vietnamese iced coffee?

Popular choices include Trung Nguyên, Vinacafe, and Cafe Du Monde. These brands specialize in dark-roast coffee, often blended with chicory, which enhances the flavor.

4. How do you make Vietnamese iced coffee dairy-free?

If you want to make this recipe dairy free, replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream or almond condensed milk, and sweeten it slightly.

5. What kind of coffee beans are used in Vietnamese iced coffee?

Robusta beans are the traditional choice because of their high caffeine content and bold, bitter flavor. They also produce a thicker, richer crema compared to arabica beans.

6. How much condensed milk should I use in Vietnamese iced coffee?

Typically, 2–3 tablespoons of condensed milk are used for a serving, but you can adjust based on your sweetness preference.

7. What is the origin of Vietnamese iced coffee?

When dairy milk became rare during French colonisation in the 19th century, condensed milk gained popularity as a substitute, giving rise to Vietnamese iced coffee.

8. How many calories are in Vietnamese iced coffee?

A serving has approximately 130–150 calories, depending on the amount of condensed milk and whether additional ingredients are used.

9. Is Vietnamese iced coffee stronger than regular coffee?

Yes, It is frequently stronger because of the concentrated brewing method and the use of robusta beans, which contain more caffeine than arabica beans.

10. What are the best substitutes for condensed milk in Vietnamese iced coffee?

Coconut cream, almond condensed milk, or oat-based condensed milk are excellent substitutes. Adding sugar to these alternatives helps mimic the sweetness of condensed milk.

11. How long does it take to brew Vietnamese iced coffee?

The brewing procedure usually takes 5 to 7 minutes with a phin filter, allowing for slow extraction that brings out the robust flavor of the coffee.

12. Can I use an espresso machine for Vietnamese iced coffee?

Yes, pulling a strong double shot of espresso and mixing it with condensed milk can replicate the bold flavor of traditional Vietnamese iced coffee.

13. Why is robusta coffee preferred in Vietnamese iced coffee?

Robusta coffee pairs well with condensed milk’s sweetness since it is less acidic and more bitter than arabica. It has more caffeine as well.

14. What are some popular variations of Vietnamese iced coffee?

Blended with coconut milk is coconut coffee.
Sugar and whipped egg yolk are added on top of egg coffee.
A dash of salt is added to salted coffee to increase its sweetness.

15. Can you use instant coffee for Vietnamese iced coffee?

Yes, instant coffee can be used for convenience. Dissolve 1–2 teaspoons of instant coffee in hot water and mix with condensed milk and ice.

16. How do you store leftover Vietnamese iced coffee?

Brewn coffee can be kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours in an airtight container. When ready to serve, stir in condensed milk and ice.

17. What’s the difference between Vietnamese iced coffee and Thai iced coffee?

Vietnamese iced coffee uses robusta beans and condensed milk, while Thai iced coffee often includes spices like cardamom and is made with a blend of condensed milk and evaporated milk.

18. Can you make Vietnamese iced coffee with cold brew?

Yes, For a smoother, less acidic version, use cold brew coffee. For a cool beverage, combine it with ice and condensed milk.

19. Is Vietnamese iced coffee gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the coffee and condensed milk are gluten-free, which is typically the case with most brands.

20. How do you clean a phin filter after use?

Disassemble and disassemble the filter. Then wash away the “coffee grounds”. Wash all parts in warm, soapy water. Finally, dry before storage to prevent rust.