There is something about a steaming hot cup of Vietnamese coffee that just can’t be beat. This delicious caffeine-rich drink is popular all over Vietnam, and it’s easy to see why. The key to this coffee is the use of sweetened condensed milk, which makes it creamy and rich. In this article, we will walk you through how to make Vietnamese coffee at home, step by step. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What is Vietnamese Coffee?
Vietnamese coffee is a unique and popular beverage found throughout Southeast Asia. It is made with dark, rich, and intense beans that are grown in Vietnam, which are some of the best coffee beans in the world. The beans plus the brewing method is why Vietnamese coffee is so strong compared to other coffee types. In addition, it is often sweetened with condensed milk, which gives it a distinctive flavor and creaminess.
There are three key elements to making a perfect cup of Vietnamese coffee: the beans, the brewing method, and the sweetened condensed milk. The most sought-after variety of bean for this type of coffee is the Robusta bean, which is known for its bitterness and high caffeine content.
The coffee is a type of manual brewed coffee that using a Phin for brewing and calls for the use of condensed milk – this ensures that the drink remains rich and creamy while also being sweetened to perfection.
Vietnamese coffee can be traced back to French colonial times when it was first invented. However, over time it has been refined into an uniquely Southeast Asian experience that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. If you’re looking for a delicious and exotic way to start your day, then give Vietnamese coffee a try!
How is Vietnamese Coffee Brewed?
Brewing Vietnamese coffee is a unique process that involves using a filter called a Phin. This filter is difficult to find outside of Asia, so if you’re interested in trying out this delicious beverage, be sure to look for it in an Asian market near you!
The coffee itself is brought out with condensed milk at the bottom of the glass and mixed in. Some people like to add more or less milk, depending on their taste preferences.
Philip told me that he has been using the same brand of Phin for years now and it’s still going strong. The deep, rich flavor of Trung Nguyen makes it a great option for those who are looking for a more complex taste. The hazelnut flavor is slight in comparison to the other flavors that make up Vietnamese coffee, but it’s still worth trying if you get a chance.
The 3 Unique Elements Of Vietnamese Coffee
‘The Phin’ (Vietnamese Coffee Maker)
The Vietnamese coffee press, or “phin”, is surprisingly easy to find on Amazon. It’s a low-tech device that comes in two colors: stainless steel and red enameled aluminum. The phin is made up of three unique elements: the brew chamber, the filter plate, and the plunger. The Vietnamese coffee filters can vary in size, but they all share the same basic design.
The filter chamber is where the coffee grounds and hot water mix together. The filter plate is perforated with small holes that allow the liquid to pass through while trapping the coffee grounds. And finally, the plunger is what you use to press the coffee down into the cup.
Nguyen Coffee Supply The Original Phin Filter
Vietnamese brews are served using an old fashioned ceramic mug with a handle, not the modern porcelain or glass cup that’s become more common over the past few decades. The process is slow and yields only one cup at a time – which gives you plenty of time to enjoy your drink!
Ice cubes can be used to make “Ca Phe Sua Da” which literally translates to “coffee + milk + ice.”
ROBUSTA Beans
Robusta beans, though less expensive and more caffeine-rich than Arabica beans, tend to be undesirable because their “burnt rubber” flavor is not desirable. However, Robusta coffee beans are easier to grow and possess a higher caffeine content.
Vietnamese coffee is traditionally made with a dark roast ground coffee, which allows for the concentrated flavors of condensed milk. This gives the drink a unique flavor that cannot be found in other coffees. Vietnam makes most of their money from Robusta trees and they are one of the top producers worldwide.
The Vietnamese have found a way to create delicious drinks out of using dark roast Vietnamese beans as well as condensed milk The specific beans you use will depend on what kind of strength you’re looking for. Lang Thang and Trung Nguyen are the best options, with any dark roasted Robusta bean acceptable in a pinch.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Many people are familiar with sweetened condensed milk as an ingredient in Asian desserts. It’s a popular ingredient because it is thick, creamy, and mildly sweet. Sweetened condensed milk also has a variety of uses, including toast, cassava cake, and coffee black (ca phe den).
The brand of sweetened condensed milk I prefer to use is Longevity Brand. I like it because the quality is consistent, and the price is reasonable.
Sweetened condensed milk can be used in the first few steps of a recipe or added at the end. In this recipe, I’m using a tube packaging which makes it easier to use.
Ratio of Condensed Milk to Coffee
The ratio of condensed milk to coffee in Vietnamese hot coffee depends on personal preference, the type of coffee, and if you want it sweet or not. If you like your coffee strong, then you’ll need more condensed milk to balance out its bitterness.
Brewed Vietnamese coffee is usually made from Robusta beans which is a type of coffee bean that has a higher caffeine content than Arabica beans. This iced coffee recipe uses condensed milk and crushed ice to create a sweet and creamy drink. The caffeine content in the Robusta beans will make this drink more bitter, so use Arabica for espresso if possible or adjust your recipe accordingly.
This iced coffee is easy to make–all you need is some hot water, ground coffee, condensed milk, and ice cubes!
How to Make Traditional Vietnamese Coffee
Ingredients
Ground medium-grind coffee beans are used to make Vietnamese coffee.
You can also use a Vietnamese filter or French press, Moka Pot or even an AeroPress to brew the coffee.
Vietnamese coffee is sweetened with condensed milk.
Instructions
Brewing Vietnamese coffee is a bit different from other methods. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. The Trung Nguyen brand of ground coffee is the one we used to make this Vietnamese Coffee recipe. I normally use fresh ground beans but wanted to try something new.
2. The 6-ounce Phin filter should be used with this recipe.
3. Do not shake or compress the filters, or there will be grounds in the holes and no water can flow through them!
4. Pour hot water on top of the ground coffee in order to bloom it. This means that you pour just enough hot water over the grounds to wet them all, then wait 30 seconds for the CO2 gas to release before adding more water.(The bloom is the part of the coffee brewing process when CO2 is released from the grounds.)
5. Place the metal filter on top of a mug or heatproof glass before adding near boiling water to help extract flavor and aroma from the grounds – but don’t add so much that it spills over!
6. Press on the filter gently to slow down water release, making it easier for you to use all your water without spilling . Wait five minutes for drip brewing to finish before enjoying your coffee! (If you want your drink a bit stronger, add more grounds – but keep in mind that this will make the coffee a bit more bitter).
7. Vietnamese coffee is made by removing the filter, and stir to mix in condensed milk. The beverage tastes better with the condensed milk mixed in instead of on top.
Nutrition facts of Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnamese coffee is an Americanized creation with a low calorie and high caffeine content. It contains an average of 31 g carbohydrates, 9 g fat, and 210 calories per serving.
There are many factors which can affect the nutritional information of a recipe. For example, the type of coffee used can change the results. A nutrition calculator will provide differing results depending on its source, but it is still an accurate tool for figuring out the nutritional content of a dish with the ingredients used.
You may also like…
Bill has worked in the food industry for over 20 years and has picked up a few tips and recipes along the way. If you’re interested in exploring Asian cuisine, he recommends starting with these dishes:
The Vietnamese Style Banh Mi Burger is one of my favorite dishes. It’s a simple recipe that can be easily adapted to your own taste.
Yuanyang Tea (Hong Kong Style Tea and Coffee) is a traditional tea from Hong Kong that combines black tea with milk, honey, and spices such as cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, peppermint leaf and aniseed.
Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese Dipping Sauce/Dressing) can be found in some of the restaurants in the States. It’s a versatile sauce that can be used as a dip or dressing for salads or noodles.
Last but not least, Vietnamese iced coffee – iced coffee made from strong Vietnamese-style roasted coffee. The key ingredient is sweetened condensed milk and lots of caffeine. Vietnamese coffee has a creamy, sweet taste that goes well with dessert or simply enjoyed on its own
What Is the Difference Between Vietnamese and Other Coffees?
Vietnamese coffee is brewed using a small metal drip filter, which allows for a slow and steady drip of water onto the grounds. This results in a strong and flavorful cup of coffee. Vietnamese coffee is also made with sweetened condensed milk, which gives it a creamy and rich taste.
Other coffees, such as American coffee, are brewed using a coarser grind and filtered with paper filters and brewed in a drip coffee machine or pour over coffee maker. American coffee is also typically made with milk, but it does not have the same creamy texture as Vietnamese coffee.
How to make Vietnamese Coffee with a French press
Making Vietnamese coffee is a tradition that can be enjoyed by all. The process is simple, and the end result is a delicious cup of coffee that is sure to please. In order to make Vietnamese coffee using a French press, you will need the following items:
-A French press
-Ground coffee
-Hot water
-Sweet condensed milk (optional)
Start by heating up your water until it reaches a boiling point. Add the ground coffee to the French press, then slowly pour in the hot water. Stir gently, then place the plunger on top of the pot and push down until it’s fully pressed. If you prefer your coffee with sweetened condensed milk, add it now before serving. Enjoy!
How to Make an Iced Vietnamese Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)
Looking for a refreshing and caffeine-packed summer drink? Look no further than iced Vietnamese coffee, otherwise known as cà phê sữa đá. This sweet and creamy beverage is made with strong coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and ice cubes, and can be easily brewed at home with just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients
In order to make a Vietnamese iced coffee, you will need:
Medium-grind dark roast coffee beans.
Brew using a Vietnamese Phin filter or filtered through a french press or Moka Pot.
A drip machine or paper filter can also be used.
Get your coffee ready before adding condensed milk and ice cubes in order to avoid diluting the coffee too much.
The Longevity brand of condensed milk is used by most Vietnamese cafes in America, so try that one instead of regular sweetened condensed milk.
The cubes are used instead of regular ice to keep the coffee cold.
Pack the cubes with salt and sugar before adding the coffee for extra flavor!
Instructions
To make an iced Vietnamese coffee, you will need:
1/2 cup of ground coffee beans
Phin Vietnamese coffee filter- 6 ounces size or smaller
Condensed milk
Water- 1 and 1/2 cups hot (not boiling)
Mug or heatproof glass
Stirring spoon
Glass of ice cubes
1. The first step is to measure out the condensed milk into a mug or heatproof glass. Then, using a separate measuring device, pour in 1 and 1/2 cups of hot water (not boiling). This will help the coffee bloom later on. Wait for 5 seconds after adding hot water to bloom the coffee grounds in order to avoid clogging the filter and taking forever to drip. The bloom is the part of coffee brewing when CO2 releases and grounds expand.
2. Add the ground coffee into the Phin filter. Shake or compress the filters will prevent grounds from dropping into them and plugging up all of the holes! Make sure that you place the metal filter gently on top of the coffee.
3. Pour condensed milk into a mug or heatproof glass before measuring out water . Now it’s time to assemble your Vietnamese Iced Coffee maker! Place one end of the Phin filter into the mug or glass with condensed milk, and then slowly pour in water until it reaches the top of the metal filter.
4. Wait for 5 seconds after adding hot water to bloom the coffee grounds in order to avoid clogging the filter and taking forever to drip. Now comes the hardest part- waiting for your coffee to drip! Depending on how strong you like your coffee, this could take anywhere from 5 minutes to a half hour. Stir in the condensed milk when it’s finished dripping into your cup or glass. The coffee is ready when it’s mixed well and has a layer of condensation on top .
How to Enjoy Your Vietnamese Iced Coffee?
Vietnamese iced coffee is best enjoyed while relaxing and sipping slowly on a hot day. The strong coffee flavor is balanced out by the sweetness of the condensed milk, making it a perfect drink to enjoy any time of day.
Phin coffee is a ritualistic way of making coffee, often taking place in family gatherings or social events.
Brewing coffee with a Phin filter is an art form that takes time and practice to perfect. The high caffeine content makes it perfect for those who need an energy boost during the day. Vietnamese coffee has no paper filter, making it more eco-friendly than traditional methods. Phins are easy to clean – they are made with stainless steel, making cleanup super easy and hassle-free!
Serving Suggestions
There are many ways to enjoy your Vietnamese coffee. Some popular serving suggestions include:
Serve your Vietnamese coffee with Asian dishes like tofu, noodles, and wontons for a summer brunch.
Vanilla or caramel ice cream is the perfect dessert after a meal.
Iced Vietnamese coffee is the perfect drink to enjoy on a hot summer day. Make sure to try it iced for a refreshing treat!
Storage Suggestions
If you want to enjoy your Vietnamese iced coffee for a longer period of time, follow these storage suggestions:
The condensed milk will make the coffee last for about 12 hours.
If you want it to last longer, place the brewed coffee in a sealed glass container and it will last for 2 days.
Since it is meant to be enjoyed throughout an afternoon, a mug warmer is a nice addition as well.
Vietnamese iced coffee is a delicious and refreshing way to enjoy coffee. It’s easy to make at home and can be tailored to your own personal taste. Give it a try today!
The coffee beans should be stored in an airtight container and kept in a cool, dark place.
Coffee grounds should be used within 2 weeks of grinding for the best flavor.
We hope you enjoyed this guide on how to make Vietnamese coffee. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us! Thanks for reading!
The Best Beans for Making Vietnamese Coffee
When it comes to making Vietnamese coffee, the best beans are robusta beans. These dark roasted beans provide a strong flavor profile that is perfect for this type of coffee. Robusta plants are easier to grow and have a higher caffeine content than Arabica plants, so Vietnam relies on them for their coffee plantations.
Robusta beans are widely ignored because they taste burnt and bitter. However, when they are used to make Vietnamese coffee, they create a delicious brew that is much like a French-roast coffee. With its dark roast and high caffeine content, robusta beans make the perfect choice for those who want a strong cup of joe.
The Best Roast for Making Vietnamese Coffee
There are different types of coffee roasts, and the best roast for making Vietnamese coffee is a dark roast or French Roast. This type of roast has a stronger flavor that will stand up to the addition of condensed milk, and it will also produce a darker color in your drink. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use a light roast instead, but keep in mind that it may not be as flavorful as the dark or French Roast.
No matter what type of roast you choose, make sure to grind your coffee beans fresh just before making your drink. The grounds should be coarse so they’ll drip slowly through the filter and produce a strong cup of Vietnamese iced coffee.
Which Brewing Method Is the Best for Making Vietnamese coffee?
There are a few different ways to make Vietnamese coffee, and each has its own unique benefits and drawbacks. The most popular brewing method is using Café du Monde Coffee with chicory. This mixture is widely available, and many American coffee shops consider it the standard for making Vietnamese iced coffee.
However, there are better beans available at higher-quality shops and cafes.
Why Should You Try making Venezuelan coffee At Home ?
There are a few reasons why you should try making Venezuelan coffee at home. For starters, it’s relatively easy to do and doesn’t require any fancy equipment or ingredients. All you need is a Vietnamese Coffee Press or filter and some ground coffee.
Another reason to make your own coffee is that it will save you money in the long run. Pre-packaged coffee can be expensive, but if you buy whole beans and grind them yourself, the cost per cup goes down significantly.
Finally, making your own coffee gives you control over the flavor and strength of your drink. You can customize it to your liking by adding more or less sugar, milk, or cream. Plus, with a little practice you can become an expert at brewing the perfect cup of Venezuelan coffee every time.
Final Words
Making Vietnamese coffee is a simple process that anyone can do at home with the proper equipment and ingredients. All you need is a Vietnamese coffee filter, some ground coffee, and a little bit of sugar or sweetener. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can experiment with different roasts and brewing methods to find your perfect cup of coffee. Thanks for reading!
