Coffee, water, and condensed milk are the only ingredients needed to produce a Vietnamese Iced Coffee at home.
While a Vietnamese press is typically used to prepare the coffee, this recipe asks for a straightforward pour-over cone. (You can use brewed espresso in place of the coffee if you don't have a coffee cone.)
Although this recipe prepares a batch that serves around four, Vietnamese iced coffee is typically made one serving at a time. Because the condensed milk and ice will thin the beverage, select a dark roast coffee with a strong flavour.
Even those who only drink black coffee will enjoy this. Serve it as a treat in the evening or on hot summer days. This is something we discovered in Vietnam and now do with practically all of our coffee in Australia.
Ingredients
1. Coffee
Vietnamese coffee can be made using any medium-grind French roast coffee grounds. For this Vietnamese coffee recipe, I choose robusta coffee beans that have been darkly roasted. You can get it online or at any coffee shop in an Asian market.
If you're looking to try our Balance Coffee to sample with your Vietnamese recipe, then choose our Rotate Espresso.
It has a medium-dark roast profile meaning, it produces a highly earthy, nutty flavour when paired with the ingredients inside a Vietnamese coffee.
For genuine Vietnamese flavours, check out Trung Nguyen Brand as well.
2. Filter
Use a Vietnamese Phin filter, a French Press, a French Drip Filter, or a Moka Pot to brew the coffee. A straightforward drip device or paper filter also works well.
Use espresso shots instead of brewed coffee if you have an espresso machine.
3. Condensed Milk
Instead of using ordinary milk, Vietnamese coffee uses sweetened condensed milk. Since the condensed milk already has enough sweetness, more sugar is not necessary.
Consider the Longevity brand, which is also what the majority of Vietnamese cafes in the UK and US serve.
4. Ice Cubes
Lots of ice cubes are added to Vietnamese Iced Coffee to make it cold. Freeze some brewed coffee in ice trays if you don't want ice cubes to dilute your coffee as they melt. Utilise them as ice in place of standard ice.
How to Make Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Recipe):
Step 1:
In a heat-resistant container, put the coffee grounds in. To properly saturate the grounds, slowly pour boiling water over them in a circular motion. Don't stir; let the coffee steep for 5 minutes.
Step 2:
Coffee cone placed over another heat-resistant container with paper filter lining.
Step 3:
Allow the steeped coffee to flow through entirely by slowly pouring it through the filter. Throw away the coffee grounds and filter. Coffee and condensed milk should be thoroughly combined.
Step 4:
Ice cubes should be put in 4 glasses. The coffee mixture can be divided among the glasses and served right away, or it can be placed in the refrigerator and kept covered for up to 3 days.
You may also serve chilled for optimum results.
Vietnamese Coffee Culture
Vietnamese coffee is a robusta coffee that is widely consumed in Vietnam and plays a significant role in the culture there. It is sold at a lot of streetside businesses and cafes.
Additionally, it is prepared in every Vietnamese home.
This coffee is rich, delicious, and sweet; it is known locally as "Ca Phe Sua." Vietnamese restaurants may be found all over the world serving this coffee drink, which is currently quite popular worldwide.
This beverage is made by combining freshly brewed coffee with sweetened condensed milk, and it can be enjoyed hot or cold. In Vietnam, hot coffee is preferred in the morning, and iced coffee is provided as the day warms up.
Vietnamese coffee is typically served in a tiny, heat-resistant glass that is clear with a layer of sweet, thick condensed milk at the bottom and a stainless steel filter on top that holds the coffee and water. A second glass of ice is provided for those who prefer their coffee cooled.
You simply stir condensed milk into the coffee when it has finished dripping. Then, if you want to enjoy it chilled, either pour this combination over ice or consume it right away.
Coffee is traditionally brewed using a Vietnamese Phin Filter (pronounced "feen"), but you can also use a conventional stovetop brewer or any other method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, I will do my best to answer any burning questions that you may have, so, let’s dive right in, shall we?
Why is Vietnamese Coffee so sweet?
Vietnamese coffee is known for its rich, sweet flavour, which is mostly attributed to the flavour of the beans and the roasting profile.
Vietnamese robusta beans typically ripen at different periods, therefore to cover up any potential discrepancy or flaw, the beans are roasted for a longer period, giving them a more potent flavour. Even during the roasting process, flavourings like butter, sugar, vanilla, and chocolate can be added.
Is Vietnamese coffee just coffee with condensed milk?
Vietnamese coffee is not just coffee with condensed milk, contrary to popular belief. The confusion stems from the fact that condensed milk is typically used to sweeten many coffee drinks that originated in Vietnam, but it's just a typical component there. Additionally, Vietnamese people like their coffee black. Later, more on condensed milk.
Is Vietnamese iced coffee healthy?
Yes! The antioxidant content of each cup or can is only one of the many reasons why! More antioxidants are found in coffee beans than in any other common food source. Coffee is disregarded in favour of "superfoods" like kale, dark chocolate, and acai berries.
Is Vietnamese coffee stronger than Espresso?
Vietnamese coffee is usually made in a phin, a little metal cup that fits over a mug or cup. Phin coffee brews very slowly but produces a potent, small cup that tastes like a stronger, more potent espresso.
Conclusion
Coffee gives a lot of positive feelings according to research on the topic. It is also true that there are different coffee-making methods.
This article only covers how to make Vietnamese iced coffee but below you will find links to different resources too.
You need to check those out if you are a coffee enthusiast and love to try different coffee brews.
Having said that, you can also check out our coffee subscription to get the most amazing speciality coffee delivered to your doorstep.
If you enjoyed this article, do well to share it on Facebook and Instagram as this help spread the word on coffee.
Helpful Resources:
- How To Make Good Tasting Coffee
- Best Non Dairy Milk For Coffee
- Top 10 Best Coffee Storage Containers UK 2022
- Top 50 Best Gifts For Coffee Lovers In The UK 2022
