Among popular Vietnamese drinks, Vietnamese iced coffee stands out for its distinct, delightful, and rich flavors. It brings a refreshing and indulgent experience that has gained international acclaim. If you are wondering “What is Vietnamese iced coffee?”, and “How to make it?”, let’s read this article to the end to find out!
1. What makes Vietnamese iced coffee ranked among the world’s best coffee?
In February of this year, iced coffee in the Vietnamese version earned the prestigious second spot on the list of the world’s top 10 coffees, according to Taste Atlas, a renowned culinary guide.
So, what is Vietnamese iced coffee? Known as “ca phe sua da”, it is a unique beverage that combines robust coffee, condensed milk, and ice. Alternatively, there is a version that includes only coffee and ice, known as “ca phe da.” Traditionally crafted with Vietnamese coffee beans, the brewing process involves a filter (“phin” in Vietnamese), where coffee is slowly dripped into the cup. The brewed coffee is then poured over ice and mixed with condensed milk.
The introduction of iced coffee to Vietnamese people can be traced back to the mid-19th century, when the French brought this distinctive drink to the country. Over time, it underwent adaptations to better suit the Vietnamese palate. Originating from Saigon, the popularity of iced coffee spread from roadside stalls to upscale five-star restaurants, from Hanoi coffee shops to Hoi An coffee shops, across the country and transcended borders. Today, one can savor this specialty beverage anywhere in the world.
![Vietnamese iced coffee Vietnamese iced coffee](https://static.vinwonders.com/production/vietnamese-iced-coffee-2.jpg)
Is Vietnamese iced coffee sweet? Yes, it combines the bitter richness and the sweet creaminess (Source: Collected)
Many people are curious about why the Vietnamese iced coffee recipe is so simple but attractive. The high regard for iced coffee is attributed to the harmonious blend of flavors, combining the bitter richness of coffee with the sweet, aromatic creaminess of condensed milk.
This winning combination not only appeals to coffee enthusiasts but also captivates discerning diners both domestically and internationally. For authentic iced coffee connoisseurs, enjoying iced coffee in Vietnamese version is not merely about caffeine stimulation; it is an indulgence in the art of relaxation, observing each coffee droplet gracefully descending from the “phin”, merging with the velvety embrace of condensed milk.
2. Best Vietnamese iced coffee recipes for a cup of satisfaction
With just three essential Vietnamese iced coffee ingredients – coffee, condensed milk, and ice – you can prepare a cup to savor the distinctive flavor of this beverage. Explore the easy Vietnamese iced coffee recipe and some tips below!
2.1. Classic Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk
Classic iced coffee in Vietnam, made with pure coffee grounds, has an irresistibly aromatic and delicious flavor. Here is what you need and how to make it:
Ingredients: pure coffee powder, sweetened condensed milk, coffee filter, ice, water.
How to make Vietnamese iced coffee:
- Step 1: Place 2-3 coffee spoons of powder into the coffee filter. Gently shake to make the surface flat for easier compression.
- Step 2: Pour sweetened condensed milk into a glass according to your preference. Place the coffee filter on top of the glass.
- Step 3: Seal the coffee filter with the press. Pour a spoonful of hot water first to moisten and allow the coffee to expand.
- Step 4: Boil water and slowly pour it into the filter containing the coffee, letting it gradually soak. Pour just enough water, slightly covering the coffee surface.
- Step 5: Wait for the coffee to drip entirely, and you will have a flavorful and aromatic cup of coffee. When ready to drink, simply stir and add a few small ice cubes.
Tips for the most aromatic and flavorful cup:
- In addition to the traditional filter, you can use a coffee maker and then add condensed milk and ice.
- Besides sweetened condensed milk, depending on your preference, you can use fresh milk, nut milk, or milk powder.
- Adjust the amount of condensed milk and coffee to achieve the desired sweetness.
- The best coffee for Vietnamese iced coffee is robusta beans, which have a slightly burnt, bitter flavor that pairs well with condensed milk.
- The best water temperature for brewing coffee is 100°C. Ensure the Vietnamese iced coffee filter and glass are dry and clean.
- Adjust the coffee compression on the filter to ensure a balanced flow, neither too fast nor too slow, to achieve a flavor that suits your taste.
2.2. Vietnamese iced coffee with instant coffee
Known for its advantages, such as being compact and time-saving in preparation, instant Vietnamese iced coffee is a popular choice for many.
Ingredients: 1-2 instant black coffee packets, condensed milk, water, and ice.
Instructions:
- Step 1: Pour the contents of the instant coffee packet into a suitable glass. Boil water to 100°C.
- Step 2: Pour a small amount of cold water into the instant coffee powder and stir gently before adding the hot water. This method ensures the even dissolution of the coffee.
- Step 3: Use a spoon to stir until the coffee powder is evenly dissolved, and stop when a bit of foam forms.
- Step 4: Add condensed milk and ice according to your preference.
The delicious aroma of your coffee cup is determined by the brand of instant coffee you choose. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for a reputable instant coffee brand to ensure a tasty and safe experience. The most popular options include Vinacafé, G7, Nescafé, Highlands Coffee, King Coffee, and others.
3. Nutrition facts you need to know about iced coffee in Vietnam
Pure black coffee contains approximately 20 calories, making it a relatively low-energy beverage. However, the calories in Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk can range from 200 to 400 calories. This calorie difference is due to the sweetness of condensed milk, which is equivalent to 9 to 11 tablespoons of sugar. Coffee offers numerous health benefits when consumed in moderate amounts.
- Vietnamese iced coffee nutrition provides a substantial energy boost to kickstart the day.
- The caffeine in Vietnamese iced coffee enhances alertness and promotes fat-burning processes.
- It contributes to limiting liver fat accumulation and protects liver functions.
- Reduces the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s, and enhances the body’s natural anti-inflammatory capabilities.
- Prevents strokes in the elderly, particularly in women.
Before you indulge in this captivating drink, keep in mind a few notes on coffee consumption:
- It is recommended to consume coffee after meals. Morning is an ideal time for coffee consumption, and avoiding coffee in the evening is advisable as it may disrupt digestion and lead to insomnia.
- Nutritionists advise adults not to exceed 1-3 cups of iced coffee per day to prevent dependency.
- Avoid excessive use of sugar and condensed milk when preparing coffee to prevent excessive sugar intake, which can have negative effects on health.
- Drinking while it is still hot aids in calorie burning, helps prevent cancer and cardiovascular diseases, and supports effective anti-aging processes.
In addition to indulging in Vietnamese iced coffee, you have the opportunity to explore other renowned Vietnamese beverages like Vietnamese coconut juice, Vietnamese sugarcane juice, pennywort juice, Vietnamese tea, and egg coffee. These delightful drinks can be savored anywhere throughout Vietnam, especially in prime destinations such as Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc.
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Whether you savor the authentic charm of Vietnamese iced coffee from local vendors in Vietnam or explore variations like the Vietnamese iced coffee at Starbucks, the magic of this beloved beverage transcends borders. With its unique combination of strong coffee and condensed milk over ice, iced coffee in Vietnamese version captivates coffee enthusiasts worldwide. Now, with simple recipes available, you can recreate the delightful experience of iced coffee at home, bringing the essence of Vietnam to your kitchen.