Vietnamese Coffee, known for its bold and sweet taste, suits any season perfectly. You make this coffee with unique Vietnamese grounds and sweeten it with condensed milk, using a special tool known as a Phin, a Vietnamese coffee filter. If you enjoy coffee with deep and rich flavors, this is perfect for you—enjoy it hot on cool days or iced during the summer.
What You’ll Find On This Page
Brewing Vietnamese Coffee is simple. Start by placing coffee grounds in the Phin filter and press it down over a glass filled with condensed milk. Pour boiling water into the filter and watch as the coffee slowly drips into the glass. Once the coffee has brewed, stir it together with the condensed milk. Enjoy it hot as café nong or chilled as cà phê sữa đá, loaded with ice cubes.
Don't have a Phin? No worries! You can use a Moka pot or a French press as alternatives to achieve that strong, rich flavor typical of Vietnamese Coffee.
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
To make authentic Vietnamese Coffee, you'll need straightforward ingredients and a Phin, the traditional Vietnamese coffee filter that's key to achieving its unique flavor. You can find these items, including the filter, at most Asian grocery stores.
- Coffee: Opt for Vietnamese Coffee grounds to achieve the most authentic flavor. If these aren't available, you can substitute with French roast coffee grounds. You can easily find popular brands like Trung Nguyen and Café du Monde online.
- Condensed Milk: Use condensed milk to sweeten your strong coffee. Adjust the quantity to match your preference for sweetness.
- Water: Always use boiling water to brew the coffee.
How to Make Vietnamese Coffee at Home?
Now, let's transform these simple ingredients into aromatic Vietnamese Coffee with our easy-to-follow recipe. I've provided photos and a detailed video guide to help you along the way. Ready to begin? Let's go:
Explore More Coffee-Infused Beverages:
- Cold Brew Coffee
- Mocha Coffee
- Black Coffee
- Whipped Coffee (Dalgona Coffee)
- Iced Coffee
- Cafe De Olla
- Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Dirty Chai Latte
Vietnamese Coffee
Ingredients
- 2 tsp Vietnamese Ground Coffee
- 1 cup Boiling Water
- 2 tbsp Condensed Milk
- Ice Cubes, for iced version
Instructions
Preparing Vietnamese Coffee
- Begin by pouring the specified amount of condensed milk into a clean serving glass. This base will sweeten and enrich your coffee.
- Position the Vietnamese coffee filter (Phin) directly over the glass. Make sure it's centered to ensure an even drip.
- Carefully add coffee grounds to the filter’s chamber, distributing them evenly to ensure a uniform extraction of flavors.
- Lightly press down the grounds with the coffee press, screwing it halfway down. It’s important not to press too tightly; a looser press allows water to drip through at the right pace and extraction.
- Pour a tablespoon of boiling water into the filter and quickly close the lid. Allow the grounds to soak for about 30 seconds. This 'bloom' process helps release the coffee’s natural oils and flavors.
- Open the lid, pour in more boiling water until the filter is full, and then close it again. The slow drip is crucial for developing the coffee’s strong profile.
- Wait patiently as the coffee drips into the glass. The dripping should be steady but slow, taking about 4-5 minutes to complete.
- Once all the coffee has dripped through, stir it well with the condensed milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Savor the rich and vibrant flavors of your freshly brewed Vietnamese Coffee.
Iced Vietnamese Coffee
- For a refreshing iced version, allow the hot Vietnamese Coffee mixed with condensed milk to cool to room temperature. Then, pour it into a glass filled with ice cubes and enjoy the delicious flavor.
Serving
- For the best flavor, enjoy this coffee freshly brewed, as storing it may diminish its strong aroma and taste. Serve it hot for a cozy treat on chilly winter days, or chilled as a refreshing thirst-quencher during hot summer days.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Coffee Grounds: Vietnamese coffee grounds are preferred for their authenticity and complex flavor profile. However, if you need a substitute, high-quality French Roast coffee grounds can also fulfill the role beautifully.
- Grind Size: If grinding your own coffee, aim for a medium to coarse grind similar to that used for French press coffee. This is crucial because a grind that’s too fine will pass through the Phin filter and make the coffee gritty.
- Condensed Milk: I recommend starting with a moderate amount of condensed milk for a well-balanced flavor that highlights the robustness of the coffee. If you favor a bolder coffee taste, consider reducing the condensed milk slightly.
- Water Quality: Use filtered water if possible. The quality of water can significantly affect the taste of your coffee. Hard or chlorinated water might interfere with the flavors.
- Brewing Time: Be patient with the drip rate. A perfect Vietnamese coffee should take about 4 to 5 minutes to brew. If it drips too fast, adjust the screw-down press to slow it down; if it's too slow, slightly loosen it.
- Phin or Filter: My go-to equipment is an 8 oz. filter that comes equipped with a cup, dripping tray, and a screw-down coffee press complete with a lid. This setup allows for precise control over the drip rate, which is crucial as different models may have varying drip speeds.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Looking for more exciting beverages? Explore our curated collection of coffee recipes, featuring cozy winter drinks and refreshing summer options, perfect for every season’s mood and flavor.
Storage Suggestions
- Hot Coffee: Enjoy this immediately after brewing to capture its full flavor. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you're ready to serve.
- Iced Coffee: Store any large batches in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep the coffee in a tightly covered pitcher or bottle to preserve its taste. Only add ice when you're ready to serve to prevent dilution.
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