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–+ servings
Vietnamese iced Coffee served in a tall glass with coffee beans scattered around and filter placed behind.

Vietnamese Coffee

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Vietnamese Coffee, a strong and sweet drip beverage, is crafted with Vietnamese coffee grounds and condensed milk, using a traditional Phin filter. Enjoy this richly flavored drink hot to warm up in winter or iced for a refreshing treat in summer.
Course Coffee
Cuisine Asian, Vietnamese
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 cup
Calories 191
Author Sangeetha Vel

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp Vietnamese Ground Coffee
  • 1 cup Boiling Water
  • 2 tbsp Condensed Milk
  • Ice Cubes for iced version
US Customary - Metric

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.
    Condensed milk in a clear serving glass.
  • Position the Vietnamese coffee filter (Phin) directly over the glass. Make sure it's centered to ensure an even drip.
    Vietnamese filter placed on top of the glass.
  • Carefully add coffee grounds to the filter’s chamber, distributing them evenly to ensure a uniform extraction of flavors.
    Coffee grounds in the coffee cup chamber.
  • 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.
    Pressing the grounds with coffee press.
  • 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.
    Adding water to the filter.
  • 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.
    Coffee filter closed with lid.
  • Wait patiently as the coffee drips into the glass. The dripping should be steady but slow, taking about 4-5 minutes to complete.
    Coffee is dripping into the glass with condensed milk.
  • 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.
    Mixing 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.
    Pouring Vietnamese Coffee over ice cubes.

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.
    Served Vietnamese Coffee in a glass.

Notes

Here are my expert tips for crafting the perfect Vietnamese Coffee:
  • 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

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 191kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 86mg | Sugar: 32g

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