Introduced by the French in the 1880s, coffee has gradually woven itself into the fabric of Vietnamese culture. You can find Vietnamese people enjoying coffee at any time of the day as coffee has become an integral part of their daily lives.

From the slow drip of the phin filter to the creamy delight of egg coffee, Vietnamese coffee offers an experience unlike any other. It's not just about the caffeine kick; it's about savoring every drop, enjoying the moment, and soaking in the peacefulness that comes with each cup. Let’s explore what is Vietnamese coffee, what makes it so special, and how you can make Vietnamese Iced Coffee from the comfort of your own home.

What Is Vietnamese Coffee 

Vietnam has a coffee culture that is quite different from Western coffee cultures. Vietnamese coffee is enjoyed slowly, similar to how the French drink it. Although, the French drink coffee before starting their workday, in Vietnam, people can drink it at any time of the day.

In the 19th century, coffee was introduced to Vietnam by the French during the colonial period. Initially, this drink was reserved for the noble, French officials, or the urban intellectual class. Gradually, it became a common beverage.

What does Vietnamese coffee taste like? Well, it depends on the person, but one thing is certain: it is strong – a flavor achieved using dark roasted beans and a drip filter called a “phin” (pronounced like “feen”). Vietnamese coffee is definitely a good choice if you like a rich, robust flavor with a bit of a kick. What is special about Vietnamese coffee is the slow drip method, and the use of condensed milk. Vietnamese people started adding condensed milk to their coffee, not only as a way to balance out the bitterness of their drink, but also because it was a nice alternative to milk, which was scarce in the 19th century in Vietnam.

Vietnamese people have a very distinctive way of enjoying coffee. They don't view coffee as a quick drink to stave off sleep like Americans do, but rather as a cultural experience to savor and contemplate. With a cup of coffee in hand, Vietnamese people would read the newspaper, listen to music, chat with friends, work, or reflect on life. Vietnamese people drink coffee in the morning, noon, evening, when they're sad, stressed, happy, while working, or simply out of habit. You could say Vietnamese people enjoy their coffee as much as Scots their Whisky.

Types Of Vietnamese Coffee Drinks

Ca Phe Den - Black Coffee

Let’s start off with the basics – Ca Phe Den. Ca Phe Den (black coffee) is simply Vietnamese drip filter coffee, with nothing else added to it. Bitter, strong, and powerful, you can count on it to wake you up in the morning. This drink is available in a hot version (den nong), or a cold version (den da). If you're a real coffee enthusiast, ask for "den da khong duong" (no sugar) or "den da it duong" (a touch of sugar).

Ca Phe Sua Da (Vietnamese Iced Coffee) 

Take the Ca Phe Den, add a bit of condensed milk and you’ve got yourself a Ca Phe Nau (brown coffee). You can drink it as is but you can also add ice, which in my opinion elevates the drink to another level – “Nau Da”. “Nau Da” is what people from the North use to refer to their iced coffee with milk, while people from the South would call it “Ca Phe Sua Da”. Essentially, they are the same drink.

Vietnamese iced coffee is so strong because it uses a higher coffee-to-water ratio and dark roast beans, making it a lot stronger than espresso. Condensed milk is used in Vietnamese Iced Coffee because it balances the strong, bitter coffee with its thick, sugary creaminess, creating a harmonious and delicious drink.

Ca Phe Trung (Egg Coffee)

Egg coffee is a variation of Vietnamese iced coffee, commonly found in Hanoi. This drink, made with whipped egg yolk and a bit of milk, has a similar taste and texture to an eggnog. In the 1950s when milk was considered a luxury item, Hanoians came up with a way to use eggs – a more accessible and common ingredient – and turn them into a creamy alternative to condensed milk. Egg coffee has now become a distinctive and enticing part of Vietnamese coffee culture. As you take a sip, the sweet, rich creamy egg foam meets your taste buds first, followed by the bitter coffee. The strong coffee aroma perfectly masks the smell of eggs, creating a harmonious combination.

Ca Phe Cot Dua (Coconut Coffee)

While egg coffee is best enjoyed in the cold winter, coconut coffee is the perfect coffee drink to have in the summer! Vietnamese coconut coffee is more of a coffee smoothie, as it is typically made by blending coffee with coconut milk and crushed ice. The creamy, fragrant coconut milk not only neutralizes the bitterness of Vietnamese coffee but also adds a tropical twist to the drink, making it an amazing “pick me up” on hot days!

Ca Phe Sua Chua (Yogurt Coffee)

Like coffee, yogurt was introduced to Vietnam by the French and has been incorporated into the local cuisine. Rich and creamy, it is served with various toppings, from fresh mango to fermented rice. It might seem like an odd combination, but yogurt pairs surprisingly well with a small cup of black coffee.

Ca Phe Bac Xiu

Bac Xiu originated from the Chinese community in Saigon-Cholon in the 1950s-1960s and remains popular in this area and its surroundings. Bac Xiu is similar to Ca Phe Sua Da but contains more milk than coffee, making it a "white coffee."

Bac Xiu is one of the most unique drinks to come out of Saigon, a blend of Chinese, Vietnamese, and French cultures. The Chinese community put a spin to the famous drink by putting less coffee and more milk, making it enjoyable even for those who find the coffee too strong. Children or women who were unaccustomed to the bitterness of black coffee, instead found a connection with Bac Xiu. Hot Bac Xiu is also perfect when enjoyed with deep-fried sesame doughnuts (bánh tiêu).

Ca Phe Muoi (Salt Coffee)

Ca Phe Muoi is made from coffee, milk (condensed milk, fermented fresh milk), and salt. Ca Phe Muoi originated in Hue and has gained immense popularity these recent years. The salt, seemingly out of place in coffee, actually enhances the rich coffee flavor, tempers the bitterness, and elevates the sweet milk taste. These unrelated ingredients come together to create a delicious, well-balanced drink.

How Do I Make Vietnamese Coffee

Making Vietnamese iced coffee using a phin filter is a delightful process and not at all difficult. Here's an easy Vietnamese iced coffee recipe you can try at home:

Ingredients for makeing Vietnamese coffee 

2 tablespoons of Vietnamese ground coffee (such as Trung Nguyen or any dark roast coffee)

2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk (Longevity brand)

Ice (cubed or crushed)

Boiling water

“Phin” filter

Glass or cup (to brew the coffee into)

Spoon
 

Instructions For Making Vietnamese Coffee:

Prepare the Glass:

Place 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk at the bottom of a tall glass.

Assemble the Phin Filter:

Unscrew the filter screen from the phin.

Add 2 tablespoons of Vietnamese ground coffee into the phin.

Screw the filter screen back on gently, but not too tightly, to make sure the coffee grounds are evenly distributed and slightly compressed.

Pre-wet The Coffee Grounds:

Place the phin on top of the glass with condensed milk.

Pour a small amount of boiling water (about 20ml) into the phin, just enough to wet the coffee grounds.

Let it sit for about 30 seconds to bloom the coffee.

Brew the Coffee:

After the bloom, fill the phin with boiling water to the top.

Place the lid on the phin and allow the coffee to drip slowly into the glass. This process should take about 5-7 minutes.

Mix the Coffee:

Once the dripping has finished, remove the phin filter.

Stir the brewed coffee and the condensed milk together until well-mixed.

Serve with Ice:

Fill another glass with ice cubes.

Pour the mixed coffee over the ice.

Stir well.

Now that you know how to make a standard cup of Vietnamese Drip Coffee, you can also try to make other Vietnamese coffee drinks, as they are typically made using the Phin. Phin for the win! 

How To Drink Vietnamese Drip Coffee

Vietnamese people enjoy their cup of coffee in a manner that reflects a deep appreciation for both the drink and the moment. You don’t need to have the most refined taste to be able to enjoy Vietnamese coffee, you just need one thing: time!

Vietnamese drip coffee requires patience right from the brewing process. To Vietnamese people, the process of watching the coffee drip is meditative, they use this time to unwind and be present in the moment. It's a time to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. One of my fondest memories growing up was sitting in the kitchen with my dad as he made Ca Phe Phin, he would either be stretching or listening to his favorite song as he waited for the coffee. These were the few slow moments that he enjoyed.

Once your Vietnamese Drip Coffee is ready, add ice and condensed milk to your liking for an authentic Ca Phe Sua Da experience! Or you can drink the coffee as is if you’re brave. Either way, it is better to enjoy your Vietnamese coffee leisurely, just the way it is supposed to be.

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