How To Make Vietnamese Coffee – Just 4 Steps

Vietnamese coffee is sweet, strong, and high in caffeine. What sets this brew apart from others is the use of Robusta coffee beans. Let’s see how to make Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk. 

How to make Vietnamese coffee at your home

Vietnamese coffee can be prepared in many different ways, but here we will take a look at the most popular type with sweet condensed milk.

What you will need

• 2 to 3 tablespoons of ground Robusta coffee
• 2 to 3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk (adjust to taste)
• Boiling water (120 ml)
• Ice cubes (optional, for iced coffee)
• Vietnamese coffee maker (a phin filter)
• Glass or mug

How to make it

Step 1: Start boiling water in a kettle or pot. Once the water is boiling, set your phin filter on the top of your cup of glass and pour around 20 ml of water into the empty phin filter. To avoid cracking due to heat, I recommend using a thick glass or cup. The goal here is to warm up the filter and prepare it for brewing. When water passes through the filter, throw it out. 

Step 2: Add 2-3 tablespoons of condensed milk to your cup or a glass. You can adjust the amount depending on your sweetness preference. Then place a phin filter on top of your glass or cup and unscrew the top screen from it. When the top screen is removed, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of ground coffee to a filter. Tamp down the coffee grounds lightly using the top screen.

Step 3: Pour 20 ml of water to soak the coffee grounds. Allow the coffee grounds to bloom for 30 seconds. After 20 seconds, pour the rest of the hot water, and put the lid on the top of your phin filter. This can take anywhere from 4 to 6 minutes.

Step 4: Once the dripping stops, stir the coffee and condensed milk together until well combined. Now you can enjoy it as it is, or make it iced Vietnamese coffee. If you want to make iced coffee, simply add ice cubes and stir everything. 

Because of sweet condensed milk, the traditional recipe isn’t vegetarian or suitable for low-carb diets. However, you can follow these instructions to make it either vegan or keto-friendly. 

For other cool and unique inspirations, check out a collection of tasty Vietnamese coffee recipes. 

Is Vietnamese coffee high in calories?

Vietnamese coffee can be high in calories depending on the amount of condensed milk you add. Usually, for 2 tablespoons of condensed milk, you will end up with around 120 calories. 

Do you need a phin filter?

When making traditional Vietnamese coffee, a phin filter is a go-to tool. Another characteristic of this coffee is the use of Robusta coffee beans.

Now, you might be wondering if you can still achieve an authentic taste without a phin filter. The answer is yes! While the phin filter is the traditional way to make Vietnamese coffee, you can still enjoy the robust flavors by using other brewing tools, as long as you use Robusta coffee beans. 

French press, pour-over, or even an espresso machine can all be used to make a delicious cup of Vietnamese coffee. For a detailed guide, check out 5 alternative methods for brewing Vietnamese coffee. 

Is Vietnamese coffee just coffee with condensed milk?

No. Vietnamese coffee has many different types. Some are really interesting, like salt coffee, while others are simple and straightforward. 

If you want to learn other styles, here you can find other ways you can make Vietnamese coffee.

Pro tips on what makes a good Vietnamese coffee

When it comes to brewing the perfect cup of Vietnamese coffee, there are a few pro tips that can make a difference.

• Quality of beans: You want to use high-quality Robusta beans, which are known for their strong, bold taste and higher caffeine content. These beans are the backbone of Vietnamese coffee and will give your brew the authentic taste you’re after.

• Grind size: The grind size of your coffee beans also plays a crucial role. A medium to coarse grind is ideal for Vietnamese coffee. If the grind is too fine, the water will not drip through properly, and if it’s too coarse, the water will run through too quickly, not allowing enough time for the flavors to extract.

• Brew slowly: Patience is key when brewing Vietnamese coffee. The process is slow, with the water drippings taking several minutes. This slow brewing process contributes to the strong flavor and full-bodied nature of the coffee.

• Experiment: Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment. Everyone’s taste is different. Adjust the amount of coffee, the grind size, and the brewing time to find your perfect cup.

Final thoughts

To make Vietnamese coffee at home you will just need high-quality Robusta coffee beans. The best part of this brewing process is that you don’t need a traditional phin filter, but it will definitely create an authentic experience.