Vietnamese Iced Coffee Recipe – How To Make It At Home

Have you ever wondered why Vietnamese iced coffee, among the many coffee variations available worldwide, has become so popular in recent years? The reason for its popularity lies in bold yet smooth, sweet but intense, and creamy while invigorating the taste of this brew.

But how do you make it at home so that it tastes just right? Follow this best Vietnamese iced coffee recipe and you will always have a perfect glass of this refreshing and robust brew. 

💡 Find out how to prepare authentic Vietnamese coffee.

What is Vietnamese iced coffee?

Vietnamese iced coffee, also known as ca phe da, is traditionally made with Robusta coffee beans and brewed with a special filter called a phin filter. 

A phin filter consists of a small metal chamber with a perforated bottom and a lid. The phin filter allows for a slow and controlled extraction.

In addition, unlike many other coffee cultures that favor Arabica beans, Vietnamese coffee is typically made with Robusta beans. Robusta beans are known for their bold and intense flavor profile, making them perfect for creating a strong and aromatic cup of coffee.

How to make Vietnamese iced coffee at home?

Making Vietnamese iced coffee at home is easier than you might think. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy this delicious iced coffee right from the comfort of your own home. Here’s a quick guide to brewing your own authentic Vietnamese iced coffee.

Ingredients for one serving

• 2-3 tablespoons of Robusta coffee beans (dark roasted and medium grind)
• 120 ml of water (100 ml for coffee brewing, and 20 ml to warm up a phin filter)
• 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk 
• Ice cubes

Tools

• A phin filter
• Coffee grinder (if you are using whole beans)
• Tall glass

💡 If you don’t have a traditional phin filter, here are 5 different methods to make Vietnamese coffee without it. 

Instructions

1. Prepare the phin filter: Take apart the phin filter by unscrewing the lid and removing the chamber. Place the chamber on top of your serving glass.
2. Heat water: The ideal water temperature for brewing Vietnamese iced coffee is around 195-200°F (90-95°C).
3. Preheat the phin filter: Pour 20 ml of hot water into your empathy phin filter. Discard the water from your cup. 
4. Sweeten with condensed milk: When you throw out water that you used to preheat the filter, add 2-3 tablespoons of condensed milk into the glass and place the filter on top of the glass again.
5. Add coffee grounds: Add about 2-3 tablespoons of medium-ground coffee into the chamber of the phin filter. Use the back of a spoon to gently press down on the coffee grounds to create an even surface. Place the filter press on top of the coffee grounds, then screw the lid back onto the chamber.
6. Start brewing: Pour a small amount of hot water (about 20 ml) into the chamber of the phin filter to pre-infuse the coffee. Allow it to bloom for 30 seconds.
7. Add the remaining water: Slowly pour the rest of the hot water into the chamber, filling it to the top. Close the lid and let the coffee slowly drip through the filter into the glass.
8. Mix and cool: Once the coffee has finished dripping, give it a good stir to combine the condensed milk and coffee. Add a handful of ice cubes to the glass to cool down the coffee and create that signature iced coffee experience.
9. Enjoy your Vietnamese iced coffee: Sip and savor the rich flavors of the coffee as it blends with the creamy sweetness of the condensed milk.

💡 Wondering what you can expect from this recipe? Check out the Vietnamese iced coffee taste review.

Plant-based alternative

While the traditional recipe calls for sweetened condensed milk, you can easily swap it out for a plant-based alternative to achieve a similar creamy and sweet taste. If you prefer a plant-based version make sure to check out the vegan Vietnamese iced coffee recipe. 

How much condensed milk in Vietnamese iced coffee?

The ideal amount can vary depending on your personal preference. The traditional recommendation is to add about 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk for a balanced and mildly sweet flavor.

By adding this amount, you’ll achieve a harmonious blend of the Robust coffee and the creamy sweetness of the condensed milk. It strikes a perfect balance that allows the flavors to complement each other without overpowering one another.

However, if you have a sweet tooth or on the contrary, you don’t like your coffee sweet, feel free to add more condensed milk to your liking.

How strong is Vietnamese iced coffee?

A typical serving of Vietnamese iced coffee contains approximately 100 mg of caffeine. It’s important to note that the strength of the coffee refers to its caffeine content, rather than the perceived intensity of flavor. 

Adding sweetened condensed milk to it doesn’t reduce the caffeine content. Just like with espresso, where adding sugar or milk doesn’t dilute the caffeine, the same principle applies here. So, if you prefer your Vietnamese iced coffee on the sweeter side, you can enjoy the indulgent flavors without sacrificing the caffeine boost.

💡 Learn more about the caffeine content of Vietnamese coffee and how it compares to other brews.

Other must-try types of Vietnamese coffee

There are other varieties of Vietnamese coffee that share the spotlight with this iced version. Here are a few must-try types

• Hot Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk: Just like its iced version, hot Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk is immensely popular in Vietnam. This version offers a cozy and comforting experience, perfect for those chilly mornings or when you crave a warm pick-me-up.

• Black Vietnamese coffee: For coffee lovers who prefer their brew without any additions, this version is a must-try. Made with the same phin filter brewing method, this version showcases the pure essence of Robusta coffee beans.

• Vietnamese egg coffee: If you’re feeling adventurous, Vietnamese egg coffee is a unique treat worth trying. This specialty drink combines rich black coffee with a thick and creamy egg yolk-based mixture. It may sound unusual, but the combination of coffee and egg creates a surprisingly delicious and satisfying flavor profile.

These are just a few examples. Here you can find the most popular Vietnamese coffee variations.

Final thoughts

Vietnamese iced coffee is a true delight for people looking for a unique and flavorful experience. Its brewing method with the phin filter, the use of robusta beans, and the addition of sweetened condensed milk create a harmonious blend of bold flavors and creamy richness.