Authentic Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Ca Phe Sua Da) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons of coarsely ground Vietnamese coffee
  • 1 cup of boiling water
  • 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup of ice cubes
  • 1 Vietnamese coffee press (phin)

Steps and instructions

  1. First, add the ground coffee to the Vietnamese coffee press (phin).
  2. Place the press on top of a glass or cup.
  3. Pour a small amount of boiling water into the press to allow the coffee to bloom for about 30 seconds.
  4. After 30 seconds, fill the press with the rest of the boiling water.
  5. Allow the water to drip through the press into the glass. This should take about 4-5 minutes.
  6. While the coffee is brewing, add the sweetened condensed milk to a separate glass.
  7. When the coffee has finished brewing, pour it over the sweetened condensed milk and stir well to combine.
  8. Add the ice cubes to the glass, stir again, and serve your Ca Phe Sua Da immediately.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of coffee beans for a unique flavor profile.
  • Experiment with the ratio of coffee to water to adjust the strength of the drink.
  • Replace the sweetened condensed milk with regular milk, almond milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
  • Add a splash of flavored syrup, such as vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut, to the coffee for extra sweetness and flavor.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the coffee grounds before brewing for a spiced twist.
  • Serve the Ca Phe Sua Da with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent Vietnamese coffee float.
  • Garnish the drink with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for a touch of indulgence.
  • Try using a different type of sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup, instead of sweetened condensed milk.

Recipe overview

Ca Phe Sua Da, also known as Vietnamese Iced Coffee, is a delightful and refreshing drink that offers a unique blend of strong, dark roast coffee and sweetened condensed milk. This traditional Vietnamese beverage is perfect for a hot summer day, or whenever you want a sweet caffeinated kick to your routine. The recipe is simple and quick to prepare. All you need is a Vietnamese coffee press, commonly known as a 'phin', some coarsely ground Vietnamese coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and ice. The process involves brewing the coffee directly into a cup of sweetened condensed milk and then pouring it over ice. The result is a strong yet sweet iced coffee that you'll want to make again and again. Expect a robust coffee flavor perfectly balanced by the creamy sweetness of the condensed milk. Enjoy the process, and savor every sip!

Common questions

  1. What kind of coffee should I use? You should use coarsely ground Vietnamese coffee specifically for making Ca Phe Sua Da.
  2. How much coffee and water should I use? Use 2 tablespoons of coffee and 1 cup of boiling water.
  3. Can I adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk? Yes, you can adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk based on your desired level of sweetness.
  4. Do I need any special equipment? Yes, you will need a Vietnamese coffee press (phin) to brew the coffee.
  5. How long does it take for the coffee to brew? It takes about 4-5 minutes for the water to drip through the press and brew the coffee.
  6. Should I stir the coffee after pouring it over the condensed milk? Yes, you should stir well to ensure the coffee and condensed milk are thoroughly combined.
  7. When should I add the ice cubes? Add the ice cubes after stirring the coffee and condensed milk mixture.
  8. Can I serve Ca Phe Sua Da immediately? Yes, serve it immediately after adding the ice cubes.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Ca Phe Sua Da, literally translated as "iced milk coffee," is a delightful and refreshing drink that hails from Vietnam. Its roots are tied to the French colonial influence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when French colonists introduced coffee to Vietnam. However, fresh milk was scarce, so the locals improvised by using sweetened condensed milk, which was both available and had a long shelf life. The result was a unique blend of strong, dark coffee cut through with the smooth sweetness of the condensed milk. As such, Ca Phe Sua Da has become a cherished part of Vietnam's vibrant cafe culture, enjoyed at all hours of the day, and a beautiful representation of the country's ability to adapt and innovate in the face of change.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.