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Coffee · Guide
How to Make Vietnamese Iced Coffee: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction to Vietnamese Iced Coffee
For more coffee tips, check out our coffee guides.Vietnamese iced coffee, also known as ca phe sua da, is a traditional Vietnamese coffee drink that has gained popularity worldwide for its rich flavor and unique brewing method.
Equipment Needed
- Vietnamese coffee filter (phin)
- Coffee beans (preferably robusta or a blend of arabica and robusta)
- Grinder
- Scale
- Kettle
- Ice
- Condensed milk
- Glass or cup
The phin
Thang Long Vietnamese Coffee Filter, screw-down press
Why it fits
The screw-down press is the variant worth having. A gravity phin relies on the weight of a loose disc to compress the bed, so the drip rate drifts; a screw-down press lets you set the compression and therefore the 3-5 minute drip time this recipe specifies. Stainless steel, made in Vietnam, and it sits on a standard glass.
Limitations
Screwing down too hard stalls the drip completely, which is a step of judgement the recipe cannot spell out for you. Stainless lets more fines through than paper, so the cup has body and a little sediment. Small capacity by design: it makes one glass at a time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
To make Vietnamese iced coffee, follow these steps:
- Grind the coffee beans to a medium-coarse grind.
- Place the Vietnamese coffee filter on top of the glass or cup.
- Add one to two tablespoons of ground coffee to the filter, depending on your desired strength.
- Slowly pour a small amount of hot water over the coffee grounds to saturate them.
- Wait for about 20-30 seconds to allow the coffee to bloom.
- Slowly pour the rest of the hot water over the coffee grounds.
- Wait for the coffee to drip through the filter, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Once the coffee has finished dripping, remove the filter and add condensed milk to taste.
- Stir well and add ice to the coffee.
Pro Tips
- Use a medium-coarse grind to ensure the coffee drips at the right rate.
- Adjust the amount of coffee and water to your taste preferences.
- Experiment with different types of coffee beans and roasts to find your favorite flavor.
- Use high-quality condensed milk for the best flavor.
Looking for more brewing resources? Browse our coffee equipment reviews or visit our find coffee roasters for more tools and tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of coffee beans should I use?
Vietnamese coffee typically uses robusta or a blend of arabica and robusta beans. Robusta beans have a bolder flavor and higher caffeine content, while arabica beans have a milder flavor and lower caffeine content.
How do I adjust the strength of the coffee?
You can adjust the strength of the coffee by changing the amount of coffee grounds or the brewing time. Using more coffee grounds or brewing for a longer time will result in a stronger coffee, while using less coffee grounds or brewing for a shorter time will result in a weaker coffee.
Can I use a different type of milk?
While traditional Vietnamese iced coffee uses condensed milk, you can experiment with other types of milk such as whole milk, skim milk, or non-dairy milk alternatives. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be different.
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