Starbucks can’t compete with this level of caffeine magicccc. This Vietnamese Iced Coffee recipe is unapologetically rich, bold, and with JUST the right amount of sweet and creamy to make you forget about your healthy tea phase… Welcome back to the dark side (of caffeine). It’s time to level up your coffee game with just 3 simple ingredients!
Can we just all agree iced coffee shouldn’t be reserved for only the summer?? Vietnamese iced coffee deserves the all year ‘round, any time of day kinda attention - no gatekeeping! This is one of my absolute fave go-to's whenever I go to Vietnamese restaurants (along with a frosty Sinh To Bo / avocado smoothie).
The caffeine from Vietnamese coffee is stronggg AF and perfect to combat food coma haha. The bitter coffee combined with the sweet and creamy condensed milk creates a deliciously balanced drink… and a strong jolt to my brain yelling, “OKAY TIME TO WAKE UP”... I wouldn’t have it any other way 🙂
If you're looking for something more mellow to ease you into the day, don’t sleep on my easy Strawberry Matcha Latte! It gives you a boost of caffeine with juicy bits of fresh fruit that gets you out the door in 5 minutes!
What is Vietnamese Coffee?
Two unique factors of Vietnamese coffee are the type of coffee beans & brewing method. Arabica beans are widely popular and most commonly used, but Vietnamese coffee is made of Robusta beans, which has a bolder nuttier flavor and TWICE the caffeine!
The brewing method is also special because it uses a Phin Filter to create a slow drip coffee (more on that in a sec!). Once the coffee is ready, stir in the condensed milk for sweetness and creaminess, then enjoy it hot or pour into a cup of crushed ice cubes for a refreshing chilled version that’ll definitely add a pep in your step!
🥘 Ingredients
Which Vietnamese Coffee to Use
Below are the most popular Vietnamese coffee brands, which you can easily find online or at local Asian markets. Each brand of Vietnamese coffee beans will create a delicious brew, so choose whichever flavor profile calls to you (and is most convenient to get)!
- Trung Nguyen Coffee: Smooth and mellow with a light body & low acidity. Think easygoing and classic - perfect for a cup of traditional Vietnamese coffee! Grab this if you'd like a classic cup of Vietnamese coffee with a lighter and smoother flavor.
- Trung Nguyen Coffee leads the coffee scene in Vietnam & southeast Asia with 800+ cafes and exports worldwide. It’s a lighter blend, low in acidity, and gives you that smooth, traditional coffee experience. If you’re looking for an easy-drinking cup that feels like sipping at a classic Vietnamese coffee shop, Trung Nguyen’s your go-to.
- Café Du Monde: Bold, earthy, and intense. The deep rich flavors from the chicory root blend give it a hearty body and minimal acidity. Perfect if you’re into deep earthy flavors and don’t shy away from intense coffee flavor!
- The Vietnamese-American classic! After the Vietnam War, refugees adapted to the coffee culture in America, and Café Du Monde became their staple. The chicory root used here isn’t native to Vietnam, but it mimics robusta’s earthy depth and packs an intense, bold punch.
- Nguyen Coffee Supply: Versatile - you’ve got choices! Choose between robusta for bold earthy flavors; arabica for smooth nutty notes; or the Loyalty blend that combines the best of both worlds for a unique balance of boldness and smoothness.
- Nguyen Coffee Supply is the first U.S. company to offer direct-trade, ethically sourced Vietnamese coffee. From robusta to arabica to a blend of both, they’ve got options to cater to your palate!
Condensed Milk
Condensed milk is a MUST in Vietnamese coffee to balance the bitterness from the strong coffee - and don’t worry, I got non-dairy options for you lactose intolerant homies. I gotchu 😉
- Longevity: Rich, creamy, and slightly caramelized, it gives a balanced sweetness that doesn’t overpower the coffee’s boldness. This is the most commonly used in Vietnamese households, so it’s perfect if you want to create an authentic Vietnamese coffee!
- Nestle Carnation: Smooth with a lighter finish compared to some of the richer brands, it’s versatile for various coffee intensities. It’s also the most widely available in the U.S., so you can easily grab it at any local grocery store.
- Eagle Brand: This is considered to be the sweetest and thickest of American brands with some people describing it as a velvety mouthfeel. They also offer it in a squeeze pouch which is SO convenient for easy storing & reuse!
- Nature’s Charm: Delicious non-dairy condensed milk options! Grab the sweetened condensed coconut milk for a coconutty and subtle nuttiness or the sweetened condensed oat milk for mild sweetness and smooth creamy texture that’s not too thick.
See Vietnamese coffee recipe card below for quantities.
Equipment
- Phin Filter: This is the key to Vietnamese drip coffee. It’s a simple setup made of a few key parts - the brewing chamber, perforated plate and press, and lid to keep the water hot. Like all great drip coffee, good things come to those who wait. The coffee drips slowly from the chamber, through the perforated plate, and into your much for a rich bold flavor. They come in various sizes from a 4-ounce single serving to family-size 40-ounce, so choose whichever fits your lifestyle!
- Insulated Mug: Any insulated mug will do, however, I LOVE my glass mugs! I love being able to see the coffee actually drip (it’s SO satisfying) annnnd it makes for a great presentation if you’re serving it to guests!
- Tea Kettle: Using a tea kettle is a game changer because it quickly heats up to the perfect temperature while you’re setting up to brew! If you don’t have one, you can just boil water in a small pot until it just comes to a boil.
🔪 How to Make Vietnamese Coffee
Step 1: Place the phin filter onto a mug, then the chamber on top. Scoop the coffee grounds into the chamber & be careful not to shake the filter so ground coffee doesn’t spill into the mug. Gently press the coffee grinds to compress them.
Step 2: Pour about 2 tablespoons of boiling water onto the coffee grounds and wait for about 5 seconds, or until the water is absorbed into the grinds, to allow the coffee grounds to “bloom”. Slowly pour the rest of the hot water into the phin chamber. Wait for about 5 minutes, or until the coffee finishes dripping.
Step 3: Stir in condensed milk to your sweetness preference and pinch of salt (if using). Stir until condensed milk is dissolved, then if you’d like an iced version, pour over crushed ice cubes in a cup. Enjoy your iced Vietnamese coffee!
💭 Recipe FAQs
Blooming is adding a small amount of water to the coffee & allowing it to steep for about 30 seconds. This releases aromatic oils, which enhances the coffee’s flavor!
Unlike the commonly used Arabica coffee beans, Vietnamese coffee is made of Robusta beans which has twice the amount of caffeine.
Vietnamese coffee is unique because it’s made of Robusta beans instead of commonly used Arabica beans and brewed as a slow drip in a phin filter. What’s also special is that it’s sweetened with condensed milk for a sweet creamy finish, instead of milk and sugar used in many Western coffees.
More Easy Desserts & Drink Recipes You’ll Love
- Thai Iced Tea meets the caffeine intensity of Vietnamese coffee with earthy, sweet, and creamy flavors when you’re craving tea instead.
- Avocado Smoothie is lusciously creamy and the perfect way to use up condensed milk and avocados before they go bad! Don’t like avocado toast get all the glory!
- Strawberry Matcha Latte is a refreshing way to get a caffeine boost if you’re craving something light, fruity, and (lowkey) eye candy.
- Homemade Boba Pearls is a delicious way to upgrade ANY of your fave iced drinks (and a lowkey flex - there’s no denying it).
- Ube Mochi Waffles made of ube ice cream - because when you’re an adult, you can have ice cream for breakfast - no shame.
🥗 Vietnamese Recipes to Serve with Vietnamese Coffee
Let's Get Cooking!
For drool-worthy step-by-step videos, follow along @MikhaEats on Instagram & Tiktok - and don't forget to tag @MikhaEats for a chance to be featured!
Vietnamese Iced Coffee Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Vietnamese ground coffee grounds
- 1 - 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk*
- 8 oz boiling water 1 cup
- Pinch of salt optional
Instructions
- Place the phin filter on top of a mug and scoop the coffee grounds into the filter in an even layer. Be careful not to shake the filter so coffee grounds don’t spill into the mug.
- Gently press the coffee grounds in the filter (this will slow down the drip process for a more flavorful coffee).
- Pour about 2 tablespoons of boiling water onto the coffee grounds and wait for about 5 seconds to allow the coffee grounds to “bloom”.
- Slowly pour the boiling water over the coffee. Wait for about 5 minutes, or until the coffee finishes dripping.
- Stir in condensed milk & a pinch of salt (if desired for a subtle sweet-salty flavor), taste, & add more condensed milk if you like your drink sweeter. Pour over a cup of ice. Enjoy!
Notes
- Coffee Grounds: Medium or course coffee grounds are best so it's less likely to slip through the phin filter. Trung Nguyen, Cafe Du Monde, & Nguyen Coffee Supply are the most popular brands. Check out the blog post above for flavor profiles to choose from!
- Condensed Milk: Condensed milk adds sweetness & creaminess at the same time. You can adjust to your taste buds! If you want more creaminess, without the additional sweetness, you can add heavy cream or milk. Scroll to the blog post above for the most popular condensed milk brands & flavor profiles!
Nutrition
Exact calculations may vary. For the most accurate nutritional information, use your preferred nutrition calculator, actual ingredients, and quantities used for the recipe. Please consult with your physician or registered dietitian if more precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.
HEY, I'M MIKHA!
...A fellow food lover who believes anyone can whip up a delicious meal - no matter your skill level! These quick & easy Asian recipes will help you transform simple ingredients into a drool-worthy meal for you & the people you love most - without spending all day in the kitchen.
Now come on - Grab a seat & let's eat!
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