What is Vietnamese Coffee?

Vietnamese coffee, or "cà phê," is a strong brew made using dark-roasted Robusta beans, often sweetened with condensed milk. It’s typically brewed using a traditional Vietnamese drip coffee maker called a phin. The result is a rich, aromatic coffee that can be enjoyed hot or iced, making it perfect for any occasion.

What You’ll Need

To make Vietnamese coffee, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:

Ingredients:

• Vietnamese coffee: Look for high-quality Robusta beans, which are typically darker and stronger than Arabica.
• Condensed milk: Sweetened condensed milk is essential for achieving that creamy, sweet flavor.
• Water: Freshly boiled water works best.

Equipment:

• Vietnamese drip filter (phin): This is a small metal filter that allows coffee to brew slowly.

 

Glass or cup: For collecting the brewed coffee.

Spoon: For stirring in the condensed milk.

 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Measure Your Ingredients

Start by measuring out your coffee and water. A standard ratio is about 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for every 4 ounces of water. Adjust to your taste preference.

Step 2: Prepare the Phin

1. Assemble the phin: Place the phin over your glass or cup. The phin consists of three parts: the top chamber (where you put the coffee), the perforated disc (which presses the coffee grounds), and the bottom chamber (where the coffee drips into).

2. Add coffee grounds: Put the ground coffee into the top chamber, spreading it evenly. For a stronger brew, you can use a bit more coffee.

3. Press down: Place the perforated disc on top of the coffee grounds and gently press down. This helps to extract maximum flavor during brewing.

Step 3: Brew the Coffee

1. Add hot water: Boil your water and let it cool for about 30 seconds (ideal temperature is around 200°F or 93°C). Slowly pour about 2 ounces of hot water over the coffee grounds. Allow it to bloom for about 30 seconds—this releases carbon dioxide and enhances flavor.

2. Complete the brewing: After blooming, add the remaining water to the phin. The brewing process should take about 4-5 minutes. You’ll see the coffee dripping into the glass below.

Step 4: Sweeten with Condensed Milk

While the coffee is brewing, prepare your glass with sweetened condensed milk. Pour about 2 tablespoons (or more, depending on your taste) into the bottom of your glass. Once the brewing is complete, stir the brewed coffee into the condensed milk until well combined.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

You can enjoy your Vietnamese coffee hot or iced. For an iced version, fill a glass with ice before adding the condensed milk, and then pour the brewed coffee over it. Stir well and savor the rich, creamy goodness!

Tips for the Perfect Vietnamese Coffee

• Choose quality beans: Opt for high-quality, freshly roasted Robusta beans to get the best flavor.
• Experiment with ratios: Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio and the amount of condensed milk to find your perfect balance of strength and sweetness.
• Try variations: You can experiment with adding flavors like vanilla or chocolate, or try making a Vietnamese coconut coffee by substituting coconut milk for condensed milk.