Strong and flavourful Vietnamese coffee is one of the reasons people come to Vietnam. Since the French colonists introduced it to Vietnam, a cup of ca phe in the morning has soon become a local habit. With the creativity Vietnamese people treat their coffee, just like other ingredients, there are plenty of beverages from coffee in Vietnam you cannot imagine.
Here are the 3 recipes for the 3 most famous coffee drinks of Vietnam: the world-famous Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da), the most hunted drinks in Hanoi – Iced coconut coffee (ca phe dua) and the abnormal fantasy Egg coffee (ca phe trung). Highly recommend it to anyone who likes a sweet treat.
1. Vietnamese iced coffee
Ca phe sua da or Vietnamese Iced Coffee is an intensely brewed coffee concentrate that drips down into a tall glass of ice and a big spoonful of sweetened condensed milk. Vietnamese Ice Coffee is creamy, rich, smooth and sweet with an intense coffee flavor. Highly recommend for coffee lovers and those with a sweet tooth.
What to prepare for a cup?
- 2 tablespoons of ground coffee: You can use any kind of ground coffee depending on your taste. For authentic Vietnamese taste, you can find some Vietnamese brands, like Trung Nguyen, Highland or G7. French Roast Chicory coffee Cafe Du Monde is said to be close also.
- 1-2 tablespoons of Sweetened condensed milk (to taste): It’s the sweet, thick and sticky. The most famous brand when it comes to Vietnamese coffee is the “Longevity Brand” (Sua Ong Tho). However, other brands will work for sure.
- 1/2 cup boiling hot water
- 1/2 cup ice cubes or crushed ice
- a coffee press (filter)
How to make it?
Step 1: Add the condensed milk to a glass.
Step 2: Put the coffee press on the glass. Add the ground coffee to the base of the press. Then pour in just a little bit of hot water.
Step 3: Screw on the press tightly. The coffee should be packed well.
Step 4: Pour boiled hot water into the coffee press. Then cover with the little cap. And wait for about 5-7 min. Longer time will give the stronger taste for your cup.
Step 5: Once the coffee is done, stir everything well. Pour your mixture into the glass of ice for a cold drink or you can drink it straight if you want a hot.
2. Coconut coffee
Vietnamese coconut coffee is no longer a new thing but still one of the reasons people come to Vietnam. This summer beverage is most famous in Hanoi. It’s sweet, strong and icy. Somebody would describe it as a coffee with coconut smoothie.
What to prepare for a large one?
- About 1 cups crushed ice
- 100ml of coconut cream
- 3 tablespoons condensed milk
- 50ml of cold strong, filtered Vietnamese coffee
- A blender
How to make it?
Step 1: Put the ice, coconut cream, and condensed milk into a blender and let it blend till the mixture turns to snow alike.
Step 2: When it’s done, put the mixture in the freezer until the coffee is just frozen but not completely set like ice cream, turning through once or twice with a fork.
Step 3: Shake the coffee well in a sealed bottle for the best. If you don’t have it, just use a regular empty bottle and shake hard.
Step 4: Gently spoon the coconut mixture over the coffee so it doesn’t mix in. And enjoy!
3. Egg coffee
What to prepare for a large one?
- 2 egg yolks
- 3 teaspoons of Vietnamese coffee powder
- 2 teaspoons of sweetened condensed milk
- A bowl of hot water
How to make it?
Step 1: Brew the coffee as described in the first recipe. When it’s done, put your cup of coffee into a bowl with hot water to keep it warm.
Step 2: Put the condensed milk and the 2 yolks in a bowl and whisk them well until it has the thick, fluffy custard-like consistency.
Step 3: Pour the mixture into the coffee cup. Give a few stir and enjoy!
So with a few steps, not too complicated, you have yourself one of the world’s most favorite drinks. The Vietnamese Cà Phê Trứng is a delicious, creamy and thick but not overpoweringly sweet. Some describe it as the liquid tiramisu. Talk a little bit about its origin. This iconic Hanoi beverage was invented by a bartender in the Sofitel Legend Metropole hotel name Giang. During a milk shortage in Vietnam in the 1940s, he replaced the foamed milk in European-style coffees with egg yolk and create this unique drink. He later opened Giang Café in an alleyway in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, which is now operated by his children and grandchildren. If you love this drink, you should find the way to Giang Cafe on Nguyen Huu Huan street for the original taste. Or if you are still at home and crave the true taste of Vietnamese coffee, buy some with our guide to Best Vietnamese coffee brands!
