Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Vegetarian) Recipe

Vietnamese Iced Coffee, or Cà Phê Sữa Đá, is a refreshing drink that combines strong coffee with sweetened condensed milk. This vegetarian version allows for the use of dairy or dairy alternatives, making it versatile for various dietary preferences. Vietnamese Iced Coffee, or Cà Phê Sữa Đá, is an iconic and refreshing drink that captures the heart of Vietnamese coffee culture. This unique blend combines bold, dark-roasted coffee with sweetened condensed milk, resulting in a perfect balance of strong, slightly bitter coffee and creamy, indulgent sweetness. Traditionally brewed using a slow-drip filter known as a “phin,” the coffee is allowed to steep, capturing every bit of its rich flavor. This recipe offers a vegetarian twist, giving you the option to use dairy or plant-based condensed milk, making it adaptable for a variety of dietary preferences.

Sipping on Vietnamese Iced Coffee isn’t just about the flavor, it’s a cultural experience. This drink, popularized on the bustling streets of Vietnam, has found a place in hearts around the world for its powerful flavor and simplicity. Whether you’re seeking a refreshing midday pick-me-up or an introduction to the world of Vietnamese coffee, this recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Vietnam right to your glass. Enjoy it over ice and savor every sip!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons ground coffee (preferably dark roast)
• 2 to 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (dairy or a vegetarian alternative)
• ½ cup boiling water
• Ice cubes

Equipment

• Vietnamese coffee filter (phin) or a French press
• Heatproof glass

Instructions

Prepare the Glass: Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to the bottom of a heatproof glass.

Set Up the Filter:

• If using a phin: Place it on top of the glass. Add the ground coffee to the filter and gently level it with the press.
• If using a French press: Add the ground coffee directly into the press.

Bloom the Coffee:

• For phin: Pour about 10 ml of boiling water over the grounds and let it sit for 30 seconds to bloom.
• For French press: Pour in boiling water (about ½ cup) directly over the coffee and let it steep for about 5 minutes.

Brew the Coffee:

• For phin: After blooming, fill the filter with more boiling water and cover with the lid. Allow it to drip into the glass for about 4-5 minutes.
• For French press: After steeping, press down on the plunger to separate the grounds from the liquid.

Mix and Serve:

• Stir the brewed coffee with the condensed milk until well combined.
• Fill the glass with ice cubes and enjoy your Vietnamese Iced Coffee!

Notes

• Coffee Type: Robusta beans are traditionally used for their bold flavor, but you can also use any strong dark roast coffee.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk based on your taste preference.
• Dairy Alternatives: If you prefer, use sweetened condensed coconut milk or other plant-based options to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

How to Make Dairy-Free Condensed Milk at Home

To make dairy-free condensed milk, you can use various plant-based milks. Here’s a simple recipe using coconut milk, which is popular for its rich texture:

Ingredients

• 400 ml full-fat coconut milk (or any dairy-free milk of choice)
• 150 g granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, mix the coconut milk and sugar until well combined.
2. Heat Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
3. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for about 30-60 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. The mixture should reduce by about half and thicken.
4. Cool and Store: Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks [1][2][3].

Best Way to Brew Vietnamese Coffee Without a Phin

If you don’t have a phin filter, you can use a French press or a drip coffee maker:

French Press Method:

• Add coarsely ground coffee (about 2 tablespoons) to the French press.
• Pour hot water over the coffee and let it steep for about 4 minutes.
• Press down the plunger and pour the coffee over your glass with sweetened condensed milk.

Drip Coffee Maker:

• Use a standard drip coffee maker with a paper filter.
• Add coffee grounds and brew as usual, then mix with sweetened condensed milk in your glass.

Using a French Press to Make Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Yes, you can use a French press to make Vietnamese Iced Coffee. Follow the steps mentioned above for brewing coffee in a French press, then combine the brewed coffee with sweetened condensed milk and pour it over ice.

Differences Between Robusta and Arabica Beans for Vietnamese Coffee

Feature	Robusta	Arabica
Flavor	Stronger, more bitter	Milder, sweeter
Caffeine Content	Higher caffeine content (about 2.2-2.7%)	Lower caffeine content (about 1.2-1.5%)
Growing Conditions	Hardier, grows at lower altitudes	Requires higher altitudes and specific conditions
Cost	Generally cheaper	More expensive due to growing conditions

Robusta beans are often preferred for Vietnamese coffee due to their strong flavor and higher caffeine content, making them ideal for creating bold coffee drinks.

Adjusting the Coffee-to-Milk Ratio for a Stronger Flavor

To achieve a stronger flavor in your Vietnamese Iced Coffee:

• Increase Coffee Amount: Use more coffee grounds (e.g., 3 tablespoons instead of 2) while keeping the amount of sweetened condensed milk constant.
• Decrease Milk Amount: Reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly to enhance the coffee’s flavor.
• Brew Stronger Coffee: Brew your coffee using less water than usual or steep it longer if using methods like French press.

These adjustments will help you customize your drink according to your taste preferences!

This recipe captures the essence of traditional Vietnamese Iced Coffee while allowing for flexibility in ingredients, making it suitable for vegetarians and those looking for non-dairy options. Enjoy this delightful beverage on a hot day!