How to Make Vietnamese Coffee: A Step-by-Step Guide

Vietnamese coffee is a delightful experience, celebrated for its bold flavours and rich texture. When you drink Vietnamese coffee, you’ll appreciate the strong flavor profile balanced by sweetened condensed milk.

Whether you’re looking to brew Vietnamese coffee using a traditional phin filter or crave a refreshing iced Vietnamese coffee, this guide will show you how to make Vietnamese coffee like a pro.

Packed with tips, tricks, and easy-to-follow steps, this article ensures you’ll enjoy every sip of this unique beverage.

What Makes Vietnamese Coffee Unique?

Vietnamese coffee stands out because of its use of specific coffee beans, particularly robusta beans, known for their strong flavour and higher caffeine content compared to arabica beans.

The traditional brewing method uses a phin filter, a small metal drip filter that creates a concentrated and full-bodied coffee. This unique preparation method and ingredients are central to any authentic Vietnamese coffee recipe, which often pairs the coffee with sweetened condensed milk to create a robust and indulgent beverage.

Learn more about why Vietnamese coffee is so distinctive in our blog: Why is Vietnamese Coffee So Strong?.

Essential Ingredients and Tools

Before diving into the process, gather these essentials:

Ingredients

• Vietnamese Coffee Grounds: Opt for robusta beans for authenticity. Pre-portioned Vietnamese coffee sachets are a convenient option. There is a variety of Vietnamese coffee bean brands available in America, each with unique characteristics, particularly focusing on Robusta and blends.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds a creamy sweetness traditional to Vietnamese coffee.
• Hot Water: Ideally at 90-95°C for optimal extraction.
• Ice (Optional): For iced Vietnamese coffee.

Tools

• Phin Filter: A traditional metal coffee filter essential for brewing Vietnamese coffee. These coffee filters are crucial for achieving the perfect texture and taste, as they allow for a slow, controlled brewing process that extracts rich flavors.
• Glass or Mug: Clear glasses are ideal for showcasing the layers of coffee and condensed milk.
• Spoon: For stirring.

For added convenience, consider using drip filter coffee bags if you don’t have a phin filter.

How to Make Vietnamese Coffee

Step 1: Prepare the Phin Filter

1. Assemble the Filter: Place the phin filter on top of your glass or mug.
2. Add Coffee Grounds: Measure 2-3 tablespoons of dark roast coffee into the filter.
3. Tamp the Coffee: Use the filter’s press to gently tamp down the coffee grounds. Avoid over-packing, as this can slow the brewing process.

Step 2: Bloom the Coffee

1. Pre-Wet the Grounds: Pour a small amount of hot water (about 20-30ml) over the coffee grounds.
2. Wait 30 Seconds: This allows the coffee to bloom, releasing trapped gases and enhancing the flavour.

Step 3: Brew the Coffee

1. Fill the Filter: Pour hot water (just below boiling) into the phin filter until it’s full.
2. Let It Drip: Allow the coffee to drip slowly into your glass. This process typically takes 5-7 minutes, resulting in a rich and concentrated brew.

Step 4: Add Condensed Milk (Optional)

1. Measure the Milk: Add 1-2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to the bottom of your glass before brewing, or stir it in after brewing.
2. Mix Thoroughly: Stir until the coffee and milk are well combined, creating a creamy, caramel-coloured drink.

Step 5: Serve Hot or Iced

• Hot Coffee: Serve immediately for a warm and comforting drink. Hot coffee is typically preferred in the morning, offering a traditional Vietnamese experience.
• Iced Coffee: Fill a glass with ice and pour the brewed coffee over it. This refreshing version is perfect for hot days, especially when using traditional Vietnamese coffee filters and sweetened condensed milk.

Tips for the Perfect Cup of Vietnamese Coffee

• Use Fresh Coffee Grounds: Freshly roasted coffee enhances the flavour.
• Adjust the Strength: For a bolder brew, increase the amount of coffee grounds.
• Experiment with Sweetness: If you’re avoiding sugar, omit the condensed milk and enjoy the natural richness of the coffee.
• Choose Authentic Vietnamese Coffee Beans: For the best flavor, use robusta beans sourced from Vietnamese grocery stores. These roasted Vietnamese coffee beans have a dark and bitter profile, essential for an authentic taste.

For more sugar-free options, explore our guide on how to enjoy Vietnamese coffee without sugar.

How to Make Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Vietnamese iced coffee (“Cà phê đá”) is a beloved variation of this classic drink. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients

• Brewed Vietnamese coffee (from the steps above)
• Ice cubes
• Optional: Sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

1. Fill a Glass with Ice: Use a tall glass for a visually appealing presentation.
2. Add Condensed Milk (Optional): If desired, pour 1-2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk into the glass.
3. Pour Coffee Over Ice: Slowly pour the brewed coffee over the ice, creating a layered effect.
4. Mix and Enjoy: Stir thoroughly to combine the ingredients.

Pro Tip: For an even creamier version, substitute condensed milk with coconut milk.

Category	Details
Dish Name	Vietnamese Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Nóng)
Serves	1
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	15 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes
Ingredients	- 3 tablespoons Vietnamese ground coffee (e.g., Trung Nguyen brand)
	- 1–3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (e.g., Longevity brand)
	- 6–8 ounces near-boiling water
Instructions	1. Use Trung Nguyen or any good French roast coffee.
	2. Use a 6-ounce Phin Vietnamese coffee filter (or French press/drip coffee method).
	3. Add 3 tablespoons ground coffee to the filter (do not shake/compress).
	4. Add desired condensed milk to a mug or heatproof glass.
	5. Pour 2 tablespoons of hot water to "bloom" the coffee (wait 5 seconds).
	6. Gently press the filter to compress bloomed coffee.
	7. Slowly pour the remaining water into the filter, letting coffee drip into the mug.
	8. Wait about 5 minutes for the brewing to complete.
	9. Remove filter and stir to mix condensed milk.
Nutrition Facts	Calories: 129 kcal (6%)
	Carbohydrates: 22g (7%)
	Protein: 3g (6%)
	Fat: 3g (5%)
	Saturated Fat: 2g (10%)
	Cholesterol: 14mg (5%)
	Sodium: 60mg (3%)
	Potassium: 148mg (4%)
	Sugar: 22g (24%)
	Vitamin A: 105 IU (2%)
	Vitamin C: 1.1 mg (1%)
	Calcium: 114 mg (11%)

The History of Vietnamese Coffee

Traditional Vietnamese coffee culture dates back to the French colonial period when coffee was introduced to Vietnam. Over time, locals adapted the drink to suit their tastes, using robusta beans and condensed milk due to the scarcity of fresh milk. Today, Vietnam is one of the world’s largest coffee producers, renowned for its unique brewing methods and bold flavours.

Learn more about the calorie content and health benefits of Vietnamese coffee in our article: Vietnamese Coffee Calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vietnamese coffee?

Vietnamese coffee is a strong and flavourful coffee, often associated with making Vietnamese coffee using a phin filter. It’s often served with sweetened condensed milk or ice.

Can I make Vietnamese coffee without condensed milk?

Absolutely! You can enjoy black Vietnamese coffee or experiment with unsweetened additions like coconut milk or almond milk.

Where can I buy Vietnamese coffee supplies?

You can purchase high-quality coffee grounds and tools like drip filter coffee bags or Vietnamese coffee sachets online.

Notable Vietnamese coffee brands such as Trung Nguyen and Nguyen Coffee Supply offer unique products that showcase innovative farming and roasting techniques.

Conclusion

Making Vietnamese coffee at home is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Whether you prefer it hot or iced, with or without condensed milk, the process allows you to savour the rich and robust flavours that make Vietnamese coffee so special. By following this guide, you’ll master the art of how to make Vietnamese coffee in no time.

For more coffee inspiration, check out our blog posts on health benefits of Vietnamese coffee and why Vietnamese coffee is so strong.