Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá) Recipe

Name: Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)
Prep time: 2 min
Total time: 8 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp medium-to-coarse ground dark roast Vietnamese coffee (like Trung Nguyen); 2-3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk; Hot water (just off the boil); Ice

Posted by

mugmee

September 8, 2025

On August 31, 2025

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Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)

Region: Vietnam 🇻🇳

Total Time: 8 minutes (includes drip time)

Indulgence: ☕️☕️☕️ (Rich)

The Story:

Born from a combination of French colonial influence (the use of dark roast coffee and condensed milk) and Vietnamese innovation (the unique Phin filter), Cà Phê Sữa Đá is a national icon. It's a drink of contrast: strong vs. sweet, slow drip vs. quick pour over ice. It's designed to be both a caffeine jolt and a sweet treat, often enjoyed slowly while socializing.

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Prep Time 2

Brewing time 6

Total Time 8

Course: Drinks

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

2 tbsp medium-to-coarse ground dark roast Vietnamese coffee (like Trung Nguyen)
2-3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
Hot water (just off the boil)
Ice

Equipment

1 Vietnamese Phin filter

Method

Add the condensed milk to a glass.
Place the Phin filter on top. Add coffee grounds, screw the press down gently, and pour a little hot water to "bloom" for 20 seconds.
Fill the filter chamber with water and let it slowly drip (4-5 minutes).
Once dripped, stir the coffee and condensed milk together.
Pour over a glass full of ice.
Pro Tip: The slow drip is crucial. If you don't have a Phin, use ¼ cup of very strong French press or espresso coffee.