Recipe for Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá)

Hi, my name is Nguyễn Thị Anh and I want to take you on a journey into the world of Vietnamese coffee. I am a Vietnamese who has been living in Europe, specifically in Warsaw, where I work as an engineer, for more than a dozen years. Although I live among the streets of Warsaw, my heart still beats to the rhythm of Vietnam, and coffee remains for me a link to my homeland. I will tell you about the history and culture of Vietnamese coffee, share a recipe for my favorite iced coffee - cà phê sữa đá - and maybe encourage you to try it in Vietnam someday!

History of coffee in Vietnam

Coffee appeared in Vietnam in the 19th century thanks to the French, who established plantations in the mountainous, fertile regions of the country. It is dominated by robusta beans - intense and slightly bitter, ideal for lovers of strong flavors. Thanks to the hard work of farmers, Vietnam is today the second largest coffee exporter in the world. For me, however, coffee is not statistics, but the smell wafting over the streets that reminds me of home.

Vietnam's coffee culture

In Vietnam, coffee is more than a beverage - it's a ritual. In small cafes, we sit on plastic stools while coffee slowly drips from a metal phin filter. We are not in a hurry - we sip it while observing life: scooters, traders, daily conversations. It is often served with thick, sweet condensed milk, which balances its intensity. It's a taste of my childhood that I still carry in my heart.

Vietnamese iced coffee(cà phê sữa đá) recipe.

Here's how to make this iconic coffee at home - a simple way to transport yourself to Vietnam for a while.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of ground coffee (preferably robusta)
• 2 tablespoons of condensed milk
• Hot water (about 100 ml, just below boiling)
• A few ice cubes

Equipment:

• Vietnamese phin filter (or French press as a substitute)
• Glass

Preparation:

1. Pour 2 tablespoons of condensed milk into the bottom of the glass.
2. Pour 2 tablespoons of coffee into the phin filter, press the strainer and pour hot water (about 100 ml). Cover and wait for the coffee to slowly seep into the glass - this will take a few minutes.
3. Stir the coffee into the condensed milk until you get a uniform color.
4. Add ice cubes and you're done!

Tip:

If you don't have a phin filter, use a French press - brew the coffee 4-5 minutes, pour it into a glass with milk and add ice. The taste will be slightly different, but still delicious!

Try my recipe, and if you get the chance, visit Vietnam. Coffee tastes the best there - I promise!