Learn how to make Vietnamese Iced Coffee at home! This drink uses sweetened condensed milk for the most rich, decadent coffee imaginable!
Years ago I was first introduced to Vietnamese Iced Coffee (cà phê sữa đá) by a friend. There are numerous Vietnamese restaurants in the DC/MD/VA area and after tasting this delicious drink once, I began traveling to get it on a regular basis. Vietnamese iced coffee is creamy, rich and gives me that great burst of energy you can only get from sugar and caffeine. Bliss! Now that I realize how simple they are to make, I can enjoy them at home whenever I please. You need a Vietnamese coffee filter, which can be found online or at most Asian markets. You also need chicory coffee, which can be found at most supermarkets. I prefer Cafe Du Monde.
Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Ingredients
- Coffee with Chicory
- Water
- Sweetened condensed milk to taste
Instructions
- Pour some sweetened condensed milk into a glass. Personally, I like this drink very sweet. I'd start with 2 tablespoons and see how you like it.
- Boil some water. Add 2 tablespoons of coffee to the filter, screw the top on and set it on top of the glass.
- Fill the filter all the way with boiling water, place the lid on, and allow the liquid to slowly drip into the sweetened condensed milk. This will take several minutes.
- Once the coffee has finished dripping, stir the mixture together and pour it into a fresh glass over ice. Enjoy!
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Recipe Troubleshooting
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thekalechronicles says
I love Vietnamese coffee — maybe I’ll ask for the thingamajig for Christmas.
dontforgetthecinnamon says
Wow I’ve never heard of this before but it sounds delicious!
blissedmicha says
mmmmmm I’d love some of this right now!
Food,Photography & France says
Beautiful photography – I think the first shot is stunning. I’m sure the coffee tastes delicious but condensed milk reminds me too much of being at boarding school in England, and I don’t want to go back to that!
Kathy says
Delicious! I absolutely love Vietnamese coffee, almost like having a bit of dessert after a meal.
fromherenow says
This sounds kind of like a beverage I love called Thai coffee. Do you know if there is any difference?
Huy-zer says
Ooh, Thai Iced Coffee is good too, but it is made quite differently. It’s not as strong as ca phe sua da (seriously, this stuff is stronger than espresso – pure rocket fuel!) and is made with sugar, evaporated milk AND condensed milk. Some recipes include additional “sweet” spices like dry ginger, cardamom, clove and/or cinnamon.
I can see from the pics that Savory Simple likes her Viet Coffee suh-weet!! If you make it the same way (about 1:1 coffee:condensed milk) it will remind you a little of Thai Iced Coffee. Someone mentioned above that they run another cup of water through the filter. That is MONEY and will yield a stronger drink with more volume.
Savory Simple says
What can I say, I love sugar :)
theunsweetie says
ooohhh I love Veitnamese coffee in the summertime, so delicious and creamy!
Yadsia says
Sugar and caffeine in the morning, I can’t imagine a bigger boots of energy. I’ve been experimenting with iced coffees lately, will try something like this.
grahammoodyGraham Moody says
Really good coffee. Try it at the Minh Tre restaurant on Irving Street in San Francisco. It’s good hot or cold. I like to drink it without stirring.
David says
When I read your post this morning, my standard venti latte suddenly seemed dull and hum drum. I’m headed to the Asian market tonight to get the filter.
Emily (roots+platters) says
Ooooooh! LOVE this! The first time I had Vietnamese coffee was in NYC at Spice Market… soo tasty and creamy. I had forgotten all about this, now that I’m back in Colorado – thanks for the reminder! I think I’ll make a cup right now! :)
cityhippyfarmgirl says
I love the whole ritual of the coffee
crazyveggiegirl says
That looks delightful! I bet that filter would make a good Christmas present for my hubby who is impossible to shop for and loves coffee!
Lauren says
How awesome is this?? I love Vietnamese coffee, but I never thought to make it myself — how simple!
Just A Smidgen says
Wow! I’ve never seen anything like this. I’m definitely going to pick up or order one of these.. it would be so rich and creamy and such a nice change from the lattes I always drink!