Vietnamese Iced Coffee Recipe

Vietnamese Iced Coffee Recipe Easy Home

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There’s something magical about Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá). Strong, bold, and sweetened with silky condensed milk, this drink has become a symbol of Vietnam’s café culture. At Mountain Lyon Cafe in Silverthorne, we often serve it alongside hearty breakfasts – and many guests fall in love at first sip.

In this blog, you’ll learn an authentic Vietnamese iced coffee recipe, the cultural story behind it, and how to make it at home using a traditional phin filter.

Why Vietnamese Iced Coffee?

  • Bold & Aromatic: Robusta beans create intense flavor.

  • Simple & Affordable: Just coffee, condensed milk, and ice.

  • Café Experience at Home: Brewed slowly through a stainless-steel phin filter.

  • Perfect Pairing: Goes wonderfully with pastries, muffins, or a hearty brunch.

Equipment

  • Vietnamese phin coffee filter

  • Heatproof glass

  • Spoon

Step-by-Step Vietnamese Iced Coffee Recipe Easy Home

1. Prepare the Glass

Pour 2 tablespoons of condensed milk into a tall glass.

2. Assemble the Phin Filter

Place 2 tbsp of ground coffee into the phin filter. Gently tap to level. Put the gravity press on top.

3. Bloom the Coffee

Pour a small splash (about 20ml) of hot water into the phin. Wait 30 seconds – this allows the coffee to “bloom.”

4. Brew Slowly

Fill the phin with boiling water to the top. Place the lid on.
The coffee will drip slowly (4–5 minutes) into the glass with condensed milk.

5. Stir Well

When dripping stops, remove the filter. Stir the strong coffee with condensed milk until combined.

6. Add Ice

Fill the glass with ice cubes. Stir again.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee Recipe

Read more: How to Find Sustainable Coffee Beans Online?

Nutrition (per serving)

  • Calories: 180 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 28g

  • Protein: 3g

  • Fat: 5g

  • Sugar: 22g

Cultural Background

In Vietnam, coffee is more than a drink – it’s a lifestyle. Street cafés in Hanoi and Saigon serve cà phê sữa đá from morning until late night. Unlike American drip coffee, this brew is slow, rich, and meditative.

Tips for Best Results

  • Use robusta beans for authentic strong flavor.

  • Never skip the condensed milk – regular milk won’t create the same balance.

  • Want it stronger? Reduce the ice or add an extra spoon of coffee grounds.

Affiliate Recommendations

  • Vietnamese Phin Filter – stainless steel, reusable, eco-friendly.

  • Sweetened Condensed Milk – Longevity Brand (classic choice in Vietnam).

  • Vietnamese Coffee Beans – Trung Nguyen, Chestbrew, or Nguyen Coffee Supply.

 Conclusion

This Vietnamese iced coffee recipe brings the authentic taste of Vietnam into your kitchen. Simple, bold, and refreshing – it’s the perfect drink to enjoy with breakfast or as an afternoon pick-me-up.

At Mountain Lyon Cafe in Silverthorne, we serve it to remind guests of travel, tradition, and togetherness. Now you can create the same experience at home.

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