Vietnamese Coffee is one of those dishes that rewards patience and attention to detail. This recipe captures the authentic flavors that make this dish a Vietnamese staple.

Vietnamese coffee is an intensely dark, almost syrupy brew with a deep roasted bitterness that's perfectly balanced by the sweet, creamy richness of condensed milk. The phin filter extracts a full-bodied cup with a velvety mouthfeel and subtle chocolate-caramel notes, especially when using Trung Nguyen or Cafe Du Monde blends. Served over ice, it becomes a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up that's as much a ritual as a beverage — watching the slow drip through the phin is part of the experience.

Ingredients

  • 4 teaspoons (1 heaping tablespoon) Cafe Du Monde or Trung Nguyen coffee (dark roast, coarsely ground)
  • 2 teaspoons sweetened condensed milk (to taste; Longevity Brand / Sữa Ông Thọ preferred)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • Ice (for iced version)

Equipment

  • Vietnamese coffee filter (phin)
  • Heatproof glass or mug
  • Electric kettle (recommended)

Instructions

1

Boil water using an electric kettle.

2

Preheat the phin filter and cup by pouring a small amount of boiling water through the filter and into the cup. Discard this water.

3

Add 1 heaping tablespoon (about 4 teaspoons) of coffee grounds to the phin filter. Gently tap to level.

4

Place the filter press on top of the grounds. If using a screw-type filter, twist gently until it just starts to resist, then give it less than 1/8 turn more. If using a non-screw filter, simply place the disk on top.

5

Pour a tiny amount of hot water (about 2 tablespoons) into the filter to wet the grounds. Let the coffee bloom for about 30 seconds. This helps the grounds expand and traps fine particles.

6

Fill the filter to the top with remaining hot water. Place the lid on top.

7

Let the coffee drip through. Ideal brew time is 3-5 minutes. If dripping too fast, tighten the filter slightly. If too slow or stopped, loosen slightly.

8

While coffee brews, add condensed milk to your serving glass. Start with 1-2 teaspoons and adjust to taste.

9

Once brewing is complete, stir the hot coffee and condensed milk together until fully combined.

10

For iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá): Let the coffee cool slightly, then pour over a glass filled with ice.

11

For hot coffee (cà phê nóng): Serve immediately in a small cup.