Vietnamese iced coffee is a traditional Vietnamese coffee recipe. It is created using coffee roasted between medium and dark. The drink is made by passing hot water through the grounds into a cup that already contains condensed milk. To serve the drink cold, ice is added to the cup. A popular variation is cà phê s?a ?á (or nâu ?á in the North), which is iced coffee served with sweetened condensed milk. This is done by putting two to three teaspoons or more of condensed milk into the cup prior to the drip filter process. There are variations of the coffee including a black, egg coffee etc.
Here’s a deeper dive into the world of Vietnamese coffee:
Key Characteristics:
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Strong and Bold Flavor:Vietnamese coffee is renowned for its intense flavor profile, which comes from the use of robusta beans, known for their high caffeine content.
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Condensed Milk is Key:Unlike traditional coffee with fresh milk, Vietnamese coffee uses sweetened condensed milk, which balances the strong bitterness of the robusta beans, creating a rich, sweet, and creamy experience.
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Traditional Brewing Method (Phin):While modern coffee makers are available, Vietnamese coffee is traditionally brewed using a “phin” filter, a small metal drip filter that sits on top of a mug and creates a slow-drip brewing process.
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Culturally Important:Vietnamese coffee is deeply ingrained in the culture, serving as more than just a beverage; it’s a social activity and a common way to connect with friends and family.
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Ice is Standard:Vietnamese coffee is often enjoyed iced, making it a refreshing and popular choice, especially in the hot and humid climate of Vietnam.
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Robusta Dominates:Vietnam is the world’s largest producer of robusta coffee beans, and these beans are the backbone of the Vietnamese coffee industry.
Why is it so strong?
- The high caffeine content of robusta beans contributes to the strong flavor profile.
- The traditional slow-drip brewing process with the phin filter allows the coffee to fully develop and extract its flavors.
- The addition of condensed milk, while sweetening the drink, also enhances the intensity of the coffee’s flavor.