Name: Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 4 teaspoons of Cafe Du Monde; 1 tablespoon; 1 cup

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever sipped a cool, creamy coffee that wakes up all your senses at once, you probably remember the first time you tried Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da. This iconic drink is bold, deeply aromatic, and perfectly balanced with the sweetness of condensed milk and the punch of robust coffee. It’s a drink I find myself craving year-round, especially when I want to bring the vibrant café culture of Vietnam right into my own kitchen. Whether savored slowly on a hot afternoon or enjoyed as a morning pick-me-up, Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da is a joy to make and an even greater joy to drink!

Vietnamese Iced Coffee - Ca Phe Sua Da Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The true magic of Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da comes from its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients that work together to create something truly special. Every component plays a starring role, so opt for the best you can find for a coffee experience you’ll want to repeat again and again.

Cafe Du Monde coffee: This iconic chicory coffee gives the classic flavor; its smoky, robust notes are the soul of Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da.
Sweetened condensed milk: Creamy and rich, it adds a velvety sweetness and perfect balance to the bold coffee.
Boiling water: Hot water is essential for extracting deep flavors from the ground coffee.
Ice: Use plenty of fresh, clean ice to make your coffee perfectly chilled and extra refreshing!

How to Make Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da

Step 1: Boil Your Water

Start by bringing your water to a rolling boil. This ensures you’ll extract every bit of flavor from the coffee, giving you a deep, aromatic base for your Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da.

Step 2: Prep Your Glass and Coffee Filter

Place a heatproof glass cup on your table and set your phin (the traditional Vietnamese coffee filter) on top. Pour some boiling water through the filter to warm both the filter and the glass. Empty the water—this small step keeps the temperature perfect for brewing.

Step 3: Add the Coffee

Measure out 4 teaspoons of Cafe Du Monde coffee and place it into your filter. This coffee, famous for its blend of chicory and robusta, sets Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da apart from anything you’ll find at your local coffee chain.

Step 4: Compact and Brew

Gently screw the filter press down to compact the grounds, but not too tight. The balance is key—too tight and the water won’t drip, too loose and your coffee might taste weak. Fill the filter with boiling water and let it drip through slowly. Watching those first rich drops fall is pure anticipation!

Step 5: Add the Sweetness

Spoon about a tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk into your glass (adjust to taste). As the coffee finishes dripping, admire the beautiful dark swirl mingling with creamy milk—it’s art in a cup.

Step 6: Ice, Ice, Baby

Now, for that signature chill: add a generous amount of ice to your glass and give everything a good stir. The instant collision of hot, strong coffee with icy coldness is what makes Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da so irresistible.

How to Serve Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da

Garnishes

For a touch of extra flair, consider topping your Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da with a sprinkle of cocoa powder, a few coffee beans, or a petite sprig of mint. These little enhancements can make your glass as beautiful as it is delicious.

Side Dishes

Pair your coffee with a light and flaky pastry, such as a croissant or a buttery Vietnamese baguette, for a treat that echoes the cozy street-café vibe. Sweet coconut desserts, like che ba mau (three-color dessert), also complement the bold flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da in mason jars for an Instagram-ready look, or try layering the condensed milk and coffee before mixing and letting your guests swirl it together themselves. For parties, set up a “coffee bar” with different syrups, toppings, and individual filters—it’s interactive and so much fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover brewed coffee, simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Don’t pre-mix it with ice; add ice only when you are ready to drink to keep flavors fresh and vibrant.

Freezing

Take your Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da to the next level by freezing brewed coffee in ice cube trays. Use these cubes in your next glass instead of regular ice to ensure a rich, undiluted flavor no matter how slowly you sip.

Reheating

If you prefer not to drink your leftover coffee cold, gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until just warm. Add the condensed milk just before serving, then pour over fresh ice for a quick and satisfying refresh.

FAQs

Can I use a different coffee instead of Cafe Du Monde?

Yes! While Cafe Du Monde is classic, you can experiment with other robust Vietnamese coffees or any dark roast with personality. The key is a rich, bold flavor to stand up to the sweetened condensed milk.

Is sweetened condensed milk necessary?

It’s traditional, and its creamy sweetness is a signature feature of Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da, but you can use dairy-free condensed milk or adjust the amount to suit your taste. Just remember, it’s what gives the drink that lush, dreamy texture.

Can I make a vegan version of Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da?

Absolutely! Look for plant-based sweetened condensed milks made from coconut or oat—you’ll still get that luscious creaminess that makes this coffee so legendary.

How do I control the coffee strength?

If you like your Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da extra strong, add more grounds to the filter or compact them a little more tightly. For a lighter drink, use fewer grounds and don’t compress too much.

What can I do if my coffee is dripping too slowly?

This usually means the grounds are packed too tightly or are ground too fine. Loosen the filter press slightly and make sure your grind is medium-coarse for the perfect drip rate.

Final Thoughts

I hope this inspires you to make Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da part of your kitchen adventures. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of that first frosty sip, and with just a few simple ingredients, you can channel cozy Hanoi mornings or Saigon sidewalk cafés anytime you wish. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love with this vibrant, timeless classic all over again.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Ca Phe Sua Da Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 10 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make a delicious and refreshing Vietnamese Iced Coffee, known as Ca Phe Sua Da. This sweet and creamy coffee drink is a popular choice for coffee lovers looking for a unique twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Coffee:

4 teaspoons of Cafe Du Monde

Sweetened Condensed Milk:

1 tablespoon

Boiling Water:

1 cup

Instructions

Boil Water: Start by boiling water in a kettle.
Prepare Filter: Place a glass cup on the table and set up the filter on top.
Warm Filter: Pour boiling water through the filter to warm it up, then remove the water.
Add Coffee: Put the Cafe Du Monde coffee into the filter.
Prepare Coffee: Twist the filter down gently to compact the coffee.
Brew Coffee: Fill the filter with boiling water and allow it to drip through.
Add Milk: Pour in sweetened condensed milk to taste.
Serve: Add ice to the coffee and enjoy!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Brewing
Cuisine: Vietnamese