What Is Vietnamese Coffee? How To Make It & Brewing Methods
By Lisa Bot | Published 8 May 2024
Origins And History Of Vietnamese Coffee
French Beginnings And Local Growth
Coffee farming started in Vietnam in 1857 when the French introduced it. This move made Vietnam one of the top coffee producers in the world, second only to Brazil. The locals took to this new crop, tweaking growing techniques to suit their land, especially in the fertile highlands around Buon Ma Thuot.
How Vietnamese Coffee Culture Grew
Today, Vietnamese coffee is much more than a morning drink — it's a key part of everyday life. Coffee shops and street-side cafes are always full, showing how much people love this tradition.
After economic changes post-war, coffee became a major export and gained international fame. Local tweaks, like adding sweetened condensed milk when fresh milk was scarce, have given Vietnamese coffee a special flavour and a deeper cultural meaning.
Now, Vietnamese coffee is not just known for its unique taste but also for representing the country's enduring spirit.
What Makes Vietnamese Coffee Different?
The Beans: Robusta And Arabica
Vietnamese coffee mainly uses robusta beans, known for their strong, nutty taste and high caffeine. Robusta beans do well in Vietnam’s lower altitudes and offer a bold flavour.
There's also arabica coffee, which is smoother and more aromatic, adding depth to Vietnam’s coffee range.
Each type of bean contributes to the distinct taste of Vietnamese coffee.
The Importance Of Sweetened Condensed Milk
Sweetened condensed milk is crucial in Vietnamese coffee, balancing the strong bitterness of the brew. Initially used because of a lack of fridges, it has become a signature ingredient.
This sweet, creamy milk makes the coffee smooth and rich, perfect for both hot and cold versions. This combination of strong coffee and sweet milk is why Vietnamese coffee stands out.
Traditional Vietnamese Brewing Methods
Understanding The Phin Filter
The phin filter is essential for making traditional Vietnamese coffee. It's a small stainless steel device with three parts:
- A bottom chamber that sits on your cup
- A plate with holes that holds the coffee grounds
- A lid to keep the heat in while brewing
You press down the coffee grounds with a removable press and then pour hot water over them. The water drips slowly through, making sure all the flavour is extracted.
The phin filter is simple but effective, showing the importance of patience in Vietnamese coffee making.
How To Enjoy Vietnamese Coffee: Hot Or Iced
In Vietnam, where it can get very hot, iced coffee is a favourite. However, hot Vietnamese coffee is just as popular and usually enjoyed slowly.
To make iced coffee, you just pour the freshly brewed coffee over a glass full of ice.
For an extra cool drink without watering it down, try using ice cubes made from coffee or condensed milk. This makes the iced coffee strong and refreshing, perfect for a quick energy boost.
How To Make Classic Vietnamese Coffee
Ingredients You'll Need For Authentic Flavors
To make genuine Vietnamese coffee, you only need a few key items.
Start with Vietnamese ground coffee — robusta varieties from brands like Trung Nguyen are popular, but arabica works too.
You'll also need sweetened condensed milk, often from brands like Longevity.
Finally, use water heated to just below boiling to bring out the coffee's strong flavours.
Using these specific ingredients will give you a true taste of Vietnamese coffee.
Step-By-Step Guide To Brewing The Perfect Cup
Ready to make Vietnamese coffee? Follow these steps for a great cup:
- Set up your phin filter on a heatproof glass or cup. This lets you see the brewing as it happens.
- Add 30 grams of coarse ground coffee to the phin. Tap the filter to even out the grounds.
- Place the press on the coffee and gently push down so it’s firm but not too tight.
- Boil water and let it cool for 15-20 seconds to reach the ideal temperature of 90°C to 96°C.
- Begin by wetting the grounds with just enough water to cover them. Let this sit for 30 seconds to let the coffee bloom, enhancing the flavour.
- Pour more hot water into the filter and cover with the lid. Allow it to drip slowly, which should take a few minutes.
- When the dripping nearly stops, remove the filter. Mix the brewed coffee with sweetened condensed milk in the glass below, stirring well.
Tip: Warm your glass with hot water before starting to keep your coffee hot as you brew.
Modern Ways To Brew Vietnamese Coffee
The Quick Espresso Method For Viet Iced Coffee
If you're in a hurry but want to enjoy Vietnamese iced coffee, try using an espresso machine.
Make one or two shots of dark roast espresso. In a glass, add sweetened condensed milk, pour the hot espresso over it, and stir well. Then add ice and stir again to cool it down and mix the flavours.
This quick method keeps the essence of Vietnamese coffee and is great for when you need a fast coffee fix or are entertaining guests.
Vietnamese Coffee With Pods And Capsules
If you like a quick and easy way to make coffee, Vietnamese coffee pods and capsules might be for you. They work with Nespresso and other pod machines and are filled with Vietnamese coffee blends. This is a handy option for the office or when you're rushed but still want that rich Vietnamese coffee flavour.
Just insert a capsule, start the machine, and soon you’ll have coffee ready to mix with sweetened condensed milk and ice if you like. This method offers a quick touch of tradition with modern convenience.
FAQs About Vietnamese Coffee
What Is The Best Type Of Coffee Bean For Vietnamese coffee?
The best coffee bean for Vietnamese coffee is usually a robusta variety. These beans are strong and can have a chocolatey or nutty taste, with more caffeine than arabica beans.
Robusta beans give Vietnamese coffee its bold and intense flavour, which goes well with sweetened condensed milk. For a true taste, try beans from Vietnam, especially the robusta from the Central Highlands, as they reflect the unique local coffee characteristics.
Can You Make Vietnamese Coffee Without A Phin Filter?
Yes, you can make Vietnamese coffee without a Phin filter. While the Phin is traditional, you can use a French press to slow brew the coffee, or a drip coffee maker with a cone filter for ease.
A Moka pot also works well as it makes a strong brew similar to what you get with a Phin. These options let you enjoy Vietnamese coffee even without the traditional gear, aiming for a strong and tasty brew.
Is Vietnamese Coffee Stronger Than Regular Coffee?
Vietnamese coffee is generally stronger than most regular coffees. This is because it often uses more coffee grounds per water and mainly uses robusta beans, which have nearly double the caffeine of arabica beans. This makes Vietnamese coffee more flavourful and much stronger in caffeine, offering a powerful drink experience.
Looking for some Vietnamese food recommendations around Sydney? Check out my Vietnamese restaurant reviews now.
