When I first visited Vietnam in the mid-90s it was impossible to get any coffee except the traditional dark roast dripped into a cup of sweetened condensed milk from a small aluminium filter called a phin. As I don’t have a sweet tooth it took some getting used to, but once I discovered Vietnamese iced coffee I was a lot happier. Like so many ingredients, coffee was introduced to Vietnam by the French (see coconut creme caramel video below for more French influence). Now Vietnam is second only to Brazil in coffee production, with huge coffee plantations throughout the central highlands. Vietnamese coffee is made from Robusta beans (unlike Italian which is Arabica), in Australia you can order it online from Tram at The Coffee Bitch (she’ll even send you a free phin with it)!

Serves 1

Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons ground Vietnamese coffee
  • Boiling water
  • Ice cubes
  • 2 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
Method
  1. Place coffee in a Vietnamese coffee filter over a cup and use the tamper to press it down firmly.
  2. Add about 2 teaspoons of boiling water and leave it for 30 seconds or so to soak in.
  3. Add boiling water to the top of the filter, cover with the lid and leave it for 3-5 minutes to drip through.
  4. Place plenty of ice into a tall glass.
  5. Add condensed milk.
  6. Pour coffee over the ice cubes and serve.

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Coconut Crème Caramel

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FAQ

How is traditional Vietnamese coffee made? How do the Vietnamese make coffee?

Traditional Vietnamese coffee is a dark roast dripped into a cup of sweetened condensed milk from a small aluminium filter called a phin.

What's the name of the filter used to make Vietnamese coffee?

Vietnamese coffee is made by dripping hot water through coffee in a small aluminium filter called a phin.

Why is Vietnamese coffee sweet?

Traditional Vietnamese coffee is dripped into a cup of sweetened condensed milk as refrigeration wasn’t always available to preserve fresh milk.

What makes Vietnamese coffee different from regular coffee?

Vietnamese coffee beans are roasted darker than regular coffee and sweetened condensed milk is always added.

What sort of coffee beans are used in Vietnamese coffee?

Answer 2

Who introduced coffee to Vietnam?

Like so many ingredients, coffee was introduced to Vietnam by the French.

Does Vietnam produce coffee? Does coffee grow in Vietnam?

Vietnam is second only to Brazil in coffee production, with huge coffee plantations throughout the Central Highlands.

Where is coffee grown in Vietnam?

Vietnam has huge coffee plantations throughout the Central Highlands.

Where can I get Vietnamese coffee beans in Australia?

In Australia you can order Vietnamese coffee beans online from Tram at The Coffee Bitch (she’ll even send you a free phin with it) – or shop in person at Eastland Supermarket in Cabramatta.

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