Bold drip coffee with sweetened condensed milk over ice
Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
5 min
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1
1 glass
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Bold drip coffee with sweetened condensed milk over ice
★4.5(19)
Intensely strong, darkly roasted Vietnamese coffee brewed through a phin filter and swirled with sweetened condensed milk over ice. The ultimate caffeinated indulgence.
5m
Prep Time
5m
Cook Time
10m
Total Time
1
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Ca phe sua da is Vietnam's gift to coffee culture — a slow-drip brew using a tiny metal phin filter that produces an incredibly concentrated, bold coffee. Mixed with sweet condensed milk and poured over ice, it is liquid energy.
Asian cuisine encompasses an incredible diversity of techniques and flavors. This recipe draws on time-tested methods to create something truly delicious.
The flavors in this dish reflect centuries of culinary tradition, adapted for the modern home kitchen. What makes Vietnamese Iced Coffee special is the balance — every element serves a purpose, and the interplay between ingredients creates something greater than any single component. With the right technique and a few key ingredients, you can achieve restaurant-quality results at home.
The best breakfasts feel effortless but taste exceptional. The secret is preparation — have your ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking, get your pan to the right temperature, and work with confidence. Morning cooking rewards speed and decisiveness.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Vietnamese dark-roast ground coffee
- 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 6 oz boiling water
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 phin filter (Vietnamese drip filter)
- A tall glass
Instructions
- 1
Add condensed milk to the bottom of a tall glass.
- 2
Place phin filter on top of the glass. Add coffee grounds and gently press with the filter screen.
- 3
Pour a small amount of hot water to bloom the grounds for 20 seconds, then fill the phin with remaining water.
- 4
Wait 4-5 minutes for the coffee to drip through completely.
- 5
Remove the phin, stir the coffee and condensed milk together, then pour over a glass full of ice.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Serve alongside fresh fruit and your favorite morning beverage
Substitutions
Phin filterFrench press (brewed extra strong)
Similar full-immersion extraction
Condensed milkOat milk + sugar
Vegan alternative, though the texture differs
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use Vietnamese-brand coffee (Trung Nguyen or Cafe Du Monde chicory blend) for the most authentic flavor.
Adjust condensed milk to taste — 2 tablespoons is standard but go up or down to your preference.
Preheat your pan or griddle properly. An evenly heated surface is the difference between golden perfection and uneven cooking.
Room temperature eggs cook more evenly than cold ones. Pull them from the fridge 15 minutes before cooking.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and recipe name.
Reheating
Not applicable — this is an iced drink. For hot version, skip the ice.
Recipe Notes from Our Kitchen
Editor's Note
Editor's note: This recipe works beautifully for weekend meal prep. Make a full batch, store portions in the fridge, and you have stress-free breakfasts ready for the next several mornings.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (10mg) · 1 servings
Calories120
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein2g
Carbohydrates3g
Fat22g
Fiber45mg
Sugar0g
Sodium20g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a phin filter?
- It produces the best results, but a French press or strong drip brew can substitute in a pinch.
- Can I use regular coffee?
- Yes, but use a dark roast and brew it very strong. Vietnamese coffee beans are typically robusta, which is bolder than arabica.
- Can I make this for a crowd?
- This recipe scales well for groups. Double or triple as needed and keep finished portions warm in a 200 degree oven while you cook the rest.
- Can I prep this the night before?
- Many components can be prepared ahead. Batters can rest in the fridge overnight, and cooked items reheat well in a 350 degree oven for 5 to 10 minutes.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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