Exploring Vietnamese Coffee Culture
“It’s amazing how the world begins to change through the eyes of a cup of coffee.”
Mornings at Tigit Motorbikes Ho Chi Minh are filled with the clinking of iced coffee glasses. Staff enjoy their favorite blends—some prefer it black, others sweet. Ca Phe Sua Da , Vietnam’s iconic iced milk coffee, is my go-to choice.
Classic Ca Phe Sua Da
Vietnamese coffee relies on Robusta beans —intense, nutty, and highly caffeinated, perfectly paired with sweetened condensed milk. Traditional cafes often serve complimentary tea while your coffee brews.
As coffee culture evolves, roasters blend Robusta with Arabica, Culi, and other varieties. My preferred morning mix is 60% Vietnamese Robusta and 40% Arabica.
Where Coffee Grows in Vietnam
Vietnam’s Central Highlands produce 80% of its coffee, with Arabica mostly from Lam Dong and northern regions. Must-visit highland cities include:
- Dalat: Known for its high altitude, cool climate, and artistic hillside cafes.
- Buon Ma Thuot: The coffee capital with red basalt soil, Trung Nguyen village, and the World Coffee Museum.
- Pleiku: In Gia Lai, where coffee is deeply tied to culture and tradition.
How to Brew Ca Phe Sua Da at Home
Ingredients
- 25g Vietnamese coffee grounds (e.g., Trung Nguyen, Laviet)
- 20–40g sweetened condensed milk
- Ice cubes
- Hot water (90–96°C)
Tools
- Vietnamese Phin filter (lid, body, press, base)
- Glass and spoon
- Another glass for serving
Steps
- Boil water, let it cool slightly (1 minute).
- Add 25g coffee to phin and shake to level grounds.
- Gently press with gravity filter.
- Add 20–40g sweetened condensed milk to a glass.
- Bloom coffee with 20ml hot water (wait 1–2 mins).
- Pour 50–60ml water and wait 5–7 mins for it to drip.
- Stir coffee with milk, taste, and adjust sweetness.
- Pour over ice in a second glass and enjoy.
Vietnamese Phin Filter Set
Tips
- Adjust water for strength.
- Espresso shot is a fast alternative.
- Avoid plastic or paper cups for pure taste.
- Use spent coffee grounds for plant fertilizer.
Recycle coffee grounds for houseplants
Final Thoughts
For me, Ca Phe Sua Da is more than a drink—it’s a ritual of relaxation and mindfulness. Watching each drip from the filter, waiting for the perfect balance of strong and sweet, is meditative. Whether brewed at home or bought from a local vendor, it starts my day at Tigit Motorbikes with joy.
