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Authentic Ca Phe Sua Da Recipe (Vietnamese Iced Coffee)
Experience the bold, refreshing taste of Vietnam’s iconic Ca Phe Sua Da with our family’s authentic recipe, inspired by a vibrant day in Da Nang and ready in just 10 minutes! This is the only guide you'll need to master it at home.
From My Journal: A Taste of Da Nang's Coffee Culture
I’m Oliver, and I’m thrilled to share an authentic ca phe sua da recipe inspired by a vibrant day in Da Nang’s Hai Chau district. During a family adventure, Natalia and I savored this gem at The Rabbit Hole, a cozy cafe where the rich aroma and chilled sweetness captivated us. As a chef, I was fascinated by the simplicity and perfect balance. Guided by local barista Minh’s expertise, I've perfected this recipe to bring Vietnam’s rich coffee culture from our travels directly to your kitchen.
Why This is the BEST Ca Phe Sua Da Recipe
- Truly Authentic: This recipe is based on techniques learned directly from a local barista in Da Nang, ensuring a genuine taste.
- Perfectly Balanced: I'll show you how to achieve the ideal ratio of strong coffee to sweet milk for that signature flavor.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, making it the perfect morning boost or afternoon treat.
- A Taste of Our Travels: This recipe is a direct result of our family's first-hand experience in Vietnam.
The Secret to Perfect Ca Phe Sua Da
Ca Phe Sua Da, meaning “iced milk coffee,” emerged in the 19th century during French colonial rule when fresh milk was scarce (Wikipedia). The secret lies in two key components:
1. The Coffee: Strong and Bold
You must use a strong, dark roast coffee, preferably a Vietnamese Robusta blend like Trung Nguyen. Its bold, nutty flavor is essential to stand up to the sweet condensed milk. Brewing with a traditional Vietnamese Phin Filter is non-negotiable for authenticity. The slow drip process, as barista Minh taught us, "teaches patience and creates magic," extracting a rich, concentrated brew you can't get from other methods.
2. The Milk: Sweet and Creamy
Sweetened condensed milk is the other half of the magic. It provides the perfect creamy texture and sweetness to balance the coffee's intensity. The brand doesn't matter as much as the ratio, which we've perfected in the recipe below.
Video: How to Make Ca Phe Sua Da
Watch our step-by-step video guide to see the phin filter in action and learn how to make the perfect Ca Phe Sua Da.
Authentic Ca Phe Sua Da
A refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee featuring bold Robusta coffee brewed with a phin filter, mixed with creamy sweetened condensed milk, and served over ice.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes | Servings: 1
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp ground dark roast coffee (preferably Vietnamese Robusta)
- 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 3-4 oz hot water (195°F–205°F)
- 1 cup ice cubes
My Recommended Kitchen Tools
- Vietnamese Phin Coffee Filter Set
- Digital Kitchen Scale (for precision)
- A clear glass for brewing and serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Phin Filter: Place the phin filter over a clear glass. Add 2 tbsp of ground coffee and shake gently to level it. Lightly screw on the filter press until it just makes contact with the coffee.
- Add Condensed Milk: Pour 2 tbsp of sweetened condensed milk into the bottom of the glass.
- Bloom the Coffee: Pour about 1 tbsp of hot water (195°F–205°F) over the filter press to allow the coffee grounds to bloom (expand). Wait 30 seconds.
- Brew the Coffee: Fill the phin with the remaining 2–3 oz of hot water, cover with the lid, and let it drip. This should take 4–5 minutes.
- Stir and Serve: Once the dripping stops, remove the phin filter. Stir the coffee and condensed milk together vigorously until smooth and uniform in color. Fill a separate tall glass with ice, and pour the coffee mixture over the ice. Enjoy immediately.
Serving Suggestions (The Mayerhoffer Way)
Serve in a tall glass with plenty of ice and a long spoon for stirring. For a true Vietnamese cafe experience, pair it with a small glass of unsweetened iced tea (trà đá) to cleanse the palate between sips. It's the perfect refreshing complement to our Traditional Vietnamese Pho.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's the combination of intensely strong Robusta coffee brewed in a phin filter and creamy, sweet condensed milk. The balance is unlike any other iced coffee.
You can, but it will not have the same depth or authentic flavor. For the best results, use a dark roast ground coffee and a phin filter.
You can brew a very strong coffee using a French press or an Aeropress. Use a higher coffee-to-water ratio (about 1:8) to create a concentrated shot similar to what a phin produces.
Conclusion
This authentic ca phe sua da recipe transports you to Da Nang’s vibrant coast, where coffee is a way of life. Inspired by our magical moment at The Rabbit Hole, it blends bold Robusta coffee with creamy sweetness for a refreshing treat. Try it, share your creations with #MangoesAndPalmTreesCoffee, and explore more at our Coffee Recipes or have fun with our Personality Quiz Hub. Happy brewing!
