Authentic Ca Phe Sua Da Recipe: A Taste of Vietnam’s Coffee Culture

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!

Jump to Recipe

Learn how to make Ca Phe Sua Da with our step-by-step video guide.

Hey there, coffee lovers! 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 with Mangoes and Palm Trees. Pronounced “café soo-da,” this iconic Vietnamese iced coffee blends bold Robusta coffee with creamy sweetened condensed milk, served over ice for a refreshing treat (~150 kcal per serving). During a family adventure in Da Nang, Natalia and I savored this gem at The Rabbit Hole, a cozy cafe at 19 An Thượng 29, Ngũ Hành Sơn, where the rich aroma and chilled sweetness captivated us. Our son, Victor, sketched the My Khe Beach waves while sipping a mango smoothie, making it a cherished moment. Guided by local barista Minh’s expertise, this recipe brings Vietnam’s coffee culture to your kitchen. Explore more coffee delights at our Coffee Recipes or dive into Vietnamese cuisine with our Asia Travel Guides. Got questions? Reach out via our Contact Us page.

---

Why This Ca Phe Sua Da is a Family Favorite

This ca phe sua da recipe is more than a drink—it’s a cultural treasure that brings Vietnam’s vibrant coffee scene to our home. Our family fell in love with it at The Rabbit Hole in Da Nang, where barista Minh’s passion for the phin filter inspired us. Natalia cherishes its creamy sweetness, while Victor loves the ritual of stirring the ice. It’s a refreshing escape that evokes Da Nang’s coastal charm, making it a cherished part of our culinary journey, perfect for morning boosts or balmy afternoons.

A Taste of Our Travels

From Hanoi’s historic cafes to Da Nang’s beachside haunts, Ca Phe Sua Da is a testament to Vietnam’s coffee ingenuity, born during French colonial times when milk was scarce (Vinpearl). Minh called it “a sip of Vietnam’s soul,” a social ritual that connects people. Every glass feels like a moment by the Han River, sharing stories with locals.

The Health Benefits in Every Sip

This ca phe sua da offers a delightful boost:

• Caffeine Kick: ~100mg per serving enhances alertness and focus (Healthline).
• Antioxidants: Robusta beans may support heart health when consumed moderately.
• Moderation Tip: With ~150 calories and 20g sugar, enjoy as a treat or use less condensed milk for a lighter version (~100 kcal).

Pair with our Healthy Meal Plans for balanced nutrition.

A Note from Oliver on Ingredients

Quality ingredients make this drink shine. Vietnamese Robusta coffee, brewed with a phin filter, delivers bold, nutty flavors that pair perfectly with creamy condensed milk—a balance I learned from Minh in Da Nang. His tip: “Choose fresh, medium-ground beans for a smooth drip.” For the best brew, try Trung Nguyen Coffee or Highlands Coffee.

---

A Da Nang Coffee Adventure

One sunny afternoon in Da Nang, Natalia and I explored the city’s vibrant coastal charm, with our 8-year-old son, Victor, sketching the My Khe Beach waves in his notebook. The salty breeze led us to The Rabbit Hole, a cozy cafe at 19 An Thượng 29, Ngũ Hành Sơn. As we settled into the airy patio, the rich aroma of Ca Phe Sua Da enveloped us. While Victor savored his mango smoothie, Natalia and I sipped the bold, nutty coffee softened by creamy condensed milk and chilled over ice—a tropical embrace. Minh, the barista, demonstrated the phin filter’s slow drip, turning coffee grounds into liquid gold, captivating us all. This moment inspired our authentic ca phe sua da recipe.

Ca Phe Sua Da on the table at The Rabbit Hole, capturing Da Nang’s coastal vibe.

The History of 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). Locals used sweetened condensed milk, creating a creamy contrast to robust Robusta coffee brewed with a phin filter. This innovation became a cultural icon, enjoyed from Hanoi’s historic cafes to Ho Chi Minh City’s modern coffee houses and Da Nang’s beachside haunts. In Da Nang, it’s a daily ritual, sipped by locals watching fishing boats (The Secret Eats).

Mastering the Phin Filter

The phin filter, a metal drip brewer, is the soul of an authentic ca phe sua da recipe, delivering a rich, concentrated brew. Its 4–5-minute drip process extracts bold, nutty notes from Robusta beans (Phin Coffee Hoi An). Minh emphasized, “The phin teaches patience—let it drip slowly for magic.” Without a phin, a French press or pour-over can substitute, using a 1:1.5 coffee-to-water ratio (Copper Cow Coffee). See our Recommended Products for quality phin filters.

Choosing the Perfect Coffee Beans

Vietnamese dark roast coffee, such as Trung Nguyen or Highlands Coffee, is ideal, delivering a robust, nutty flavor. Robusta beans, grown in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, provide the bold taste and high caffeine (~100mg per serving) that define this drink. If unavailable, any dark roast works, but prioritize medium-ground beans for the phin filter to ensure a smooth drip. Minh’s advice—select quality beans—guides this recipe for cafe-style perfection.

Variations and Customizations

Elevate your ca phe sua da recipe with these creative twists:

• Vegan Ca Phe Sua Da: Swap condensed milk for condensed coconut milk for a dairy-free, tropical flavor.
• Spiced Delight: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for a warm, aromatic note.
• Frappe Style: Blend with ice for a frothy, smoothie-like drink.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use 1 tbsp condensed milk or a sugar-free alternative for fewer calories (~100 kcal).

Serving Suggestions (The Mayerhoffer Way)

We love making Ca Phe Sua Da a cozy ritual for Victor. Serve in a tall glass over ice, stirred for a creamy texture, perfect for Da Nang’s balmy days or a morning boost. Pair with Vietnamese dishes like our Traditional Vietnamese Pho or a coconut macaroon for a tropical treat. For a coastal vibe, enjoy with traditional Vietnamese iced tea, as we did at The Rabbit Hole, complementing the coffee’s richness.

Pairing Ca Phe Sua Da with traditional Vietnamese iced tea for a complete experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Ca Phe Sua Da unique?

It blends bold Robusta coffee with sweetened condensed milk, brewed with a phin filter for a creamy, refreshing flavor.

Can I use instant coffee for Ca Phe Sua Da?

Instant coffee works but lacks the depth of ground beans. Opt for a dark roast for better flavor.

How do I make Ca Phe Sua Da without a phin filter?

Brew strong coffee (2 tbsp grounds to 3 oz water) with a French press or pour-over, then mix with condensed milk and ice (Phin Coffee Hoi An).

Is Ca Phe Sua Da healthy?

It offers caffeine and antioxidants but is high in sugar (~20g per serving). Use less condensed milk for a lighter drink.

How do I store condensed milk?

Refrigerate opened condensed milk in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Recommended Products for Ca Phe Sua Da

To make the perfect Ca Phe Sua Da, you’ll need high-quality Vietnamese coffee beans and a phin filter. Here are our top picks:

• Whole Coffee Beans Best Sellers - Top-rated whole beans, perfect for grinding fresh. Look for Trung Nguyen.
• Ground Coffee Beans Best Sellers - Convenient ground coffee, including Vietnamese varieties.
• Vietnamese Phin Coffee Filter Set 1 - A highly-rated phin filter for authentic brewing.
• Vietnamese Phin Coffee Filter Set 2 - Another excellent choice with positive reviews.
• Vietnamese Phin Coffee Filter Set 3 - Complete your coffee setup with this quality filter.

Let’s Make It Together!

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. Perfect for coffee lovers or anyone craving a taste of Vietnam, it’s easy to make and endlessly shareable. Try it, share your creations with #MangoesAndPalmTreesCoffee by emailing team@mangoesandpalmtrees.com, and explore more at our Coffee Recipes or Personality Quiz Hub. Buon appetito!