How to Make the Perfect Vietnamese Coffee (Cafe Sua Da)
The Origins of Coffee in Vietnam and the Cafe Sua Da
Coffee was introduced to Vietnam during French rule around 1857 and has since evolved into a staple drink and crop with Vietnam ranked as the world’s second-largest exporter of coffee beans around the world.
In Vietnam, coffee is an experience to be savored and enjoyed. There are several styles of Vietnamese coffee to experience and enjoy like the delicious Coconut Coffee, Egg Coffee, Salted Coffee and more!
Today we’ll focus on the traditional Vietnamese coffee drink, Cafe Su Da or Cà Phê Sua Dá. After the first sip, you’ll understand why it’s won over so many with its sweet and strong character. This Vietnamese coffee drink is not for the faint of heart as often uses strong, local Robusta beans and a bit of condensed milk.
First time Cafe Sua Da drinkers will often share that they will feel the difference when they drink local Vietnamese coffee and it’s true. When you sip on your first Cafe Sua Da, you may feel the adrenaline racing through your veins with this potent Vietnamese morning coffee ritual because it is packed with caffeine.
Fun Fact: Vietnamese coffee is made with 100% Robusta coffee beans which has many different characteristics from the more commonly used Arabica internationally. The one thing you need to know about Robusta: its caffeine content which is double that of Arabica. Coffee lovers everywhere, prepare yourselves.
Are you ready to learn how to make the perfect Vietnamese coffee — the one, the only Cafe Sua Da? Here’s what you’re going to need.
Ingredients:
Condensed milk (sweetened)
Robusta coffee (medium coarse grind)
Ice
The Tools:
Phin filter
2 glasses (one short, one tall)
Long spoon
Straw
A Phin filter is somewhat similar to a traditional French Press coffee filter. It is made of 3 parts: the pot, the press, and the lid. Naturally, there are a few differences on how you use it, that we’ll get to in the how to.
THE PROCESS
Take a tall glass cup and fill it up with 2 tablespoons of condensed milk
Boil your water
Put 2-3 spoons of ground coffee into the Phin filter depending on how strong you like your coffee. Spread it out evenly and press it down using the press.
Place the Phin coffee filter over the short glass cup
Pour hot water into the Phin coffee filter and fill it up to the top. Close the lid.
Wait patiently as the water flows over the ground coffee and filters into the glass.
If it is going too slowly for you, you can use a spoon to loosen the press. If it is dripping too fast, tighten the press.
After a few minutes, the dripping coffee will stop and you will have yourself your first cup of Vietnamese coffee. Insider tip: before adding the condensed milk, it’s called a Cà Phê Đen (Vietnamese black coffee). If you aren’t a fan of milk or just prefer your coffee black, this is the way to go. But, watch out - it’s strong!
Next, put lots of ice in the tall glass with the condensed milk. Then, pour your freshly brewed Vietnamese coffee into the cup and prepare to enjoy.
But first, throw in the long spoon and straw for the last touch and give it a good stir. Now, you’ve made your first Vietnamese coffee! Pretty easy, right?
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT VIETNAMESE COFFEE
With this delicious Vietnamese coffee drink, the Ca Phe Sua Da, the condensed milk will mix together to create a milky, caramel color that looks as smooth as it tastes. There is a reason that Vietnamese coffee, and especially the Ca Phe Su Da (Cafe Su Da), is so loved around the world — it’s delicious!
Now you can enjoy making a Vietnamese coffee at home!
If you’re visiting Vietnam, you’ll definitely want to check out some of our favorite coffee shops, hidden gems and Secret spaces around the country. Want to know where to go? Just ask us and we’ll give you our Secrets. :)
Updated 29 Sept 2023 /
Original content by Arlinda Fasliu and Jake Nolan for Secret EATS Vietnam 2019.