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    Home >> Recipes >> Asian

    Vietnamese Iced Coffee - Ca Phe Sua Da

    Modified: Jul 23, 2025 · Published: May 6, 2018 by Analida · • Word count:931 words. • About 5 minutes to read this article. • This post may contain affiliate links ·

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    Vietnam has a huge coffee culture and I love it! Vietnamese ice coffee or ca phe sua da is a favorite summer treat with a kick of espresso. This is a popular coffee drink served all over Hanoi. You can learn how to make this recipe and use a Vietnamese phin coffee maker. #coffee #caphesuada #espresso #icecoffee #summerdrinks #hanoicoffee #vietnamcoffee | ethnicspoon.com

    Another Vietnamese coffee recipe: Vietnamese Iced Coffee. Yes, it is sweet, indeed. The name is ca phe sua da. Basically it's iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk. There certainly are a lot of coffee recipes in Vietnam!

    Here is something you must know...

    A typical street scene in Hanoi with lots of coffee shops! Here is where you can go to have a Vietnamese iced coffee: ca phe sua da. | ethnicspoon.com

    There are usually three or more coffee shops on every block in Hanoi. Table and chairs range from child-sized plastic stools to bamboo to hightop fancy tables. Coffee does not age discriminate in Vietnam. Students go to trendy, bustling shops. Office workers to lounge style places, and the older generation prefers the long-lived local establishments.

    two cups of vietnamese iced coffee with sunflower seeds

    No matter the style of shop, or time of day, you can find Hanoians sipping this steadfast drink: ca phe sua da. This lovely libation is served in a short, clear glass with an oversized ice cube, Vietnamese espresso floats on top of a layer of sweetened condensed milk. Heaven in a glass!

    You'll get a spoon to stir the sweet condensed milk into the strong coffee. The combination of the coffee and the sweetened condensed milk creates a perfect flavor balance. For a Vietnamese coffee newbie, it's best to sip slowly and let the ice melt a bit. The taste won't be overwhelmingly sweet, but rather have light caramel notes.

    two vietnamese iced coffees on white plates with sunflower seeds

    How to make Vietnamese Iced Coffee

    Depending on the shop, your coffee will be presented differently. At a traditional shop, your coffee will arrive with the phin, the Vietnamese version of a French press. This is a metal filter, the size of an espresso cup. The bottom has perforations and inside is a filter/press. Place coffee at the bottom of the metal cup. Drop in the press, and pour your hot water.  Gravity takes care of the rest.. The entire process takes about 10 minutes. If the place you are at serves it in a clear glass, you can see your coffee brewing as the sides of the cup bead with steam.  There is certainly more pause in this method of enjoying coffee.

    If you don't own a phin, not to worry. A French Press will do just fine. 

    Here are the steps to make Vietnamese coffee in a phin. Add the coffee to the phin, drop in the press and pour boiling water and the coffee drips into a container underneath. | ethnicspoon.com

    Vietnamese Coffee Culture

    You can find people of all ages sipping their sua da and nibbling on sunflower seeds, without a care in the world. A short stroll down any given street and you'll see piles of sunflower shells scattered about under tables, the aftermath of an afternoon well spent.

    I am sure by now you've gathered that coffee is an integral part of Hanoi's way of life. The Vietnamese enjoy coffee; by this I mean, they really enjoy it. They sit down with friends, sip, and nibble on sunflower seeds, share their time. Having a cup of coffee with friends is a very social affair. It's an aspect of their culture that I find truly charming. Now I understand the piles of sunflower seed shell and the carefree looks on the faces of coffee shop patrons.

    Coffee Culture in Hanoi

    Hanoi's coffee culture, however, has not always had a nice aspect to it. It all began with the French colonists in Indochina. They started the first coffee plantations in the late 19th century, and forced local peasants into labor. Hanoi's initial coffee shops were frequented only by the wealthy foreign residents. Slowly though, the drink became popular among all of the city's residents.

    a spoon adding condensed milk to a glass of coffee

    This coffee is indeed strong. My daughter has often joked that the coffee is strong enough to power her moped. After my first taste I believed her. I remember my first cup at breakfast at the hotel. Wow! One sip and I was wide awake. As a person who usually drinks 2 cups in the morning, I couldn't imagine drinking more than one cup of this iced coffee.

    This recipe will yield two servings.  To brew your espresso, if you have an espresso maker, feel free to use it. You can also use a French press, or even the regular drip coffee maker. Now if you have a Vietnamese phin , by all means.

     

    If you want to try more Vietnamese dishes here are some to checkout or bookmark for later.

    Bo Sot Vang is a Vietnamese beef stew  that will blow your beef stew out of the water. 

    Chả Giò are Vietnamese Spring Rolls made with mushrooms, noodles, tofu and herbs. Dunk them in a tangy sauce. My version is vegetarian. 

    Bun cha: Vietnamese pork meatballs are served with a delicious golden broth, a variety of fresh herbs, greens, and rice noodles.

    Vietnamese coconut braised pork (Thit Kho Tau) is slow cooked, tender, salty and sweet.

    You have to finish off your meal with a traditional Vietnamese Egg Coffee or ca phe trung (cà phê trứng)  a Hanoi espresso with a sweet meringue like topping.   There is also Vietnamese coconut coffee as another sweet coffee drink to enjoy after a meal.

    This post contains affiliate links. Ethnic Spoon might receive a small commission when you shop the retail links in this post. 

    Looking for more recipes?  
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    Cold coffee drink are popular during the hot summers in Vietnam and I think you’ll enjoy. Ca phe sua da is easy to make at home too! Espresso, ice and some sweetened condensed milk are all you need. | ethnicspoon.com

    Vietnamese Iced Coffee

    Vietnamese Iced Coffee or ca phe su da is what Hanoians go to when the mercury goes up. It's sweet, cold, and delicious. So easy to make at home. Sweetened condensed milk, espresso, and ice, that's it! 
    4.89 from 18 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Beverage
    Cuisine: Vietnamese
    Keyword: espresso, Hanoi
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 2 servings
    Calories: 74kcal
    Author: Analida Braeger

    Ingredients

    • 2 Tbsp sweetened condensed milk
    • 8 oz espresso brewed
    • 8 ice cubes

    Instructions

    • Place 1 tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk in each glass. 
    • Add 2-4 ice cubes to each glass. 
    • Pour in 4 oz of espresso.
    • Stir well to combine thoroughly.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 74kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 44mg | Potassium: 204mg | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 55IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 0.1mg

     

     

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    586 shares
    • 74

    Comments

    1. Kimberly says

      May 09, 2018 at 12:34 am

      Wow!!! Now I need to make that immediately!

      Reply
      • Analida says

        May 09, 2018 at 4:04 pm

        I think you would like it Kimberly. It's pretty refreshing.

        Reply
    2. Pally says

      May 11, 2018 at 4:48 pm

      5 stars
      With another Vietnamese coffee recipe, I guess its now obvious that Vietnam is a place to visit and also partake in one of the coffee recipe.

      Reply
      • Analida says

        May 11, 2018 at 5:07 pm

        I Love Vietnamese coffee, it is so delicious and rich. Yes, Vietnam is a place to visit; we can't wait to go back. Thanks for the 5 star rating. you are so kind. 🙂

        Reply
    3. Gloria says

      May 14, 2018 at 5:30 pm

      5 stars
      Oh man....we are such coffee fanatics. This looks amazing. I have heard about Vietnamese coffee, but have never tried it. Now I really need too.

      Reply
      • Analida says

        May 14, 2018 at 6:31 pm

        Hi Gloria, try it. It is really good, not to mention that it has quite a kick! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Elaine @ Dishes Delish says

      May 15, 2018 at 7:18 am

      5 stars
      I have to try this Vietnamese iced coffee! It looks so refreshing and delicious! It's the perfect season for it now that it's spring! I can't wait to try it!

      Reply
      • Analida says

        May 15, 2018 at 4:46 pm

        Elaine, I think you need to try it out.

        Reply
    5. Sharon says

      May 15, 2018 at 9:42 am

      5 stars
      You have convinced me that I have to try Vietnamese coffee as soon as possible. This cup of coffee looks so incredible and sweet, just like I love it.

      Reply
      • Analida says

        May 15, 2018 at 4:48 pm

        Sharon, I think you need to try it. I also think you will love it.

        Reply
    6. Dominique | Perchance to Cook says

      May 17, 2018 at 1:20 pm

      I have never used condensed milk in my coffee. I've actually only used it to make keylime pie! haha I love the idea to use it here though. It sounds soooo creamy!

      Reply
      • Analida says

        May 17, 2018 at 6:16 pm

        It is indeed creamy Dominique. I have to be honest, before this recipe I had only used condensed milk in baking. This coffee is dreamy and creamy 🙂

        Reply
    7. Kelli Kerkman says

      May 17, 2018 at 8:24 pm

      This looks ah-mazing! I love iced coffee in the summer, I think this will be a good way to mix up my typical cold brew!

      Reply
      • Analida says

        May 18, 2018 at 5:26 pm

        Kelli, this drink is for you! Yes, this is a perfect way to drink iced coffee.Let me know how you like it. 🙂

        Reply
    8. Kate says

      May 17, 2018 at 9:44 pm

      What a delicious and delightful drink! I can't wait to try it. Great timing too as the warmer weather arrives! 🙂

      Reply
      • Analida says

        May 18, 2018 at 5:25 pm

        Hi Kate! Try this coffee soon. Yes, with the warmer weather upon us, this is a perfect drink. 🙂

        Reply
    9. Amanda Mason says

      May 17, 2018 at 10:24 pm

      5 stars
      I loved your article and the insight you provide! I'm SUCH a big coffee lover. I've never made my own coffee drink at home but now I'm tempted to! Your pictures look great, too!! Thanks for posting!!

      Reply
      • Analida says

        May 18, 2018 at 5:21 pm

        Thanks so much for your compliments, and the 5 star rating. If you are a coffee lover, you will love this drink. My husband is the photographer in the house. 🙂

        Reply
    10. Veena Azmanov says

      May 18, 2018 at 1:57 pm

      5 stars
      I am not a coffee drinker but I do love Vietnamese coffee. I think its the condensed milk in there. I use to have it every time we went to Bali on vacation. They had it as one of the drinks on the menu. Sweet cold and topped with ice cream. Perfect on a hot summer day.

      Reply
      • Analida says

        May 18, 2018 at 5:23 pm

        Veena, the condensed milk is awesome. I've never been to Bali. My daughter spent three weeks in Bali last summer and loved it. Yummy, ice cream!!! I would love to try it that way.

        Reply
    11. Natalie says

      May 20, 2018 at 12:32 pm

      5 stars
      What a lovely story and photos. I'm a real coffee lover but honestly I never tried vietnamese version. Now I just must. And I can't wait.

      Reply
      • Analida says

        May 20, 2018 at 5:07 pm

        Hi Natalie, thanks for commenting. If you love coffee, you will love this Vietnamese iced coffee. I think you must try it! 🙂

        Reply
    12. Kathryn @ FoodieGirlChicago says

      May 20, 2018 at 10:40 pm

      I love iced coffee so the unique flavor combo in this one sounds amazing!

      Reply
      • Analida says

        May 21, 2018 at 10:22 am

        Kathryn, if you are a coffee lover, then you would love this recipe.

        Reply
    13. Michelle Blackwood says

      May 21, 2018 at 4:03 am

      5 stars
      Wow this recipe is similar to how we make coffee in Jamaica, we also sweeten with condensed milk

      Reply
      • Analida says

        May 21, 2018 at 10:21 am

        Michelle, that is really cool. Interesting also since they are such different parts of the world.

        Reply
    14. Kelly says

      June 06, 2018 at 8:44 am

      4 stars
      I have tried Vietnamese iced coffee before and this one is so tempting I feel an ultimate urge of having it. Will definitely try this recipe at home.

      Reply
      • Analida says

        June 08, 2018 at 1:00 pm

        Hi Kelly, hope you get to try it soon. 🙂

        Reply

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    Analida profile pictureI’ve been researching and recreating ethnic recipes for over 20 years. My passion is sharing easy, affordable, and mostly healthy dishes made with fresh ingredients—always sprinkled with a touch of culture and food history...Read more-->

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