Rich, bold, and sweet. This cultural drink is more than just caffeine, it’s a Vietnamese staple. 

Background story

As far as I can remember, my dad would make Cà Phê Sữa Đá every weekend. The orange tin can that is Cafe Du Monde, is very memorable. I remember taking a spoonful of condensed milk, specifically Sữa Ông Thọ (Longevity Brand). There’s something sacred about the slow drip of Vietnamese coffee. Whether shared with elders or savored alone, cà phê sữa đá is a portal to memory, legacy, and healing.

Thuy Tien

Authentic Vietnamese Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)

Mom on the go? Single parent pick me up? OR… Want to slow things down on a Sunday morning? Try the Vietnamese staple, Cà Phê Sữa Đá. Rich, bold, caffeinated drink that will soothe your soul.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 1

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 tbsp Vietnamese ground coffee (e.g. Café Du Monde)
• 2 tbsp Sweetened condensed milk (Sữa Ông Thọ) Adjust to taste
• 1 cup Hot water
• 1 cup Ice (Optional)

Method

 

1. Boil the water
2. While the water is boiling, add condensed milk to a glass (adjust to taste).
3. Place the Phin filter over the glass. Add coffee grounds and gently tamp.
4. Pour a splash of hot water to bloom the coffee. Wait 30 seconds.
5. Fill the filter with hot water and let it drip slowly (4–5 minutes).
6. Once brewed, stir to combine. Pour over ice and savor.

Notes

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger brew, use more coffee—it’ll be bold and naturally higher in caffeine.
• Try cà phê trứng (egg coffee) for a creamy twist.
• Use plant-based condensed milk for a dairy-free version.
• You can make the coffee ahead of time and let cool so the ice does not water down the boldness of the coffee

Recommended Tools & Ingredients

Affiliate links below help support this blog at no extra cost to you.

• Phin Filter – Stainless Steel
• Cafe du Monde Vietnamese Coffee
• Sữa Ông Thọ Sweetened Condensed Milk
• Glass Tumblers for Serving

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Cheers

Vietnamese coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s a tradition of slowness, sweetness, and strength. In a world that rushes, this brew invites you to pause. To take things slow. To remember. To reflect. 

Coffee not your thing? Trying to cut the caffeine and switch to tea? Click on my Matcha Latte recipe to make it at home and save money on Starbucks!