The Refreshing Delight of Vietnamese Iced Coffee
If you’re a coffee lover with a taste for something a little different, Vietnamese iced coffee (or cà phê sữa đá) is a must-try. This sweet, strong, and refreshing beverage has become a popular choice for coffee enthusiasts across Australia, especially during those warmer months when you’re looking for a cool pick-me-up with a kick.
What is Vietnamese Iced Coffee?
Vietnamese coffee is a unique and delicious variation of your run-of-the-mill iced coffee. It's made with strong Vietnamese-brewed coffee, conventionally filtered through a unique metal filter known as a phin, and then mixed with sweetened condensed milk. The result is a creamy, sweet, and full-bodied coffee best served over ice.
In Vietnam, cà phê sữa đá is a daytime drink enjoyed in the morning and evening, from early morning to late afternoon. The union of strong coffee and condensed milk sweetness is the ideal drink, especially in the tropical heat.
How is Vietnamese Iced Coffee Prepared?
To make a genuine Vietnamese iced coffee at home is simple, using just a few simple ingredients:
Vietnamese coffee grounds (the traditional dark-roast robusta beans)
Sweetened condensed milk (for all the creamy sweetness)
Ice cubes (to cool and dilute the coffee to just the right level)
Brewing starts with slow brewing through a phin filter, where hot water drips slowly through coffee grounds. Poured over strong brewed coffee in a glass of ice after it has brewed, and then blended with sweetened condensed milk for a smooth and irresistible frothy drink.
Why Vietnamese Iced Coffee is the Best Drink
Why Vietnamese iced coffee stand out is that it is very flavorful and sweet. The hard-hitting coffee gives you an instant caffeine hit, while sweetened condensed milk adds smooth texture and luscious sweetness to it. It is the optimum of bitter and sweet tastes and therefore a distinct coffee experience.
It's also one that stays cold longer than other forms of iced coffee. Because of the ice, you can linger and enjoy the flavours without fear of it becoming flat.
Where to Find Vietnamese Iced Coffee in Australia
In Australia, Vietnamese iced coffee has become more accessible as Vietnamese cafes and restaurants have popped up across major cities. Whether you’re in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, you’re likely to find this refreshing beverage on the menu.
If you’re in Brisbane, places like Pho Real Vietnamese in Augustine Heights offer not just delicious pho but also an excellent Vietnamese iced coffee to enjoy alongside your meal.
Enjoy the Best Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Next time you’re in the mood for something sweet and refreshing, make sure to try Vietnamese iced coffee. Whether you’re sipping it on a hot day or pairing it with your favourite Vietnamese dishes, it’s the perfect drink to enjoy any time.
So, what are you waiting for? Try a Vietnamese iced coffee today, and taste the ultimate cool caffeine hit that will make you feel like you're drinking coffee in Saigon's streets.
