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The Recipe · No.588 · Vietnamese Coffee

Vietnamese Coffee, and where to source it

Vietnamese Coffee — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Vietnamese Coffee Vietnamese 5best2buy.com

Ca phe sua is made in a phin filter that drips slowly onto a layer of condensed milk waiting in the glass. The coffee has to be a dark, coarse-ground robusta blend and the drip should take four to five minutes; rush it and the coffee comes out weak and sour.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep5 min
Cook5 min
Makes1 serving
CuisineVietnamese
Cost$
VegetarianGluten-free
Contains  dairy
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 1 servings
Our ratio, your call. The amounts below are a tested starting point — a version, not the one and only. Anything tagged to taste is the knob you turn: start there, then make it yours.
Dark-roast coffee
Coarse-ground robusta or a dark blend; it needs to stand up to the sweet milk.
3 tbsprecommended
Source it →
Sweetened condensed milk
Two tablespoons in the bottom of the glass; it is the sweetener and the cream at once.
2 tbsprecommended
Source it →
Ice
A tall glass of ice for the iced version; add after the coffee finishes dripping.
1 cuprecommended
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat
A reasonable little indulgence.
EffortEasy
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
  1. Layer the milkSpoon condensed milk into the bottom of the glass.
  2. Load the phinAdd coffee to the phin filter, level it, and set the press plate on top.
  3. Bloom and dripPour a little hot water to bloom for 30 seconds, then fill; it should drip slowly for 4 to 5 minutes.
  4. Stir and serveStir the coffee into the milk, then pour over a glass of ice for ca phe sua da.
The Toolkit

Phin filter · Kettle · Tall glass · Long spoon · Coffee grinder

Straight Answers
Can you make Vietnamese Coffee ahead of time? — Partly

You can batch the mix and keep it cold, but add the ice, soda, and garnish and shake or stir to order — a made-up drink goes flat and watery if it sits.

Is Vietnamese Coffee gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Vietnamese Coffee vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.588

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