What coffee drinks should you try when you visit Vietnam ? It’s a question every visitor ask themselves when arriving in Vietnam. In recent times, Vietnamese coffee has become famous internationally and attracted many visitors. While they may be familiar with the classic ca phe sua da, many are surprised by the sheer variety of coffee drinks offered up and down the country. We’ve compiled a list of iconic Vietnamese coffee specialities to sample.
The classic vietnamese coffee drinks you should try
Ca Phe Sua Da
The world-renowned classic. In Vietnamese, the name means “iced milk coffee”. It is made with the iconic Vietnamese phin or filter coffee. A combination of bracing, strong Robusta coffee, sweet and creamy condensed milk, served on ice to cool you down. The perfect beverage for breakfast, lunch or any time of day.
Ca Phe Trung
A Hanoi speciality, ca phe trung (egg coffee) is popular all over the country. It was created in Hanoi during the Second World War, when milk was scarce. In order to make the bitter Robusta coffee more palatable, people started making “egg cream”. By cutting the milk with egg yolks, sugar and sometimes milk powder, they created a creamy, foamy substitute. Served over a small cup of hot coffee, it froths up and provides a unique mouthfeel.
Bac Xiu
“Bac Xiu” is a loan word of Cantonese. In it’s original tongue, it means “little silver”. This refers to the pale colour of the drink. Bac xiu has a unique history that embodies the city of it’s origin, Ho Chi Minh City. Popularized by the Chinese community of Cho Lon, bac xiu is a milder variation of a ca phe sua da. In addition to the standard filter coffee and condensed mik, bac xiu also uses fresh milk and a different ratio of Ingredients : one third coffee, one third fresh milk and one third sweetened condensed milk. A sweet, creamy and milder version of ca phe sua da, it’s ideal for children or those who prefer a less bracing coffee taste.
mODERN VIETNAMESE specialities
Ca Phe Muoi
This Hue speciality confuses many people at first glance. Ca phe muoi translates to salt coffee. This unique creation is exemplary of modern Vietnamese food and drink trends. Combining classic Vietnamese coffee tradition with a touch of modern creativity, ca phe muoi has spread to cafés across the country in the past 10 years. It is prepared with a standard cup of Vietnamese filter coffee, topped with a whipped cream seasoned with sugar and salt. The touch of salt creates a special balance of flavours, combining with the aromas of coffee. The result is a flavour similar to salted caramel, the secret to its popularity.
Ca Phe Dua
A tropical twist on the classic ca phe sua da, ca phe dua or coconut coffee calls for the addition of coconut milk. The coffee is shaken over ice till frothy, meanwhile the coconut milk and condensed milk are mixed and whipped until frothy. The milks and coffee are then poured into a glass of ice, resulting in a sweet and cool drink with a unique coconut flavour and velvety mouthfeel. The bitterness of the coffee, the richness of the coconut milk and the sweetness of the condensed milk create a unique balance of flavours.
At Au Parc, we serve classic ca phe sua da as well as other Western-style and Vietnamese coffee drinks. Brewed with our special house blend, come discover the magic of Vietnamese coffee, prepared by our skilled baristas.
