The Vietnamese style of preparing coffee has gained its popularity and fame world-wide. Premium Vietnamese coffee has successfully combined the western lifestyle of drinking coffee with the traditional charm of Vietnamese culture. As a coffee lover, I followed the trail of local’s way of indulging and treating myself to a good cup of this world renowned coffee.
Let’s begin with the traditional iced coffee or famously known here as ca phe sua da. The words ca phe sua da sounds interesting but literally those are the three essentials of this addictive drink, coffee, milk and ice. It is indeed sweet, strong, fragrant and uplifting. It has become my favorite ever since I took my first sip.
A closer look of my ca phe sua da
These ladies are preparing my ca phe sua da at the roadside along Mac Dinh Chi Street
A group of University students having coffee break while reviewing their notes at the park
Then there is black iced coffee which is pure, black and intense flavored coffee. The basic coffee menu is quite standard across places. Most locals order coffee by color its color. Black coffee is well, “black” or den. Coffee with condensed milk is called “brown” or nau. Then, you can have it hot or with ice. For example, den da is iced black coffee, and nau nong is hot coffee with milk.
Xe-Om (motorbike) drivers snacking on pure black iced coffee at the park
Just like a shot of espresso, black Vietnamese coffee may not become your favorite easily it is reserved for the addicted only. The coffee is not bitter (if done well), but very smooth on the palate and has that liquor like effects. Sure, it can be tamed by adding some crushed ice. But still it can be overpowering.
Creative 3 coffee at Trung Nguyen Cafe
If you are new to Vietnamese coffee, start with iced milk coffee. I would recommend trying ca phe sua da first. The large milk portion creates a chocolate like finish which not very overpowering. It is normally served in tall glass or plastic cup in three layers – condensed milk, hot coffee and crushed ice.
Vietnam’s coffee culture is something so unique and special that you must experience it if coffee is your thing.
That’s me on the 3rd from left, having my ca phe sua da together with my friends outside Ben Thanh Market
Cheers!
By Melza
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