What is Vietnamese Iced Coffee?

There are a couple of popular ways to make Vietnamese iced coffee at home. Below, we’ll look at the traditional preparation method, followed by a quicker alternative using a NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® coffee machine.

Anyone with a Phin filter can make it this way, not just in Vietnam:

1. Place a Phin filter on top of your cup
2. Add a scoop of dark-roasted Vietnamese coffee grounds into the Phin filter
3. Pour hot water over the coffee grounds
4. Allow the coffee to slowly drip through the filter into the glass
5. Stir 1-2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk
6. Pour the coffee and condensed milk mixture over a glass full of ice

This process isn’t just about making coffee – it’s a ritual. The sound of the Phin filter dripping encourages you to slow down, take a breath, and be present.

For those without the time or a Phin filter, our NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® machine offers a convenient solution to still enjoy the authentic Vietnamese iced coffee experience every morning.
The only step that differs from the traditional Phin filter method is the initial coffee brewing:
Pop your favourite espresso pod into the NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® machine and brew a shot into a heatproof glass. The remaining steps – stirring in condensed milk, pouring over ice, and enjoying – are the same.

With this method, you get a solid, robust espresso base every time, and it's quick and mess-free, perfect for anyone who is short on time.

The biggest thing is the sweetened condensed milk. Western iced coffees generally use fresh milk or cream, that condensed milk in Vietnamese coffee brings a rich, sweet creaminess you just can't beat.

Flavour-wise, it's also a bolder brew because of the robust character of the coffee used (usually robusta beans). It’s also overall sweeter, making it a perfect option as a pick-me-up or whenever you want a sweet treat.

Cold brew is another iced coffee favourite, but it’s quite different from Vietnamese iced coffee. Cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for several hours, resulting in a smoother, less acidic drink. Usually served black or with a splash of milk.

Vietnamese iced coffee, on the other hand, is all about intensity – bold coffee, condensed milk, and lots of ice. If you love your coffee strong and sweet, Vietnamese iced coffee will hit the spot. If you prefer a milder, less sweet drink, go for a cold brew.

The origins of Vietnamese iced coffee are rooted in the French colonial period, a relatively recent chapter in the country's history. The French brought coffee to Vietnam in the late 19th century, and plantations thrived.

However, the scarcity of fresh milk led to a resourceful substitution: durable and inexpensive sweetened condensed milk became the creamy base. Coupled with Vietnam's hot climate, the simple addition of ice created a uniquely refreshing beverage. This ingenious adaptation, born from necessity, showcases Vietnamese culinary creativity and resulted in the popular iced coffee enjoyed worldwide today.