Go Back
Authentic Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Authentic Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Master the traditional Vietnamese phin filter method for bold, concentrated coffee that stands up to ice and sweetened condensed milk. This 5-minute recipe delivers restaurant-quality results using precise extraction science.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 2 minutes
5 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Beverage, Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: Southeast Asian, Vietnamese
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • FOR THE COFFEE:
  • 3 Tbsp Vietnamese dark roast coffee coarse grind
  • 6-8 oz boiling water 205-212°F
  • FOR THE BASE:
  • 2 Tbsp sweetened condensed milk
  • FOR SERVING:
  • 6-8 large ice cubes

Equipment

  • Traditional Vietnamese phin filter (4-piece: base, chamber, press, lid)
  • Tall clear glass (12-16 oz capacity)
  • Long stirring spoon
  • Kettle or pot for boiling water
  • Optional: kitchen thermometer for water temp verification

Method
 

  1. STEP 1 - PREP GLASS AND PREHEAT PHIN:
  2. Place 2 Tbsp sweetened condensed milk at bottom of tall glass. Set aside. Rinse all phin filter pieces with boiling water to preheat. Place base plate on separate heat-safe mug.
  3. STEP 2 - LOAD AND COMPRESS COFFEE BED:
  4. Add 3 Tbsp (20g) coarse-ground Vietnamese coffee to brew chamber. Shake to level. Place press insert on top and gently screw down until light resistance — finger-tight only, not wrenched.
  5. STEP 3 - BLOOM THE COFFEE:
  6. Pour 2 Tbsp (30ml) boiling water onto coffee bed. Wait 30 seconds for bloom (grounds swell and darken). Do not skip this step.
  7. STEP 4 - FULL POUR AND EXTRACTION:
  8. Slowly pour remaining 6-8 oz boiling water in circular motion. Place lid on top. Coffee should drip at 1 drop per second. Full extraction takes 4-6 minutes. Do not rush.
  9. STEP 5 - MIX AND SERVE:
  10. Remove phin when dripping stops. Add 6-8 large ice cubes to glass with condensed milk. Pour concentrated coffee over ice. Stir vigorously for 10-15 seconds until fully emulsified (creamy tan color, no white streaks). Serve immediately.

Notes

- Use Trung Nguyen Premium Blend or Café Du Monde for authentic flavor
- Grind must be coarse (French press consistency) — fine grind clogs phin
- Ideal drip rate is 1 drop per second — adjust press tightness accordingly
- Use full-fat sweetened condensed milk only — low-fat will not emulsify properly
- Large ice cubes (2-inch) prevent rapid dilution
- Phin filter preheating is essential for maintaining extraction temperature
- For hot version, skip ice and drink immediately after brewing