Vietnam’s iced milk coffee ranks 2nd worldwide: TasteAtlas

Vietnam’s ca phe sua da (iced coffee) with condensed milk ranks second in the Best-Rated Iced Coffee (BRIC) list by TasteAtlas.

Italy’s ristretto landed first place and the Vietnamese coffee came in at a close second.

TasteAtlas noted Vietnam’s use of Robusta coffee, widely grown in the country, particularly in Dak Lak province in the Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands) region.

Vietnam's iced coffee is ranked in the top ten iced coffees in the world by TasteAtlas. Photo: Thtantai2.edu.vn

Vietnam’s genuine way of making coffee isn't replicated en masse anywhere else in the world. Boiled water is poured into a metal coffee filter that rests on top of a glass. Strong coffee drops into the glass and mixes with a pool of sweet condensed milk and ice. The result is a highly morish drink that packs a strong punch.

Those who are already sweet enough can skip the condensed milk, according to TasteAtlas.

Chiam Jia Xin, from Malaysia, who spent a week touring Vietnam, said he was really impressed with the aromatic flavour of the coffee.

A tasty glass of iced milk coffee attracts locals and foreigners alike. Photo: Toplist.vn

“Vietnamese iced coffee is a perfect drink to cool off in the summer heat. I can delight in a glass of Vietnamese coffee first thing to start a new day or in the afternoon to relax.”

However, it is very strong, Chiam noted, adding that he suffered a sleepless night when he first arrived in Ha Noi after drinking two cups back-to-back.

“While staying in the capital, my Hanoian friend drove me to tour the Old Quarter and drink egg coffee. It's made by mixing egg yolk and condensed milk to create a buttery fat topping for the coffee. It's very enjoyable. I like it a lot,” he said.

Locals enjoy iced coffee at a corner in Ho Chi Minh city, which is said to be the birthplace of the drink. Photo: C2doanlaptlhp.edu.vn

Ta Hong Minh, a banker in the capital's Hoan Kiem district, said he's become an iced-coffee addict. “It's very difficult to drink other coffee,” he said.

Minh said he also enjoys his breakfast by dipping bread in a milky coffee.

He said many of his foreign friends are interested in the iced coffee as it's not only delicious but also affordable at around VND25,000 to VND50,000 (US$1-2) for a cup. It's also available at every corner of the city.

An owner of Nguyen Coffee in the capital city noted that the pavement coffee attracts both locals and tourists.

Vietnam is the world's second-largest exporter of coffee - mainly of the robusta variety. Photo: Gonatour.vn

“We served a number of Robusta coffees such as traditional strong black coffee, brown coffee and others, but this summer most of our guests order iced milk coffee and yoghurt coffee,” Nguyen said.

He added many of his guests told him that they would never forget the special flavour of the coffee, which carries characteristics of the culture and native values of the Vietnamese.

Vietnamese iced coffee came into being in Ho Chi Minh city where it was traditionally available on street corners. Now it is present all around the country, including in five-star hotels and even abroad in Vietnamese-style coffee shops.

Coffee was first brought to Vietnam in the mid-19th century by the French.

VNS