Image: Cà phê sữa đá - a cup of Vietnamese Iced Coffee with sweetened condensed milk
What is cà phê đá?
cà phê đá , also known as Vietnamese iced coffee or cafe da, is a traditional beverage that originates from the Land of the Blue Dragon. It is a beloved drink known for its unique preparation method and rich flavors.
Using a small traditional metal Vietnamese drip filter called phin cà phê, medium to coarse ground Robusta dark roast coffee from Vietnam is slowly dripped into a cup after hot water is poured over it. The resulting cup of cà phê đá bursts with intense flavors and can be enjoyed either black (cà phê nau) or with a splash of sweetened condensed milk (cà phê sữa đá). The hot coffee is then poured over a glass of ice, transforming it into a refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee.
Coffee in Vietnam
Coffee was introduced to Vietnam in 1857 by a French Catholic priest, but it wasn't until after the war and the opening of the economy that the country became a major coffee producer. Vietnam is now the second largest coffee producer in the world and the first producer of the Robusta variety.
Due to limited availability of fresh milk, the French and Vietnamese started using sweetened condensed milk as a substitute. This unique adaptation led to the creation of cà phê sữa đá, which has become a popular variation of Vietnamese iced coffee.
The Differences Between Arabica and Robusta
Arabica and Robusta are the two main varieties of coffee, and they differ in taste, growing conditions, and price.
Arabica coffee beans tend to have a sweeter and softer taste, with undertones of sugar, fruits, and berries. They also have a higher acidity, resulting in a winey taste. On the other hand, Robusta beans have a stronger and harsher taste, with a grain-like overtone and nutty aftertaste.
Robusta beans contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica beans and are generally considered to be of inferior quality. However, Robusta is easier to grow, can thrive at lower altitudes, and is less vulnerable to pests and weather conditions. It also produces a higher yield and grows faster than Arabica plants.
Image: A glass of Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Different Methods for Preparing Coffee
Drip Filter Method
Drip-filtered or drip-brewed coffee is prepared by slowly seeping hot water through roasted, ground coffee beans contained in a filter. This method allows the water to absorb the flavors, oils, and essences as it passes through the filter. The used coffee grounds are kept in the filter as the liquid drips into a cup. Paper-based disposable filters or reusable wire mesh filters can be used for this method.
French Press Method
A French press, also known as a coffee press, is a brewing vessel that uses coarser ground coffee. Hot water is poured into the beaker, and after several minutes, the plunger is pressed to separate the coffee grounds from the liquid. The result is a rich and flavorful coffee.
Cold Brewing Method
Cold brewing, also known as cold water extraction or cold pressing, involves steeping coffee grounds in cooler water for an extended period, typically 12 to 24 hours. After steeping, the coffee concentrate is filtered, diluted, and served either hot over ice or blended with other ingredients. Cold-brewed coffee has a different chemical profile, resulting in a lower acidity and less caffeine compared to conventional brewing methods.
Percolating Method
A coffee percolator is a device that brews coffee by constantly cycling boiling liquid through the coffee grounds using gravity. This method was popular until the 1970s when it was replaced by drip coffee makers.
Turkish Coffee
Turkish coffee is a traditional method that involves immersing fine coffee grounds with sugar in water and heating it until it reaches boiling point, producing a large amount of foam. It can be served with various degrees of sweetness and is known for its strong and unique flavor.
Moka
Moka is a stovetop coffee brewing method using a moka pot. It produces a stronger brew than drip-filtered coffee due to the higher pressure of the steam-pressurized hot water passing through the coffee grounds.
Espresso
Espresso is a concentrated coffee beverage made by forcing hot water and steam under pressure through finely ground and compacted coffee. It is the base for various coffee beverages such as latte, cappuccino, and macchiato.
Other Coffee and Tea Beverages
Apart from the various methods of preparing coffee, there are also many delightful coffee and tea combinations. For example, black tie and red tie combine Thai iced tea with a double shot or single shot of espresso, respectively. Chai latte is made by flavoring steamed milk with a spiced tea concentrate instead of using espresso. Yuenyeung is a popular Hong Kong drink made by mixing coffee and Hong Kong-style milk tea.
Coffee and Alcohol Beverages
Coffee and alcohol also make a great combination. Irish Coffee, made with coffee and Irish whiskey, is a classic favorite. Caffè corretto is an Italian drink that "corrects" a shot of espresso with a shot of liquor such as grappa, brandy, or sambuca. Karsk, kaffegök, and svartkopp are coffee and moonshine concoctions. There are many other creative coffee and alcohol combinations from different cultures around the world.
Cà phê đá is a delightful and refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee that showcases the unique flavors and rich coffee culture of Vietnam. Whether enjoyed black or with sweetened condensed milk, this traditional beverage is perfect for hot summer days or any time you need a pick-me-up.
Image: Vietnamese Iced Coffee - A Refreshing Beverage for Hot Summer Days
