Vietnamese Espresso Coffee: Awaken Your Senses

Vietnam is famous for its unique coffee culture and brewing methods, including the increasingly popular Vietnamese espresso coffee. Made with a special blend of Vietnamese coffee beans, it boasts a full-bodied and intense flavor that sets it apart from other espresso varieties. Let’s explore what makes Vietnamese espresso coffee so unique for coffee lovers.

See more: Sipping on Tradition – Discovering Vietnam’s Bold Coffee Ritual

The delicious aroma of Vietnamese Espresso Coffee

Making Vietnamese espresso coffee with an espresso machine is simple if you’re used to making espresso. To begin, you’ll need a Vietnamese coffee blend that includes Robusta beans, which are more robust and bitter than Arabica beans.

Grind your Vietnamese coffee beans to a fine espresso grind. Then, fill the espresso machine’s portafilter with the grounds and tamp them down firmly. Next, pull a shot of espresso using the machine’s standard settings.

Once you have your espresso shot, combine it in a 1:1 ratio with sweetened condensed milk, swirling until well incorporated. Pour the mixture over ice to make a tasty and refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee.

Vietnamese espresso coffee has a more potent and concentrated flavor than traditional Vietnamese coffee, which is produced with a phin filter and steeped gently over a longer period. The bitterness of the Robusta beans is balanced by the sweetness of the condensed milk, resulting in a distinct and excellent flavor.

Furthermore, compared to traditional Vietnamese coffee, using an espresso machine allows for a more consistent and controlled brew, resulting in a smoother and more velvety texture.

Espresso coffee machine
Espresso coffee machine – Source: Collected

The popularity of this special type of coffee

Vietnamese espresso coffee has gained popularity in recent years, with coffee lovers worldwide discovering its unique flavor and texture. Many coffee shops and cafes in Vietnam and other countries now offer Vietnamese espresso coffee on their menus, often with a twist or variation.

Unlike the usual slow and leisurely way of drinking, the best way to enjoy a delicious Espresso is to drink it quickly and savor it in just a few sips
Unlike the usual slow and leisurely way of drinking, the best way to enjoy a delicious Espresso is to drink it quickly and savor it in just a few sips – Source: Collected

One reason for its popularity is its versatility. Vietnamese espresso coffee can be enjoyed hot or iced and customized to individual tastes by adjusting the amount of sweetened condensed milk used. It’s also an excellent option for a more robust and concentrated coffee flavor.

Another factor is the growing interest in Vietnamese coffee culture and the desire for more authentic coffee experiences. Vietnamese espresso coffee offers an alternative to the more common espresso varieties, showcasing the distinctiveness of Vietnamese coffee and its unique blend of flavors.

With its growing popularity, Vietnamese espresso coffee has become a favorite among coffee enthusiasts and a must-try for anyone visiting Vietnam. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a traditional Vietnamese snack or dessert, Vietnamese espresso coffee is a delicious and satisfying coffee experience that’s to be noticed.

Finding the Perfect Balance

The coffee-to-water ratio must be just right to make the perfect cup of Vietnamese coffee. Traditionally, a 1:1 ratio is utilized, which means equal parts coffee and water. This can, however, be changed based on personal taste preferences.

If you want a stronger coffee flavor, up the coffee-to-water ratio to 1:1.5 or even 1:2. However, if you prefer a lighter coffee flavor, reduce the balance to 1:0.5 or 1:0.75.

perfect balance
Source: Collected

It’s also crucial to think about the type of coffee you’re drinking. Compared to Arabica beans, Robusta beans, widely used in Vietnamese coffee blends, have a higher caffeine level and a more bitter flavor. This implies that if you’re using a blend that includes Robusta beans, you may want to modify the ratio to counteract the bitterness.

Start by adding a modest amount of hot water to the coffee grinds and allowing them to bloom for 30 seconds before brewing Vietnamese coffee with a phin filter. Then, slowly pour the remaining hot water through the filter. This slow brewing technique allows the coffee’s rich and nuanced tastes to develop fully.

By experimenting with different coffee-to-water ratios and brewing techniques, you can find the perfect balance to suit your taste preferences and enjoy a delicious cup of Vietnamese coffee every time.

Are you ready to explore the top 6 Vietnam coffee brands? Let’s dive into Vietnam’s awesome coffee scene, where every sip is a journey.

How to Make Vietnamese Coffee Without Filter

You can still make delicious Vietnamese coffee if you don’t have a filter. Here’s how:

  1. Add 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to a cup.
  2. Put 2-3 tablespoons of ground coffee on top of the milk.
  3. Boil water and let it cool for a minute or two.
  4. Pour the hot water over the coffee until the cup is almost complete.
  5. Stir gently and let the coffee drip through the milk.
  6. Enjoy your homemade Vietnamese coffee!

Alternatively, you can use a French press or a drip coffee maker to brew Vietnamese coffee. Add sweetened condensed milk to your cup and pour the brewed coffee over it.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Espresso

You can use espresso to make a delicious iced version if you prefer your Vietnamese coffee cold. Here’s how:

  1. Brew a shot of espresso and let it cool.
  2. Add 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to a glass.
  3. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
  4. Pour the cooled espresso over the ice.
  5. Stir gently and enjoy your refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee!

Tips for serving and enjoying iced Vietnamese coffee:

  • Add coconut milk or cream splash to your iced coffee for extra flavor.
  • Use a tall glass to give your iced coffee a professional look.
  • To make a larger batch, brew a pot of strong coffee and let it cool before adding it to a pitcher with sweetened condensed milk and ice.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with different coffee blends and milk ratios to find your perfect iced Vietnamese coffee recipe.
The basic components of an Espresso shot include the crema layer and the liquid layer
The basic components of an Espresso shot include the crema layer and the liquid layer – Source: Collected

Conclusion

In conclusion, Vietnamese espresso coffee is a unique and delicious beverage with a rich, sweet flavor from the sweetened condensed milk. It’s easy to make at home with a few simple steps, and there are many variations to explore, from hot to iced, and different brewing methods.

To find your favorite, you should try making Vietnamese espresso coffee at home and experiment with different blends and ratios. With its distinct taste and benefits, Vietnamese coffee is an excellent addition to any coffee lover’s repertoire.