Cà Phê Sữa Chua (Vietnamese Yogurt Coffee)

Cà Phê Sữa Chua (Vietnamese Yogurt Coffee)

Cà Phê Sữa Chua, or Vietnamese Yogurt Coffee, is a unique and refreshing beverage that combines the rich flavors of Vietnamese coffee with the creamy tanginess of yogurt. This drink is a popular treat in Vietnam, especially during the hot summer months. It offers a delightful contrast between the robust coffee and the smooth, slightly sweet yogurt, making it a must-try for coffee enthusiasts looking for something different. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this delicious drink, explore variations, and answer some frequently asked questions.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Vietnamese ground coffee (preferably robusta)
• 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup hot water (about 200°F or 93°C)
• 1/2 cup plain or vanilla yogurt (preferably thick and creamy)
• Ice cubes
• Optional toppings: fresh fruit (such as mango, strawberries, or blueberries), granola, or a drizzle of honey

Equipment

• Vietnamese phin filter or any drip coffee maker
• Glass or bowl for mixing yogurt
• Spoon for stirring
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Serving glass (tall glass or tumbler)
• Ice cube tray or ice scoop

Instructions

Step 1: Brew the Coffee

1. Prepare the Phin Filter:
   • Place the Vietnamese phin filter on top of a glass or cup. Add 2 tablespoons of Vietnamese ground coffee to the filter. Press the coffee gently with the press disk.
2. Add Condensed Milk:
   • Pour 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk into the bottom of the serving glass.
3. Brew the Coffee:
   • Pour about 1-2 tablespoons of hot water into the phin filter to bloom the coffee grounds. Wait for 20-30 seconds, then add the remaining hot water (about 1/2 cup). Cover the phin filter and let the coffee drip slowly into the glass. This process should take about 4-5 minutes. The goal is to achieve a strong, concentrated coffee.
4. Stir to Combine:
   • Once the coffee has fully dripped through, stir it well with the condensed milk until fully combined.

Step 2: Prepare the Yogurt

1. Select the Yogurt:
   • Use 1/2 cup of plain or vanilla yogurt. Greek yogurt or any thick and creamy yogurt works best for this recipe.
2. Mix with Coffee:
   • Add the brewed coffee and condensed milk mixture into the yogurt. Stir well to combine, ensuring a smooth and consistent blend.

Step 3: Assemble the Drink

1. Prepare the Ice:
   • Fill a tall glass or tumbler with ice cubes. For an extra touch, you can use coffee ice cubes made by freezing leftover coffee in an ice cube tray. This prevents the drink from becoming diluted as the ice melts.
2. Pour and Serve:
   • Pour the coffee and yogurt mixture over the ice. Stir gently to mix the coffee and yogurt with the ice.
3. Optional Toppings:
   • Add fresh fruit, granola, or a drizzle of honey on top for added flavor and texture. Popular choices include diced mango, sliced strawberries, blueberries, or a spoonful of granola.

Variations and Enhancements

Cà Phê Sữa Chua is versatile and can be customized to suit different tastes. Here are some variations and enhancements you can try:

1. Fruit-Infused Yogurt Coffee

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fruit-flavored yogurt (such as mango, strawberry, or blueberry)
• 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons Vietnamese ground coffee
• 1/2 cup hot water
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Follow the same steps for brewing the coffee and mixing it with condensed milk.
2. Use fruit-flavored yogurt instead of plain yogurt.
3. Combine the coffee mixture with the fruit-flavored yogurt and stir well.
4. Pour over ice and serve.

2. Coconut Yogurt Coffee

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut yogurt
• 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons Vietnamese ground coffee
• 1/2 cup hot water
• Ice cubes
• Optional: shredded coconut for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brew the coffee and mix with condensed milk as usual.
2. Use coconut yogurt for a tropical twist.
3. Combine the coffee mixture with coconut yogurt and stir well.
4. Pour over ice and garnish with shredded coconut if desired.

3. Honey Yogurt Coffee

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup plain or vanilla yogurt
• 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons Vietnamese ground coffee
• 1/2 cup hot water
• Ice cubes
• 1-2 teaspoons honey (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Brew the coffee and mix with condensed milk as usual.
2. Add honey to the yogurt and stir well to combine.
3. Mix the coffee mixture with the honey-infused yogurt.
4. Pour over ice and serve.

4. Mocha Yogurt Coffee

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chocolate yogurt
• 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons Vietnamese ground coffee
• 1/2 cup hot water
• Ice cubes
• Optional: chocolate shavings for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brew the coffee and mix with condensed milk as usual.
2. Use chocolate yogurt for a mocha flavor.
3. Combine the coffee mixture with the chocolate yogurt and stir well.
4. Pour over ice and garnish with chocolate shavings if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

1. Can I use regular coffee instead of Vietnamese coffee?

Answer: Yes, you can use regular coffee if Vietnamese coffee is not available. Opt for a strong, dark roast coffee to replicate the bold flavor of Vietnamese coffee. Brew it using a drip coffee maker, French press, or any method you prefer. The key is to ensure the coffee is strong and robust to balance the creamy yogurt and sweetened condensed milk.

2. Can I make a dairy-free version of Cà Phê Sữa Chua?

Answer: Absolutely! To make a dairy-free version of Cà Phê Sữa Chua, use coconut yogurt or almond milk yogurt instead of regular yogurt. Substitute the sweetened condensed milk with a dairy-free alternative like sweetened condensed coconut milk. The process remains the same: brew the coffee, mix with the dairy-free condensed milk, combine with the non-dairy yogurt, and serve over ice.

3. How can I adjust the sweetness of the drink?

Answer: To adjust the sweetness of Cà Phê Sữa Chua, simply modify the amount of sweetened condensed milk you add to the coffee. Start with 1 tablespoon and taste before adding more. You can also add additional sweeteners like honey, agave syrup, or sugar to the yogurt if needed. Remember that the yogurt itself may contribute some sweetness, especially if using flavored varieties.

4. What type of yogurt works best for this recipe?

Answer: Thick and creamy yogurt works best for Cà Phê Sữa Chua. Greek yogurt, plain or vanilla yogurt, and even full-fat yogurt provide a rich texture that complements the strong coffee. Avoid using low-fat or watery yogurts as they may not blend well with the coffee and could result in a less creamy drink. Experiment with different types to find your preferred texture and flavor.

5. Can I prepare Cà Phê Sữa Chua in advance?

Answer: Yes, you can prepare components of Cà Phê Sữa Chua in advance. Brew and cool the coffee, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, mix the pre-brewed coffee with yogurt and sweetened condensed milk, then pour over ice. This method is convenient for quick assembly and ensures you have a refreshing drink ready to go.

Conclusion

Cà Phê Sữa Chua is a delightful and refreshing Vietnamese beverage that combines the bold flavors of coffee with the creamy tanginess of yogurt. By following the detailed steps in this guide, you can create a delicious and unique coffee drink at home. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations like fruit-infused, coconut, honey, or mocha, you’re sure to enjoy the delightful contrast of flavors and textures. With the answers to frequently asked questions, you’ll have all the information you need to make a perfect Cà Phê Sữa Chua every time. Enjoy this refreshing treat and share it with friends and family for a taste of Vietnam in your own kitchen!