Meaning
Coffee mixed with condensed milk.
Cultural Background
Coffee is often served with a side of iced tea (trà đá) for free. This is used to cleanse the palate after the sweet coffee. People here prefer 'cà phê sữa đá' in tall glasses with lots of crushed ice, reflecting the energetic and hot atmosphere of the city. Coffee is often served in smaller glasses, and the term 'nâu' is preferred over 'sữa'. It's often enjoyed more slowly in smaller, tucked-away cafes. In places like 'Little Saigon' in the US, cà phê sữa is a key link to heritage, often made with Longevity brand condensed milk.
Stir well!
The condensed milk sits at the bottom. You must stir it thoroughly with your spoon before drinking.
Caffeine Alert
Vietnamese Robusta is very strong. If you aren't used to it, you might get 'say cà phê' (coffee drunk/jitters).
Meaning
Coffee mixed with condensed milk.
Stir well!
The condensed milk sits at the bottom. You must stir it thoroughly with your spoon before drinking.
Caffeine Alert
Vietnamese Robusta is very strong. If you aren't used to it, you might get 'say cà phê' (coffee drunk/jitters).
The Phin Wait
If your coffee comes with a filter on top, don't rush. Watching it drip is part of the meditation.
Regional Terms
Use 'Nâu' in Hanoi and 'Sữa' in Saigon to sound like a local.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to order an iced milk coffee.
Cho tôi một ly cà phê ___ đá.
'Sữa' means milk, which is required for 'cà phê sữa đá'.
Which of these is a common variation of milk coffee in Hanoi?
Ở Hà Nội, người ta thường gọi cà phê sữa là gì?
'Cà phê nâu' (brown coffee) is the Northern term for 'cà phê sữa'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Đi cà phê không? B: ___
This is a natural response to an invitation to hang out.
Match the order to the preference.
I want it sweet but cold.
'Sữa' provides sweetness and 'đá' provides the cold temperature.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Sữa vs. Bạc Xỉu
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCho tôi một ly cà phê ___ đá.
'Sữa' means milk, which is required for 'cà phê sữa đá'.
Ở Hà Nội, người ta thường gọi cà phê sữa là gì?
'Cà phê nâu' (brown coffee) is the Northern term for 'cà phê sữa'.
A: Đi cà phê không? B: ___
This is a natural response to an invitation to hang out.
I want it sweet but cold.
'Sữa' provides sweetness and 'đá' provides the cold temperature.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, because of the condensed milk. If you want it less sweet, ask for 'ít sữa'.
In modern specialty cafes, yes. In traditional street stalls, usually no.
Bạc xỉu has much more milk and very little coffee. It's better for people who don't like strong coffee.
The tea (trà đá) is a palate cleanser and helps hydrate you after the strong coffee.
Cà phê sữa already has sugar in the milk. If you want no sugar/milk, order 'cà phê đen không đường'.
Most Vietnamese people drink it in the morning or afternoon. It might keep you awake if drunk late!
Usually Robusta beans, which are bold, bitter, and high in caffeine.
Yes, it's called a 'Phin' and it's very cheap and easy to use.
It's high in sugar and caffeine, so it's best enjoyed in moderation.
Usually, it's enjoyed on its own or with a small snack like sunflower seeds (hạt hướng dương).
Related Phrases
Bạc xỉu
similarMore milk than coffee.
Cà phê đen
contrastBlack coffee.
Cà phê trứng
specialized formEgg coffee.
Trà đá
similarIced tea.
Quán cà phê
builds onCoffee shop.
