Ca Phe Sua Da
The everyday Vietnamese iced coffee, strong and sweet, and how to order it your way.
Ca phe sua da is Vietnamese iced coffee. Strong, dark coffee is brewed through a small metal filter onto sweetened condensed milk, then stirred and poured over ice.
How will you meet it on the trip?
You will see it on nearly every cafe menu and at street-side stools in every city. The filter sits on your glass and drips for a few minutes. Wait for the last drops, stir well and enjoy it slowly.
It suits hot afternoons, which is useful when you plan your day around the weather. The weather by month guide shows what each region feels like.
What is a good tip for ordering?
Say the sweetness you want when you order. Less milk gives a stronger cup. Ask for the coffee hot if you prefer, which is ca phe sua nong. If caffeine keeps you awake, order it earlier in the day.
Prices vary by place, so the trip budget builder lets you plug in your own daily drink budget.
Which related terms will you see?
- Ca phe trung: the creamy egg coffee of Hanoi.
- Ca phe den: black coffee, hot or iced.
- Bac xiu: coffee with a lot of milk and less caffeine.
More food guidance sits in Food and daily travel.
If coffee stops matter to you, tell us your route and your pace, and we can help you leave room for slow cafe breaks between the sights.
Common questions
Why does it take so long to arrive?
The coffee drips slowly through a small metal filter set on top of the glass, which can take several minutes. Wait until it finishes, then stir the condensed milk into the strong coffee and pour it over ice. Rushing it gives a weak, watery cup.
How strong is Vietnamese coffee?
It is dark, bold and usually served in a small glass. If it is too strong, ask for extra ice or more milk, or order bac xiu, which has a lot of milk and less coffee. Anyone sensitive to caffeine can choose tea or juice.
Can I change the sweetness?
Yes. Ask for less condensed milk, or ask for black iced coffee, which is ca phe da. The standard cup is sweet by design, so say your preference when you order. Staff are used to adjusting it and will usually just smile and do it.
Keep planning
If coffee stops matter to you, tell us your route and your pace, and we can help you leave room for slow cafe breaks between the sights.