If you’re in the mood to try something new with your coffee routine, Vietnamese salted coffee, or Cà phê muối, is a surprisingly simple and tasty option to shake things up.
This is a Huế specialty that brings a unique flavor to the table, combining the familiar rich taste of Vietnamese coffee with a savory twist.
The best part about this recipe is that it’s super easy to make and doesn’t require any special ingredients—just what you’ve probably got in your kitchen already.
Vietnamese Salted Coffee Ingredients
- 25 grams of ground coffee
- 30ml of sweetened condensed milk
- 30ml of heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 teaspoon of sugar
- 5 ml of milk
- A pinch of sea salt (fine grain)
- A pinch of sugar to balance the salted cream
- 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder (+ a pinch more for garnish)
Equipment:
- Vietnamese coffee press (phin)
- Handhold milk frother or whisk
Vietnamese Salted Coffee Recipe Instructions
1. Prepare the Coffee
Start with 25 grams of coffee grounds. Add a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of cacao powder to enhance the taste.
For the coffee, I like to mix things up a bit.
I add a teaspoon of cacao powder, which isn’t typical but adds a subtle chocolate note that complements the coffee beautifully.
Pour 40ml of boiling water over your mixture and let it steep for a minute or two.
Then, add 60 ml of hot water and wait for another 4-5 minutes. This waiting time is crucial for the flavors to infuse fully.
In the end, you’ll pour yourself a 40 ml cup of coffee that’s a little different and entirely delightful.
And if you’re without a traditional coffee setup, an espresso shot with the cacao and salt stirred in does the trick just as well.
2. Make Your Salted Foam
For a simple yet delicious salted foam, begin with 40ml of cold heavy cream. Remember, the cream should be cold to whip up the best.
Now, add a bit more salt than you did in your coffee—double the amount, to be exact. This extra pinch of salt will bring out the foam’s flavor without overpowering it.
Next, pour in 5ml of milk and add a touch of sugar to balance the saltiness. Then use a whisk or an electric mixer and beat the cream until it’s light and has soft peaks that hold their shape well.
3.Assemble the Drink
First, pour 30ml of condensed milk into your glass. Add the 40ml of coffee on top of that. Now, give it a good stir until they’re mixed well.
After mixing, drop the ice cubes into the glass and stir again. You want the drink to be nice and cold.
Then spoon your whipped salted cream over the chilled coffee and ice. It’ll float up top, adding a creamy layer.
The last step is a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Just a light dusting on the foam for a bit of chocolate flavor and a pretty look.
And there you have it—your special coffee drink is ready to enjoy!
