Ca Phe Muoi: The Perfect Salty Vietnamese Coffee
Ca Phe Muoi, or Vietnamese salted coffee, is a delightful beverage that perfectly balances the flavors of sweetness and saltiness, making it a refreshing pick-me-up. This unique drink has been gaining popularity around the world for its rich taste and aromatic experience, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved treat. The surprising combination of coffee and salt creates a flavor profile that is both invigorating and comforting, ideal for any time of the day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of salt and coffee creates a delightful contrast that tantalizes your taste buds.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients, you can easily whip up this refreshing drink at home.
- Versatile Beverage: Enjoy it hot or iced, making it a perfect choice for any season.
- A Cultural Experience: Savoring Ca Phe Muoi is like taking a sip of Vietnam’s rich coffee culture.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy your coffee in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Ca Phe Muoi, you will need a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create its signature flavor. Each component plays a crucial role in enhancing the drink’s taste, texture, and aroma.
- Freshly Brewed Coffee: Opt for a strong coffee to ensure the flavor stands out against the salt.
- Salt: Use fine sea salt for the perfect balance of flavor; it enhances the sweetness without overpowering the coffee.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This adds a rich creaminess and sweetness that complements the salt perfectly.
- Ice (optional): If you prefer your coffee cold, ice will give you that refreshing chill.
- Water: Essential for brewing your coffee; the quality of water affects the final flavor.
Variations for Ca Phe Muoi
One of the best things about Ca Phe Muoi is how easy it is to customize. Feel free to adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Nut Milk: Swap out regular milk for almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Flavored Syrups: Add a dash of caramel or vanilla syrup for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Different Salts: Experiment with flavored salts like Himalayan pink salt or smoked sea salt for a unique twist.
- Iced Version: Blend your ingredients with ice for a refreshing iced Ca Phe Muoi.
- Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for a warm, aromatic flavor.

How to Make Ca Phe Muoi
Step 1: Brew Your Coffee
Start by brewing a strong cup of coffee using your preferred method, whether it’s a French press, drip coffee maker, or Vietnamese phin. The stronger the coffee, the better it will balance the added flavors.
Step 2: Mix in Sweetened Condensed Milk
In a glass, add a generous amount of sweetened condensed milk. The sweetness is essential to complement the salty notes that will come next.
Step 3: Add Salt
Sprinkle in a pinch of salt to the condensed milk. Stir the mixture until well combined, ensuring the salt dissolves completely.
Step 4: Combine with Coffee
Pour the freshly brewed coffee over the sweetened and salted mixture. Stir gently, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Serve
For an iced version, pour the mixture over ice. Stir again and enjoy your delicious Ca Phe Muoi!
Pro Tips for Making Ca Phe Muoi
- Use Quality Coffee: Choose fresh, high-quality coffee beans for the best flavor.
- Adjust the Salt: Start with a small amount of salt and adjust according to your taste.
- Chill Your Glass: For iced versions, chill your glass in the freezer for a refreshing experience.
- Experiment with Ratios: Feel free to tweak the amount of sweetened condensed milk and salt to find your perfect balance.
- Garnish Creatively: Consider adding a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon on top for an extra touch.
How to Serve Ca Phe Muoi
Garnishes
Garnishing your Ca Phe Muoi can elevate the experience. A sprinkle of cocoa powder, a dash of cinnamon, or even a twist of lemon peel can add visual appeal and a hint of additional flavor.
Side Dishes
This delightful coffee pairs well with Vietnamese pastries, such as bánh mì or sweet rolls, enhancing the experience with contrasting flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Ca Phe Muoi in clear glasses to showcase the beautiful layers of coffee and milk. You can also arrange a coffee tasting flight with different variations for a fun gathering with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Ca Phe Muoi, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors may meld over time, enhancing the taste.
Freezing
For longer storage, consider freezing the coffee mixture in ice cube trays. These cubes can be blended into smoothies or used to make iced coffee drinks later on.
Reheating
To enjoy your Ca Phe Muoi warm again, gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Just be careful not to overheat, as this can alter the flavor.
FAQs
Can I use decaf coffee for Ca Phe Muoi?
Absolutely! Decaf coffee works perfectly in this recipe, allowing you to enjoy the delicious flavors without the caffeine kick.
Is Ca Phe Muoi suitable for vegans?
Yes, simply replace the sweetened condensed milk with a plant-based alternative, and you have a delightful vegan version of this treat.
How salty is Ca Phe Muoi?
The saltiness can be adjusted to your liking, but it typically has a subtle salt flavor that enhances the sweetness of the coffee without being overpowering.
Can I use instant coffee for this recipe?
While freshly brewed coffee is recommended for the best flavor, you can use instant coffee in a pinch, just ensure it is well-dissolved for a smooth texture.
What type of salt works best for Ca Phe Muoi?
Fine sea salt is preferred as it dissolves easily and provides an even distribution of flavor, but feel free to experiment with different types of salt for unique tastes.
Final Thoughts
Ca Phe Muoi is not just a drink; it’s an experience that brings a taste of Vietnam right to your home. With its unique flavor profile and simple preparation, it’s a must-try for any coffee lover. So, gather your ingredients, follow the recipe, and enjoy the delightful combination of sweet and salty in every sip of Ca Phe Muoi. Happy brewing!
Related Posts
- Experience the Magic of Harry Potter Butterbeer
- Refreshing Pineapple Strawberry Swirled Frappuccino Recipe
- Kiwi Dragonfruit Crush Frappuccinos Homemade

Ca Phe Muoi
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Ca Phe Muoi, or Vietnamese salted coffee, is a delightful beverage that perfectly balances sweetness and saltiness, making it a refreshing pick-me-up. This unique drink has gained popularity worldwide for its rich taste and aromatic experience.
Ingredients
Freshly Brewed Coffee
- 1 cup strong coffee
Salt
- 1 pinch fine sea salt
Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 2–3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
Ice (optional)
- as needed for iced version
Water
- as needed for brewing coffee
Instructions
- Brew Your Coffee: Start by brewing a strong cup of coffee using your preferred method, whether it’s a French press, drip coffee maker, or Vietnamese phin. The stronger the coffee, the better it will balance the added flavors.
- Mix in Sweetened Condensed Milk: In a glass, add a generous amount of sweetened condensed milk. The sweetness is essential to complement the salty notes that will come next.
- Add Salt: Sprinkle in a pinch of salt to the condensed milk. Stir the mixture until well combined, ensuring the salt dissolves completely.
- Combine with Coffee: Pour the freshly brewed coffee over the sweetened and salted mixture. Stir gently, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serve: For an iced version, pour the mixture over ice. Stir again and enjoy your delicious Ca Phe Muoi!
Notes
- Use Quality Coffee: Choose fresh, high-quality coffee beans for the best flavor.
- Adjust the Salt: Start with a small amount of salt and adjust according to your taste.
- Chill Your Glass: For iced versions, chill your glass in the freezer for a refreshing experience.
- Experiment with Ratios: Feel free to tweak the amount of sweetened condensed milk and salt to find your perfect balance.
- Garnish Creatively: Consider adding a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon on top for an extra touch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Brewing
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Vietnamese coffee, salted coffee, Ca Phe Muoi, coffee recipes, unique coffee drinks