Both Thai iced coffee and Vietnamese iced coffee are delicious caffeinated beverages that have become popular worldwide. However, there are some key differences between the two drinks in terms of ingredients, preparation methods, taste, and cultural significance.
Main Ingredients
The main ingredients in both Thai iced coffee and Vietnamese iced coffee are strong black coffee and sweetened condensed milk. However, there are some differences in the specific types of coffee beans and milk used.
Coffee Beans
Thai iced coffee is typically made with Thairobusta coffee beans. Robusta beans have a stronger, more bitter taste than the Arabica beans more commonly used for iced coffee. Vietnamese iced coffee is usually made with Vietnamese robusta beans, which are considered superior to Thai robusta beans due to Vietnam’s coffee-growing climate.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Both versions use sweetened condensed milk to add a sweet, creamy component that offsets the bitter coffee. However, Vietnamese coffee often uses heavier (higher fat) condensed milk, while Thai iced coffee uses lighter condensed milk. The type of milk impacts the texture and flavor of the finished drink.
Preparation Methods
While the core ingredients are similar, Thai iced coffee and Vietnamese coffee are prepared in different ways.
Thai Iced Coffee
To make Thai iced coffee:
- Thairobusta coffee grounds are brewed with water in a special metal drip filter or cloth filter
- The freshly brewed coffee drips directly over ice to quickly chill
- Sweetened condensed milk is stirred into the chilled coffee
- The iced coffee is served cold, sometimes with extra ice
Vietnamese Iced Coffee
To make Vietnamese iced coffee:
- Vietnameserobusta coffee grounds are brewed hot using a small metal drip filter
- The hot coffee drips directly into a glass filled with ice
- Condensed milk is poured into the bottom of the glass before the hot coffee drips into it
- The hot coffee mixes thoroughly with the cold milk, cooling down quickly while preventing the milk from curdling
- The iced coffee is served cold, sometimes with extra ice
So in short, Thai iced coffee is brewed directly over ice, while Vietnamese iced coffee is brewed hot and then poured over ice.
Taste
The different beans, milk, and preparation result in Thai iced coffee and Vietnamese iced coffee having distinct tastes:
Thai Iced Coffee
- Strong, dark roasted coffee flavor
- Extremely bold, sometimes bitter
- Milk provides creaminess and sweetness, but coffee still dominates
- Can be served black or with milk
Vietnamese Iced Coffee
- Intense dark coffee flavor balanced with sweetness
- Higher fat milk provides silky, creamy texture
- Milk and coffee flavors are more balanced and integrated
- Served with milk
While both have intense coffee flavor, Vietnamese style iced coffee is typically sweeter and creamier due to the higher fat condensed milk.
Cultural Significance
Both Thai iced coffee and Vietnamese iced coffee are important parts of the food culture in their countries of origin:
Thai Iced Coffee
- Commonly served at Thai restaurants and street stalls
- A popular breakfast drink
- A nice accompaniment to spicy Thai dishes by cooling the palate
- Representative of Thailand’s coffee production history
Vietnamese Iced Coffee
- Extremely prevalent in Vietnam, served everywhere from sidewalk cafes to high-end restaurants
- Typically drunk any time of day
- Very nostalgic – reminds Vietnamese people of home
- Representative of Vietnam’s thriving coffee culture and status as a major coffee producer
While popular in Southeast Asia, both versions are also gaining global appeal as people seek out bold and unique coffee experiences.
Popularity and Availability
Both Thai iced coffee and Vietnamese iced coffee have spread in popularity beyond their native countries, but Vietnamese iced coffee has achieved significantly wider availability:
- Thai iced coffee is mostly limited to Thai restaurants or Southeast Asian establishments
- Vietnamese iced coffee is served at a growing number of mainstream coffee shops and cafes, especially in areas with large Vietnamese populations like California and Texas
- Premade Thai iced coffee or Vietnamese iced coffee products are sold at some grocery stores, but Vietnamese versions are more common
- Recipes for both are widely available online
While Thai iced coffee is still considered a novelty by many, Vietnamese iced coffee has transitioned into a globally recognized style of coffee like espresso or cafe latte. Its surge in popularity is likely fueled by Vietnam’s standing as the world’s second largest coffee producer.
Comparison Table
Here is a table summarizing some of the key points of difference between the two coffee drinks:
| Characteristic | Thai Iced Coffee | Vietnamese Iced Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Primary beans used | Thai robusta | Vietnamese robusta |
| Brewing method | Cold drip directly over ice | Hot drip poured over ice |
| Typical flavor profile | Strong, bitter coffee | Strong, sweet, creamy coffee |
| Availability outside country of origin | Uncommon | Increasingly common |
Recipe Variations
Both Thai iced coffee and Vietnamese iced coffee allow for some creativity and customization in the recipes. Some popular tweaks include:
Thai Iced Coffee
- Using Arabica beans for a smoother coffee
- Adding spices like cardamom, vanilla, cinnamon, or cloves
- Topping with whipped cream
- Using alternative milks like coconut or almond milk
Vietnamese Iced Coffee
- Using a blend of Arabica and robusta beans
- Adding flavored syrups like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut
- Topping with whipped cream
- Serving with a splash of Kahlua or other coffee liqueur
The original recipes remain the most traditional and popular. But the customizable and creative versions reflect how Thai iced coffee and Vietnamese iced coffee are evolving for global palates.
How to Make Authentic Versions at Home
It’s entirely possible to make delicious Thai and Vietnamese iced coffee at home. Here are simple recipes for each:
Thai Iced Coffee
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp Thai robusta coffee grounds
- 1⁄4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup water
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- In a drip coffee filter or small coffee press, combine coffee grounds and water.
- Brew coffee directly over a glass filled with ice, allowing it to slowly drip into the glass.
- Once coffee has fully dripped, stir in condensed milk until fully mixed.
- Enjoy over ice or add more ice as desired.
Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Ingredients:
- 2-3 Tbsp Vietnamese robusta coffee grounds
- 1⁄4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup water
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour condensed milk into the bottom of the glass.
- In a drip filter or coffee press, brew hot coffee using the grounds and water.
- Slowly pour the hot coffee over the ice, allowing it to cool while mixing with the condensed milk.
- Gently stir if needed to fully incorporate milk.
- Enjoy immediately.
Conclusion
While Thai iced coffee and Vietnamese iced coffee contain the same key ingredients, they differ significantly in their flavor profiles, preparation methods, place in culture, and global availability. Both make excellent iced coffee options for those looking to expand their coffee horizons. With its sweeter, creamier flavor profile, Vietnamese iced coffee has achieved particularly widespread appeal around the world. However, for an authentic and unsweetened robusta coffee experience, Thai iced coffee can’t be beat. The increasing popularity of Southeast Asian coffee styles reflects a growing appreciation of global coffee diversity.