Cafe Craze

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Get your caffeine fix with a Vietnamese twist! Sip on a Ca Phe Sua Da, the iconic iced coffee sweetened with condensed milk, or go bold with a Ca Phe Trung, a unique egg coffee that's rich and frothy. It's like a jolt of joy in a cup, Saigon style!

Who Should Try This Dish?

These drinks are ideal for coffee lovers who appreciate innovative twists on traditional beverages. Adventurous eaters will love trying the egg coffee, which may be unusual for some but is a delightfully rich experience.

Flavor Profile

Expect a delightful blend of strong, bold coffee flavors complemented by the sweet creaminess of condensed milk in Ca Phe Sua Da. Ca Phe Trung offers a unique creamy and frothy flavor with hints of sweetness and richness from the egg yolks.

Things to Eat with It

Both Ca Phe Sua Da and Ca Phe Trung pair beautifully with traditional Vietnamese pastries like Banh Mi or a light, flaky cake. Additionally, a glass of coconut water complements the iced coffee, bringing out the sweetness and adding refreshing notes.

What's in It?

  1. Vietnamese coffee: Known for its strong and bold flavor, this coffee is the base of both beverages and is typically brewed using a drip method.
  2. Condensed milk: Adds a rich sweetness and creamy texture to the iced coffee, contrasting the strong coffee flavor.
  3. Egg yolks: Used in Ca Phe Trung, they give the drink its unique frothy texture and a creamy, custard-like taste.
  4. Sugar: Often added to enhance sweetness, balancing out the bitterness of the coffee.

How It's Made

To prepare Ca Phe Sua Da, strong Vietnamese coffee is brewed using a traditional drip method over a glass filled with ice and sweetened condensed milk. For Ca Phe Trung, the egg yolks are whisked with sugar and sweetened condensed milk until frothy, then combined with the brewed coffee for a unique texture.

Interesting Info about the Challenge

Engage in the Cafe Craze challenge to experience the lively coffee culture of Ho Chi Minh City firsthand. By taking on this food challenge, you will not only enjoy the delightful flavors of Ca Phe Sua Da and Ca Phe Trung but also immerse yourself in the local tradition of coffee drinking. This challenge is not just about sipping coffee; it's about embracing Vietnam's social culture, where each cup tells a story of resilience and innovation. You'll be surrounded by local cafes filled with chatter, laughter, and the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee, making this experience truly special.

Regional Variations

Hanoian Egg Coffee

This version is known for its distinct frothiness and often features a layer of cocoa powder on top, enhancing both the flavor and visual appeal.

Southern Iced Coffee

In Ho Chi Minh City, the iced coffee is usually sweeter and served with more condensed milk compared to its northern counterpart, balancing the bold flavors of the coffee.

Local Traditions or Rituals Around the Dish

In modern Vietnam, enjoying a cup of Ca Phe Sua Da or Ca Phe Trung is a social affair, often enjoyed in bustling cafes that attract groups of friends or solo patrons seeking a moment of relaxation. Customarily, locals pair these drinks with light snacks or pastries, enhancing the experience while engaging in casual conversations. Additionally, both drinks hold cultural significance as representations of Vietnam's historical resilience and adaptability.

History of the Dish

Vietnamese coffee culture began in the late 19th century with the introduction of coffee plants by French colonists. The unique preparation methods evolved due to limited resources, leading to the use of condensed milk to counteract the coffee's bitterness. Ca Phe Trung emerged in the mid-20th century in Hanoi, where coffee shop owners began experimenting with egg yolks, creating a luxurious frothy drink that quickly gained popularity. Today, both drinks reflect Vietnam's innovative spirit in food and beverage preparation.

Interesting Facts About It

The Unique Egg Coffee

Ca Phe Trung's unique recipe involves whipping raw egg yolks, sugar, and sweetened condensed milk to achieve its frothy consistency, making it a delightful variation that surprises many.

The International Attraction

Over the years, Vietnamese coffee has garnered international attention, with Ca Phe Trung being highlighted in food blogs and travel documentaries as a must-try dish for visitors to Vietnam.

Strong Coffee Tradition

Vietnam is the second largest exporter of coffee globally, with a rich coffee culture that includes unique brewing styles and flavors, deeply rooted in its history and daily life.