How to Make Authentic Vietnamese Salted Coffee (Kem Muối)

Learning to make authentic Vietnamese salted coffee at home is easier than you think. With simple ingredients, you can impress your friends and family. Get ready to dive into the world of kem muối and discover how to create this delicious drink.

Understanding Kem Muối: The Flavor Profile

Traditional Vietnamese coffee is known for its strong and bold flavor. It is made using a special brewing method called phin or french press. Vietnamese coffee is often served with sweetened condensed milk.

  • Robust flavor profile
  • Strong caffeine content
  • Often sweetened with condensed milk
  • Served hot or cold

In Vietnam, coffee holds cultural significance. It is more than just a beverage. It is a reason to gather with friends and family. Coffee shops are popular meeting places.

Type of CoffeeTasteServing Style
Vietnamese Drip CoffeeStrong, rich, boldHot or Iced
Egg CoffeeSweet, creamyHot
Kem MuốiSalty, sweet, creamyIced

The preparation of Vietnamese coffee is an art. The coffee is brewed directly over a glass of condensed milk. This method enhances its flavor and creates a rich experience.

Exploring The Origins Of Kem Muối

It originated in Vietnam, where unique flavor combinations are celebrated. The drink features a blend of salty and sweet, creating a distinct taste that surprises many.

Kem Muối has roots in Vietnamese culinary traditions. It reflects the country’s love for bold flavors and creativity. The combination of coffee and salt may seem unusual.

  • Originated in Vietnam
  • Combines salty and sweet flavors
  • Enhances the coffee experience
  • Celebrates Vietnamese culinary creativity

Today, Kem Muối is enjoyed worldwide. Many coffee lovers seek it out for its unique taste. It has become a symbol of modern Vietnamese coffee culture.

Gathering Your Ingredients And Tools

Choose fresh coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and rich cream. These elements create a delightful balance that highlights the coffee’s taste.

Choosing The Right Ground Coffee (dark Roast)

The foundation of your Kem Muối is the coffee. Select a dark roast for a rich flavor. Dark roasts offer a bold taste. This enhances the sweetness of condensed milk. Here are some important points:

  • Look for freshly ground coffee.
  • Avoid pre-ground coffee if possible.
  • Choose a blend that highlights chocolate or caramel notes.

For the perfect brew, use:

AmountType
7–8 grams (1.5 tablespoons)Ground coffee (for drip or French press)

Grind the coffee just before brewing. This keeps the flavors fresh. Brew 55 ml of coffee using your preferred method. Drip or French press works well.

Selecting Condensed Milk And Cream

Next, pick the right condensed milk and cream. These ingredients add sweetness and richness. Start with sweetened condensed milk. It creates a creamy texture and balances the coffee’s bitterness.

  • Choose a brand that uses quality ingredients.
  • Look for milk with a smooth, thick consistency.

For the cream, select a whipping cream. It should have a rich flavor and texture. Here are the amounts needed:

  • 25 ml condensed milk
  • 30 ml whipping cream
  • 20 ml milk
  • A pinch of salt

The pinch of salt enhances the coffee’s flavors. Combine these ingredients to create a creamy base. This mixture pairs perfectly with the brewed coffee.

Cách Làm Cafe Muối - Vietnamese Salt Coffee Recipe photo

Cách Làm Cafe Muối: Vietnamese Salt Coffee Recipe

Alice
Sweet, salty, and utterly delicious, Kem Muối is a Vietnamese coffee experience you won't soon forget. Ready to try this unique recipe? Let's get started.
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Course Beverages, Coffee Drinks
Cuisine International, Vietnamese
Servings 1
Calories 190 kcal

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Glass
  • Spoon
  • Measuring cups/spoons
  • Coffee Maker or French Press

Instructions
 

  • Prepare The Creamy Base
    To create the creamy base, start with these ingredients:
    30 ml whipping cream
    20 ml milk
    A pinch of salt
    In a glass, combine the whipping cream, milk, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. This step is key to achieving the rich texture that defines Kem Muối.
    Vietnamese Salt Coffee Recipe Step-by-step - Prepare The Creamy Base
  • Mix Coffee And Condensed Milk
    Next, focus on the coffee mixture. Gather the following:
    25 ml condensed milk
    55 ml brewed coffee
    In a separate glass, add the condensed milk and brewed coffee. Stir well to combine the two ingredients. The sweetness of the condensed milk balances the boldness of the coffee.
    Vietnamese Salt Coffee Recipe Step-by-step - Mix Coffee And Condensed Milk
  • Combine The Mixtures
    Now it’s time to bring everything together. Take the blended creamy mixture you prepared earlier. Pour it into the glass with the coffee and condensed milk mixture. This creates a beautiful swirl of color and flavor.
    Mix gently to combine the two mixtures. The goal is to maintain the creamy texture while integrating the coffee flavor.
    Vietnamese Salt Coffee Recipe Step-by-step - Combine The Mixtures
  • Add Ice And Serve
    The final step is adding ice. Take a glass filled with ice cubes. Pour the combined coffee and creamy mixture over the ice. This keeps your drink cool and refreshing.
    Give it a final stir. Ensure everything is well mixed. Now, enjoy your creamy, smooth coffee drink!
Keyword cafe muối, Condensed Milk Coffee, creamy coffee, Iced Coffee Recipe, salted coffee, Vietnamese salt coffee

Assembling Your Kem Muối: The Perfect Pour

The final step, assembling your Kem Muối, is crucial. This is where flavors blend to create a unique drink.

Layering Condensed Milk And Coffee

Start with the base of your Kem Muối: the condensed milk and coffee. This combination creates a sweet and rich foundation. Follow these simple steps for the perfect layering:

  1. Choose a clear glass to showcase the layers.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk at the bottom.
  3. Brew your coffee using a Vietnamese drip filter or any method you prefer.
  4. Pour the hot coffee slowly over the condensed milk.

The hot coffee will mix slightly with the condensed milk. This creates a beautiful gradient effect. To keep the layers distinct, pour gently. The coffee should sit above the milk without fully mixing.

Here’s a quick reference table:

IngredientAmount
Condensed Milk2 tablespoons
Brewed Coffee1 cup (about 240 ml)

This layering technique enhances the visual appeal. It also sets the stage for the next delicious layer.

Adding The Salted Cream Topping

The salted cream topping is what makes Kem Muối special. It balances the sweetness of the coffee and condensed milk. Here’s how to prepare and add it:

  • Whip 1 cup of heavy cream until soft peaks form.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of sugar to the cream.
  • Continue whipping until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.

Once your cream is ready, gently spoon it over the coffee layer. Aim for a thick layer of cream. This should float nicely on top of the coffee. The contrast in colors will be stunning.

For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top. This enhances the flavor. The cream should have a rich, creamy texture. It should not mix into the coffee immediately.

Caffeine And Calorie Vietnamese Salt Coffee

In this section, we’ll explore how much caffeine you can expect from a cup and the calories it contains, helping you enjoy this unique beverage while staying informed about its nutritional impact.

Caffeine Content: Understanding The Coffee’s Impact

Typically, Vietnamese coffee is robusta, which has higher caffeine levels compared to arabica. Here’s a breakdown of caffeine in common coffee types:

Coffee TypeCaffeine per 8 oz
Robusta100-200 mg
Arabica80-120 mg

For Kem Muối, you can expect around 100 mg of caffeine in a standard serving. This amount gives you a nice energy boost without causing jitters. Here are some effects of caffeine:

  • Increases alertness
  • Improves mood
  • Enhances physical performance

Understanding caffeine helps you enjoy your salted coffee better. Just remember to balance your intake. Too much caffeine can lead to anxiety or sleeplessness.

Calorie Breakdown: Condensed Milk And Cream

Calorie content in Kem Muối mainly comes from condensed milk and cream. These ingredients add sweetness and richness. A standard serving of Vietnamese salted coffee typically has about 190 calories. Here’s how the calories break down:

IngredientCalories
Coffee (1 cup)2
Condensed Milk (2 tbsp)120
Heavy Cream (2 tbsp)60
Salt0

Condensed milk adds creamy texture and sweetness. Heavy cream enhances the richness. Both create a satisfying drink. Consider these tips to lower calorie content:

  1. Use less condensed milk.
  2. Opt for low-fat cream.
  3. Try sugar-free alternatives.

Being aware of calories helps you enjoy Kem Muối while keeping health in mind. Savor the taste without overindulging.