Let’s embark on a journey into the heart of Vietnamese coffee with the exquisite “bac xiu." This delightful coffee drink will not only tantalize your taste buds but also promise to bring an immersive experience. Its rich flavor invites you to savor the essence of Vietnamese coffee that will truly tickle your senses.
1. What is bac xiu (Vietnamese white coffee)?
Bac xiu is a variation of Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da), which is believed to have originated in the early 20th century in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City), influenced by French colonial culture. Its name translates to "white coffee" due to its light color.
Bac xiu is similar to Vietnamese iced coffee in that both variations combine coffee with milk and use the phin filter. The difference is that Vietnamese iced coffee has more coffee than milk, while bac xiu has more milk than coffee. Also, Vietnamese iced coffee uses condensed milk, while bac xiu uses fresh milk instead.
Due to the differences in ingredient choices, Vietnamese iced coffee is known for its bold coffee flavor, which is balanced by the sweetness of condensed milk. Meanwhile, bac xiu is known for its smooth, delicate flavor with a subtle coffee aroma. Sometimes, bac xiu includes additional ingredients like whipped cream or egg yolk for an even richer texture.
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2. Best bac xiu recipes that everyone will love
2.1. Hot bac xiu recipe
Ingredients:
- Coffee extract: 25-30ml
- Condensed milk: 30ml
- Unsweetened fresh milk: 100ml
Instructions:
- Brew the coffee: Place a sufficient amount of coffee grounds into the filter, then add 10ml of boiling water and let it steep for 20 seconds. Next, add 100ml of boiling water and wait for the extraction process.
- Create the coffee froth: While the coffee is still hot, pour it into a shaking container or a lidded jar and shake to create froth.
- Cook the milk: Heat the mixture of fresh milk and condensed milk in a pot. Stir continuously until the mixture boils and foams.
- Finish: Pour the boiled milk mixture into a cup then top it with the frothy coffee. There you have it, a delicious cup of hot coffee.
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2.2. Vietnamese iced white coffee recipe
Ingredients:
- Pure freshly ground roasted coffee: 25-30g
- Boiling water: 110ml
- Condensed milk: 20ml
- Fresh milk: 100ml
- Crushed ice
Instructions:
- Brew the coffee with a filter: Brew the coffee using a filter by pouring 10ml of boiling water into the coffee grounds and letting it steep for 20 seconds. Then, add another 100ml of boiling water and close the filter.
- Create the coffee froth: Shake the freshly brewed coffee vigorously to create froth using a cocktail shaker.
- Combine the coffee and milk: Pour the condensed milk and fresh milk into a glass. Then, gently pour the frothy coffee on top to create a layered effect.
- Finish: To create a refreshing taste, add the crushed ice to the glass.
2.3. 3-layer bac siu recipe
Ingredients:
- Pure freshly ground coffee: 30g
- Condensed milk: 15ml
- Fresh milk: 60ml
- Whipped cream: 60ml
- Crushed ice
Instructions:
- Use a drip filter to brew the coffee and obtain the coffee extract.
- Pour the freshly brewed coffee and ice into a container for shaking to create froth.
- Mix a combination of fresh milk and condensed milk to create the first layer.
- Create the second layer by gently pouring the frothy coffee on top.
- For the third layer, add a desired amount of whipped cream on the top. There you have it - a visually appealing and delicious 3-layered egg coffee.
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2.4. 4-layer bac xiu recipe
Ingredients:
- Drip-brewed coffee extract: 40ml
- Condensed milk: 5ml
- Fresh milk: 30ml
- Sugar: 2 teaspoons
- Ice
Instructions:
- Mix 20ml of the coffee extract and condensed milk to create the first layer.
- Add the ice to the glass to ensure clear layering.
- Stir together the fresh milk and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a separate cup, then pour the mixture onto the ice in the first glass to create another layer.
- Shake 20ml of the coffee extract with 1 teaspoon of sugar to create froth and form the third layer.
- The top layer consists of the coffee froth and sugar mixture.
2.5. Vietnamese white coffee with coconut milk
Ingredients:
- Drip-brewed coffee extract or instant black coffee: 25ml
- Coconut milk: 5ml
- Condensed milk: 20ml
- Unsweetened fresh milk: 100ml
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Put the condensed milk, coconut milk, and ice cubes into a blender and blend until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Use a shaker to evenly mix 25ml of coffee extract to create froth.
- Pour the coffee froth obtained from shaking into a glass.
- Pour the blended mixture into the glass, creating a layered coffee effect in the cup.
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3. How to drink bac xiu properly?
To make an authentic cup of bac siu, you should use freshly brewed black coffee from Arabica or Robusta beans, ground to a medium fineness. Opt for whole-fat fresh milk for richness and full-fat condensed milk for sweetness. Traditional phin filters work well, but coffee machines or manual brewing are viable too. Remember, with phin filters, avoid overfilling with water to avoid a weak coffee.
A traditional bac xiu packs around 200-250 calories, so moderate your intake if you are on a weight-loss plan. Be mindful of your bac xiu consumption in the evenings, as the caffeine can disrupt your sleep. Enjoy bac xiu in the morning for a caffeine kick to start your day off right. Bac xiu also aids digestion, making it a great choice after a meal to help your body absorb nutrients efficiently.
Bac xiu isn't just a coffee drink; it's a sensory symphony. With each sip, bac xiu tickles your taste buds, awakens your senses, and transports you to the bustling streets of Vietnam. So, whether you are a seasoned coffee connoisseur or a curious explorer, embrace the magic of bac xiu. Let its layers of flavor and cultural charm leave you wanting more.
As you explore the bustling streets and hidden alleys in your Vietnam travel, don't forget to dive into the heart of its vibrant coffee culture. Dive into the creamy embrace of egg coffee, let the unexpected tang of salted coffee surprise your taste buds, or indulge in the rare richness of weasel coffee.
Beyond coffee, Vietnam offers a plethora of captivating destinations, including Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, and Ha Long. They entice visitors with their breathtaking natural scenery, cultural landmarks, and delectable cuisine. For a delightful sojourn in Vietnam, consider lodging at Vinpearl’s hotels and resorts. These accommodations offer diverse room choices that harmoniously blend architecture with the surrounding nature, providing exemplary services like restaurants, shopping venues, spas, pools, conference centers, golf courses, and more.
Additionally, you can explore VinWonders, a dynamic series of entertainment complexes in Vietnam. VinWonders offers you and your loved-one a plethora of adventure games and vibrant festivals for an immersive experience.
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