Vietnamese Coconut Coffee Recipe (Cà Phê Cốt Dừa)

What Is Vietnamese Coconut Coffee?

Cà phê cốt dừa (coconut coffee) is a Vietnamese coffee drink that replaces condensed milk with coconut cream or a blended coconut mixture. It originated in Hội An and has become one of the most popular Vietnamese coffee drinks internationally — particularly on social media, where its creamy, tropical appearance makes it extremely photogenic.

Two Versions

There are two common styles: the blended version (thick, smoothie-like, served in a glass with a straw) and the layered version (phin coffee poured over coconut cream and ice, served in a tall glass). We'll cover both.

Ingredients (1 serving)

• 60–80ml strong phin-brewed coffee (or cold brew concentrate)
• 3–4 tbsp coconut cream (not coconut milk — you want the thick cream)
• 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 cup ice
• Toasted coconut flakes for garnish (optional)

Blended Version

1. Brew your phin coffee and let it cool for 5 minutes.
2. Add coffee, coconut cream, condensed milk, and ice to a blender.
3. Blend until smooth and thick — about 30 seconds.
4. Pour into a glass and top with toasted coconut flakes.

Layered Version

1. Add condensed milk to the bottom of a tall glass.
2. Add coconut cream on top of the condensed milk.
3. Fill the glass with ice.
4. Slowly pour the phin coffee over the ice so it floats on top.
5. Serve with a straw and stir before drinking.

Tips

• Use full-fat coconut cream. Light coconut milk won't give you the rich, creamy texture that makes this drink special.
• Chill the coconut cream. Cold coconut cream is thicker and creates better layers in the layered version.
• Strong coffee is essential. Coconut cream is rich and can overpower weak coffee. Use a bold Robusta blend.
• Dairy-free naturally. This drink is naturally dairy-free if you skip the condensed milk — use coconut sugar or maple syrup instead.

Our coconut coffee is one of our most popular drinks — try it at any of our three Vancouver locations. View our full menu for seasonal coconut coffee variations.