Bac xiu: The tasty and iconic version of Vietnamese coffee
Are you looking for a creamier and more delightful way to enjoy Vietnamese coffee? Look no further than Bac Xiu, a version of Vietnamese coffee that has been one of the favorites of both locals and travelers all around the world.
Read on to find out what this drink is all about and how to make the most authentic cup of bac xiu coffee at home.
What is bac xiu coffee?
Bac xiu is an opposite version of the iconic Vietnamese milk coffee. Usually, milk is complementary and its role is to highlight the robust taste of coffee.
Conversely, bac xiu has more milk than coffee, offering coffee enthusiasts a different, milder, and just as enjoyable option.
This version is widely beloved for the unmistakably rich, creamy, and smooth flavor profile highlighted by the signature taste of Vietnamese coffee, a combination that is both comforting and satisfying.
Ever since it was first enjoyed back to the early 20th century, where French colonial influences prevail, bac xiu has earned an important position in the Vietnamese coffee culture.
Bac xiu has captured the hearts of many Vietnamese coffee lovers
Its ingredients are not too different from the other versions, with coffee and condensed milk being the primary components.
A major change, which is also what gives bac xiu the smooth and creamy profile is none other than fresh milk, adding a hint of natural richness to the iconic delicacy.
On top of that, whipped cream or egg yolk can also be added, but they are not mainstays of bac xiu.
How to make bac xiu at home
It is very easy to enjoy bac xiu anywhere, since this version is not quite different from the classic Vietnamese milk coffee.
Ingredients
The main ingredients are ground coffee, preferably Vietnamese coffee, condensed milk, fresh milk, and sugar.
On top of that, to really capture the essence of bac xiu, get yourself an authentic phin filter set to brew your coffee and bring out the very best of this drink.
Steps
To enjoy the most authentic cup of bac xiu, follow these steps and you can prepare it right at home:
First, brew the coffee. Prepare your phin filter, place the lid under the chamber, add two tablespoons of ground Vietnamese coffee, and place the filter press on top.
Then, add about 10 ml of hot water and let it steep for about 20 seconds. After that, fill the chamber all the way with hot water, place the lid over the top, and place your glass under the phin filter. Sit back and wait for the coffee to drip, it should take about 5 minutes to finish.
Depending on how you want to enjoy your coffee, you can fill the glass with ice in advance or go without. Additionally, you can also use a cold shaker with ice to finish off the coffee and make it frothy.
How to make an authentic cup of bac xiu
Up next is the condensed milk and fresh milk. You can either mix them together or pour them in layers by gently adding them into your glass on the back of a spoon.
If you like the coffee hot, you can heat the fresh and condensed milk mixture before adding it to the glass. For sugar, you can either add sugar to both the milk and coffee mixture before assembling the drink.
That is all you need to do for an authentic and satisfying cup of bac xiu. Some may add a layer of whipped cream on top for extra creaminess, but it is entirely optional.
Popular variations of bac xiu
There are many ways for you to customize bac xiu to your liking. You can alternate between hot or cold bac xiu and each will slightly change the overall flavor profile.
It is also possible to substitute condensed milk and fresh whole milk with plenty of alternatives. While this is not quite common in Vietnam, many cafes in other countries offer almond, oat, and soy milk in place of whole milk.
Bac xiu can come in many forms
Additionally, experiment with the presentation of the drink by presenting the different components in layers, with the milk mixture on the bottom, frothy coffee, and whipped cream on top, for example.
Nowadays, you can also find ice blended bac xiu, which can be a nice option for a hot summer day for coffee lovers.
How to enjoy bac xiu properly
To truly savor the authentic taste of Vietnamese coffee Bac Xiu, there are a few key elements to consider. First and foremost, use high-quality coffee blend and sweetened condensed milk to achieve the optimal flavor profile.
It is highly recommended to use traditional Vietnamese coffee ground and brew it in a phin filter to bring out the strong flavor profile. Iced bac xiu is usually the go-to option as it can balance out the richness of the milk mixture.
Brew your coffee with a phin filter for the best flavors
A cup of bac xiu is an amazing choice to start your day but make sure to consume with moderation.
An average glass of bac xiu contains around 200 to 250 calories with fat and sugar from the condensed milk, so it is important to limit your intake to one or two cups per day.
88 Coffee - Where to find the best Vietnamese coffee blend
Looking to whip up a glass of bac xiu at the comfort of your own home? Check out 88 Coffee Vietnamese blends with their distinctive signature flavor profile.
We commit to delivering products of the highest quality made from fresh and carefully curated coffee beans to bring you the most authentic cups of joe anywhere.
88 Coffee offers the best and most authentic Vietnamese coffee blends
For coffee drinkers with a sweet tooth, you would love bac xiu, the sweeter and smoother version of the iconic Vietnamese milk coffee. It is tasty, easy to prepare, and does not require any extra ingredients.
So if you are hoping to switch up your morning coffee routine, give bac xiu a shot and see how you like this beloved version of Vietnamese coffee.