Iced Coffee
Iced coffee is a beverage made by chilling brewed coffee and serving it with ice. It is widely enjoyed around the world, especially in warm climates and during the summer season, with variations in coffee beans, brewing methods, and arrangements reflecting regional characteristics. In Vietnam, a unique iced coffee culture known as ""cà phê đá"" has developed and is enjoyed daily in urban cafes and lakeside venues. At establishments such as Fountain Cafe on the shores of Hanoi’s West Lake (Hồ Tây), visitors can enjoy Vietnamese-style iced coffee along with scenic views, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
- Taste Rating
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- Price
- ? Dong
- Meal Date
- 7/17/2022
- Food Travel Log
- A memorable cafe in Vietnam
Hồ Tây (West Lake) in Hanoi is rich in nature and peaceful. There are cafes scattered around where you can take a break while gazing at the lake, making it perfect for leisurely strolls and dates.
The Fountain cafe I visited had a decayed beauty, and the ice coffee had a powdery taste I’ll never forget
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AI Gourmet Analysis
Overview
Iced coffee is one way of serving coffee chilled and is enjoyed throughout the world. While there are various theories regarding its origin, it is believed to have started with the Algerian "Mazagran" in the late 19th century and rapidly spread across Europe, America, and Asia in the 20th century. In particular, Vietnam has developed its own unique coffee culture, with cold coffee being a routine pleasure. The area around Hanoi's West Lake (Hồ Tây) is renowned for its vibrant café culture. Cafés such as Fountain cafe allow customers to savor iced coffee alongside lakeside views, making them relaxing spots favored by both tourists and locals alike.
Vietnamese Coffee Culture and Iced Coffee
Vietnam is one of the world’s leading coffee producers, especially famous for its production of robusta beans. Coffee culture, introduced from the French colonial era, developed from the late 19th to early 20th century and has become an integral part of daily life. Today, coffee is cherished by many Vietnamese people as a standard choice for breakfast or lunch breaks.
Iced coffee, known in Vietnamese as "Cà phê đá," is prepared by slowly extracting ground coffee beans using a metal filter, pouring the brew into a glass, and serving it with ice. There are many Vietnamese variations using sugar or condensed milk, but it is also enjoyed black. The rich and sometimes bitter flavor of the strong beans, as well as their occasional "gritty" texture, are distinctive features that have a loyal following among locals. It is served at cafés in diverse locations, from busy city centers to the tranquil lakeside.
Hanoi's West Lake (Hồ Tây) and Café Culture
West Lake, the largest lake in Hanoi, has long been beloved as a place for citizens to relax. Various restaurants and cafés line the lakeside, offering everything from traditional Vietnamese coffee to Western-style drinks and uniquely creative menu items. Enjoying café time while taking in the lake's seasonal and hourly changes is a popular activity for both locals and tourists. Lakeside cafés are often combined with shady trees, gardens, or ponds, resulting in a decadent and serene atmosphere. Fountain cafe is one such spot, where customers can leisurely savor their coffee in a tranquil space.
Iced Coffee Around the World
| Country/Region | Distinctive Iced Coffee |
|---|---|
| United States | "Iced coffee" made by brewing coffee directly and chilling it with ice. Addition of sweeteners or milk is also common. |
| Japan | A staple at cafés as "iced coffee," characterized by the use of dark roasted beans and a sharp flavor. Recently popular at café chains as well. |
| Greece | The whipped "frappé" is famous, made by mixing instant coffee, cold water, sugar, and milk for a unique texture. |
| Vietnam | "Cà phê đá" brewed with a metal filter; often sweetened with condensed milk (Cà phê sữa đá). |
Health Effects and Ways to Enjoy Iced Coffee
When consumed in moderation, iced coffee is believed to provide stimulating effects of caffeine and antioxidant benefits. On the other hand, cold drinks can be stimulating to the stomach and intestines, so it is advisable to enjoy them with attention to one’s condition. In countries with hot and humid climates such as Vietnam, iced coffee remains popular as a way to cool down the body. While preserving traditional flavors, a wide variety of arrangements have emerged to fit contemporary lifestyles.
Conclusion
Iced coffee is a beverage that has uniquely evolved in different regions of the world and can be especially enjoyed in harmony with lakes and cities in places like Vietnam. As symbolized by the cafés of West Lake, it is characterized by generating diverse experiences, stemming from differences in environment, brewing methods, and serving styles.