When I was a kid, Bạc Xỉu was always my go-to coffee order.
Saigon’s iconic “white coffee” — sweet, light, and gentle on the caffeine — it was love at first sip.
Bac Xiu Coffee: A Blend of Cultures in Saigon
In modern Vietnamese cuisine, there are so many French-Vietnamese dishes we still adore — from Banh Mi to Ca Phe Sua Da.
But if there’s one drink that truly captures Saigon’s vibrant cultural mix, it’s Bạc Xỉu.
Saigon is the beating heart of Southern Vietnam — a city where Vietnamese and Chinese cultures meet in the most vibrant way. And that’s where Bạc Xỉu was born.
It’s not just a result of French influence, but a beautiful blend of French, Vietnamese, and Chinese traditions in one glass.
The name “Bạc Xỉu” actually comes from the Cantonese phrase “Bạc Tẩy Xỉu Phé,” meaning “a cup of white with a splash of coffee.” Makes sense why people call it “White Coffee,” right?
According to local stories, Bạc Xỉu was created for women and kids who loved the aroma of coffee but couldn’t handle the caffeine punch.
I was totally one of them — Bạc Xỉu was my childhood favorite: sweet, milky, and just enough coffee to make me feel grown-up.
More Delicious Saigon-Inspired Recipes
(Bánh Xèo)
(Chè Khúc Bạch)
Ingredients
- Vietnamese Coffee: Traditionally brewed with a strong Robusta base — that’s what gives it its signature bold flavor. You can go with ground coffee or instant, whatever you’ve got handy.
- Condensed Milk: The heart of Bạc Xỉu! It’s what makes the drink sweet, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. For a vegan twist, just use plant-based condensed milk.
- Fresh Milk: Adds that smooth richness and helps balance the sweetness. Any plant-based milk works great here, too.
- Ice Cubes or Crushed Ice: Because Bạc Xỉu is best enjoyed icy cold — that’s the Saigon way!
If you’re looking for the perfect Vietnamese souvenir, local coffee is a must! It captures the true taste of Vietnam.
I’ve even gathered a list of my favorite Vietnamese coffee brands that you’ll definitely want to try.
Related Recipes | More Vietnamese Coffee Creations for Coffee Lovers:
Instructions
- Brew the Coffee: Start by brewing your Vietnamese coffee. For that authentic touch, use a phin filter — but if you prefer, any brewing method works just fine. In a rush? Instant coffee will do the trick.
- Mix Condensed Milk & Fresh Milk: Stir together condensed milk and fresh milk until smooth, then add some ice cubes or crushed ice to chill it down.
- Add Coffee: Pour in the brewed coffee to your taste — more for a bolder kick, less for a creamier sip.
- Serve & Enjoy: Give it a gentle stir, and there you have it — your Bạc Xỉu, sweet, milky, and refreshingly light. Perfect for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up!
Perfect Pairings for Bạc Xỉu
Savory Snacks: Pate Chaud (meat pies), Banh Bao (steamed buns), or Chinese BBQ Pork Buns — all make the perfect contrast to the sweet, creamy notes of Bạc Xỉu.
Sweets: Light desserts like Banh Flan (caramel custard), pandan waffles, or soft pandan chiffon cake pair beautifully with the drink’s milky richness.
Vietnamese Dishes with Chinese Influence
Bo Bia – Vietnamese-style Popiah, soft rice paper rolls filled with jicama, sausage, egg, and herbs.
Banh Bot Chien – Crispy fried rice flour cakes with egg and green onions, a local favorite inspired by Cantonese turnip cake and Chaoshan chai tow kway.
Mi Hoanh Thanh – Vietnamese wonton noodles with char siu pork, egg noodles, and clear broth.
Xoi Man — Vietnamese sticky rice with savory toppings, often seen as Vietnam’s take on Chinese Lo Mai Fan (sticky rice with assorted meats and seasonings).
Com Ga Hai Nam – Hainanese chicken rice, served the Vietnamese way with ginger fish sauce.
Cao Lau – A noodle dish from Hội An, influenced by Chinese-style roast pork and soy-based broths, yet uniquely local with chewy noodles and herbs.
Banh Pia – Flaky pastry with mung bean, durian, and salted egg yolk, rooted in Teochew tradition.
Banh Trung Thu – The beloved mooncake, enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival across Asia.
Bo Kho – Vietnamese beef stew with Cantonese influence, fragrant with lemongrass and spices. Enjoy it with tapioca noodles (Hu Tieu Bo Kho) or Vietnamese baguette (Banh Mi Bo Kho).
Thit Heo Quay – Crispy pork belly with golden crackling, inspired by Chinese roast pork but served the Vietnamese way.
Bạc Xỉu (The Iconic Saigon’s White Coffee)
Ingredients
- ½ shot Vietnamese coffee (30ml)
- 2 tbsp condensed milk (30ml)
- ½ cup fresh milk (125ml)
- Ice cubes (or crushed ice) (to your taste)
Instructions
- Brew your Vietnamese coffee (phin filter or your choice).
- Combine condensed milk with fresh milk, then add ice.
- Pour in the brewed coffee to your liking.
- Stir and enjoy your refreshing Bạc Xỉu!
