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    Home » Recipes » Breakfast

    Vietnamese Coffee French Toast

    Published: May 13, 2021 by Michelle · 24 Comments

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    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    This recipe for Vietnamese Coffee French Toast infuses the flavours of robust Vietnamese coffee and creamy condensed milk in the custard. It's pan-fried until golden brown and then drizzled with more condensed milk.

    4 triangular slices of French toast on a white plate with knife and fork on the side.

    If you enjoy the caffeine in the form of food, you'll want to pay attention to this French Toast recipe.

    I drew inspiration from the flavours of Vietnamese Coffee, which is a favourite in our home.

    I had some day-old thick-cut toast lying around and wanted to infuse some coffee flavour into it.

    Why this recipe works

    The flavour of the coffee in the French toast is subtle yet nuanced.

    It comes together very quickly, in under 30 minutes.

    If you're a Vietnamese coffee lover, you'll love this recipe.

    The recipe requires only a few ingredients.

    Ingredients you'll need

    • hot water: to brew the coffee
    • coffee grounds: use a chicory coffee or any dark roast coffee; if you like a stronger coffee flavour, you can use more coffee grounds
    • condensed milk: which is a rich and thick, sweetened milk; sweeten to your taste
    • large egg
    • butter: unsalted
    • thick-cut toast: preferably day-old; I like to use a challah, or Texas-style toast which will soak up the custard nicely

    Vietnamese coffee French toast on white plate with fork and knife on the side.

    How to make the French toast

    How to make Vietnamese-style coffee

    Make the coffee using a Vietnamese coffee phin filter, which is a perforated stainless steel filter that allows the coffee to drip through the grounds.

    Pour the hot water over the coffee phin filter and let the coffee drip slowly into a heat-safe drinking glass.

    Note: you can tighten or loosen the knob on the phin to adjust how quickly the coffee drips. For a stronger, intense brew, tighten the knob.

    Add condensed milk to the coffee.

    Whisk the egg into the coffee and milk mixture. (Note: adding egg to coffee is actually a style of Vietnamese coffee, named Ca phe trung).

    Step by step on how to make Vietnamese Coffee French toast with text overlay.

    Assemble:

    Pour the coffee mixture into a shallow bowl.

    Dip a thick-cut toast into the mixture on both sides.

    Tip: don't oversoak the toast; dip the bread until the surface is just saturated

    Cook:

    Heat a frying pan over medium-low heat.

    Add 1 teaspoon butter to the pan and swirl it around.

    Place the toast into the pan and pan-fry over medium low heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side.

    Note: this French toast does have a tendency to burn so keep an eye on it.

    Close up of Vietnamese coffee French Toast with condensed milk drizzled on white plate.
    How to serve & store

    Serve warm with extra condensed milk drizzled on top.

    You can store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

    To reheat the Vietnamese Coffee French Toast, you can microwave the bread until warmed through.

    FAQs & troubleshooting

    Can I double the recipe?

    Yes, you can double the recipe and make 4 full toasts.

    Can I use regular sandwich bread?

    Yes, you can use regular bread; just be sure not to soak the bread too long in the custard mixture. 

    You may need to use more bread to soak up all the custard (since it's thinner than Texas toast).

    I prefer a stronger coffee taste

    You can increase the amount of coffee grounds for the drip coffee, but don't increase the amount of water.

    I don't like it too sweet

    You can decrease the amount of condensed milk in the custard and/or increase the amount of coffee.

    Can I use regular milk in place of condensed milk?

    You can use regular milk, however you may need to add a little sugar to it.

    Note: regular milk is less thick and rich than condensed milk.

    Other recipes you may like

    If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also like:

    Cà Phê Sữa đá (Vietnamese Iced Coffee)

    Matcha French Toast

    Pandan French Toast

    Easy Double-Baked Almond Croissants

    Pandan Cold Brew Coffee

    This rich, lightly sweetened Vietnamese Coffee French Toast brings together the flavours of coffee and toast all together.

    Let me know if you try out this recipe -- be sure to tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer or leave me a comment/rating below!

    Slices of French toast on white plate.

    Print Recipe
    5 from 14 votes

    Vietnamese Coffee French Toast

    French toast gets a Vietnamese flavour boost with dark, robust coffee and sweetened condensed milk in this inspired version.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time10 mins
    Total Time20 mins
    Course: Breakfast, Brunch
    Cuisine: Asian, Vietnamese
    Servings: 2
    Calories: 118kcal
    Author: Michelle

    For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.

    Ingredients

    • ⅓ C (80 ml) hot water
    • 1 heaped Tbsp (10g) coffee grounds or more if you like it stronger
    • 2 teaspoon condensed milk + extra for drizzling on top or to taste
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 teaspoon butter unsalted
    • 2 slices thick-cut toast
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    Make the coffee:

    • Pour the hot water over the coffee phin filter and let the coffee drip into a heat-safe drinking glass.
    • Add 2 teaspoon condensed milk to the coffee.

    Make the custard:

    • Whisk the egg into the coffee and milk mixture.
    • Pour the mixture into a shallow bowl.
    • Dip a slice of thick-cut toast into the mixture on both sides.

    Cook the toast:

    • Heat a frying pan over medium-low heat.
    • Add 1 teaspoon butter to the pan and swirl it around.
    • Place the toast into the pan and pan-fry over medium low heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on it as it does have a tendency to burn.
    • Repeat with the remaining toast.
    • Serve warm with condensed milk drizzle on top.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 118kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 177mg | Potassium: 85mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 153IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 1mg

    The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.

    Did you try this recipe?Mention @siftandsimmer or tag #siftandsimmer!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jeannette

      May 13, 2021 at 11:22 pm

      5 stars
      I love dipping bread into Vietnamese coffee, so this is the PERFECT way to get both in one! What an incredible breakfast meal!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        May 17, 2021 at 6:29 pm

        Thanks Jeannette! It is the best way to have your coffee and eat breakfast at the same time! 😉

    2. Elizabeth

      May 14, 2021 at 1:57 am

      5 stars
      This is a genius recipe idea! I love it! Then again, I am a big of a coffee addict, haha!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        May 17, 2021 at 6:30 pm

        Hope you enjoy, Elizabeth!! 🙂

    3. Marie-Charlotte Chatelain

      May 14, 2021 at 2:02 am

      5 stars
      Love me a good adult French Toast recipe! LOVE that this is coffee flavored!

      Reply
    4. Amanda Wren-Grimwood

      May 14, 2021 at 2:16 am

      5 stars
      This sounds like a great breakfast. I love this idea!

      Reply
    5. Lauren

      May 14, 2021 at 3:01 am

      5 stars
      I loved making Vietnamese coffee when I worked at a Viet-Thai restaurant. This combo is incredible and I never would have thought it on my own!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        May 17, 2021 at 6:30 pm

        Thanks Lauren! Indeed, the coffee and condensed milk combo is amazing!

    6. Tasia ~ two sugar bugs

      May 16, 2021 at 12:29 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my!! I'm in love!! Coffee French toast has my name all over it!!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        May 17, 2021 at 6:31 pm

        Aw yay, thanks so much Tasia!

    7. 2pots2cook

      May 17, 2021 at 4:50 am

      5 stars
      Wow ! This one is calling my name ! So in love with coffee .......

      Reply
      • Michelle

        May 17, 2021 at 6:31 pm

        Thanks Davorka! Can't start the day without some form of coffee! 😉

    8. veenaazmanov

      May 17, 2021 at 9:37 am

      5 stars
      Perfect Breakfast treat.Love your recipe and love the coffee flavor too.

      Reply
    9. Chenée

      May 17, 2021 at 9:51 am

      5 stars
      So delicious! The condensed milk makes it so rich and decadent.

      Reply
    10. Rika

      May 17, 2021 at 9:53 am

      5 stars
      Coffee french toast? It sounds delicious. I can't wait to make this for brunch.

      Reply
    11. Angela

      May 17, 2021 at 10:53 am

      5 stars
      This French toast was a hit for brunch this last weekend, everyone wanted seconds!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        May 17, 2021 at 6:32 pm

        Amazing, glad everyone enjoyed it Angela! 🙂

    12. Heidi | The Frugal Girls

      May 17, 2021 at 2:15 pm

      I do love the fun bite that the dark roast coffee adds to your French toast. This really is such a tasty and exhilarating breakfast recipe!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        May 17, 2021 at 6:32 pm

        Thank you Heidi! Definitely an exciting way to enjoy breakfast!

    13. Ben | Havocinthekitchen

      May 17, 2021 at 5:11 pm

      5 stars
      Yes I enjoy coffee in the form of food, and I also do love French toasts! However, never combined these two things together (Even though I've used quite many flavours for my toasts.) These look and sound utterly delicious!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        May 17, 2021 at 6:33 pm

        Thanks Ben! You'll definitely enjoy the two paired together 🙂

    14. Raymund

      May 18, 2021 at 4:15 pm

      5 stars
      I would love to have a breakfast like that

      Reply
      • Michelle

        May 18, 2021 at 7:29 pm

        Thanks Raymund, it's the best of both worlds! 😉

    15. Michelle

      May 18, 2021 at 7:33 pm

      5 stars
      I've never heard of Vietnamese coffee! I love the addition of the sweetened condensed milk!

      Reply

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