Bạc Xỉu

Fact: The full name of ‘bạc xỉu’ is ‘bạc tẩy xỉu phé,’ stemming from Cantonese.

Bạc Xỉu: Basic Information

Pronunciation

bahk-see-oo

Alternative Name(s)

Bạc Sỉu

Drink Type

Hot non-alcoholic beverages, Cold non-alcoholic beverages

Mealtime

Anytime

Popular Variations

1. Iced Bạc Xỉu
2. Hot Bạc Xỉu

Bạc Xỉu: Origin and Region

Origin

Vietnam

Continent’s Region

Southeast Asia

Country’s Region

Southern Vietnam

Associated Region

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

Bạc xỉu is a Vietnamese coffee beverage made of coffee and condensed milk, and the ratio of milk is higher than the coffee. That’s why bạc xỉu has a creamy and smoother texture.

Bạc xỉu is a distinctive Saigon creation with an interesting history. Thanks to the sweeter taste, it is a perfect choice for those who don’t prefer the strong, robust flavor of traditional coffee.

Bạc xỉu’s other names are white coffee or Saigon-style coffee. Whether it is served hot or cold, bạc xỉu is a delightful treat that complements the bustling streets of Vietnam.

Locals often enjoy it with traditional snacks like fried dough sticks and doughnuts.

In general, bạc xỉu’s history and the story behind its name are worth exploring, which will be explained shortly.

It is not a difficult beverage, so everyone can make and enjoy it at home with the guidance below.

Conversely, bạc xỉu has its merits and drawbacks. In case it is not your ideal beverage, let’s compare it with cà phê sữa đá, another Vietnamese traditional drink that you might love.

Lastly, don’t miss exploring the FAQs about this unique Saigon coffee specialty.

What Is the Origin of Bạc Xỉu?

Bạc xỉu root combines the influences of Chinese, French, and Vietnamese cultures and originated in Saigon (aka Ho Chi Minh City) during the French colonial period in Vietnam (1858-1954).

Initially, coffee was considered too bitter for women and children, leading to the use of sweetened condensed milk as a sweeter and more palatable drink. And that’s how bạc xỉu was created, with a higher milk-to-coffee ratio.

Now that you’ve uncovered the roots of bạc xỉu, let’s find out why it’s named as such.

Why Is It Called Bạc Xỉu?

The name “bac xỉu” hails from the Cantonese language, which is widely used among the Chinese community in Saigon’s Chợ Lớn area. The full name is “bạc tẩy xỉu phé”, in which “bạc” means white, “tẩy” refers to the empty glass, “xỉu” means a little bit, and “phé” is coffee.

Combining these words, it describes a beverage made with hot milk and a small amount of coffee added.

How To Make Bạc Xỉu?

There are two ways to prepare bạc xỉu, such as cold and hot versions. Here are some key steps for each style.

Cold Bạc Xỉu

Step 1: Brewing the Coffee

Use a phin filter to brew strong coffee, allowing it to drip slowly.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add ice cubes, and condensed milk, then add fresh milk (optional) in a glass.

Step 3: Whisk Coffee

In a separate glass, whisk coffee to create foam, then pour it over the milk and ice mixture.

Meanwhile, making hot bạc xỉu is pretty similar, with fewer steps.

Hot Bạc Xỉu

Step 1: Brewing the Coffee

Similar to the way of making an iced version

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Mix condensed milk and brewed coffee. Stir well.

However, it is also important to weigh the good sides and drawbacks of this Saigon-style coffee before consuming it.

Pros and Cons of Drinking Bạc Xỉu

Here are some common pros and cons of enjoying bạc xỉu.

After examining these positive and negative facts, you can consider another option for Vietnamese coffee, which is cà phê sữa đá. But how are they different from each other?

Bạc Xỉu Vs. Cà Phê Sữa Đá, What Are Differences?

Here, I’ll analyze various aspects to compare bạc xỉu and cà phê sữa đá. Here are six comparison features shown in a table.

Bạc Xỉu

Main Ingredients: Predominantly milk with a small amount of coffee
Flavor Profile: Creamy and sweet with a subtle coffee taste
Color: Lighter in brown due to a higher level of milk
Serving Temperature: Served both hot and iced
Coffee Concentration: Lower
Target Audience: Suitable for those who prefer less bitterness, especially women and children

Cà Phê Sữa Đá

Main Ingredients: Equal parts strong coffee and sweetened condensed milk
Flavor Profile: Strong and sweet with a more pronounced coffee flavor
Color: Dark brown
Serving Temperature: Typically served iced
Coffee Concentration: Higher
Target Audience: Preferred by those who enjoy a robust coffee flavor

Finally, don’t miss other common concerns about bạc xỉu that others want to know about it.

Bạc Xỉu FAQs

Cà Phê Sữa Đá

Cà phê sữa đá is a traditional Vietnamese iced coffee sweetened with condensed milk and served over ice.