Spanish Latte vs Vietnamese Coffee: In-Depth Comparison

Spanish Latte and Vietnamese Coffee: The Basics

Definition and Origin

Spanish Latte is a creamy and sweet coffee beverage that originated in Spain. It is often served hot or cold, making it a versatile and refreshing option. The beverage primarily uses Arabica coffee beans or blends that mostly contain Arabica beans.

On the other hand, Vietnamese Coffee is a robust and strong coffee drink that hails from Vietnam. It is traditionally served with ice, creating a contrasting temperature effect. Vietnamese coffee stands out by using Robusta coffee beans, which provide a distinctive and bolder taste.

Main Ingredients

Spanish Latte

A Spanish latte is made using the following ingredients:

• 2 shots of espresso
• 1.5 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk
• 100 grams of milk (either steamed or cold)

Preparing a Spanish latte is straightforward and one can use a Moka pot or an espresso machine to brew the espresso shots. The sweetened condensed milk provides the creaminess and sweetness to the beverage.

Vietnamese Coffee

The key components of Vietnamese coffee are:

• 1 shot of strong coffee (usually brewed using a Vietnamese phin filter)
• 1-2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk
• Ice

To make Vietnamese coffee, the coffee is brewed directly over a glass or cup with condensed milk at the bottom, creating a visually appealing layering effect. Once brewed, the mixture is stirred together and poured over ice, resulting in a robust and creamy sweetness in the coffee.

Although both Spanish latte and Vietnamese coffee have similar components, like espresso or coffee, condensed milk, and the option of steamed milk in a Spanish latte, they differ in their flavor profiles, coffee bean types, and brewing methods. While Spanish latte uses Arabica beans, which are known for their mild and delicate flavor, Vietnamese coffee opts for the stronger and bolder Robusta beans. Additionally, Spanish lattes are commonly prepared using an espresso machine or Moka pot, whereas Vietnamese coffee is brewed with a traditional phin filter.

By understanding the primary ingredients and distinctions in their origins, one can appreciate the unique characteristics of Spanish latte and Vietnamese coffee, offering a delightful exploration of coffee culture across the globe.

Beverage Characteristics

Texture and Flavor

The Spanish Latte and Vietnamese Coffee possess distinct textures and flavors that appeal to different palates. A Spanish Latte is characterized by its sweet and creamy taste, thanks to the addition of condensed milk and scalded milk. The scalded milk is unique to this beverage and is different from milk foam or steamed milk that you may find in a Cappuccino or Macchiato.

On the other hand, Vietnamese Coffee is known for its strong and robust flavor, primarily resulting from the use of Robusta coffee beans and the slow brewing process involving a phin filter. This process allows for an intense and bold taste, while the addition of a smaller amount of condensed milk adds subtle sweetness to the drink.

Caffeine Content

In terms of caffeine content, there are noticeable differences between a Spanish Latte and a Vietnamese Coffee. A majority of Spanish Lattes utilize Arabica beans or blends containing Arabica beans, while Vietnamese Coffee relies exclusively on Robusta beans. For those looking to recreate these beverages at a commercial scale or in a cafe setting, investing in a quality brewing system is paramount. Whether you're aiming for the creamy richness of a Spanish Latte or the robust punch of Vietnamese Coffee, having a top-notch espresso maker is key. Check out our Commercial espresso machine for sale collection for the finest options tailored for such specialty brews.

Caffeine content in Arabica and Robusta coffee beans differ, with Robusta beans containing approximately twice the amount of caffeine compared to Arabica beans. As a result, Vietnamese Coffee has a higher caffeine content compared to a Spanish Latte. It's important for coffee enthusiasts to consider this detail when choosing between the two beverages, particularly if they are sensitive to caffeine intake.

In conclusion, both the Spanish Latte and Vietnamese Coffee offer unique characteristics in terms of their texture, flavor, and caffeine content. These qualities cater to differing preferences among coffee drinkers, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

• Spanish Latte:

  • Sweet and creamy taste
  • Uses condensed milk and scalded milk
  • Made with Arabica beans or blended Arabica beans

• Vietnamese Coffee:

  • Strong and robust flavor
  • Brewed using a phin filter and Robusta beans
  • Contains a smaller amount of condensed milk

Brewing Methods

In this section, we will explore various brewing methods for Spanish latte and Vietnamese coffee including the Aeropress, French Press, Moka Pot, Phin, and Phin Filter.

Aeropress

To make Spanish latte or Vietnamese coffee using an Aeropress, follow these steps:

1. Prepare the Aeropress with a fine grind.
2. Measure the coffee grounds according to the recipe or desired strength.
3. For a Spanish latte, add sweetened condensed milk to the bottom of the serving glass.
4. Brew the coffee and pour it over the condensed milk.
5. For a Vietnamese coffee, finish by adding hot water to the Aeropress.

French Press

Using a French Press to make a Spanish latte or Vietnamese coffee:

1. Grind the coffee to a coarse consistency.
2. Add the coffee to the French Press and pour hot water.
3. Steep for 4-5 minutes.
4. For a Spanish latte, mix sweetened condensed milk and espresso together in a separate glass.
5. Press the plunger down and pour the coffee into the glass with the condensed milk.
6. For a Vietnamese coffee, pour the brewed coffee into another glass with sweetened condensed milk at the bottom.

Moka Pot

To create a Spanish latte or Vietnamese coffee with a Moka Pot:

1. Fill the lower chamber with water and the filter basket with coffee grounds.
2. Assemble the Moka Pot and set it on a stove on medium heat.
3. Wait for the coffee to brew and fill the top chamber.
4. For a Spanish latte, mix sweetened condensed milk and espresso in a separate glass.
5. Pour the brewed coffee into the glass with the condensed milk.
6. For Vietnamese coffee, pour the coffee over sweetened condensed milk in a separate glass.

Phin

When using a Phin to prepare Vietnamese coffee:

1. Fill the Phin's brewing chamber with coffee grounds and tamp slightly.
2. Place the filter press on top of the coffee grounds.
3. Pour a small amount of hot water to wet the coffee and allow it to bloom for 30 seconds.
4. Slowly pour more hot water and let it drip through the filter.
5. Gather the brewed coffee in a glass with sweetened condensed milk at the bottom and stir.

Phin Filter

The process for making Vietnamese coffee with a Phin Filter is the same as using a Phin. Follow the steps mentioned in the previous section to brew aromatic Vietnamese coffee.

For a Spanish latte, you may follow the Moka Pot method and use the Phin Filter as an alternative. Brew the coffee using the Phin Filter and then mix with sweetened condensed milk in a separate glass.