Vietnamese Iced Coffee for a Boosted Mood and Mental Clarity | Mental Health Recipes

From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnamese iced coffee is easy to come by.

While there are more intricate variations—like the egg coffee, salt coffee, or coconut coffee (all of which are so so good!)—this basic version not only hits the spot, it also gives you a lift when you need it the most.

Plus, it’s super simple to re-create within the comfort of your own home.

In fact, I can’t even tell the difference between Thai iced coffee and Vietnamese iced coffee (I’m unsure if this is blasphemous or not). Both taste the same to me—sweet, bold, and delicious! 

So, whether you’re a fan of one or the other or are eager to try these yummy coffee drinks, below, we outline how you can make a Vietnamese iced coffee—along with how coffee may actually offer your mental health a bit of a boost!

Iced Vietnamese Coffee: Recreate the Magic At Home!

The reason Vietnamese iced coffee contains sweetened condensed milk and not regular ol’ milk is due to a shortage of dairy in the 1800s and early 1900s.

But I have to say, for all those with a sweet tooth out there, this is actually a good thing! So, here’s how you can make this sweet and yummy coffee.

How Vietnamese Coffee Can Boost Your Mental Health

Vietnam is the second biggest exporter of coffee worldwide. Now, that’s a lot of coffee for a small country! 

And while there’s been a big move to quit coffee lately, it’s not all bad (unless you’re relying on it to power through your day). There’s some good stuff too—as long as you’re enjoying coffee in moderation and not close to bedtime (more on this below!).

So, let’s take a closer look at the good side and how coffee can enhance mental health.

Related Article: 9 Benefits of Quitting Coffee and 6 Ways You Can Do It

Vietnamese Coffee: A Yummy Mood Enhancer?

Vietnamese coffee delivers a significant caffeine punch—typically stronger than many other coffee preparations. The traditional use of robusta beans, which contain nearly twice the caffeine content of arabica beans, creates a potent cognitive stimulant. 

This higher caffeine content enhances alertness and concentration while improving reaction time and mental processing speed. Many people report enhanced memory retention and recall, along with increased motivation and drive throughout their day.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that caffeine is a powerful stimulant that requires responsible consumption. Most health organizations recommend limiting caffeine intake to 400mg per day. This is especially important for those who are already predisposed to anxiety.

Given the higher caffeine content in Vietnamese coffee, this might mean enjoying fewer cups compared to other coffee varieties. Signs of overconsumption can include jitters, anxiety, or sleep disruption—signals that should be heeded as personal limits! But let’s flip the script here… How and when is coffee stimulatory effects a good thing?

Well, caffeine has actually been shown to potentially reduce depression. However, again, there can be some risks for some individuals.

Vietnamese Coffee's Mental Health Benefits

But the truth is that Vietnamese coffee’s mood-boosting properties extend beyond its caffeine content.

First, there’s the dopamine response.

The combination of caffeine and sugar from condensed milk triggers a controlled dopamine release, contributing to improved mood and motivation. This natural reward system activation can help create a positive start to your day or provide an afternoon lift without the severe crashes associated with energy drinks.

Second comes the ritual and mindfulness aspect.

The traditional preparation method of Vietnamese coffee, using a phin filter, enforces a slower, more mindful approach to coffee consumption. This built-in patience creates moments of calm during the busiest of days while encouraging mindful observation. 

The third pathway involves complete sensory engagement.

The full sensory experience engages multiple neural pathways through the visual appreciation of the layered pour, aromatic complexity, temperature contrast between hot coffee and ice, and textural progression from creamy to liquid. In fact, sitting and enjoying one of these coffees is an experience all in itself.

It Also Increases Mental Clarity

The sustained energy release comes from combining condensed milk’s sugars with coffee’s caffeine, creating a more balanced energy release than black coffee alone. This helps maintain consistent focus without the sharp peaks and valleys often associated with other caffeine sources.

The cognitive enhancement stems from the robusta beans’ higher caffeine content, which has been linked to:

• improved problem-solving abilities
• enhanced creative thinking
• better information processing
• increased mental stamina

Furthermore, the coffee’s natural compounds, particularly abundant in robusta beans, include chlorogenic acids, trigonelline, and cafestol. These compounds have shown potential neuroprotective properties, supporting long-term brain health when consumed in moderation.

Maximizing Benefits While Minimizing Risks

Consumption earlier in the day (before 2 PM) prevents sleep disruption, while spacing cups several hours apart maintains steady energy levels.

At the same time, it’s essential to consider your personal caffeine sensitivity when establishing your routine. 

Some may find they have the jitters with more than a cup a day; this means two cups could be significantly overdoing it. And it could even disrupt sleep, leading to mood imbalances instead of helping.

Thus, listening to your body here is undeniably important.

Try beginning with smaller portions to assess your tolerance while monitoring your mood and energy levels throughout the day. Pay particular attention to any anxiety or jitter responses, as these are clear signals from your body about its limits.