A popular use of condensed milk in a coffee drink is found in Vietnam, where condensed milk is combined with strong brewed Vietnamese coffee to create a sweet and creamy drink. This is often referred to as cà phê sữa đá, which translates to “iced coffee with milk.” In Vietnam, sweetened condensed milk is added for a creamy, sugary touch and it has become an incredibly popular way to enjoy coffee.
Condensed milk is sometimes added in other parts of the world, such as in Thailand and the Philippines, as well. It is especially popular in coffeehouses across Europe.
Where did coffee with condensed milk originate?
Coffee with condensed milk likely originated in Southeast Asia, particularly with the Hainan people of southern China and Vietnam. This blend of coffee and creamy, sweetened condensed milk is a popular drink in many parts of the world, particularly in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
Over time, the popularity of coffee with condensed milk has spread to many other countries, becoming popular in Latin America, the Caribbean Islands, and even parts of Europe and the United States. Some coffee connoisseurs believe this coffee-condensed milk combination can bring out the subtle nuances in the flavor of coffee, while others enjoy it simply as a sweet and creamy version of the beverage.
There are even some popular instant varieties of coffee with condensed milk that are widely available worldwide, making it an easy and convenient way to enjoy a creamy, sweet coffee beverage.
Why do Mexicans like condensed milk?
Mexicans have a long history of using condensed milk as a main ingredient in many traditional recipes. This is due to its long shelf life and sweet flavor. Mexicans have used condensed milk in cakes, cookies, ice cream, porridges, puddings, candies, and even as a topping for tacos.
It is also used as an optional sweetener for hot chocolate and other drinks. Mexicans enjoy its sweetness and the fact that it allows them to add a touch of sweetness to many dishes. Additionally, it has a delicious flavor and can be mixed with many other ingredients to create interesting flavor combinations.
Finally, condensed milk has a convenient, compact size, making it easy to store in kitchens and a great option for recipes that call for it. All these factors make it a popular ingredient among Mexicans.
What is the purpose of using condensed milk?
The main purpose of using condensed milk is to thicken and sweeten food. Condensed milk is a type of milk that has been cooked down and has had the water removed from it, resulting in a very thick, sweet product.
It can be used in desserts such as cheesecake, ice cream, cookies, cake, and brownies, as well as pastries, drinks, and even savory meals. The concentrated milk adds a creamy texture to various dishes and provides sweetness without the addition of extra sugar.
Additionally, because condensed milk is already sweetened and thickened, using it as an ingredient requires minimal effort that would otherwise be needed to create a similar product.
Is condensed milk better than coffee creamer?
The answer to this question is subjective and depends on personal preference. Both condensed milk and coffee creamer can add sweetness and creamy texture to coffee, so it ultimately comes down to what you prefer.
Condensed milk is a thick, sweetened form of milk that is boiled down to make it thicker and concentrated. This type of milk is often used in desserts and other sweet beverages like Vietnamese iced coffee.
Coffee creamer is a flavored product designed to be added to coffee instead of cream or milk to add flavor and creamy texture. It’s usually made with a combination of dairy, vegetable oils, and sometimes even artificial flavors.
While condensed milk does provide sweetness and creaminess, coffee creamer has a richer, creamier taste that may be more desirable for some. Ultimately, it comes down to preference when deciding which is better for your coffee.
What culture uses sweetened condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is used in many cultures around the world, including Asian and Latin American cultures. In India, many desserts like barfi, laddu, halwa, coconut laddoo, and gulab jamun are made with sweetened condensed milk.
In Mexico, it is used in candies like cajeta and flan de leche. In the Philippines, it is often used in desserts like leche flan, biko, and ube sunkums. In Thailand, the sweetened condensed milk is used in many desserts and pastries like the popular mango sticky rice.
Across Latin America, it is commonly used in items such as alfajores and milhojas. In the Caribbean islands, sweetened condensed milk is often used in popular desserts like rum cake, condensed milk tarts, and coquito.
Can you drink condensed milk like regular milk?
No, you typically cannot drink condensed milk like regular milk. Condensed milk, which is essentially cow’s milk that has had much of the water removed from it, is very thick and sweet. In the United States, this form of milk is often sold in cans, but it is also available in UHT format, or “ultra-heat treated,” packaged in aseptic cartons.
As condensed milk is not in liquid form like regular milk, it is not typically recommended for drinking as is. However, it can be used as an ingredient to make other products. For example, sweetened condensed milk is used as a key ingredient in candy and certain desserts such as candies and fudge.
It can also be reconstituted with regular milk and used as a replacement for regular milk in baking and cooking recipes.
