Drinks
Kafe Tik Doh Ko
Ingredients
- - 20 g (4 tbsp) coarsely ground dark-roast Cambodian or Vietnamese-style coffee
- - 180 ml (3/4 cup) hot water
- - 3 tbsp (45 ml) sweetened condensed milk
- - crushed ice, to serve
Method
- Place the condensed milk in the bottom of a tall glass.
- Set the drip filter over the glass, add the ground coffee, and pour in the hot water.
- Allow the coffee to drip slowly through the filter over 4–5 minutes, directly into the condensed milk.
- Once dripping is complete, remove the filter and stir the coffee and condensed milk together thoroughly.
- Fill a separate serving glass with crushed ice and pour the sweetened coffee over the top.
- Stir once more before serving.
Introduction: Kafe Tik Doh Ko is Cambodia's everyday iced coffee, brewed strong and dark, often with a hint of added flavouring such as sesame or corn during roasting, then sweetened generously with condensed milk over ice.
Cultural Background: Kafe Tik Doh Ko is Cambodia's everyday iced coffee, brewed strong and dark, often with a hint of added flavouring such as sesame or corn during roasting, then sweetened generously with condensed milk over ice. It is a fixture of Cambodian cafés and roadside stalls, providing a jolt of sweetness and caffeine well suited to the tropical heat.
Tips: Use a coarse grind suited to slow drip filters to avoid over-extraction and bitterness. Stir the condensed milk in thoroughly before adding ice, as it settles to the bottom otherwise.
Variations: A version with black tea instead of coffee, Tae Tik Doh Ko, follows the same method. Some cafés add a splash of egg-based cream for a richer 'egg coffee' style variant. Already vegetarian as written; a vegan version can use sweetened condensed coconut milk in place of dairy condensed milk.
Storage: Best consumed fresh; if needed, store brewed coffee (without ice) in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Not applicable — traditionally served cold.
Nutrition: Per serving (approx.): 160 kcal, 3 g protein, 4 g fat, 27 g carbohydrate, 0 g fibre, 45 mg sodium.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use instant coffee?
A: Yes, though a drip filter with coarsely ground dark-roast coffee gives a more traditional, robust flavour.
Q: Can this be made less sweet?
A: Yes — reduce the condensed milk to taste, or balance it with a little unsweetened milk.