Master the art of brewing authentic Vietnamese coffee
The Vietnamese phin is a traditional coffee brewing method that produces a rich, strong coffee concentrate. This simple yet elegant device consists of a brewing chamber, a press filter, and a lid, allowing hot water to slowly drip through finely ground coffee.
Unlike other brewing methods, the phin creates a uniquely bold and aromatic cup that pairs perfectly with sweetened condensed milk for the classic Vietnamese cà phê sữa đá (iced milk coffee).
See how to brew authentic Vietnamese coffee with a phin filter in this step-by-step video tutorial.
If making traditional Vietnamese coffee, add 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to your cup. Place the phin brewing chamber on top of the cup. Remove the press filter and set aside.
Add 15-20g of medium-coarse ground Vietnamese coffee to the phin chamber. Gently shake to level the grounds, creating an even bed. Don't pack or tamp the coffee.
Pour just enough hot water (about 20ml) to wet all the grounds. Place the press filter on top and gently press down. Let it bloom for 30-45 seconds, allowing the coffee to release its aromatics.
Fill the chamber with the remaining hot water (90-95°C). Place the lid on top to retain heat. The coffee should drip at about 1 drop per second. If it's too fast, the grind is too coarse; if too slow, it's too fine or over-compressed.
Once all the water has dripped through, remove the phin. Stir the coffee well to mix with the condensed milk. For iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá), pour over a glass filled with ice. Enjoy your authentic Vietnamese coffee!
Water Temperature: Use water at 90-95°C. Boiling water can scorch the coffee, while cooler water won't extract properly.
Grind Size: Medium-coarse is ideal. Too fine and the phin will clog; too coarse and water flows too quickly.
Don't Over-Press: The press filter should sit gently on the grounds. Over-pressing creates resistance and slows the brew.
Preheat Your Phin: Rinse with hot water before brewing to maintain optimal temperature during extraction.
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