How to Make Traditional Vietnamese Phin Coffee with an Authentic Taste

Phin coffee is one of the distinctive features of Vietnamese coffee culture. With its bold flavor, brewing traditional phin coffee is not only an art but also an enjoyable experience. Below is a guide on how to brew authentic phin coffee, so you can savor a delicious cup right at home.

Ingredients

Coffee Beans or Ground Coffee: Freshly roasted and ground coffee beans, usually a blend of Robusta or Arabica, depending on personal preference.
Phin Filter: A Vietnamese aluminum or stainless steel phin filter, commonly used in Vietnam.
Boiling Water: Pure water boiled to a temperature of approximately 95-100°C.
Coffee Cup or Glass: A glass cup is ideal to observe the coffee dripping process.

Step 1: Choose Your Coffee

Select your favorite coffee type, typically Robusta for its strong and bold flavor or Arabica for its mild aroma. Ensure that the coffee is freshly ground to preserve the best flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Phin Filter

Clean the Phin: Before brewing, rinse the phin with hot water to warm up the filter and the cup. This helps the coffee bloom evenly and maintain heat better during the brewing process.
Measure the Coffee: Add about 20-25 grams of coffee (equivalent to 3-4 teaspoons) into the phin. Use the press to lightly level the coffee grounds.

Step 3: Pour the Boiling Water

First Pour: Pour a small amount of boiling water (about 20ml) over the coffee grounds to allow the coffee to bloom for about 30 seconds.
Second Pour: Continue pouring an additional 60-80ml of boiling water into the phin. Cover with the lid and wait for the coffee to drip.

Step 4: Enjoy Your Coffee

The coffee will slowly and steadily drip into the cup, creating a rich, aromatic brew. The brewing process takes about 5-7 minutes. Once the coffee has finished dripping, you can add sugar, condensed milk, or ice according to your preference.