Vietnamese Phin coffee brewing method illustration

How to Brew: Vietnamese Phin

Easy5-7 minutes

A single-cup gravity drip brewer that sits directly on your cup. The slow drip through a metal filter produces a strong, concentrated brew traditionally served over sweetened condensed milk (ca phe sua da) or black over ice. Simple, portable, and iconic.

What You Need

Phin filter Coarse-medium ground coffee Condensed milk (optional)Ice (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

Set Up the Phin

Place the phin filter on your cup. Add 2-3 tablespoons of coarse-medium ground coffee.

Press the Filter

Gently press the filter screen down on the grounds.

Bloom

Add a small amount of hot water (about 20ml) to bloom the grounds. Wait 30 seconds.

Fill & Drip

Fill the phin with hot water (about 150ml at 96C). Place the lid on top.

Wait

Wait 5-7 minutes as coffee drips through. Adjust grind if it drips too fast or too slow.

Serve

Remove the phin. Stir and enjoy black, or pour over ice with condensed milk for ca phe sua da.

Pro Tips

-Use a dark roast - Vietnamese coffee is traditionally robust and bold
-If drip takes less than 4 minutes, grind finer
-For iced coffee, put condensed milk in the cup first, then let coffee drip on top
-Robusta or robusta-arabica blends are traditional

Interactive Vietnamese Phin Timer

Step-by-step timer with pour schedule and audio cues.

Open Timer

Other Brewing Methods

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to brew Vietnamese Phin coffee?▼

Vietnamese Phin typically takes 5-7 minutes from start to finish, including prep and brewing time. Actual duration varies depending on grind size, water temperature, and your desired strength.

Is Vietnamese Phin hard to learn for beginners?▼

Vietnamese Phin is rated Easy difficulty on CoffeeTrove. It demands precise control over variables like grind, temperature, and pressure, making it rewarding for experienced brewers.

What equipment do I need for Vietnamese Phin?▼

You need Phin filter, Coarse-medium ground coffee, Condensed milk (optional), Ice (optional) to brew with Vietnamese Phin. A quality burr grinder and accurate scale are recommended for consistent results, though not strictly required for getting started.

What grind size works best for Vietnamese Phin?▼

The ideal grind size for Vietnamese Phin depends on your specific recipe and contact time. Follow the step-by-step guide above for recommended settings. Small adjustments make a noticeable difference in flavor.