Vietnamese Phin
The phin filter is the heart of Vietnamese coffee culture. This traditional brewing method produces an intensely flavored, concentrated coffee perfect for mixing with condensed milk (cà phê sữa đá) or enjoying black. The slow drip process extracts deep, bold flavors characteristic of Vietnamese coffee.
Equipment Needed
- Phin filter (stainless steel)
- Glass or cup
- Kettle
- Condensed milk (optional)
- Ice (for iced coffee)
- Fresh coffee beans
- Grinder
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Pro Tips
- • Add condensed milk for traditional cà phê sữa đá
- • If dripping too fast, press the filter harder
- • If dripping too slow, loosen the filter press
- • Use dark roast coffee for authentic Vietnamese flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Your Glass
If making cà phê sữa đá, add 2-3 tablespoons of condensed milk to your glass. Place the phin filter on top of the glass.
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Add Coffee
Add 25g of medium-coarse ground coffee to the phin filter. Shake gently to level the grounds.
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Insert the Press
Place the filter press on top of the grounds. Press down lightly - don't compact too hard or water won't flow through.
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Bloom
Add a small amount of hot water (just enough to cover the grounds). Wait 20-30 seconds for the coffee to bloom and expand.
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Fill and Wait
Fill the phin with remaining hot water (about 100ml). Place the lid on top and watch the magic happen. Coffee should drip slowly.
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Mix and Enjoy
Once all coffee has dripped through (5-6 minutes), remove the phin. Stir to combine with condensed milk if using. Add ice for cà phê sữa đá.
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