Phin

brew
Written By Andrea Ngo

What you’ll need

  • Phin (Vietnamese coffee filter)

  • Kettle

  • Grinder

  • Condensed milk (optional)

  • A bowl of hot water to keep your cup of brew warm throughout the dripping (optional)

Have questions? Ask us at hello@vncapheproject.com 

Welcome to the cult of “cà phê phin!” In Vietnam, coffee is far more than liquid in a cup. Not only is it a caffeinated drink to keep you awake and get through the day, but it also is a lifestyle. The Vietnamese embrace their coffee break as a daily ritual. Waiting for the coffee to drip out while reading the newspapers, catching up with friends, or musing about life is what makes “cà phê” a holistic experience.

“Cà phê phin” - coffee brewed in a “phin” - embodies a distinctive aroma and flavor profile: chocolatey, carmelly, robust, and bitter-sweet. We admit “cà phê phin” isn’t every barista’s favorite; eventually many condemn it as an indelicate brew. But our grandparents created it; our parents love it; so do our auntie, uncles, and cousins. Naturally it became our culture, passed down through generations. And here we are, sharing with you a piece of our Vietnamese identity as well as designing a ritual that enhances your coffee experience.

“Nobody ain’t the same man after one cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk)” isn’t an overstatement, we hope.

Step 1

Rinse the phin with hot water before every use. This step is about keeping the phin clean and warm that allows the ground coffee to bloom evenly and prevent heat absorption while brewing.  

Step 2

Add 2-3 tablespoons of medium ground coffee (about 0.88oz or 25g) into the brewing chamber.

Step 3

Put the phin on top of the glass and pour 1oz (30ml) hot water boiled at 195-205°F slowly and steadily over the coffee.

Step 4

Give your coffee 30-40 seconds to bloom — do you see those bubbles floating? That’s blooming. 

Step 5

Place the filter insert inside the chamber and twist down to tamp the coffee ground. 

Step 6

Fill up to the rim of the phin with hot water. Make sure the coffee doesn’t drip too quickly or too slowly. You can adjust the insert or change the grind size if such problems occur. 

Step 7

Cover the phin with the cap to retain the heat.

Step 8

Now, wait for dripping! The whole brewing process should take about 8-10 minutes. 

Step 9

Once it’s done, stir a generous spoonful of condensed milk, and enjoy hot or pour over ice. 

Andrea Ngo
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