Back to Brew Guides
Phin Filter dripping coffee into a glass on a bamboo tray, beside a glass of ice and a jug of condensed milk

How to Brew Vietnamese Coffee with a Phin Filter

Introduction:

The Phin Filter is a Vietnamese drip brew tool or coffee maker. First introduced by the French, the Phin Filter is now a uniquely Vietnamese tool used to brew Vietnamese coffee. While Phin Filters are straightforward and simple to use, here's a step-by-step guide on how to use it.

What you need:

  • A Phin Filter
  • 20 g Vietnamese ground coffee (choose our Phin Grind; robusta-led beans work best, see our robusta coffee)
  • 100 g hot water at 93–95 °C, for a 1:5 ratio
  • 30–40 g condensed milk (optional)

Method:

  1. Place the Phin Filter brewing chamber on top of a glass (remove the gravity press).
  2. Add 20 g of ground coffee and gently shake the chamber so the grounds are level.
  3. Place the gravity press on top of the coffee and push down softly.
  4. Bloom: pour 20 g of 93–95 °C water (1:1 with the coffee), put the lid on and wait 1 minute.
  5. Pour the remaining 80 g of water, put the lid back on and let it drip (about 5 minutes).
  6. Enjoy it hot, or pour over ice.

Higher ratio (more water) = milder cup. Lower ratio (less water) = stronger cup.

Making it iced? Follow our Vietnamese iced coffee recipe. Using a machine? See how to brew espresso at home.

For the popular Vietnamese version, add 30–40 g of condensed milk to the cup, to taste, and stir well before serving hot or with ice.

Once you've got the hang of it, use the same Phin Filter brew as the base for cà phê muối (salt coffee) or Hanoi's egg coffee (cà phê trứng).

At Phin Coffee, we know there are many ways to enjoy our coffee. You can brew our beans the traditional way, in a Phin Filter, or use your favourite coffee maker. Either way, you'll get a rich, bold cup to start your day.

Choosing beans? Find your coffee

Shop our products

View All Products
  • Phin Coffee Signature Blend – Bold Vietnamese Iced Coffee

    Signature Blend – Authentic Vietnamese Iced Coffee

    Signature Blend – Authentic Vietnamese Iced Coffee

    A bold, dark-roast blend of 70% Vietnamese Robusta, specifically designed and roasted for the perfect Cà Phê Sữa Đá.

    From A$18.00
    A$18.00 From A$18.00
  • Phin Coffee Espresso Blend coffee bag

    Espresso Blend - Classic Bold & Smooth Coffee

    Espresso Blend - Classic Bold & Smooth Coffee

    A rich Vietnamese-style espresso blend crafted from premium robusta and arabica beans from Vietnam, Brazil, and Ethiopia. Enjoy rich chocolate, malt, and caramel notes in every cup.

    From A$18.00
    A$18.00 From A$18.00
  • Gia Lai Robusta – Premium Robusta Coffee bag in a picturesque Vietnamese landscape, showcasing freshly roasted Vietnamese coffee.

    Gia Lai Robusta – Premium Robusta Coffee

    Gia Lai Robusta – Premium Robusta Coffee

    Premium Robusta from Gia Lai's volcanic Central Highlands: low bitterness, smooth dark chocolate, thick caramel, nuts, and warm spices. Bold robusta kick.

    From A$18.00
    A$18.00 From A$18.00
  • Phin Coffee Oh! So Peachy Fine Robusta

    Oh! So Peachy Fine Robusta

    Oh! So Peachy Fine Robusta

    Discover Oh! So Peachy, our 100% Fine Robusta from Bui Origin farm in Lam Dong, in Vietnam's Central Highlands.

    A$20.00
    A$20.00 A$20.00
View all