How to use the Vietnamese Phin Filter
Making coffee with a Vietnamese phin filter is like making a little magic, one drip at a time. It’s super easy, but you can also get fancy and make it just how you like it. It’s not just coffee—it’s a moment to slow down and enjoy life. Ready to give it a try? Let’s go! ☕✨
What’s a Phin?
The phin filter is a little coffee hero that’s been a Vietnamese favourite for generations. Made from aluminium or stainless steel, the phin filter is simple, zero-waste, portable, and perfect for brewing strong, delicious coffee anywhere. The filter includes:
- Lid: Keeps the heat in and acts like a little hat for your phin.
- Chamber: The main part that holds your coffee and water.
- Filter plate: Sits on top of the coffee to keep everything in place.
- Base plate: Where the coffee drips through into your cup.
Fun fact: Aluminium phins deliver a bolder, more robust brew, thanks to even heat distribution—perfect for coffee lovers who crave that extra kick!
Using a phin? Here’s what you’ll need
- Ca Phin's coffee (or any medium-fine ground coffee)
- A phin filter
- Hot water (not boiling, around 90–95°C)
- Sweetened condensed milk and ice (optional but delicious!)
- A cup or glass
The simplest way!
- Add coffee: Scoop 20g of coffee grounds (about 1.5 tablespoons or 1/4 of the chamber). Shake gently to even out the coffee surface.
- Set up: Place the phin chamber (with the coffee already inside, of course) on the base plate, then position it on top of your glass.
- Bloom the coffee: Slowly pour 30ml of hot water (or just enough to cover the coffee bed). Let it sit for 30 seconds to "wake up" the flavours.
- Fill it up: Pour hot water slowly until the chamber is full (like, almost overflowing!) Pop the lid on to keep the heat in. Do this twice.
- Wait (and relax): Let the coffee drip for 3–5 minutes. We love stopping at 4 minutes for the perfect balance, avoiding bitterness.
- Add sweetness: Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of condensed milk for a creamy treat. Want it chilled? Toss in a few ice cubes for a refreshing twist.
- Sip and savour: That’s it—you’re now a phin coffee pro!
Pro tips
- After blooming (Step 3), place the filter plate on top of the coffee grounds (don’t press it!) for a slower drip and bolder flavour. No drip after 3 minutes? Use a spoon handle to lift the plate, release the pressure, and get things moving!
- Tweak the coffee-to-water ratio to match your taste—stronger or lighter, it’s your call!
There are a million ways to use the phin, so feel free to experiment and have fun! It’ll drip eventually, promise :)