How to Brew Vietnamese Coffee with a Phin (A Step-by-Step Guide)

The Vietnamese phin is a marvel of simplicity. It's portable, durable, and surprisingly precise, using a slow-drip gravity press to brew a uniquely silky and concentrated cup. Follow this 5-minute method to craft a café-quality coffee at home, whether you like it hot and black or famously iced.

What You’ll Need

• A [Phin Brewer]
• 18–22g of VitaBrewX Coffee (ground medium-fine)
• 120–140g of hot water (just off the boil, ~94-96°C)
• A scale (recommended) and your favorite mug or glass
• Optional (for iced): 20–25g sweetened condensed milk & a tall glass of ice

The 5-Minute Phin Method

1. Prep: If making an iced cà phê sữa đá, add the condensed milk to your brewing glass now. Rinse the phin and your glass/mug with hot water to pre-heat them.
2. Add Coffee: Add your coffee grounds to the phin and gently tap to level them. Place the metal filter plate on top without pressing down.
3. The Bloom: Place the phin on your glass. Pour about 30g of hot water over the filter to wet the grounds. Cover with the lid and let it "bloom" for 30 seconds.
4. The Brew: Slowly and gently pour in the remaining water. Cover and let the coffee drip. The entire process should take about 4–5 minutes.
5. Serve: For hot coffee, enjoy immediately. For iced, once the drip is complete, stir the coffee and condensed milk thoroughly, then pour the mixture over a tall glass full of fresh ice.

Perfecting Your Brew (Dial-In Tips)

• Brewing too slow or tastes bitter? Your grind is likely too fine. Try a slightly coarser setting.
• Brewing too fast or tastes weak? Your grind is likely too coarse. Try a slightly finer setting or increase your coffee dose by 1-2g.

Ready to begin your ritual? Get the official [Phin Brewer] or go all-in with the complete [Phin Ritual Starter Kit].

Keep Learning: [The Definitive Guide to Vietnamese Coffee →]

“Let your ‘Yea’ be ‘Yea’; and your ‘Nay,’ ‘Nay.’” — Matthew 5:37

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