The Phin is a traditional Vietnamese drip filter that combines elements of pour-over and immersion brewing. Made of metal, this simple four-piece brewer brews coffee slowly drop-by-drop, producing a thick, heavy-bodied, and deeply aromatic cup. It is the secret behind the iconic Vietnamese iced coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá).
Here is our step-by-step guide to brewing rich, authentic coffee using the Vietnamese Phin.
What You’ll Need
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Vietnamese Phin Filter (Plate, Chamber, Gravity Insert/Press Disc, Cap)
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Dark Roast Coffee Beans: 14g–15g (Medium-Coarse grind, like sea salt)
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Hot Water: 100ml at ~95°C (203°F)
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Sweetened Condensed Milk: 1–2 tbsp (To taste)
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Glass Cup & Ice Cubes (Optional, for iced coffee)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Glass & Phin
Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to the bottom of your serving glass. Set the Phin filter plate and chamber on top of the glass. Rinse the chamber with a quick splash of hot water to preheat it, then discard the water.
2. Add Coffee & Place Insert
Add 15g of ground coffee into the chamber. Tap gently to level the grounds. Place the gravity insert disc lightly on top of the coffee bed without pressing down too hard.
3. The Bloom
Pour 20ml of hot water over the insert to wet the grounds. Cover with the cap and let it bloom for 45 to 60 seconds. This swells the coffee grounds and unlocks deep caramel and dark chocolate notes.
4. The Slow Drip
Remove the cap, pour the remaining 80ml of hot water into the chamber, and replace the cap. The coffee should start dripping slowly—ideally 1 drop per second. The entire drip process should take roughly 4 to 5 minutes.
5. Stir & Serve
Once the dripping stops, remove the Phin. Stir the rich coffee concentrate into the sweetened condensed milk until completely smooth. Enjoy it hot, or pour it over a glass filled with ice for classic Cà Phê Sữa Đá!
Pro Tips for the Best Cup
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Troubleshoot the Drip Rate: If water streams through too quickly, screw down or press the insert slightly tighter (or use a finer grind). If it stops dripping entirely, the grind is too fine or pressed too tight.
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Traditional Bean: Dark roasted Robusta beans yield the most authentic, bold flavor profile with a signature crema-like top.