How to make Vietnamese coffee: A step-by-step guide

Have you ever wondered how to make Vietnamese coffee? This delicious drink is famous for its unique flavor and method. It’s made using a special coffee maker called a phin, which drips coffee slowly to give it a rich taste. In this guide, VTJ shows you just how to prepare this tasty treat, so you can enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee right at home.

Brewing large phin coffee with the traditional flavors of Vietnam's three regionsBrewing large phin coffee with the traditional flavors of Vietnam’s three regions

Ingredients for brewing a big coffee phin

Prepare:

  • 150g ground coffee.
  • 650ml boiling water.
  • 01 Big coffee phin.
  • Measuring cup for water.
  • Ground coffee, big phin, and measuring cup.
Read more: Tipping In Vietnam: How Much & For Whom Should You Tip?

How to brew coffee with a drip filter

Guide on how to make Vietnamese-style phin coffeeGuide on how to make Vietnamese-style phin coffee

Step 1: Prepare the coffee.

Put 150g of ground coffee into the filter. Then gently tap the filter to spread the coffee evenly and brush away any coffee grounds stuck to the bottom of the filter.

Step 2: Brew the coffee.

This is a very important step.

Pour hot water into two places: 50ml of hot water at the bottom of the filter and 150ml of hot water into the filter.

Then cover it and let the coffee steep for 5 minutes. This step allows the coffee beans to expand to their maximum volume, bringing out the essence of the coffee during this time.

Step 3: Pour water into the filter and wait for the coffee to brew.

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    Place the filter on a measuring cup to catch the coffee and use the filter’s pressing tool to compact the coffee tightly.

    We’ll pour water into the coffee filter twice: the first time, we pour in 300ml of boiling water, then put the filter lid on. After the coffee stops dripping, we’ll add 150ml of boiling water for the final pour, and again, make sure to close the lid tightly.

    So, to recap, we pour boiling water into the coffee twice: first 300ml, then 150ml, and we keep the lid closed. In the end, we’ll have 400ml of coffee ready to enjoy.

    Pro tip:

    • A tip to enhance the flavor is to add 1-2 drops of salt to the coffee – just remember, it’s “whole salt.” This helps reduce the sourness of the coffee and balances the taste.
    • After brewing, we can add sugar and ice to our drip coffee and enjoy it right away. Or we can add milk to make a rich, creamy cup of coffee, depending on everyone’s preference. Coffee is really loved for its aroma and strong flavor, and the process of waiting for each drop to drip down is a wonderful experience.
    • A tip to enhance the flavor is to add 1-2 drops of salt to the coffee. This helps reduce the sourness of the coffee and balances the taste.
    • Using a coffee maker: For those looking for convenience, a coffee maker can simplify the process. With a coffee maker, you just add coffee and water, and the machine handles grinding, brewing, and mixing automatically.
    Read more: All facts about drinking water in Vietnam you should know

    How to brew delicious coffee in the authentic style of the three regions of Vietnam

    In Vietnam, coffee tastes different depending on the region. Here’s a guide on how to brew coffee that reflects the unique flavors of each area:

    • Northern style: In the north, especially in Hanoi, you’ll find people enjoying strong black coffee with a touch of sweetened condensed milk, often at street-side cafes. For northern-style coffee, use a 2:1 ratio of milk to coffee. Another popular choice is “brown coffee,” which includes condensed milk but no ice, keeping the coffee’s bold flavor.
    • Central style: Its Vietnam blends the coffee styles of the north and south. Here, you’ll see both traditional phin coffee and machine-brewed coffee. Central coffee is more bitter, like in the north, but has its own unique twist. One special coffee from Central Vietnam is “salt coffee.”
    • Southern style: In the south, people prefer sweeter coffee and usually add a lot of milk. You’ll often find “iced milk coffee” or ” bạc xỉu,” a lighter version with more milk. Southern coffee is typically brewed using machines and is sweeter and less bitter than in the north or central regions. A famous southern coffee is “vợt coffee,” which is brewed using a special filter and offers a rich flavor.

    Each region in Vietnam has its own unique way of brewing and enjoying coffee, so be sure to match your coffee style to your own tastes and preferences. By following these tips, you’ll brew a delicious cup of traditional phin coffee every time!

    FAQs

    What types of coffee beans are used for phin coffee?

    When making phin coffee, people often use coffee beans that have a strong, rich flavor, like Robusta and Culi. These beans are known for their distinctive bitterness and a sweet aftertaste, which many coffee drinkers in Vietnam enjoy. If you want to make a great cup of phin coffee, using these types of beans will give you that traditional taste you’re looking for.

    Read more: Sending and Receiving Mail and Parcels Abroad from Vietnam

    What types of milk are used for Vietnamese coffee?

    To make delicious Vietnamese Phin coffee, you can use a few different types of milkTo make delicious Vietnamese Phin coffee, you can use a few different types of milk

    To make delicious Vietnamese Phin coffee, you can use a few different types of milk. Here are the most popular ones:

    • Ông Thọ: Popular and affordable. Known for its strong sweetness which might overshadow the coffee flavor.
    • Ngôi Sao Phương Nam: Has a beautiful golden color and balanced sweetness. Preferred for its moderate sweetness and rich flavor, making it a common choice for Vietnamese coffee.
    • Regular Milk: It makes the coffee creamier but doesn’t add as much sweetness as condensed milk.

    So, VTJ has introduced you all to how to brew drip coffee and tips for making a truly delicious cup. Let’s team up and make it right away so we can enjoy a flavorful and aromatic cup of coffee!

    Author

    Vietnam Teaching Jobs (VTJ), which was founded in 2012 is a well-established platform for teachers to find their dream teaching job in Vietnam. Covering the entirety of the country, we have successfully paired thousands of happy teachers and schools. Be part of the thousands of happy teachers working in Vietnam, register and apply for your dream job today!

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    Vietnam Teaching Jobs (VTJ), which was founded in 2012 is a well-established platform for teachers to find their dream teaching job in Vietnam. Covering the entirety of the country, we have successfully paired thousands of happy teachers and schools. Be part of the thousands of happy teachers working in Vietnam, register and apply for your dream job today!