How to use Vietnamese Phin Filter

What is Vietnamese Phin Filter?

The phin is Vietnam’s quiet coffee companion—a simple, no-fuss brewing tool that’s as much a part of daily life here as the coffee itself.

Do I need a paper filter?

Not at all! The phin is proudly paper-free, designed to brew with zero waste and maximum simplicity. Just coffee, water, and time.

What is coffee bloom?

Ever noticed those little bubbles that appear when you first pour water over coffee grounds? That’s the bloom—a quick, fizzy release of carbon dioxide from freshly roasted coffee. It’s like the coffee saying hello, waking up, and getting ready to share its best flavors.

Why does it matter?

Letting your coffee bloom for about 30 seconds before continuing your brew helps unlock its full potential. You’ll notice the grounds swell and bubbles rise to the surface—a little sign that your coffee is ready to shine.

How do I brew with a phin?

1. Use water heated to 92–96°C (just off the boil). If you don’t have a thermometer, boil the water and let it sit for 20 seconds before pouring.
2. Place the filter plate on top of your cup. Take the cap, flip it upside down, and pour a little hot water into it to warm up the brewing chamber. This small step helps your coffee brew at just the right temperature.
3. Add 20g of medium-coarse ground coffee to the chamber. Gently shake it to level the grounds—this ensures an even brew. Place the chamber on top of the cap (now filled with hot water).
4. Pour just enough water (about 20ml) to wet the grounds evenly, then wait for that magical bloom to happen. Let it bloom for 30 seconds.
5. Fill the chamber to the top.
6. Wait for it to finish dripping and enjoy!

Here’s a little secret: those bubbles during the bloom? They’re a sign of freshness. When you see lots of lively bubbles, you can be sure you’re working with freshly roasted beans—coffee that’s still full of life and flavor.

Tip: A gooseneck kettle makes it easier to control your pour, but don’t stress if you don’t have one—good coffee is about joy, not perfection.

Phin coffee is incredibly versatile, and you can enjoy it in so many ways depending on your mood or preference. Here are some popular ways to enjoy it:

1. Black: For a pure, robust flavor, drink it straight from the Vietnamese phin filter. Perfect for savoring the rich, bold notes of Vietnamese coffee.
2. With Fresh & Condensed Milk (Bac Xiu): So good!
3. Sweetened Condensed Milk: The classic Vietnamese way! Add a spoonful (or more) of sweetened condensed milk for a creamy, sweet, and indulgent treat. Robusta often has hints of dark chocolate and nuts, which complement the caramel-like sweetness of condensed milk.
4. Shaken: Pour your brewed coffee over ice, add milk of your choice and shake it up for a refreshing, frothy iced coffee.
5. Stirred: Simple and effective—just mix your coffee with your preferred add-ins and enjoy.

1. Blended: Turn it into a frozen delight by blending it with ice, milk, or condensed milk, Peanut Butter Coffee Iced Blend is a gift sent from above. Here’s our recipe! 
2. Iced: Salted coffee, Coconut Coffee, these drinks are so popular in Vietnam and for a good reason.

No matter how you take it, coffee is all about enjoying the process and savoring the rich, deep flavors. How do you like yours?

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