How to Use a Vietnamese Coffee Maker

If you’re shopping for the best coffee maker, you may consider a Vietnamese coffee machine. Also called a phin filter, Vietnamese drip coffee makers are compact and typically make a strong cup of coffee. They are easy to rinse, keeping your coffee clean every time. Even though the coffee industry largely ignores it, you need to learn how to use a Vietnamese coffee maker if you want to try this intensely strong, sweet coffee style.

A Vietnamese phin chamber offers a compact and sleek design over most brew coffee makers. The device is essentially a stainless steel filter that sits above your coffee cup. In addition, they are an affordable coffee maker that doesn’t require a power source. The single-serve nature of Viet coffee makes it perfect for iced coffee in minutes. That said, you can still warm up the coffee in a coffee maker if the coffee brewer has sat for a while.

If you want a more convenient method for brewing fresh coffee, check our guide on using a smart plug with a coffee maker.

Alternatively, for more coffee maker tips and tricks, check out our helpful content discussing how to use a siphon coffee maker, how to use a drip coffee maker, and what does pause and serve mean on a coffee maker.

Brewing With a Phin Vietnamese Coffee Filter Set

Tools Required: Vietnamese coffee filter, coffee cup, coffee grinder, coffee beans, hot water

STEP 1 Grind Your Coffee Beans

If you want a true Vietnamese-style coffee beverage, consider using a Robusta bean, also called the Vietnamese coffee bean. Arabica beans will work, too, but Viet coffee is typically made using Robusta. If you’re using a manual coffee grinder, opt for a medium-coarse grind to prevent coffee grounds from falling into your drink.

STEP 2 Fill the Metal Filter with Coffee Grounds

Use 2-3 tablespoons of ground coffee to fill the phin chamber. However, you can use a single heaping tablespoon for a lighter brew. Once complete, install the screw-down phin cover.

STEP 3 Boil Water

Use a kettle or stove to boil water for the brew.

STEP 4 Place the Metal Filter on the Coffee Cup

Place your Vietnamese coffee filter on your coffee cup. It should feel secure. If not, try a different mug or mason jar.

STEP 5 Let the Coffee Bloom

Pour a bit of water on the filter and let it sit for a few minutes to bloom the coffee grounds. Bloomed coffee releases carbon dioxide and expands the grounds so that you don’t end up with cloudy coffee.

STEP 6 Fill the Vietnamese Coffee Filter with Water

Fill the phin chamber with hot water and close the metal lid.

STEP 7 Let it Brew

Wait a few minutes, and watch your coffee drip. Once your coffee stops dripping, your brew is done.

STEP 8 Remove the Phin Filter and Enjoy Your Drink

Remove the filter and set it on a drip tray or plate. Most people will add ice cubes to their brew and add condensed milk for a flavorful coffee. That said, you can make your coffee however you like.

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