Brewing Heritage: Phin Filter In Vietnamese Coffee Culture (+3 Easy Coffee Drinks Recipes)
Take a sip of Vietnamese culture with the phin filter and craft simple but delicious coffee drinks from it.
Vietnamese people widely acknowledge that despite the hardships of French colonization (1858-1954), it left behind valuable legacies in Vietnamese architecture, infrastructure, art, and especially coffee culture. Introduced by French colonists in the mid-19th century, Vietnamese coffee has become a hallmark of the country's culinary scene, alongside Banh Mi and Pho. Initially enjoyed by French and Vietnamese elites, coffee in Vietnam has evolved from a mere beverage to a lifestyle deeply embedded in the community. Today, even as coffee shops in Vietnam offer various styles, traditional coffee made with the "phin" filter retains its authentic charm and nostalgic appeal. The "phin" filter is cherished for its simplicity, distinctive extraction quality, and portability. In this article, we will explore this unique coffee tool and learn how to create simple yet delicious coffee drinks with it at home.
Phin Filter and its History
‘Phin’ filter is Vietnam's most authentic coffee maker. The exact origin of “phin” filter is unclear but it is believed that the Vietnamese adapted it from the French design introduced during the French colonial period. The name “phin” is also derived from the French word “filtre” (“filter” in English). The concept of making coffee by “phin” is simple: the hot water extracts the ground coffee through a fine strainer and the coffee drips into a cup.
The traditional way of drinking Vietnamese coffee
Unlike other coffee cultures that favor the mild flavor of Arabica, Vietnamese coffee is known for the strong, bold flavor of Robusta beans, primarily grown in the Central Highlands. The "phin" filter perfectly preserves the robust notes of these beans.
Phin coffee requires patience, as each drop slowly passes through the filter. This contrasts with the quick espresso culture in another kingdom of long-standing coffee culture - Italy, where people stand and enjoy their coffee at the bar. In Vietnam, coffee drinking is a leisurely activity, often accompanied by reading the newspaper, chatting with locals, or simply watching life go by. This slow, mindful approach reflects a broader cultural appreciation for savoring each moment.
If you wake up craving caffeine on a lazy morning, making a cup of phin coffee is the perfect solution. Here are three simple recipes using Vietnamese drip black coffee that you can make at home. We hope these recipes become your favorites.
How To Make Vietnamese Drip (Black) Coffee
A lot of Vietnamese coffee drinks start with this dark, fragrant, bitter black coffee made from the “phin”. Therefore, first of all, we need the base: Vietnamese drip coffee. To make it, you just need a Vietnamese phin filter and your favorite coarsely ground coffee. It’s best to buy it in Vietnam because there’s a wide range of coffee brands that you can choose from: Trung Nguyen Legend, LàViệt, Highlands and thousands of local artisan coffee makers you can find in Vietnam from North to South. The phin filter, ideally made of stainless steel, can be found together with coffee and other coffee accessories.
When you have these two must-have items, it’s time to make the drip:
- Step 1: Quickly rinse the Phin filter with hot water to pasteurize and also maintain the right temperature when brewing the coffee
- Step 2: Pour 3-4 teaspoons (~25 grams) of ground coffee into the filter, shake to distribute evenly and place the press in without intense force.
- Step 3: Pour a little boiling water (~30 ml) just to wet the coffee without overflowing. Let it sit there for 1-2 minutes for the coffee grounds to “bloom”.
- Step 4: Add more boiling water (~60ml), close the lid and wait for the coffee to drip. If you don't see the drip, maybe your coffee ground is too fine or the press too tight.
- Step 5: Wait for about 5-6 minutes or until the dripping stops.
When you already have quality black coffee, making some Vietnamese coffee variations seems like eating a piece of cake.
1. Vietnamese Milk Coffee (Cà Phê Nâu/Sữa)
This is the easiest way to enjoy Vietnamese coffee.
- Step 1: Pour 1-2 teaspoons of condensed milk into the cup, depending on your preference for sweetness.
- Step 2: Add the black coffee shot and stir to taste.
That’s a cup of Nâu nóng (Hot milk coffee) - a popular traditional coffee drink in the North. In the South, people prefer adding a lot of ice to it because the weather is hot almost year-round. Southern people call it Cà phê sữa đá (Iced milk coffee).
2. Vietnamese white coffee (Bạc Sỉu)
You can call this a Vietnamese version of an iced latte, which includes black coffee, unsweetened fresh milk, condensed milk and ice.
- Step 1: Mix condensed milk and fresh milk in a 1:1 ratio, give it a good stir and add the ice in.
- Step 2: Pour in the black coffee (foam it for a better look!) and you’re done.
3. Vietnamese egg coffee (Cà Phê Trứng)
Vietnamese egg coffee was invented by a Vietnamese bartender in the past and it already become one of the most favorite coffee drinks in Vietnam. It is super creamy, sweet, and bitter balanced and also easy to make at home. Crafting Vietnamese egg coffee, you’ll need:
- 1 fresh egg yolks at room temperature
- 1-2 teaspoons of condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar or honey
- A pinch of cinnamon powder (recommended)
While waiting for the coffee to brew, let’s make the egg cream.
- Step 1: Whisk egg yolk, sugar/honey, condensed milk and cinnamon powder together in a small cup until it’s light, frothy, and significantly increased in volume.
- Step 2: Pour the hot black coffee into the mixture and enjoy. Egg coffee is best when served hot. Sprinkle cinnamon powder on top for extra flavor.
That’s it! I hope you enjoy these recipes and the beautiful memories of Vietnam they bring.