Drip Coffee: Vietnamese Phin Coffee Filter and How to Make

What is Drip Coffee in Vietnam? Vietnamese Dripper is Phin Coffee Maker (Filter), and is quite similar to the Pour Over Cafe Technique in that the apparatus sits on top of your mug and has a Coffee Filter. In this case, it is a reusable stainless steel coffee filter (Phin). But the filter takes it one step further by weighing down the coffee grounds with another thin screen. This makes it also similar to a French press since you’re pressing on the grounds.

Drip Coffee ‘s Cup is smooth and clean at the end, just like a pour over with less bite than espresso. Since there isn’t a paper filter, the oils from the beans will pass through to the finished coffee, similar to a French press, and you might get a little sludge in the bottom of your cup too.

1. How to Choose Grind for Vietnamese Drip Coffee?

The hot water will be passing through the coffee grounds and the filter, so be sure to use a medium coarse grind, similar to a French press grind.  Use a burr grinder to freshly grind the beans if you can, so that the grinds are fairly even in size. You are looking for a grind that looks something like coarse salt or sugar. Check out this article if you need a refresher on grinding.

You could certainly use a brand of Vietnamese coffee for brewing. But we are partial to the rich full-bodied and smooth taste of our Charleston Coffee Roasters Rainforest Blend. These beans are certified by the Rainforest Alliance, and the dark roast brings out the slight notes of chocolate when sipped.

The only real difference between drip coffee and espresso is brew method. The brew method has a big influence on the final flavor profile of the beverage. Espresso Coffee is much more concentrated, therefore, acids and bitterness of coffee will be in higher concentrations.

2. Where to buy Vietnamese Coffee Filter for Drip Coffee?

You can buy Coffee Filter everywhere in Vietnam from Hanoi to Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City. They are sold in every coffee bean shops with price from about 50.000 VND, depending on the size and quality of makers. You can also order online on website of AMAZON Company.

3. How to Make Vietnamese Drip Coffee STEP-BY-STEP:

As you might have guessed, this recipe of brewing coffee is the first step to make some different types of Vietnamese Traditional Coffee, including Egg Coffee & Coconut Coffee. So be sure to stir in some condensed milk after brewing for hot Vietnamese style coffee or add some ice if you prefer the cold version of this delicious Vietnamese coffee drink.

Here is the step-by-step method for making a great cup of Drip Coffee in Vietnam using a Phin Dripper Manual Machine:

• Unscrew the thin top filter from the coffee dripper and set aside.
• Add 2-3 tablespoons ground coffee to the dripper. Then shake gently to distribute evenly.
• Replace the thin top filter on top of the ground coffee and screw it to weigh down the grinds. Do not screw on too tightly.
• Placing the coffee dripper on top of a 8-ounce mug.
• Bring 6-8 ounces of cold filtered water (per cup) to a boil. Remove from heat, and let sit for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Pour a little hot water into the dripper, just enough to dampen it. Allow this water to drip through the grounds.
• Once the grounds have “bloomed”, continue slowly pouring the rest of the water into the dripper.
• Cover with the metal cover to trap in the steam, and allow the water to slowly drip through the grounds.
• After all of the water has passed through the filter (about 4-5 minutes), carefully remove the dripper with the grounds and discard.
• Pour yourself a cup and enjoy with your own ways!

Now, it's time to choose the way you'd like to drink your own making coffee. You can easily add ice or leave it just as it is. Vietnamese usually put some condensed milk (it's very sweet!) and sometimes ice in summer when it's hot outside. We found out that our favorite is iced coffee with condensed milk! Try out different coffees to find out your own favorite!

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• Vietnamese Coffee: History, Recipe, Culture & Best Places to Try
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• Best Things to Buy for Souvenir When You Traveling to Vietnam