Guide to the phin

The phin is the traditional Vietnamese filter for the preparation of coffee. This method is found only in Vietnam. The phin is not only a method but also the tool used to prepare coffee.

This guide will allow you to make a phin coffee at home like in Vietnam.

Method: Vietnamese Phin Amount of coffee : 15-18g (1 phin)

Grind: medium fine Extraction time: 4-6min

Photo d'un phin (filtre à café vietnamien)

Steps :

1. Boil the water at 93-95°C (=when the water boils, wait 1-2 min)

2. Add 2 tbsp (15g-18g) of ground coffee into the phin (without the pierced filter)

3. Shake the phin lightly to even out the coffee at the bottom of the phin

4. Place the filter over the coffee

5. Pour the hot water in two parts. Wet the coffee by pouring a little hot water to cover the pierced filter (the pre-infusion releases the aromas)

6. Wait between 30 seconds then pour hot water to the top (125g of water for 15g of coffee)

7. Put the lid back on the filter to keep the heat in

8. Wait for all the water to drip through the phin. The ideal extraction time is between 4:30 min and 6 min

9. Enjoy! You can now add condensed milk, or pour the coffee over ice cubes

It's ready to eat! You can taste it hot or cold, with or without condensed milk as with cà phê sữa đa.

See video

FAQs

How do I grind my coffee beans for the phin?

The grind for a phin coffee should be medium fine (sand-like texture; a little coarser than for a V60).

– If it is too fine, the extraction will be too slow and the coffee will be over-extracted (the coffee will be a little bitter).

– If it is too coarse, the extraction will be too fast and the coffee will be under-extracted (the coffee will be a little diluted and/or acidic).

What if the extraction is too slow or there is no flow?

To. If you use our grind :

– the filter may be clogged, you can remove the pierced filter with a spoon to help the flow

– the water in the phin may be too hot. Remove the lid.

– there is too much ground coffee, we recommend 2 tbsp (between 12g and 20g max)

b. If you are using your own grind :

– the grind may be too fine, you can remove the pierced filter with a spoon to help the flow

– the water may be too hot. Remove the lid.

What if the extraction is too fast?

To. If you use our grind :

– there is not enough ground coffee

b. If you are using your own grind :

– the grind may be too coarse

How do I change the taste of coffee if I don't like it?

– If you want a slightly stronger coffee, you can increase the amount of ground coffee (<20g).

– If you want a slightly lighter coffee, you can reduce the quantity of coffee or add water a 3rd time to obtain a more diluted coffee.

How to clean the phin?

The phin cleans up easily with soap and water. Do not use a metallic sponge which could damage the steel.

Which coffee to choose for the Phin?

Both our Hanoi and Saigon coffees are suitable for phin use. The Robusta combined with the phin gives a unique taste to the coffee which will make you rediscover the flavors of Vietnam.

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