How to make Vietnamese coffee

Vietnamese coffee is world-renowned and one of the few that specializes in using robusta beans, since most of the rest of the world has moved on to aromatica beans. Robusta beans can make a terrific pot of coffee if brewed correctly, and are good either with a bit of sweetened condensed milk or served "den" or dark. Some prefer the coffee over ice "da" or hot "nong" but it is delicious either way!
Since most people haven't used a phin (filter) like this before, I decided to make a video to help you out! If you can't find a good high-quality and fresh robusta coffee anymore in your neighborhood, I've found that a good substitution can be Cafe Du Monde from New Orleans, which was available at every small grocery in New York when we lived there. Experiment and let me know in the comments what worked for you!
Sometimes the phin doesn't drain properly into the glass. If you find this to be true for you, just take a spoon with a piece of ice in it and rub the ice along the bottom of the phin for a second until the coffee starts flowing. Also, some phins have the bottom piece removable from the brewing section, so be careful when you lift the phin or the bottom can fall off!
As always please like or subscribe if you like what we are doing so we know you're enjoying it!
For more recipes and videos please visit us at indiechine.com.
Music: A Monastery Garden performed by Markus Staab from www.openmusic.com

[@cmonkey63]

I first had this coffee in a Vietnamese restaurant in Canada. So strong it gave me a headache. So of course, I had to buy two of these filters. Pro tip: let the coffee grounds have time to expand at the start, which releases the flavours. Yeah, it's 5 minutes, but it's worth it.

[@IndiechineFoodBlog]

Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@markcristian5208]

Is it better than buying a v60?

@@markcristian5208 It is no better or worse than V60. It is a different taste experience.

[@maivantai9389]

Exactly . I am Vietnamese .

[@black7987echo]

The reason this coffee is popular with couples in VN because they can spend time waiting to chat to each other.

[@vincentchin88]

Because of the lockdown in Malaysia, I ran out of coffee filters. I have 2 of these Vietnamese coffee filters that I bought from a Hanoi business trip a few years back. It is now a lifesaver for my morning coffee.

[@IndiechineFoodBlog]

Wow... I'm so glad to hear those Vietnamese souvenirs turned out to be so useful at times like this! Stay safe and happy brewing/"filtering" :D

[@woowaikee]

Due to the simple setup, the Vietnamese phin is great for travelling too. Bring along a coffee grinder and you can make your own favourite coffee everyday, even from a hotel room. This has been my favourite way of making black coffee for the past few years

[@andrew4558]

I'm Vietnamese myself but look at the way you prepare "cà phê sữa" from my country is pretty much like a serious ceremony. WOW!

[@IndiechineFoodBlog]

Hahah thank you. I try to make simple things prettier so that I can enjoy them better :)

[@Sunflower-bo2mc]

An Nguyen I like that explanation 😂

[@mikeinsugarland]

Nice video. Only suggestion is put the coffee into the filter first and tighten before putting them on top of the cup or else you will see some ground coffee dropped into the condensed milk.

[@reconteam91]

Kudos to the clarity of the video and the beautiful presentation.

[@LilyLinhNguyen]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you liked my work!

[@Rose-yq5rs]

I learned to make this type of iced coffee working in a Vietnamese resturant. I was never into making coffee until i was taught how to use these easy little things. As as dishwasher, strong coffee helps lol.

[@i_am_a_real_cat1443]

when i was in vietnam i drank everyday at least 5 of them . I loved it

[@IndiechineFoodBlog]

Wow 5 a day is very impressive! So glad to hear that :)

[@nguyenchau3800]

Your video is a very good instruction how to make the Vietnamese coffee. There’s powder in the condensed milk, here in Vietnam we separate the filter’s cup and the filter’s bottom dish, therefore we have 2 layers which can prevent the issue. Maybe you just need 1 to 2 minutes for the coffee ground to expand instead of 5 for time saving :D I usually add just a little bit of full cream milk (no sugar) at the end to create the thickness without using too much condensed milk. You can try sometime ;)

[@IndiechineFoodBlog]

Thank you for sharing that tip. I'll definitely try it next time :)

[@joannedillon3487]

I had many coffees at Hoi An Roastery and bought some of their ground robusta coffee back to New Zealand along with a small and large phin. I have just followed the instructions in your video and made the best ca phe sua nong I’ve ever made. I have made another batch of coffee to make a ca phe sua da later when my brain has recovered from the caffeine.

[@IndiechineFoodBlog]

I'm so glad it worked out well! Thanks for sharing the experience! Happy brewing :)

[@goldcloudcoffee]

Same here I just bought some beans from Hoi An Roastery and plan on making a cup tomorrow!

[@daicatrungau]

Should have added coffee to the filter before placing it on the glasses to avoid the powders dropdown

[@Toolgdskli]

tried this while in Vietnam, one of the best. The sweetness of the milk didn't dillute the strong coffee taste.

[@banzaiburger9589]

I love Vietnamese food and culture. I finally purchased a phin and am making my first coffee. Thanks for this beautiful video.

[@MelissaCapulet]

I'm craving Vietnamese coffee for the past few days, and as much as possible I would want it to be as authentic like the one I had in Hoi An. Then I saw this :( !!!!! I think I'm just gonna make one, if I can't bear it anymore. THANK YOU FOR THIS!

[@IndiechineFoodBlog]

My pleasure! Happy brewing! :)

[@brolythadawg2505]

I had several great coffees in Hoi An as well and I had a great time in the Hoi An night market. It is rat infested though.

[@jaxinhole]

I loved Hoi An- stayed at the rock villa. Great town

[@jacquelineholts4801]

My first time having this coffee with my 12 yr old today. I AM A FAN!

[@IndiechineFoodBlog]

Wowwww! I'm so glad to hear! It must be so nice to have a 12 yo foodie companion :)

[@phamuchiep337]

I think this is the most perfect Vietnamese iced coffee which made by foreigner on youtube that I have ever seen

[@IndiechineFoodBlog]

Thank you so much!!! Your kind words really mean a lot to me. Thank you!

[@princeofpolkadots]

that initial hot water and 5 min wait is key. thank you for sharing this technique

[@IndiechineFoodBlog]

I'm so glad it helped. Thank you for taking the time to write feedback :)

[@WanderingMunchers]

great video. watching this while drinking a glass of vietnamese coffee at home. also this is the first time I've seen someone blooming ground coffee for 5 minutes in the phin. most videos that I've watched usually bloom for 30 seconds to 1 minute. will try 5 minutes next time I make a cuppa coffee.

[@IndiechineFoodBlog]

I'd say anywhere between 2-5 mins is fine. Happy brewing!

[@georgejunquilho]

Sou do Brasil. Achei super legal a forma de fazer o café. Não conhecia.

[@edsalinas9996]

I didn't realize they use soooo much coffee in this mixture. No wonder my system cleans itself out in a matter of minutes after drinking this coffee. And YES!, it's fantastic.

[@cafemocsg209]

I'm Vietnamese, coffee is indispensable in my life, It is my passion.

[@goodbookfollowme]

Fabulous💕

[@skepticbb93]

i have just followed this instruction and created a great cup of coffee. thanks.

[@IndiechineFoodBlog]

Great! I'm so glad it worked out well for you. Thanks for letting me know the result! :)

[@ufky1]

hello,what kind of coffee do we use? any kind of robusta or?

[@andrew4558]

I tried Cafe du Monde but it's not good. Trung Nguyen coffee is now sold on line: www.trung-nguyen-online.com/

[@tcihr1168]

@@ufky1 Vietnamese coffee' gold recipe is: 50% robusta + 50% arabica = best coffee.

[@jennybowd2962]

I brought one of these some 10 plus years ago in a thrift store in Australia only as it looked so curious only realised what it was roughly a month ago took me till tonight to find it in the back of a cupboard will be trying it out tomorrow morning

[@canadude6401]

So satisfying. Wonderfully shot video.

[@IndiechineFoodBlog]

Awwww thank you so much for your kind words. Made my day :)

[@TripleDDDD]

I just had my first Vietnamese coffee from a local roaster. Prepared in my french press. Love the flavours, Bourbon, earthy, cherry, fruity. No acidity or bitterness. Amazing. Definetly going to get this filter. Question on language: How do you say “Phin” is it “fin” or rather “pin”?

[@_samval]

"ph" is pronounced like the english "f", so fin.

[@jannetteberends8730]

I had this when I was a young student. It was very common in my country, the Netherlands.

[@Beemagnolia]

Thank you! Someone gifted me a very similar coffee filter and could not figure out it out

[@mikoht]

Did not realize my there was a screw off filter in my dripper. Thanks!!

[@adampickard9880]

Coffee spoons should all be shaped like fish. The teaspoon is dead long live the fishspoon

[@cambodiavlogs6832]

Adam Pickard you know what else is dead?

[@aloospalu]

@@cambodiavlogs6832 my will to live

[@lilitan9785]

I loved your video so much. 就好像日本茶艺。 尊重每一个器具，每一个材料。您一定是一位非常有耐心，有艺术的人。真棒👍

[@IndiechineFoodBlog]

Thank you so much! Your kind words make me very happy!

[@rajo8493]

So nice coffee preparation

[@IndiechineFoodBlog]

Awww thank you so much

[@ke6ziu]

Went to Lee's Sandwiches in Portland, yesterday... I bought one, along with 3 baguettes and 3 patechaud... man, those were good!

[@IndiechineFoodBlog]

Wow that sounds so amazing!!!

[@captenmurica8843]

I like how she plays wedding music for her coffee 😂

[@TheGalina97]

Thank you! Looking forward to trying this coffee 😊

[@mashiela7189]

First time i tried Vietnamese coffee, i didnt sleep the night 🤣😊

[@J276]

After quitting veganism, this looks really yummy.

[@InfiniteFaithArt]

I had this coffee at one of the restaurants and I could not sleep for next whole night

[@LatherFace]

Great production value!

[@IndiechineFoodBlog]

Thank you so much! I'm so happy you like the video!

[@mudassardesignspace]

Work of art..loved the music

[@hectormorales2548]

Tanto trabajo para un café con crema.!!!!!Madre mía 👍🌴🇨🇺

[@IndiechineFoodBlog]

I don't know what you wrote, but I like it :)

[@tomchepey2999]

Informative and beautiful presentation. Excellent

[@IndiechineFoodBlog]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you liked it!

[@lingth]

from the design i initially assumed the coffee powder would be added after lowering the inner filter. but it seems its not, and the coffee powder is actually sandwiched in between.

[@escapetherace1943]

coffee can be garbage but it will taste alright as soon as anything milk is added to it. That bloom seems very long too. I've had vietnamese coffee though and I personally really like it. Pour-over made by somebody competent does taste better, but it's also more work. Kind of want one of these, the problem is I have too much stuff for coffee.

[@WILDWILLXD]

4:04 cracked me up "Ya"

[@sizekonveksi2390]

Dose? Ratio? Grind level? Coffee beans variant?

[@rudymedina4508]

French roast, espresso, Vietnam style coffee. It's already pre grind.

[@rhomzkietfttv5571]

Coffee lover here. Watching from Philippines

[@joejone]

4:37 = 16 second

[@adorkable81]

Good for Americano too. No condense milk needed. I could never wait for the last drop so 3/4 way in, pour it on a cup, filled it hot water and enjoy. Refill the fin filter with more water to enjoy a second weaker Americano later.

[@declanconnelly6699]

Great video and great coffee. I would only skip the ice tongs though, haha

[@mikomiko667]

looks good, the guy's face at the end thou ...

[@kidrobot.]

your face tho...

[@bryankang3286]

I love ur song selection - Albert ketalby

[@IndiechineFoodBlog]

Thank you so much!

[@abdulrahmanabdulghani8833]

Love VN Drip coffee.Make it at home

[@Esther-ps3vx]

Beautifully presented. Love the clarity of the video. It looks very artistic.

[@IndiechineFoodBlog]

Awww thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@fairlessdave1834]

My main question is, who would really drink a cup of coffee regularly that consists of no more than 6 ounces? Is it the richness that makes it so satisfying, like espresso? This wouldn't last me through my cinnamon bun.

[@trancebodega2739]

probably just try vietnamese coffee and revisit this question

[@ninalee8623]

Vietnamese coffee is something quite unique and meant to be enjoyed on its own. Not like the drip coffee to have with cookies or cake or cinnamon bun. Try it. It's so good. Different. Maybe you'll like it.

[@flonker5961]

Any recommendation on brand for high quality phin? One that does not drip too fast and has good quality material that does not easily deteriorate or break?

[@marcinantosz5034]

Pięknie. Kupiłem taki filtr do kawy. Pojadę tylko do sklepu po mleczko, bo pijam zawsze czarną, ale spróbuję wietnamską. Dziękuję.

[@matteopisanello7787]

With the ice is somewhat similar to the coffee done in Lecce, in southern Italy, but there is used almond syrup

[@IndiechineFoodBlog]

It's so nice to know. I'll definitely try that if I have the chance to visit Lecce.

[@matteopisanello7787]

@@IndiechineFoodBlog if i can suggest you, the littlest cities are the best and they're full of history, all along the coast there's a very beautiful vista

[@IndiechineFoodBlog]

@@matteopisanello7787 Wow that's so good to know. I'll note that down. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@matteopisanello7787]

@@IndiechineFoodBlog i'm pleased 😊

[@jealoussphynx4152]

this makes ca phe sua da looks so fancy haha

[@nikalzoe3232]

People's are thinking the coffee take verry long time to made but in Vietnam i just need 4 min to have a cup off coffe

[@619chrisoriginal]

So it’s basically like a tea ceremony. Something to slow you down and think

[@capitalcrimes1022]

Excellent I am sure this coffee will appreciated in pakistan

[@Vulpicide]

Thankyou for this video, it was very helpful and beautifully made

[@IndiechineFoodBlog]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I really appreciate it!

[@shvetyaprem2932]

whoaa this is just like the SOUTH INDIAN FILTER COFFEE we make here in the south of India, but we use sugar instead of condensed milk tho.

[@bubblegum2445]

i have three of those espresso size phin things, and use all 3 in succession to make 1 cup of coffee... might need to get a bigger one... 😅😅

[@stevemurray7862]

I have seen some really big ones that look like it is for a group.

[@ninalee8623]

If I did that I probably wouldn't sleep for 2 days. 👀🤭😂

[@Tombombadillo999]

Nice vid!

[@almaximus03]

This is so relaxing 😃

[@IndiechineFoodBlog]

Thank you! So glad you like it!

[@davidhui2687]

Thank you! This was super helpful.

[@andrianikfuadi1622]

Good job

[@LilyLinhNguyen]

Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate it!

[@DG-zz6kp]

3:45 I'm definitely the person on the left.

[@_kimiadventures]

😳 that’s about 50 times the amount of coffee I expected

[@waywardsoul4918]

No…

[@7rajcan]

As long the coffee spoon is in fish shape i love to have this coffee. I need those spoons any recommendations where to buy?

[@IndiechineFoodBlog]

I got them on Etsy six years ago :) They're handmade.

[@user-wn7yl2nf2f]

very beautiful video!

[@LilyLinhNguyen]

Thank you so much! It makes me so happy to hear that!

[@nolbertomunier9541]

Reminds me the Japanese Tea Ceremony. BUT COFFEE. Alicia

[@tiggersmith7393]

What kind of a spoon is that!...how much coffee should you put in for one cup?...I like it black and hot only.

[@TheGayleFamily]

Hello, great vid, do you screw it down tightly or just a little bit??

[@chinhluannguyen9926]

robusta from viet nam very well, you can made coffee phin with salt

[@safe-keeper1042]

Thank you, very helpful!

[@MichalReich]

I like this way of making coffee, however, there is one mistake in the instructions. After you put a little hot water (cca 20 ml) you have to wait 20 seconds and THEN pour again and wait 4-5 minutes

[@vybie]

The guy at the end of the video: a :D

[@jameswagner9894]

I was halfway expecting him to stick his pinky finger out while sipping on the cup of coffee. LOL

[@duck853]

Gorgeous video, well done.

[@IndiechineFoodBlog]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you like it!

[@Bou89]

4:13 for the actual procedure

[@chinhmeomeo]

The music in the background ...

[@JackyNguyen06]

Beautiful video and nice tips.😍 just subbed.

[@LilyLinhNguyen]

Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!!!

[@rawimpact]

so i gotta wake up at 5am for 8 o clock coffee huh?

[@TheVietarmy]

You can enjoy reading meanwhile

[@LatherFace]

@@TheVietarmy pwnd

[@amdog5055]

That’s why you need the coffee lol

[@adriang3492]

It's only 8-10 minute total dude... prepare the coffee and them make some toasts while you wait. Seriously.

[@lalaicyling8429]

Totally worth it 😋

[@Venezuelanmamii]

Thank you 😊

[@jameso4681]

Been there done that.

[@andrewflower9533]

Странно, а почему не был залит Phin полностью? Я обычно всегда так делаю, а если мало, то ещё доливаю? Спасибо.

[@williamwong1902]

1) What is the coffee bean used? 2) what is the coffee powder to water ratio?

[@LamHoang-to6cr]

1. vietnamese people usually use robusta (strong), Arabica (light) or mixture of both 2. 25mg of coffe = 20ml of water (first pour, then wait 2-5 mins) then 5-60ml (second pour to extract coffe drops)

[@VongolaX-D]

At the end of the video, did he say "Ngon"?

[@peterpham6288]

American accents...

[@LilyLinhNguyen]

Yes he did :)

[@TronVark]

Yes I did

[@kateli1880]

He said it like ngân BuT it’s ngôn.

[@TronVark]

@@kateli1880 LOL, funny to watch this video from years ago and cringe at my bad accent! The subtleties of Vietnamese take a long time for a western ear to hear.

[@AnNguyen-uf8sy]

what a nice video, i really like it :)

[@LilyLinhNguyen]

An Nguyễn Thank you! I'm very happy to hear that :)

[@telurkucing5006]

Sometimes I got dry coffe gunk that somehow not wetted by hot water especially using fine grind with this type drip, I dont know how to prevent this problem

[@leanhthuphan4159]

Cà phê sữa is the best coffee in the world 😂😂

[@IndiechineFoodBlog]

Totally agree!

[@sanjayharsh3532]

Sir/madam where are these good quality phins available and what price please post your views and comments thanks god bless you

[@swatichatterjee1513]

I increased the playbackspeed to 2×, and the video plays fine. Else, too slow.

[@Creees]

How to make ca phe dua and ca phe muoi please

[@tucalicuban]

Will this work with Cuban espresso?

[@asmallpottedplant3709]

Is the Vietnamese tradition sweetened condensed milk, or evaporated aka unsweetened condensed milk?

[@LilyLinhNguyen]

It's the sweetened condensed milk.

[@vitasoy1437]

does the filter matter? I got a cheap filter from eBay and it's probably the coffee too coz someone gave me a pre grounded bag and the water just goes right thru in less than a minute lol

[@marjoriezuleta1146]

Thanks a lot.

[@IndiechineFoodBlog]

You're most welcome!

[@masterofreality926]

You need coarser grind for this.