Vietnamese Black Coffee

A pure, strong, and bold black coffee brewed using the traditional Vietnamese phin filter

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Prep Time 3

Brew time 7

Total Time 10

Servings: 1 Cup

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Vietnamese

Preheat the phin.
Rinse the Vietnamese phin filter with hot water to increase heat retention. This helps maintain a stable temperature during the brewing process and ensures optimal extraction.
Bloom the coffee.
Add 20 grams of dark roast Robusta coffee to the phin chamber and shake gently to level the grounds. Pour 30ml of boiling water (95°C/203°F) in a circular motion from the center outward to evenly cover all the coffee grounds. Let it bloom for 40 seconds to allow the coffee to expand evenly and release its aromatic compounds.
Add water
Place the press filter on top of the coffee grounds and gently press down with light pressure.
Pour the remaining 50ml of boiling water into the phin and close the lid.
Important: Don't press too hard as this can block the water flow and result in bitter, burnt-tasting coffee.
Wait for extraction
You'll see the coffee start dripping down into the cup below at an ideal rate of 1 drop per second. Wait patiently for the coffee to fully extract until it stops dripping, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
Add sugar and ice
If you prefer sweet coffee, add 1 teaspoon of sugar to the cup and stir vigorously with a spoon, or use a milk frother to dissolve the sugar and create a beautiful foamy layer on top. This method makes the coffee more aromatic and visually appealing.
Finally, add ice cubes and enjoy your authentic Vietnamese black coffee.

If the coffee isn't dripping at all, it may be because you pressed too hard or the coffee grounds are too fine, clogging the holes at the bottom of the phin. Simply lift the phin and gently tap the bottom a few times with a spoon to unclog it, you should see the coffee start flowing again.
Use 100% Robusta coffee for traditional Vietnamese style, or blend 70% Robusta + 30% Arabica if you want added fruity notes with a sour-sweet aftertaste.
Medium dark roast is recommended for the best flavor profile.
For hot coffee: Follow the same instructions but preheat your cup by placing it in a bowl of hot water throughout the brewing process.