The phin is a traditional metal filter that consists of a round perforated plate, that fits over a coffee mug or cup. A brewing chamber sits on top of the plate, a perforated insert fits inside the chamber to tamp the grounds down and, a lid keeps the heat in.
Once the coffee grounds are added to the chamber, the filter insert is twisted down. Water is then poured on top. The lid helps retain the heat as the first drips descend, either into an empty cup or onto a generous spoonful of thick condensed milk.
You will need
- Stainless steel coffee filter (Phin filter)
- Condensed milk (optional)
- Coffee
- Grinder
- Kettle
- Cup or mug
How to brew coffee with a Vietnamese Phim
- Add 2 tbsp of ground coffee to the chamber.
- Drop the filter press on top of the ground coffee.
- Place the plate and chamber (filled with coffee on top of a cup or mug).
- Heat water to almost boiling temperature of 195–205 °F.
- Add 0.8 fl oz of hot water to the chamber (enough to cover the filter press by 1/2 inch).
- Let “bloom” for 30 seconds.
- Fill chamber with hot water (4 fl oz to the top) and cover with lid.
- Leave the coffee to brew for several minutes, ideally 5 minutes total.
- After 5 minutes, remove the phin brewer, and enjoy! *Tip: If you can adjust the grind size to achieve the flow of first drip by 2 minutes, then you will have a solid brew.
