How to Make Vietnamese Coffee the Right Way

Vietnamese people have been brewing coffee in their own unique way for centuries — a slow, mindful ritual deeply connected to their culture. To make this tradition more accessible, we created MR.VIET Star Coffee, a special gift set that includes everything you need: authentic Vietnamese ground coffee and a traditional phin filter.

If you’re a true coffee lover who’s never experienced Vietnamese coffee culture before, get ready — this might just be your next big discovery.

Here is how we brew it in Vietnam

1. Prepare everything for brewing.

Grab a glass and pour in a few spoonfuls of sweet condensed milk — this is the soul of Vietnamese iced coffee.

2. Add 2–3 tablespoons of coffee into the phin.

This is where the flavor begins. Use Robusta for that bold, true Vietnamese taste — or Arabica for a smoother vibe.

3. Shake and press.

Give the phin a gentle shake to level the grounds, then place the press on top — not too tight, just right.

4. Place the plate and chamber on top.

Set it up steady — now we’re ready for the magic part.

5. Wake the coffee.

Pour about 20 ml of hot water first and let it bloom for half a minute. This wakes up the aroma and flavor.

6. Fill the phin.

Top it off with boiling water, cover it with the lid, and let it drip slowly for about 5 minutes. Patience is part of the ritual.

7. Time to enjoy.

Your coffee’s ready — strong, smooth, and rich. Close your eyes and you might just feel like you’re sitting at a tiny café in Hoi An.

Final thoughts

So, that’s it. Hope you already did your coffee and didn’t just read the guide. But if yes, don’t hesitate to do it anyway — new experiences are the one of the things that we all live for, right?

If you’ve already tried it, why not explore more? Check out our guides on how to make it with condensed milk — the classic cà phê sữa đá. Or learn how to make another iconic Vietnamese recipe: egg coffee.