Explore your brewing methods
with Vietnamese coffee ☕
Which brewing methods is for you?
Vietnamese coffee is a rich, aromatic delight that offers many brewing methods to suit every taste. Whether you prefer the bright clarity of a pour-over or the robustness of a French press, there’s a brewing technique just for you. Let’s dive into the world of Vietnamese coffee and explore four popular methods: Pour-over, French Press, Aeropress, and the traditional Phin filter.
1. Pour-over
Imagine slowly pouring hot water over a of finely ground Vietnamese coffee beans. This method allows the water to extract flavours gradually, producing a clean and bright cup of coffee. Pour-over emphasises clarity and aroma, making it perfect for those who enjoy a lighter-bodied brew with distinct floral or fruity notes.
To brew Vietnamese coffee using a pour-over method:
Boil water and let it cool slightly (around 200°F or 93°C).
Place a filter (like a V60) over your coffee cup or carafe.
Add finely ground Vietnamese coffee into the filter.
Slowly pour hot water over the coffee in a circular motion, ensuring all grounds are saturated.
Allow the coffee to drip through the filter and into your cup.
Adjust the grind size and brewing time to fine-tune the flavour to your liking. Pour-over is a great starting point for exploring the nuanced flavours of Vietnamese coffee beans.
2. French Press
For a fuller-bodied and more intense coffee experience, the French press is a popular choice. This method involves steeping coarse-ground Vietnamese coffee in hot water and pressing down a plunger to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee. French press brewing highlights the coffee’s oils and delivers a rich, robust flavour profile with a heavier mouthfeel.
To brew Vietnamese coffee using a French press:
Coarsely grind Vietnamese coffee beans.
Add the grounds to the French press.
Pour hot water (just off the boil) over the grounds.
Stir gently to ensure all grounds are saturated.
Place the lid on the French press with the plunger pulled up.
Let it steep for about 4 minutes.
Slowly press down the plunger to separate the grounds from the coffee.
The French press method allows for a full extraction of flavours, making it ideal for those who prefer a bold and strong cup of coffee.
3. Aeropress
The Aeropress combines immersion brewing (similar to a French press) with pressure to create a smooth and concentrated cup of coffee. It’s known for its versatility and ability to brew quickly, making it a favourite among coffee enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting with different techniques.
To brew Vietnamese coffee using an Aeropress:
Insert a paper filter into the Aeropress cap and rinse with hot water.
Add finely ground Vietnamese coffee to the Aeropress chamber.
Pour hot water (about 175-200°F or 79-93°C) over the grounds.
Stir gently for about 10 seconds.
Attach the cap with the rinsed filter and press down slowly.
The Aeropress method offers a clean cup with balanced acidity and a medium body, appealing to those who appreciate a flexible and efficient brewing process.
4. Phin Filter
The traditional Vietnamese Phin filter is a small metal drip filter that sits on your cup. It’s perfect for making single servings of strong and flavorful Vietnamese coffee. The Phin filter allows for a slow extraction process, resulting in a concentrated brew that’s often enjoyed with sweetened condensed milk or poured over ice for a refreshing iced coffee.
To brew Vietnamese coffee using a Phin filter:
Place the Phin filter on top of your cup.
Add 1-2 tablespoons of coarse-ground Vietnamese coffee into the filter.
Use the tamper press (if included) to lightly compact the grounds.
Pour a small amount of hot water (just off the boil) into the filter to bloom the coffee.
After 20-30 seconds, slowly add more hot water to fill the filter chamber.
Allow the coffee to drip through the filter and into your cup.
The Phin filter method delivers a bold and intense coffee flavour, making it perfect for traditionalists or those who enjoy a stronger caffeine kick.
Choosing Your Brew
Each brewing method offers a unique way to experience Vietnamese coffee, allowing you to tailor the process to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer the clarity of a pour-over, the richness of a French press, the versatility of an Aeropress, or the tradition of a Phin filter, experimenting with these methods will help you discover your perfect cup.
Remember, the key to finding your favourite brew is to experiment with different grind sizes, water temperatures, and brewing times until you achieve the desired flavour profile. Enjoy the journey of exploring Vietnamese coffee and savouring the rich culture and heritage it embodies in each cup.
