A Taste of Vietnam in Every Sip

If you’re a Vietnamese coffee lover living in New Zealand or Australia, you know the struggle of finding high-quality, authentic coffee that truly captures the rich and bold flavours we grew up with. That’s exactly why I was excited to discover Phin Coffee, an Australian-based brand bringing premium Vietnamese coffee to those of us abroad. After following their journey on Instagram and seeing their creative Vietnamese coffee recipes, I finally decided to try their Phin Coffee Kit. In this blog, I’ll share my honest thoughts on the brand, its mission, and of course, the coffee itself. If you’re looking for a new place to get your Vietnamese coffee fix, this might just be the one!

Meet Phin Coffee: A Brand with a Mission

Founded in 2023 by Steven Nguyễn, a Vietnamese migrant in Sydney and a true coffee enthusiast, Phin Coffee’s mission is simple yet powerful—to bring delicious, high-quality, and sustainable Vietnamese coffee to the world. This resonates deeply with me and many others in the Vietnamese community abroad who long for the familiar taste of home.

One of the biggest challenges for Vietnamese expats is finding authentic, high-quality Vietnamese coffee beans outside of Vietnam. Sure, you can grab instant coffee from an Asian supermarket, but if you’ve ever enjoyed a proper cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese iced coffee) brewed with a phin filter, you know it’s just not the same. On the other hand, shipping coffee directly from Vietnam is expensive, making it an impractical option for personal use.

That’s where Phin Coffee steps in—sourcing beans from Vietnam’s highlands, roasting them in small batches in Sydney and delivering fresh coffee with the bold, chocolatey, and nutty flavours that define Vietnamese coffee. They also support community initiatives, donating a portion of their profits to help children in need.

Unboxing the Phin Coffee Kit

The Phin Coffee Kit includes:

Two 250g bags of coffee (Signature Blend)
A stainless steel phin filter
A can of Ông Thọ condensed milk

Right away, I loved the thoughtful packaging—designed with vibrant illustrations of Vietnamese street culture, including street vendors, river markets, and motorbikes. Opening the box felt like a nostalgic trip back to Vietnam!

Phin Filter: Stylish & Functional

Starting with the appearance, the Phin Coffee filter has a sleek, glossy black finish with the brand's logo subtly engraved, giving it a modern and stylish look. Made from stainless steel, it offers excellent durability, ensuring long-term use without rusting or wear. One thoughtful design feature is the elevated handle, which keeps your fingers safe from burns while brewing.

The phin consists of three main parts: the body, the lid, and the press. The brewing chamber is spacious, with small perforations at the bottom that are not too uniformly distributed. Unlike traditional Vietnamese phins that use a simple press-down filter, this one features a screw-down press, which provides better coffee compression and minimizes overflow when pouring hot water.

During the brewing process, I found that the phin was easy to use, felt sturdy in hand, and was simple to clean and maintain. Overall, the Phin Coffee filter is a well-designed and durable option for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Vietnamese coffee at home.

The Coffee: Signature Blend Review

Phin Coffee currently offers one main coffee option—the Signature Blend ($18 AUD / $19.96 NZD per 250g). You can order it as whole beans or pre-ground. Since I don’t own a grinder (yet!), I went with the pre-ground option.

The coffee blend consists of 70% Robusta and 30% Arabica. Arabica beans are more commonly found in the market and are known for their mild acidity and smooth, easy-to-drink profile. On the other hand, Robusta beans have a bolder, more bitter taste, making them a great choice for those who enjoy strong coffee. By combining the two, this blend caters to a wide range of preferences.

Initially, I assumed that the higher Robusta content would make the coffee quite intense, but after trying it with different brewing methods, I found it surprisingly well-balanced and enjoyable. The longer roasting process enhances the bitterness, while also caramelizing the natural sugars in the beans, creating rich roasted nut and caramel notes. If you love a well-balanced, nice flavour coffee, Phin Coffee’s blend is a solid option.

As soon as I opened the bag, I was greeted by a rich, chocolatey aroma. The freshness of the beans was immediately noticeable, likely due to Phin Coffee’s small-batch roasting approach. According to the brand, the flavour profile includes notes of dark chocolate, toasted almond, and cinnamon. While the cinnamon wasn’t too pronounced, the deep, bittersweet chocolate taste stood out the most.

The coffee body isn’t overly heavy on the palate, though this may also depend on the brewing method. It has a strong bitterness without being harsh, and the lingering nutty aftertaste adds a pleasant complexity. Whether brewed as a traditional Vietnamese phin coffee, an espresso, or even a cold brew, this blend holds up well across different preparations.

Taste Test

With a phin filter: Smooth, slightly bitter, and lightly aromatic. The dark roast brings out caramelized flavours, creating a bold yet balanced cup.
With condensed milk (cà phê sữa đá): Absolutely delicious! The sweetness of Ông Thọ condensed milk complements the coffee’s intensity, making it smooth and indulgent.

Would I repurchase? Absolutely! My only minor feedback is that I’d love to see resealable packaging to keep the coffee fresh for longer.

Is the Phin Coffee Kit Worth It?

At $86 AUD ($95.36 NZD) for the full kit, it may seem a bit pricey at first glance. However, considering the high-quality stainless steel phin filter, the freshness of the coffee, and the authentic taste, I’d say it’s a solid investment—especially for those who love Vietnamese coffee and want a convenient way to brew it at home.

Phin Coffee also offers 15% off your first order and ships to New Zealand, making it even more accessible!

Final Thoughts

Phin Coffee is a bridge connecting us to the Vietnamese coffee culture. Whether you’re a longtime fan of cà phê sữa đá or new to the world of phin brewing, this kit is a fantastic way to enjoy authentic Vietnamese coffee at home.

💬 Have you tried Phin Coffee yet? Let me know your thoughts! And if you haven’t, what are you waiting for? ☕✨

📌 Where to Buy: Phin Coffee Website (Don’t forget to use the 15% off for your first order!)

Phin Coffee Kit Review