How to Brew Vietnamese Coffee With a Phin Filter (Step-by-Step Guide)

Slowing Down With a Phin Filter: A Simple Ritual in a Busy Life - How to Phin here

By May Coffee Crew

In the middle of work, parenting and everything life throws at us, slowing down can feel impossible. Most days move so fast we barely have time to breathe, let alone pause. But one small ritual has helped me reconnect with myself - brewing coffee with a Vietnamese phin filter.

Learning Something New (and How It Helped My Mental Health)

When I first picked up a phin, I thought it would simply be a way to make coffee. What I didn’t expect was how calming it would feel to learn the technique. Working out the right grind size, how hot the water should be, the patience it takes and watching the drips while having my playlists on - the whole process became a mindful learning experience.

There’s a quiet confidence that comes from learning something new as an adult. It gives your mind something fresh to focus on, a little space to settle, and a reminder that joy can come from small skills and simple rituals.

The Slow Drip That Makes You Pause

A phin filter doesn’t let you rush.
You pour slowly.
You watch the bloom rise.
You wait as each drop falls, one by one.

The aroma fills the room long before the cup is ready. And somehow, while standing there watching the slow drip, everything else feels a little quieter. It’s meditation disguised as coffee.

Balancing Real Life: Weekdays vs Weekends

Now, I’ll be honest, I can’t do this every day. Weekday mornings are a blur of daycare runs, emails, meetings and getting everyone out the door. That’s when my quick espresso saves the day.

But on weekends, when the house settles and life moves at a gentler pace, the phin comes out. It’s my treat, my reset, and my reminder that slowing down doesn’t have to be complicated.

Want to Try It Yourself?

We’ve put together a simple guide here: “How to Brew With a Phin Filter – May Coffee Crew”.
It’s beginner-friendly, calming to follow and a lovely way to bring a mindful moment into your morning.

A Simple Ritual for a Busy Mind

If you’re looking for a small way to support your mental wellbeing, or if trying something new brings you joy, a phin filter might be your next favourite ritual. It’s amazing what a slow drip and a beautiful aroma can do for the spirit.

At May Coffee Crew, we believe coffee is a moment, a pause, a little reminder to breathe.