How to Make Vietnamese Iced Coffee Without a Phin Filter

A phin filter is the traditional way to make Vietnamese iced coffee, and it produces the best result. But if you don't have one yet, you can still make a decent ca phe sua da at home with equipment you probably already own.

What you're trying to replicate

The phin produces a strong, concentrated drip coffee with a thick body and low bitterness. The key is a high coffee-to-water ratio and a slow extraction. Whatever brewing method you use, you want to end up with a small, concentrated cup, not a full mug of watered-down coffee.

Using a French press

This is the closest alternative to the phin. Use a 1:5 ratio (20g coffee to 100ml water), steep for four minutes, then press slowly. Pour over a glass with condensed milk and ice. The body will be similar to phin coffee though the extraction is slightly different. Works well with Buffalo Robusta ground medium-coarse.

Using an Aeropress

The Aeropress produces a concentrated, espresso-style brew that works well as a base for iced coffee. Use 20g of coffee ground medium-fine, 80ml of water, steep for two minutes, then press over your condensed milk and ice. It's faster than the phin method and produces a slightly different flavour profile but the result is still strong and good.

Using a stovetop espresso (Moka pot)

A Moka pot produces strong, concentrated coffee that works as a ca phe sua da base. Fill the bottom chamber with water to just below the valve, pack the basket with medium-fine ground coffee, and brew over medium heat. Pour the result over condensed milk and ice. The flavour will be more bitter than phin-brewed coffee but the strength is there.

The condensed milk ratio

Regardless of which method you use, start with two tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk at the bottom of a glass, fill with ice, then pour your concentrated coffee over the top. Stir well before drinking. Adjust the condensed milk to your sweetness preference. Some people go up to three or four tablespoons, some use one. There's no wrong answer.

The easy option

If you want Vietnamese iced coffee without any brewing at all, our Condensed Milk Iced Coffee is available ready-to-drink in cans at Farro Fresh, New World and PAK'nSAVE across Auckland and Wellington. NZ Artisan Awards winner, 220mg of caffeine, pour over ice or drink straight from the can.

And if you want to start making it the proper way, a Vietnamese phin filter costs less than a good flat white habit and will last for years. Our Phin'omenal Pair bundle includes the filter and a bag of Buffalo together at a saving.