Vietnamese drip coffee (ca phe pha phin): A local’s guide

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How to make Vietnamese drip coffee? Let’s find out! (Source: Collected)

At the heart of Vietnamese caffeinated culture journey lies Vietnamese drip coffee, a unique brew that captivates with its bold taste and robust flavor profile. So, what is the secret to making this drink one of the best rated coffees worldwide? Read on to unveil how it was created and where you can savor a cup of Vietnamese coffee like a local.

1. Overview of Vietnamese drip coffee

1.1. What is Vietnamese drip coffee?

In the coffee world, Vietnamese coffee stands out as a treasure worth discovering. Distinctive brewing techniques, rich flavors, great cultural significance, and health benefits are what makes this drink a great choice for coffee enthusiasts.

Vietnamese drip coffee, also known as ca phe pha phin, is named after the equipment “phin”, meaning filter in French. A phin consists of a perforated plate, a chamber, a filter press, and a covering lid, which are usually made of metal. It is designed to hold the coffee grounds while allowing hot water to slowly drip into the cup below, producing a rich coffee extract that can be created into many tasty coffee-based drinks. 

Traditionally, Vietnamese drip coffee is served with condensed milk, with or without ice, creating a creamy texture and a harmonious balance of flavors that are sure to delight your taste buds.

The phin is the Vietnamese drip coffee maker (Source: Collected)

1.2. Origin of Vietnamese drip coffee

The origin of Vietnamese coffee can be traced back to the late 19th century, when French colonists introduced coffee cultivation to Vietnam. The Vietnamese drip coffee filter was likely inspired by French drip brewing techniques during this period.

The first coffee shops in Vietnam were Lyonnais (on today’s Ly Tu Trong Street) and Café de Pari (on today’s Dong Khoi Street) in Saigon, both owned by the French in 1864. It was not until 1883 that the first coffee shop appeared in Hanoi on Tho Kham Street (today’s Trang Thi Street), also owned by the French. Over time, drip coffee became an integral part of Vietnamese coffee culture, enjoyed both as a daily ritual and a social activity that connects people.

1.3. Vietnamese drip coffee from the perspective of culture

Nowadays, there are many ways to create a cup of coffee, but the traditional drip coffee is still a “true love” for many Vietnamese people. According to their taste, a perfect cup of drip coffee required a meticulous brewing process, starting from pressing the perfect roasted ground coffee firmly into the phin, slowly pouring each spoon of boiling water, to waiting for the precise moment when each drop of coffee started landing in the cup.

Drip coffee stands a unique feature in Vietnamese coffee culture (Source: Collected)

More than a daily drink, Vietnamese drip coffee represents a comforting ritual that provides a moment of pause in the midst of busy schedules, giving people a chance to savor the present moment and appreciate life’s simple pleasures. Whether enjoyed in bustling cafes or on street corners, Vietnamese drip coffee provides a space for people to unwind, share stories, and bond over a shared love for coffee.

2. How to make Vietnamese drip coffee properly?

A perfect Vietnamese drip coffee recipe requires not only sophistication in choosing and preparing ingredients, but also meticulousness in each brewing step. Here is our guide on how to brew drip coffee properly.

2.1. Preparation

First and foremost, you need to prepare the necessary ingredients, including: 25g of pure roasted ground coffee, 80 – 100ml of boiling water, a phin, and a glass cup. There are plenty of choices for ground coffee, but make sure to choose Robusta to produce the most authentic flavor.

Vietnamese coffee is made from pure roasted ground coffee (Source: Collected)

2.2. Instructions

There are four steps on how to make a cup of Vietnamese drip coffee:

• Step 1: Blanch the phin parts over boiling water to heat up the instrument. This technique helps to enhance the flavor of the coffee while brewing.
• Step 2: Place the coffee powder into the phin chamber and press it down with a gentle force by the filter press.
• Step 3: Pour 20ml of boiling water over the ground coffee and brew for about 2 minutes. Remember to pour it slowly so that the coffee grounds can rise evenly without overflowing.
• Step 4: When the coffee grounds have perfectly absorbed the water, pour the remaining 80ml of boiling water into the chamber, cover the lid, and wait for the coffee drops to fall into the glass cup.

Usually, 5 to 7 minutes are the perfect time to get a bold, intense, and undeniably authentic cup of Vietnamese drip coffee.

Check out various types of Vietnamese coffee beans!

3. How to enjoy Vietnamese drip coffee like a local?

After coffee was introduced in Vietnam, it was modified to suit the taste of the locals and gradually became a unique cultural part. For the locals, drinking coffee is more than just consuming a beverage; it’s a leisurely ritual that encourages both relaxation and connection. Whether enjoyed alone at a street corner stall or with friends in a busy coffee shop, savoring a cup of coffee is sure to be a cherished part of daily life here.

Savoring coffee encourages both relaxation and connection in Vietnamese culture (Source: Collected)

More interestingly, that bold and robust taste of coffee drip is not where the story ends. Here, Vietnamese people have learned how to use Vietnamese coffee drip to create countless delicious coffee-based drinks. Some of the most famous drinks include brown coffee (ca phe nau in northern Vietnam) or iced coffee (ca phe sua da in southern Vietnam), coffee yogurt, coconut milk coffee, and especially the reputable egg coffee. With this diverse coffee-based beverage collection, Vietnamese drip coffee is ideally enjoyed throughout the day, whether as a morning wake-me-up, an afternoon treat, or a post-dinner indulgence.

Read more: Egg coffee: The taste of Hanoi and Vietnam in a cup

4. Best places to savor a cup of Vietnamese drip coffee

Over the years, Vietnamese drip coffee has become a crucial part of daily life in Vietnam and can easily be found at any coffee shops, restaurants, or street stalls across Vietnam. Here is our recommendation list of coffee shops that is worth trying for an authentic experience when in Vietnam:

•  Blackbird coffee: No. 63B Lan Ong Street, Hoan Kiem District

Founded in 2018, Blackbird impresses visitors with not only modern Western decor but also a vast menu of coffees, teas, and desserts. If you want to experience a stylish coffee shop in Hanoi, Blackbird is an ideal spot to go.

Blackbird Coffee offers a cozy space in the heart of Hanoi (Source: Collected)

• Cafe Nang: No. 6 Hang Bac Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

With over 60 years in business, Cafe Nang is known as one of the oldest coffee shops in Hanoi. The secret of Cafe Nang lies in its strong coffee that leaves visitors in awe at every sip. Through time, Cafe Nang still retains its original flavor that attracts both locals and tourists seeking an authentic taste of Vietnamese drip coffee.

• Cafe Lam: No. 95 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Residing in the heart of Hanoi Old Quarter, Cafe Lam offers visitors a quiet place with a nostalgic style. Boasting a simple menu with Vietnamese drip coffee as the star, Cafe Lam remains one of the most famous coffee shops in Hanoi thanks to its rich taste.

• Phin Xanh: Alley 36, Le Loi Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Despite its small size in a quiet alley, Phin Xanh has many years of experience as a coffee supplier to both domestic and international coffee shops. Coming to Phin Xanh, visitors can expect the most authentic Vietnamese cups of drip coffee, besides other promising beverages such as fruit teas, juices, matcha, etc.

Visitors can expect the most authentic Vietnamese drip coffee at Phin Xanh (Source: Collected)

• The Coffaholic: Apartment A3, Phan Xich Long Street, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City

The highlight of The Coffaholic’s menu is that they use only organic and non-GMO ingredients, in compliance with the standards of the World Specialty Coffee Association and the World Coffee Quality Institute. With a health-oriented motto, The Coffaholic also awaits visitors with many other healthy drinks, including coconut milk, nut milk, and fruit juices.

To sum up, Vietnamese drip coffee is a delightful brew that encapsulates the significance of Vietnam’s coffee culture. From its humble origins during the French colonial period to its status as a beloved beverage worldwide, Vietnamese drip coffee stands as a testament to Vietnam’s blending tradition, innovation, and a deep appreciation for quality.

If you love Vietnam and Vietnamese coffee culture, don’t hesitate to plan your Vietnam travel to alluring destinations such as Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Ha Long, Danang, etc. Boasting a captivating blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture, these charming spots never cease to amaze tourists with boundless memories.

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