Vietnamese Coffee Inspired By Starbucks

Quick Answer

• Use a dark roast, finely ground coffee.
• Sweeten generously with sweetened condensed milk.
• Brew strong, like a concentrated shot.
• Consider a phin filter for authenticity, but a French press or Aeropress can work.
• Chill it down with plenty of ice.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with ratios.

Who This Is For

• Coffee lovers looking to try something new.
• Anyone who enjoys sweet, bold drinks.
• People who like Starbucks but want a homemade version.

What to Check First

Brewer Type and Filter Type

This drink is all about concentration. A brewer that can handle a fine grind and produce a strong brew is key. Think about what you’ve got. A traditional Vietnamese phin filter is ideal. It’s a small metal drip filter that sits right on your cup. If you don’t have one, don’t sweat it. A French press can work, just use a finer grind than usual and press gently. An Aeropress is also a solid choice for making a concentrated shot.

If you don’t have a phin filter, an Aeropress is a fantastic alternative for brewing a strong, concentrated coffee base.

AeroPress Original Coffee Press - All-in-One French Press, Pour-Over & Espresso Style Manual Brewer, 2 Min Brew for Less Bitterness, More Flavor, Small Portable Coffee Maker, Travel & Camping

• The Brewer That Started It All – AeroPress Original was the first single cup coffee maker to combine 3 brew methods in one compact, portable device for a faster brew and better extraction giving coffee lovers a smooth, rich cup bursting with coffee bean flavor—without the bitterness or acidity found in other methods.
• A New Standard in Coffee Flavor – Equal parts French press, pour-over, and espresso, AeroPress patented 3 in 1 technology distills the best of all three brewing methods into one sleek, portable device. The result? A rich, full-bodied cup in under two minutes—free of bitterness and grit, and full of delicious coffee bean flavor.
• The Secret to AeroPress Superior Flavor – Air Pressure and micro-filtration work together to speed up extraction for less bitterness than other methods, so you can finally enjoy the full spectrum of coffee bean flavor, from smooth tasting notes to level of roast and country of origin
• Brew and Clean in 2 Minutes – To brew, simply add coffee and water, wait 30 seconds, then press for a clean, well-balanced cup. The AeroPress coffee maker includes 50 paper micro-filters, ensuring smooth, grit-free coffee. To clean, just pop out the grinds and rinse! Fast, easy brewing at home or on the go.
• Brew Like a Pro, Wherever You Go – One of the only coffee makers that offers full control over brew time, temperature and grind size so you can personalize your favorites faster - from classics to cold brew and iced coffee to espresso-style drinks like cappuccino and lattes. Built for travel, AeroPress is compact, lightweight and shatterproof. Fits in your backpack, carry-on or bag, so you can make exceptional coffee on the road, at the office, while camping or wherever your brew takes you.

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For an authentic Vietnamese coffee experience, a traditional phin filter is ideal. It’s a simple yet effective way to brew a concentrated shot.

Thang Long Vietnamese Coffee Filter Set. Also known as a Vietnamese Coffee Maker or Press 8oz. Gravity Insert. Multiple Sizes and Quantities Available

• This Vietnamese Coffee Filter is made in Vietnam out of HIGH QUALITY stainless steel
• The Ca Phe Phin is 8 oz. Enjoy with traditional ground coffee such as by Trung Nguyen
• The GRAVITY INSERT on this Vietnamese Coffee Filter is easier than the screw down type
• This Viet filter comes with a LIFETIME WARRANTY and is DISHWASHER SAFE. Satisfaction guaranteed!
• Slow dripper brews a perfect hot or iced coffee (cafe sua da) with this Vietnamese Coffee Filter

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Water Quality and Temperature

Good water makes good coffee. If your tap water tastes off, use filtered water. For brewing, aim for water just off the boil, around 195-205°F. Too hot and you’ll scorch the grounds. Too cool and you won’t extract enough flavor. For a phin, the water temp is pretty forgiving. For other methods, a quick thermometer check can help.

Grind Size and Coffee Freshness

This is crucial. For a phin filter, you want a fine grind, almost like espresso but maybe a touch coarser. If you use a grind that’s too coarse, your coffee will be weak and watery. Too fine, and it might clog the filter. Freshly roasted and ground beans are always best. Look for a roast date on the bag. If it’s been sitting around for months, it’s lost its punch. Dark roasts are typical for this style.

Coffee-to-Water Ratio

This drink leans strong. A good starting point for a phin filter is about 1:5 or 1:6 coffee to water. That means for every gram of coffee, use 5 or 6 grams of water. If you’re using a French press or Aeropress, you’ll adjust based on how you’re brewing. The goal is a concentrated coffee liquid. You’re not making a big mug of drip coffee here.

Cleanliness/Descale Status

Nobody likes a dirty coffee maker. Old coffee oils can make your brew taste bitter or stale, no matter how good your beans are. Give your brewer a good clean. If you have a drip machine or an electric kettle that sees a lot of use, check for mineral buildup. Descaling is important for taste and for the life of your appliance. Most manufacturers have instructions for this; just check the manual.

Step-by-Step: Brewing Your Vietnamese Coffee

Here’s how to get that rich, sweet brew going. We’ll cover using a phin filter, as it’s the most authentic.

1. Prepare the Phin Filter: Place the phin filter on top of your mug. Add your finely ground dark roast coffee.

• What “good” looks like: The coffee grounds are evenly distributed in the filter chamber.
• Common mistake: Not using enough coffee. This leads to a weak brew.

2. Tamp the Coffee: Place the tamper (the little metal disc that comes with the phin) on top of the grounds. Press down gently.

• What “good” looks like: A light, even compression. You’re not trying to pack it like dirt.
• Common mistake: Tamping too hard. This can prevent water from flowing through, leading to an over-extracted, bitter taste.

3. Add a Little Water: Pour about a tablespoon of hot water (195-205°F) over the tamper. Let it bloom for about 30 seconds.

• What “good” looks like: The grounds absorb the water and expand slightly. A few drops might start to drip.
• Common mistake: Skipping the bloom. This helps release CO2 and leads to a more even extraction.

4. Fill the Phin: Fill the phin filter with hot water, up to the desired level.

• What “good” looks like: The water level is consistent and covers the coffee grounds completely.
• Common mistake: Pouring too fast. This can agitate the grounds and lead to uneven extraction.

5. Wait for the Drip: Place the lid on the phin. Now, patience. The coffee will slowly drip into your mug.

• What “good” looks like: A steady, consistent drip. It shouldn’t be a fast stream or a complete stop.
• Common mistake: Getting impatient and removing the phin too early. You’ll miss out on flavor.

6. Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: While the coffee is dripping, add 1-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to your mug. Adjust to your sweetness preference.

• What “good” looks like: A thick, creamy layer of condensed milk at the bottom of the mug.
• Common mistake: Not adding enough. This is a sweet drink, so don’t be shy!

7. Stir Well: Once the coffee has finished dripping, stir the hot coffee and condensed milk together until fully combined.

• What “good” looks like: A smooth, uniform color without streaks of condensed milk.
• Common mistake: Not stirring enough. You’ll end up with pockets of super sweet or unsweetened coffee.

8. Add Ice: Fill a separate, larger glass with ice cubes.

• What “good” looks like: A glass packed with ice, ready to chill your coffee.
• Common mistake: Using too few ice cubes. Your drink won’t get cold enough.

9. Pour Over Ice: Pour the sweetened coffee mixture over the ice.

• What “good” looks like: The hot coffee mixes with the ice, chilling rapidly.
• Common mistake: Pouring too slowly, allowing the coffee to cool too much before hitting the ice.

10. Stir and Enjoy: Give it a final stir. Taste and adjust sweetness or coffee strength if needed.

• What “good” looks like: A cold, refreshing, perfectly balanced sweet and bold coffee.
• Common mistake: Not tasting. You might miss an opportunity to fine-tune it to your liking.

Common Mistakes (and What Happens If You Ignore Them)

Decision Rules

• If your coffee tastes bitter, then you might have used water that was too hot or your grind was too fine.
• If your coffee tastes weak, then your grind might be too coarse, or you didn’t use enough coffee.
• If you’re using a French press, then aim for a medium-coarse grind because a fine grind will pass through the filter.
• If you want a more authentic taste, then consider getting a Vietnamese phin filter because it’s designed for this specific brew style.
• If your coffee has a sour taste, then your water might have been too cool, or your coffee wasn’t fresh enough.
• If you prefer a less sweet drink, then start with less sweetened condensed milk and add more to taste.
• If you’re brewing with an Aeropress, then use a fine grind and a short brew time for a concentrated shot.
• If your coffee is consistently inconsistent, then double-check your measurements for coffee and water.
• If you notice mineral buildup in your kettle, then it’s time to descale because it can affect water temperature and taste.
• If you want to experiment, then try different dark roasts to see which one you like best.
• If you’re in a hurry, then skip the phin filter and use an Aeropress or French press for a quicker, concentrated brew.

FAQ

What kind of coffee beans should I use?

For this style, a dark roast is traditional. Look for beans that offer bold, rich flavors. Single-origin beans from Southeast Asia can also be a nice touch if you can find them.

How much sweetened condensed milk is too much?

That’s totally up to you! Start with a couple of tablespoons and taste. You can always add more. This drink is meant to be sweet, so don’t be shy if that’s what you’re after.

Can I use a regular drip coffee maker?

You can, but it’s not ideal for achieving the concentrated flavor. You’d need to use a much finer grind and a very small amount of water, which most drip machines aren’t designed for. A French press or Aeropress is a better substitute than a standard drip machine.

Is it okay to use evaporated milk instead?

Evaporated milk is not the same as sweetened condensed milk. It’s much less sweet and has a different texture. For this specific drink, sweetened condensed milk is key to the classic flavor and sweetness.

My coffee is dripping too fast. What’s wrong?

This usually means your grind is too coarse, or you didn’t tamp the grounds enough. Try a finer grind next time and ensure you apply gentle, even pressure with the tamper.

How do I make it iced without diluting it too much?

Use plenty of ice! You can also pre-chill your brewed coffee in the fridge before pouring it over ice. Some people even use coffee ice cubes.

What if I don’t have a phin filter?

No worries. An Aeropress or a French press can make a concentrated coffee base. Just adjust your grind size and brew time accordingly.

What This Page Does NOT Cover (and Where to Go Next)

• Detailed comparisons of specific phin filter brands.
• Advanced latte art techniques for Vietnamese coffee drinks.
• Recipes for incorporating Vietnamese coffee into desserts.
• The history of coffee in Vietnam.
• Specific sourcing information for Southeast Asian coffee beans.