Making Vietnamese coffee at home requires understanding the tools and techniques involved. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide to help you brew coffee like a local.

First things first, gather your ingredients and tools. To successfully prepare Vietnamese homemade coffee, you will need:

• Dark-roast robusta coffee beans

• A phin filter

• Hot water

• Condensed milk (optional)

Step 1: Choose Your Coffee

Selecting your beans is incredibly important.

Look for dark-roast Vietnamese robusta beans if you're aiming for authenticity.

The flavor profile of these beans is richer and makes for a sturdier cup of coffee compared to lighter roasts.

Step 2: Prepare Your Phin

Before brewing, set up your phin.

Rinse it with hot water to warm up the brewing chamber and to pre-wet the filter.

This ensures the coffee brews evenly, optimizing its flavor extraction.

Step 3: Measure and Grind

Next, measure about two tablespoons of ground coffee and fill the filter.

The grind should be coarse, similar to the consistency used for French press coffee.

Once filled, gently press down the coffee grounds with the filter’s press to create space for water.

Step 4: Brewing

Pour a small splash of hot water over the coffee to let it "bloom," which activates the flavors.

After letting it sit for 30 seconds, pour the remaining hot water into the phin.

Let the coffee drip for about 5-7 minutes. Patience is key here; the longer the drip, the richer the flavor!

Step 5: Serve

Once brewed, stir in sweetened condensed milk for that well-known Vietnamese twist.

Traditional Vietnamese coffee can also be enjoyed black.

Serve it hot, or pour it over ice for a refreshing iced coffee!