What to Look for in a Great Vietnamese Coffee Phin Brand
Robusta vs. Arabica: What’s Your Flavor?
First stop: coffee beans! In the world of Vietnamese Coffee Phin, the two reigning champions are Robusta and Arabica. Robusta beans, grown abundantly in Vietnam, pack a powerful punch—deep, earthy, with double the caffeine of Arabica. Perfect for those who love their phin coffee strong and intense.
Arabica, on the other hand, delivers a smoother, fruitier profile with delicate acidity—ideal for a more nuanced brew. Many brands now offer signature blends that bring the best of both worlds. And the exciting news? The finest Vietnam Specialty Coffee beans—like those from Cau Đat or Buon Ma Thuot—are now expertly crafted to suit every taste, whether you prefer bold, bright, or beautifully balanced.
The Roast Makes the Magic
Next, let’s talk roasting. A great Vietnamese Coffee Phin often uses dark roast or even the traditional butter-roasted method, giving the brew that unmistakable caramelized depth and slightly nutty aroma. This roasting style is what gives your hot water that rich, syrupy drip through the phin filter, creating that dreamy layer of crema.
For those seeking a gentler experience, medium roasts are gaining popularity, especially in the Vietnam Specialty Coffee scene. They highlight bean origin and tasting notes, perfect for sipping black or with a splash of condensed milk.
Grind Size: It’s All in the Details
If you want to master the Vietnamese Coffee Phin, grind size is everything. Go too coarse, and your hot water runs through like a waterfall—too fine, and it clogs the phin. The ideal? A medium-fine grind that allows for that slow, steady drip every coffee lover dreams of. It’s this slow extraction that brings out the complexity and boldness that makes phin coffee so uniquely Vietnamese.
Ethical Sourcing & Traceability: Brew with Purpose
In today’s conscious world, a great brand isn’t just about taste—it’s about responsibility. The best Vietnamese Coffee Phin brands today are fiercely committed to ethical sourcing, sustainability, and origin transparency. They partner directly with local farmers, use eco-friendly processing, and proudly tell the stories behind their beans.
Brands like Son Pacamara and Nguyen Coffee Supply lead the charge, helping define a new era of Vietnam Specialty Coffee—one where every cup of coffee uplifts both the land and the people who nurture it.
Top 10 Best Vietnamese Coffee Phin Brands to Try (2025 Update)
1. Trung Nguyen Legend – The Timeless Icon of Phin Brewing
No name is more synonymous with Vietnamese Coffee Phin than Trung Nguyen Legend. Since 1996, this trailblazing brand has elevated vietnamese coffee culture from the highlands of Buon Ma Thuot to coffee tables across the world. Their rich legacy, creative blends, and commitment to coffee philosophy make Trung Nguyen the ideal entry point for both beginners and purists.
- Signature Phin Products:
- Creative 1–5: Balanced blends of Arabica, Robusta, and Excelsa
- S Blend Series: Dark-roasted and complex
- G7 Instant Phin: For busy mornings without sacrificing flavor
- Legend Classic: Premium, luxurious gift-worthy line
- Flavor Profile: Full-bodied, nutty, earthy—with hints of cacao and warm spice when brewed using hot water in a classic phin filter.
- Price Range:
- Instant G7: ~80,000 VND per box
- Creative/Legend: 150,000 – 500,000 VND depending on blend and format
- Where to Buy:
- North Vietnam: Trung Nguyen E-Coffee, 165 Thai Ha, Dong Da, Ha Noi
- Central Vietnam: Legend Coffee, 95 Le Loi, Hai Chau District, Da Nang
- South Vietnam: Trung Nguyen Legend Café, 12 Alexandre de Rhodes, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Online via: trungnguyenlegend.com.vn
- Best For: Those new to Vietnamese Coffee Phin, gifting premium coffee, lovers of intense, nostalgic Vietnamese-style brews.
Trung Nguyen Legend (Sours: trungnguyenecoffee)
2. Nguyen Coffee Supply – Vietnam’s Bold Voice in Brooklyn
Founded by Sahra Nguyen, this U.S.-based brand is leading the charge in introducing Vietnam Specialty Coffee to the global market. With direct trade relationships in Gia Lai Province, Nguyen Coffee Supply imports Vietnamese-grown beans and roasts them fresh in Brooklyn, preserving both quality and cultural authenticity.
- Best-Selling Phin Blends:
- Truegrit (100% Robusta – bold and high in caffeine)
- Loyalty (Robusta & Arabica blend – smooth yet punchy)
- Courage (100% Arabica – delicate and bright)
- Phin Kit Bundle – includes stainless phin filter and fresh ground beans
- Flavor Profile: Rustic and robust; dark chocolate, tobacco, nutty notes, especially with phin coffee and sweetened condensed milk.
- Price Range: $16 – $20 (about 400,000 – 500,000 VND) per 12oz bag
- Where to Buy in Vietnam (via international resellers):
- Hanoi: The Outpost Café, 19 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem
- Da Nang: 43 Factory Coffee Roaster, 422 Ngo Thi Si, Ngu Hanh Son
- HCMC: Bosgaurus Coffee Roasters, 92 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh Thanh
- Global: nguyencoffeesupply.com, Amazon
- Best For: Ethical buyers, fans of bold Robusta, U.S.-based coffee lovers, and anyone exploring the frontier of Vietnam Specialty Coffee.
Nguyen Coffee Supply (Sours: nguyencoffeesupply)
3. Cafely – Where Tradition Meets High-Caffeine Innovation
With roots in Buon Ma Thuot, Cafely is the bold artisan brand reviving the ancient butter-roasting technique to give its Vietnamese Coffee Phin a creamy mouthfeel and ultra-satisfying punch. Cafely also stands out for its sustainable sourcing, traceable beans, and environmentally friendly packaging.
- Star Products:
- Saigon OG: Their flagship, a butter-roasted blend of Robusta, Arabica, and Peaberry
- Banme: 100% Robusta Peaberry (cu li) – “the world’s strongest coffee”
- Trio Sampler Pack – Three mini bags for tasting exploration
- Flavor Profile: Bold, smoky, earthy, hints of spice and molasses; perfect in hot water and enjoyed black or with condensed milk.
- Price Range:
- ~$18–$25 for 340g bags
- Canned drinks and instant packs available from 60,000 VND
- Where to Buy in Vietnam:
- HCMC: Saigon Casa Café, 242 Tran Binh Trong, District 5
- Da Nang: Online delivery via Shopee Mall
- Hanoi: Lofita Tea & Coffee, various central locations
- Global: cafely.com
- Best For: High-caffeine drinkers, lovers of traditional roast styles, and fans of convenient yet authentic phin coffee.
Cafely (Sours: cafely)
4. Chestbrew – Arabica Excellence Grown in Vietnam
Based in the U.S. with beans harvested from Vietnamese highlands, Chestbrew carves out its niche by offering 100% Arabica—a rarity in the Vietnamese Coffee Phin landscape. Their coffee is whole bean, intense, and ideal for cold brew or iced phin setups.
- Top Picks:
- Moon Bear: Best-seller, crafted for slow-drip or iced phin
- Grizzly Bear: Darker roast with chocolate and walnut notes
- Pour Over Packs: Great for travel or office use
- Flavor Notes: Smooth, floral, low-acidity, medium body—less bitter than Robusta; works brilliantly with hot water and phin filter for iced coffee.
- Price Range: $14 – $20 per 12oz bag (~350,000 – 480,000 VND)
- Where to Find It in Vietnam:
- Da Nang: 43 Factory Coffee Roaster – uses Arabica beans for cold brew
- Hanoi & HCMC: Available via Amazon Global Shipping or boutique cafés using imported beans
- Best For: Whole bean purists, iced Vietnamese Coffee Phin drinkers, those craving lighter, more refined flavor profiles.
Chestbrew (Sours: chestbrew)
5. La Viet Coffee – From the Highlands of Da Lat to Vietnam’s Hip Cafés
La Viet Coffee is a modern specialty roaster based in Da Lat, Vietnam’s coffee capital. What started as a modest roastery has grown into a nationwide chain blending art, science, and hospitality. Their cafes double as coffee labs—perfect for exploring phin-style and cold brew with curated Vietnam Specialty Coffee beans.
- Featured Products:
- La Viet Phin Blend: Medium-dark roast optimized for phin
- Cold Drip Blend: Bright Arabica, perfect for experimental palates
- Espresso Roast: For phin or machine use
- Tasting Notes: Balanced and clean, with citrus brightness, dark chocolate bitterness, and a soft finish—very phin coffee friendly.
- Price Range: 180,000 – 350,000 VND per 250g bag. Starter kits with phin filter and guides available from 550,000 VND
- Where to Visit:
- North: La Viet Hanoi, 37 Phan Đinh Phung, Ba Đinh, Ha Noi
- Central: La Viet Da Nang, 200 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Hai Chau
- South: La Viet Saigon, 191 Hai Ba Trưng, District 3, HCMC
- Original Roastery: 200 Nguyen Cong Tru, Đa Lat
- Best For: Young coffee explorers, travelers in Da Lat, and fans of stylish cafés with hands-on Vietnamese Coffee Phin experiences.
La Viet Coffee (Sours: noithatkendesign)
6. Son Pacamara – Specialty Coffee from the Highlands of Da Lat
Step into the world of elevated Vietnamese Coffee Phin with Son Pacamara, a pioneer of Vietnam Specialty Coffee in Vietnam. This farm-to-cup brand grows rare, high-altitude coffee beans in Da Lat, and each batch is scored over 80 on the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) scale — a true mark of excellence!
- Signature Offerings:
- Pacamara and Typica varietals — both grown at 1,500m
- Son’s Brew Bar: Choose from 6 beans, 4 brew styles including phin coffee
- Farm-to-Cup Experiences: Cupping, roasting, and phin workshops
- Flavor Profile: Bright acidity, juicy mouthfeel, tasting notes of red berries, floral undertones, and honey sweetness.
- Price Range: 280,000 – 450,000 VND per 250g bag (SCA-certified)
- Where to Visit:
- Da Lat: Son Pacamara Café, 27 Tran Nhat Duat, Ward 5 — their flagship store with full cupping bar
- Online shop available nationwide
- Best For: Specialty enthusiasts, phin lovers seeking precision and terroir, and travelers to the Vietnamese coffee capital.
Son Pacamara (Sours: sonpacamara)
7. The Married Beans – Where Coffee Meets Creativity
Calling all coffee travelers! If you’re venturing through Da Lat, don’t miss the immersive experience at The Married Beans — a brand that blends Vietnamese Coffee Phin heritage with art, education, and community. Here, you’ll not only sip; you’ll learn, roast, and create.
- What They Offer:
- Specialty-grade Arabica & Robusta roasted in-house
- Coffee Farm Tour: Harvest, taste, and brew your own cup of coffee
- Workshops & Events: Coffee art, cupping, and phin training
- Tasting Notes: Soft, clean finish with light cocoa and cinnamon; smooth body with balanced acidity — ideal for phin coffee.
- Price Range: 220,000 – 400,000 VND depending on varietal
- Location:
- Da Lat: The Married Beans Showroom, 44 Hung Vuong, Ward 10
- Set inside Villa Merionnet — a French-style mansion and art café
- Best For: Coffee-curious tourists, creative souls, and those who want to fall in love with Vietnamese Coffee Phin beyond the cup.
The Married Beans (Sours:japanesecoffeeco)
8. Vietnam Coffee Republic – Minimalist Flavor, Maximum Balance
Designed for the modern minimalist, Vietnam Coffee Republic is the ideal brand for those exploring Vietnamese Coffee Phin through balanced, smooth blends and beautifully packaged accessories. Every element — from their bags to their beans — is crafted with care and style.
- Top Products:
- Iced Milk Republic (70% Arabica, 30% Robusta)
- Single-Origin Cold Brew
- Branded phin filters, totes, coffee-themed art prints
- Flavor Notes: Mild bitterness, velvety texture, rich cocoa, and sweet tobacco — made to be enjoyed slowly, with hot water and a classic drip.
- Price: 160,000 – 320,000 VND; gift kits also available
- Where to Buy:
- HCMC: Vietnam Coffee Republic Studio, 8A/7B2 Thai Van Lung, District 1
- Online: vietcoffee.com.vn
- Also available in boutique shops in Hanoi and Da Nang
- Best For: Design lovers, new phin coffee drinkers, and gift seekers looking for a sleek intro to Vietnam Specialty Coffee.
Vietnam Coffee Republic (Sours: packagingoftheworld)
9. Birdee Coffee – Budget-Friendly Phin for Everyday Sipping
Affordable doesn’t mean average — and Birdee Coffee proves it. With its vibrant, bird-themed branding and easygoing blends, this small business is a go-to for those craving a solid Vietnamese Coffee Phin without breaking the bank.
- Main Products:
- Original Medium Roast: 80% Robusta, 20% Arabica
- Splendid Fairywren: A balanced 50/50 mix
- Bold Eagle: 100% Robusta for serious caffeine kicks
- Taste Profile: Strong body, smoky and slightly nutty — ideal for condensed milk cup of coffee or served over ice.
- Price: Just ~200,000 VND for a 1kg bag — excellent for daily brewing
- Where to Buy:
- Online platforms like Shopee and Lazada
- Select budget cafés in Hanoi and Nha Trang
- Best For: Students, daily phin drinkers, and budget travelers who still want quality in their phin coffee routine.
Birdee Coffee (Sours: amazon)
10. Lacàph – Coffee as Cultural Storytelling
More than just a brand, Lacàph is an experience — celebrating not only Vietnamese Coffee Phin, but also the traditions, stories, and farmers behind every bean. With their stylish cafés and signature blends, Lacàph is leading a new wave of Vietnam Specialty Coffee awareness for both locals and international visitors.
- Must-Try Products:
- Lacàph Signature Phin Blend
- Cascara Cold Steeped
- Espresso & Filter Options for home brewers
- Flavor Experience: Layered and aromatic; dried fruit, black tea, molasses — complex enough for espresso, accessible enough for phin coffee.
- Price Range: 250,000 – 480,000 VND per 250g bag
- Visit Here:
- HCMC: Lacàph Space, 220D Pasteur, District 3 – café, museum, and boutique in one
- Also hosts Lacàph Journeys: guided farm-to-cup adventures
- Best For: Experience-driven travelers, cultural enthusiasts, and those who want more than just a cup of coffee — they want a connection.
Lacàph (Sours: lacaph)
Brewing Guide: How to Brew Vietnamese Coffee Phin Like a Pro
Equipment You’ll Need
Before we begin, make sure you have the right tools to capture the essence of vietnamese coffee. Your brewing adventure begins here:
- Phin Filter:
- Aluminum: Lightweight and traditional — the most common type in Vietnam.
- Stainless Steel: Durable, sleek, retains heat longer for a more even brew.
- Ceramic: Stylish and heat-friendly, perfect for slow, meditative brewing sessions.
- Fresh Ground Coffee: Ideally medium-fine grind, tailored for Vietnamese Coffee Phin brewing.
- Hot Water: Just below boiling (around 92–95°C).
- Condensed Milk (optional): For that classic ca phe sua đa.
- Heatproof Glass or Mug.
Step-by-Step Brewing Method
1. Prepare the Phin
Place your phin filter atop your cup or glass. Add 2–3 tablespoons of your favorite Vietnamese Coffee Phin ground — ideally from a trusted Vietnam Specialty Coffee brand.
Gently shake to level the surface.
2. Insert the Press
Place the gravity press (inner screen) onto the coffee grounds. Don’t press too hard — just enough to lightly compact.
3. Bloom the Grounds
Add just 20ml of hot water, wait 30–40 seconds. This is called blooming, a step that helps release gases and awaken the full aroma of the coffee beans.
You’ll see bubbles — that’s the magic beginning.
4. Let It Drip
Pour the remaining hot water (about 80–100ml). Cover with the lid and let gravity do its work. Brewing takes 4–5 minutes for a standard cup of coffee.
Watch as every drop falls slowly — this is phin coffee at its finest!
Tips to Customize Your Brew
- For stronger coffee: Use darker roast vietnamese coffee, slightly finer grind, and less water.
- For milder brew: Choose lighter roast or increase the water-to-coffee ratio.
- To enhance sweetness: Add 1–2 tablespoons of condensed milk before brewing.
- To boost aroma: Preheat your phin filter and cup by rinsing with hot water.
Want a modern twist? Try adding coconut milk or using Vietnam Specialty Coffee beans with fruity or floral notes. The result? A world-class Vietnamese Coffee Phin that’s deeply personal and irresistibly delicious.
FAQ
What is Phin Vietnamese Coffee?
Phin Vietnamese Coffee refers to coffee brewed using a traditional metal filter called a phin. This simple yet iconic tool sits directly on top of a cup and slowly drips hot water through medium-fine ground Vietnamese coffee, usually robusta or a robusta-arabica blend. The result? A rich, bold, and deeply flavorful cup of coffee that captures the heart of Vietnamese café culture.
The phin filter is often paired with sweetened condensed milk for the beloved cà phê sữa đá (iced milk coffee), but it’s also delicious enjoyed black. This method is a staple of both local sidewalk stalls and high-end Vietnam Specialty Coffee shops across the country.
Why is Phin Coffee So Strong?
Phin coffee packs a punch because it’s usually made with robusta coffee beans, which naturally contain nearly double the caffeine of arabica beans. Combine that with the slow, concentrated brewing process of the phin filter, and you get a brew that’s bold, intense, and full-bodied.
Plus, many Vietnamese brands dark-roast their beans — enhancing the flavor depth and bitterness. This makes Vietnamese Coffee Phin ideal for pairing with sweetened condensed milk or enjoying as a powerful iced drink that doesn’t get watered down.
Is a Phin Filter the Same as a French Press?
Not quite! While both are manual brewing tools, a phin filter and a French press work in completely different ways:
- A phin filter uses gravity drip: hot water slowly filters through packed grounds and metal screens directly into a cup. It’s slower, more concentrated, and creates a smaller but bolder brew — perfect for traditional phin coffee.
- A French press, on the other hand, steeps coarse grounds in hot water for several minutes before pressing them down with a plunger. It results in a more diluted, fuller-bodied brew with sediment.
Both are great in their own right, but if you’re chasing strong, flavorful, small-batch coffee with cultural soul, the Vietnamese Coffee Phin wins every time.
Conclusion
From street-side classics to third-wave roasters, Vietnamese Coffee Phin is entering a golden age — blending tradition with the energy of Vietnam Specialty Coffee. Whether you’re after convenience or craving complexity, now is the perfect time to explore this bold brewing method.
Start with one smooth Arabica-Robusta blend and one bold Robusta. Just add hot water, a phin filter, and let every cup of coffee tell a story straight from Vietnam. The phin revolution is here — are you ready to brew it?