Yes — you can make Vietnamese-style coffee with a French press, and the result is surprisingly close to the traditional “phin filter” method. While it won’t be 100% identical in texture and drip time, a french press can recreate the signature richness, bold flavor, and classic sweetness of Vietnamese coffee with ease. It’s a convenient alternative for people who don’t own a phin brewer but still want the iconic taste of Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá) or hot black Vietnamese coffee (cà phê đen).

What Makes Vietnamese Coffee Unique?

Vietnamese coffee is famous for its strong aroma, deep roast, and slow-brew extraction.

Vietnamese Coffee Uses Dark, Robusta-Based Roasts

Robusta beans deliver boldness and heavy body.

Traditional Brewing Uses a Slow-Drip Phin Filter

Hot water drips slowly through finely ground coffee, producing an intense, syrupy brew.

How a french press Recreates Vietnamese Coffee

A French press uses immersion brewing instead of dripping, but it can still deliver similar strength and flavor.

Full Immersion Creates Rich, Bold Extraction

This method develops strong body — similar to phin-style richness.

Longer Steeping Mimics the Slow Drip of a Phin

Extended contact time amplifies strength and bitterness in a pleasant way.

How To Make Vietnamese Coffee Using a French Press

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Vietnamese dark-roast coffee (Robusta recommended)

• Hot water (90–96°C)

• Sweetened condensed milk (optional but traditional)

• Ice (if making iced Vietnamese coffee)

Step 1: Use a Fine-to-Medium Grind

Traditional Vietnamese coffee uses relatively fine grind.

Too Fine Will Clog the French Press Filter, so Keep It Slightly Coarse

A fine-medium grind keeps the brew strong without blocking the filter.

Step 2: Add 1.5–2 Tablespoons of Coffee Per 200 ml Water

Vietnamese coffee is naturally strong.

Higher Coffee Ratio Creates Authentic Boldness

It preserves the traditional intense flavor profile.

Step 3: Pour Hot Water and Stir Gently

Fill the French press halfway, stir, then fill fully.

Stirring Ensures All Grounds Are Fully Immersed

Helps create Vietnamese-style depth and thickness.

Step 4: Steep for 4–6 Minutes

Longer steeping intensifies richness.

Adjust Steeping Time Based on Desired Strength

For a stronger Vietnamese taste, lean toward 6 minutes.

Step 5: Press Down Slowly and Evenly

Avoid pushing too fast.

A Gentle Press Minimizes Sediment and Preserves Smoothness

A steady press improves cup clarity.

How To Serve Vietnamese Coffee With a French Press

Option 1: Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)

1. Add 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk into a glass

2. Fill with ice

3. Pour your French press brew over the ice

4. Stir until creamy

This Recreates the Classic Café-Style Vietnamese Drink

Bold, sweet, and refreshingly strong.

Option 2: Traditional Hot Vietnamese Coffee (Cà Phê Đen/Nâu)

• Serve black (đen) for maximum intensity

• Add condensed milk (nâu) for a richer, caramel-like sweetness

A French Press Produces a Full-Bodied Hot Brew

Excellent alternative to a phin.

Differences Between French Press and Phin-Brewed Coffee

Tips for Better Vietnamese Coffee in a French Press

Use Authentic Vietnamese Robusta Coffee

Brands using robusta deliver traditional aroma and kick.

Robusta Produces Stronger Flavor and More Crema-Like Oils

Ideal for iced Vietnamese coffee.

Preheat the French Press

Keeps temperature stable during extraction.

Heat Retention Helps Create Deeper, More Balanced Flavor

Especially important for strong, dark roasts.

Don’t Use Too Coarse a Grind

It makes the brew weak and watery.

Fine-to-Medium Is the Sweet Spot for Vietnamese Style

Strong extraction without clogging.

Conclusion

You can definitely make Vietnamese-style coffee with a French press. Although it won’t perfectly match the slow-drip phin method, a French press can produce a bold, full-bodied, and aromatic brew that works beautifully for both iced and hot Vietnamese coffee. By adjusting grind size, steeping time, and coffee-to-water ratio, you can enjoy a rich Vietnamese coffee experience at home, in the office, or anywhere you use your French press.