Filter coffee, a traditional method of brewing coffee in Vietnam, is not just a drink, but also a cultural feature with sophistication and ingenuity. Each cup of filter coffee that is prepared is not only the quintessential drops of coffee but also the enthusiasm of the barista. The rich flavor is sure to captivate people, especially when you know how to prepare it correctly. Join me to learn how to make traditional filter coffee to not only enjoy but also feel Vietnamese coffee culture.
In this article, we will explore each aspect of filter coffee, from ingredients to brewing techniques, so that you can prepare a rich and delicious cup of coffee. Let’s take each step and feel the gentle taste of coffee, especially in each moment of enjoyment.
Ingredients to prepare to make filter coffee
To make traditional filter coffee, you will need to prepare important ingredients and tools to ensure a successful brewing process.
- Coffee Powder: Choose a moderately roasted Robusta or Arabica coffee. You should avoid using ground coffee that is too fine or too coarse to ensure the strongest flavor when brewing. Each type of coffee will offer a distinct flavor, with Robusta having a stronger bitterness while Arabica being gentle and noble.
- Boiling water: Water will be used at a temperature of about 90-95°C, so avoid boiling water that will lose the characteristic taste of coffee. For a long time, Vietnamese people have had the habit of using pure water to make coffee, helping to keep the delicious taste from the ingredients.
- Dispensing utensils: You’ll need a coffee filter, usually made of stainless steel or aluminum, that includes parts like the lid, filter body, and filter. In addition, a cup or cup of coffee is also needed to store the coffee after brewing.
To make it easier to prepare ingredients, here is a summary table:
| **Material** | **Describe** |
| **Coffee Powder** | Medium-roasted Robusta or Arabica |
| **Boiling water** | Temperature 90-95°C, not too boiling |
| **Tool** | Coffee filter (stainless steel or aluminum), coffee cups/cups |
Once you have the necessary ingredients and tools, you will enter the filter coffee making process to enjoy moments of relaxation and enjoy the wonderful taste of the coffee.

The process of making filter coffee is correct
To have a flavorful filter coffee, the brewing process is very important. In particular, the preparation of ingredients as well as monitoring the preparation steps are decisive factors.
You need to start with the preparation of the ingredients as mentioned in the previous section: coffee powder, boiling water, and preparation utensils. When everything is ready, we will move on to the proper coffee brewing process. The process includes many specific steps that you need to follow in order to be able to extract the best flavor from the coffee beans.
Every step in the process needs to be done meticulously. Among them, rinsing filters and drinking glasses before brewing is important to help retain the heat and flavor of the coffee.

Filter and drinking glasses
In the beginning, rinsing coffee filters and drinking glasses with boiling water is essential. This not only helps to clean the filter but also keeps the temperature of the coffee, preventing warm water from affecting the taste of the final product. It is recommended to use boiling water with a temperature of about 90-96 degrees Celsius.
Rinsing filters and cups can be done easily and quickly. You can quickly pour some water into the coffee filter and glass, then pour it away to clean away any impurities. Here are the detailed instructions:
- Rinse the filter with hot water: It is recommended to use hot water to rinse the filter. This will not only help to clean, but also keep the filter hot throughout the preparation process.
- Rinsing the glass: As with the filter, the glass also needs to be rinsed through boiling water to ensure the highest temperature for the coffee when poured.
- Keep warm: After coating, let the filter and glass rest for a few minutes to allow the temperature to stabilize before adding the coffee.
Once you’ve done the filter and glass coating, move on to the next step of putting the coffee in the filter and starting the brewing process!
Select and measure the amount of coffee
After the filter and glass have been rinsed, the next thing is to select and measure the amount of coffee. For filter coffee, the choice of coffee is equally important. You need to make sure you choose the right type of coffee as well as the right amount of coffee for each cup.
- Coffee selection: It is recommended to choose pure, unadulterated coffee. For filter coffee, Robusta coffee is generally preferred because of its intensity, while Arabica offers a lighter and more elegant taste. This makes it possible for people to choose according to their personal preferences.
- Amount of coffee: For a single brew, you will usually estimate about 20-30 grams of coffee for a small filter and about 40-70 grams for a large filter. Make sure this amount of coffee is evenly distributed so that the water can pass through easily.
- Coffee Fineness: Coffee should be ground at a moderate coarseness, not too fine or coarse. The grind will affect the extraction rate and the final taste of the coffee.
To simplify coffee selection and measurement, here is a summary table:
| **Coffee Type** | **Amount of coffee (grams)** | **Describe** |
| **Small filter (1 glass)** | 20-30 | Suitable for those who like strong coffee |
| **Large filter (2 cups)** | 40-70 | Ideal for groups of people or special coffee |
Once you have selected and measured the amount of coffee, you will next take the steps to make coffee to get the perfect cup of coffee.
Brewing coffee: specific steps
The traditional filter coffee brewing process can be divided into many clear steps. To ensure that the coffee achieves a delicious, rich flavor, you need to proceed in order and pay attention to every small detail.
- Pour the coffee into the filter: After the coffee ingredients have been selected and measured, gently put the coffee into the filter, making sure the surface of the coffee is flat.
- Pour boiling water: This step is very important. Slowly pour about 30ml of boiling water onto the surface of the coffee, helping the coffee to expand. Wait about 30 seconds for the essence in the coffee to take effect, then continue to add 50ml of boiling water.
- Lightly compress the filter cap: After pouring the water, place the filter cap on and compress it gently. This will put enough pressure on the water while retaining the taste.
- Wait for the coffee to drip: This time is usually 5 to 7 minutes, depending on the compression of the coffee. The final result will be 40-45ml of pure, delicious coffee.
And finally, you just have to enjoy your filter coffee and feel every drop of fragrant coffee.
Delicious filter coffee brewing techniques
To have a standard filter coffee, it is extremely important to master the brewing technique as well as follow each step in detail. The essence of filter coffee is an art, where the meticulousness and patience of the barista will result in a rich cup of coffee.
One of the secrets to helping you get the best filter coffee is the time and how to brew the coffee. Attention should be paid to the following process:
- Coffee Steeping Time: After placing the coffee in the filter, gently compress the lid and allow the first water to soak into the coffee for a period of 30 seconds to 1 minute. This helps the coffee to soak evenly and produce the best flavor.
- Slow Extraction: Please wait patiently. A good cup of filter coffee not only takes time, but also the interaction between water and coffee. Every drop of coffee that flows out carries special flavors and essences, thereby creating an extremely rich experience.
- Remember to check the water quality: Coffee water should be clean and free of impurities. The best way is to use purified or filtered water to get the best taste.
- Gain experience: The experience factor is also very important! Each time you make it, you will have a little more sense of the amount of coffee, water temperature, steeping time… since then, it has become more and more perfect.
Thereby, you will realize that making filter coffee is not a simple thing but it is also not too difficult if you know how to do it and have a little patience. Properly prepared filter coffees are not only delicious but also bring great emotions.
How to extract coffee for the best taste
When it comes to brewing filter coffee, the way the coffee is extracted is also one of the important factors that directly affect the taste of the coffee.
- Coffee Extraction with Boiling Water: Boiling water is considered the deciding factor. When water is poured through the coffee, the essences in the coffee will be extracted naturally, bringing a rich flavor. In particular, you should pay attention to the temperature of the water, because the water that is too cold will not be enough to give the optimal taste.
- Soaking at the right time: One of the biggest secrets is the soaking time. It is recommended to add enough water to the coffee and wait for a period of 4 to 6 minutes, this helps the coffee blend perfectly with the water.
- Do not compress too hard: When compressing the filter cap, select the moderate compression force. Compression that is too tight can interfere with the extraction process, resulting in the coffee under the filter not flowing evenly and not achieving the desired flavor.
- Customize the coffee/water ratio: Everyone will have different coffee preferences, so you can customize it accordingly. A common ratio is 1:15 for the amount of water and coffee, but it can be adjusted accordingly depending on your taste.
Through these, you will be able to figure out how to extract coffee to achieve a cup of coffee with an undeniable taste.

Coffee steeping time when brewing
Coffee steeping time is one of the factors to determine the taste of filter coffee. This not only affects the extraction process but also adds richness to the coffee.
- Steep at the right time: The ideal time to steep filter coffee is usually 4 to 6 minutes. However, the specific time may vary depending on the thickness of the coffee layer and the amount of water. An attractive filter coffee is when it is processed in the right amount of time, making the water able to blend with the coffee and extract the best essence.
- Monitor the drip of the coffee: Take some time to observe and feel the drip of the coffee. The first drops of coffee are usually darker in color, as it is the first part of the essence that is extracted. If your coffee drips too slowly or too quickly, you need to review the compression of the coffee in the filter.
- Adjust to taste: Many strong coffee lovers may choose to steep for about 6 to 8 minutes. Conversely, if you prefer milder coffee, the time can be reduced to 3 minutes.
- Diverse experiences: Each time you experiment, you gain valuable experience about soaking, which will help you have more memorable coffee reward moments.
When you can adjust the steeping time properly, filter coffees become more appealing and rich than ever.

Ways to enjoy filter coffee
When you have a perfect cup of filter coffee, the way you enjoy coffee will also increase the attractive taste from there. Drinkers often choose between two main ways: drink it pure or add ice.
- Pure drinking: This is the most popular and popular traditional way of drinking. The rich flavor of filter coffee can be combined with a little sugar but still retains its natural bitterness. Enjoying filter coffee in this way, the drinker will enjoy every drop of hot coffee, which is both delicious and nourishing to the soul.
- Add ice: An interesting option in the hot summer, filter coffee when brewed hot is allowed to cool and ice is added. When combined with condensed milk, iced coffee becomes more sweet and attractive, very suitable for those who love a cool drink.
- A unique twist: The world of filter coffee doesn’t stop here. You can experiment with other versions such as egg filter coffee or iced milk coffee to create a more enjoyable experience. Each way of enjoyment reflects the personal preferences and lifestyle of the enjoyer.
These are ways to enjoy closely, characteristic of the long-standing culture of the Vietnamese people. From tradition to modernity, enjoying filter coffee has become an indispensable part of many people’s daily lives.

Drink it whole or add ice
When enjoying filter coffee, you can choose between enjoying pure coffee or adding ice. Both ways provide different experiences for the enjoyer, helping them to feel more deeply about the taste of coffee.
- Pure drinking: For those who love the purity and rich flavor of coffee, pure drinking is the most ideal choice. The taste and intensity of filter coffee will be most clearly expressed. Adding a little sugar will increase the sensation without losing the integrity of the coffee beans. A hot, fragrant cup of pure coffee will help you feel more comfortable during stressful working days.
- Iced Filter Coffee: On hot summer days, iced filter coffee is a smart choice and a great refreshment. Iced coffee not only helps you feel cool, but also retains the delicious taste when prepared from hot water. In particular, when condensed milk is added, this drink becomes even more attractive with a moderately sweet taste.
Combined with condensed milk: milk coffee
Milk coffee is a very familiar name in Vietnam, made from the perfect combination of filter coffee and condensed milk.
- How to prepare: First, you make coffee in the same process as a regular filter, but with condensed milk under the glass. Once the coffee has been fully extracted, you can stir it well to allow the coffee and milk to blend.
- Signature taste: The combination of filter coffee and condensed milk creates a creamy flavor that is both bitter and sweet perfectly. Milk coffee not only brings interesting moments of enjoyment but can also create a sense of satisfaction for people’s diverse tastes.
- Enjoy variety: Many people also love to add ice to milk coffee, turning it into iced milk coffee. For those who can’t stand the sweetness of condensed milk, they can use fresh milk to get a milder flavor.
In a nutshell, filter coffee is more than just a drink; it is also an indispensable part of Vietnamese culinary culture, where each cup of coffee contains its own story.

Important notes when making filter coffee
Making filter coffee may seem simple, but there are many small factors that you need to keep in mind to achieve optimal flavor from your coffee. These will help you be more confident when brewing and enjoying filter coffee.
- Water Temperature Control: The temperature of the water is a determining factor in the quality of the filter coffee. Hot water in the temperature range of 90-95°C will help extract the best coffee flavor. If the water is too cold, the coffee will lose its richness, and if it is too hot, it can make the coffee bitter.
- Choosing the right type of coffee: Choosing the type of coffee is also very important. Robusta coffee beans typically offer a more bitter and stronger taste, while Arabica typically has a milder sweetness. Depending on your taste, you can choose the right coffee to brew while still achieving the desired taste.
- Coffee brewing and steeping time: Coffee brewing time is also important. The ideal coffee steeping time is usually 4-6 minutes, which helps not only balance the flavor but also enhance the aroma of the coffee. A shortage during this period can lead to an unsatisfactory cup of coffee.
With the above notes, you will easily make delicious, standard filter coffee and bring satisfaction to both yourself and those around you.
Water Temperature Control
Once you know how to prepare it, one of the important things that you can’t ignore is controlling the water temperature. The water temperature not only affects the taste perception but also accurately reflects how the coffee is extracted.
- Ideal water temperature: The ideal temperature for brewing filter coffee is usually between 90-96 degrees Celsius.
- Water Cooling Technique: A good tip is that you can boil the water for about 3-5 minutes, then let it cool naturally for about 30 seconds before pouring it into the coffee filter. This will help the water temperature reach the desired level without overheating.
- Check with a thermometer: If you’re a coffee addict and want to control the temperature accurately, use a thermometer to measure the temperature of the water before brewing. Make sure not to let the water get too hot inside the filter, as this will not only lose the flavor but can also lose the subtlety of the coffee.
Thereby, you will see that controlling the water temperature is extremely important to bring the best coffee moments.

Choosing the right coffee
To make a quality filter coffee, choosing the right coffee is an important starting point. The type of coffee not only affects the taste, but also the style of your enjoyment.
- Robusta Coffee: Usually, Robusta coffee is preferred for filter coffee. This coffee bean usually has a strong and rich bitterness, which is very suitable for those who love a strong cup of coffee.
- Arabica coffee: In contrast, Arabica coffee offers a lighter and more elegant look. With its mild flavor, Arabica coffee will provide a smoother experience, which is ideal for those who are not used to the bitterness of coffee.
- Coffee Blend: You can also experiment between different types of coffee to create a unique blend, so that it adds depth and richness to your coffee.
Here’s a comparison table between the two most popular types of coffee:
| **Coffee Type** | **Aroma** | **Bitterness** | **Suggested Use** |
| **Robusta** | Rich, slightly bitter | Tall | Suitable for filter coffee making |
| **Arabica** | Gentle and frugal | Short | Suitable for people who drink less coffee |
Choosing the right coffee not only brings great taste but also makes your coffee experience more enjoyable.
Comparison of filter coffee with other brewing methods
Nowadays, there are many different methods of brewing coffee such as machine brewing, filter brewing, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Understanding will help the audience easily choose the right way for themselves.
- Filter coffee: Brewed using the traditional method, filter coffee often offers a rich and relaxing flavor. The brewing time is usually longer from 5-7 minutes, helping each drop of coffee to be best extracted, bringing out a deep flavor.
- Machine-brewed coffee: In contrast, machine-brewed coffee often uses high pressure for quick extraction in just 25-30 seconds, which saves a lot of time. However, because of the rapid extraction, machine coffee is often of low quality and the flavor is not as rich as filter coffee.
Below is a specific comparison table between the two preparation methods:
| **Method** | **Brewing time** | **Aroma** | **Bold** |
| **Filter Coffee** | 5-7 minutes | Rich and rich | Tall |
| **Coffee Machine** | 25-30 seconds | Gentle and fast | Short |
Comparing filter coffee with other methods will make it easier for you to make your own choice.
Filter coffee vs. machine-brewed coffee
When comparing filter coffee and machine-brewed coffee, in addition to the difference in process, they also bring a rather mixed experience to the enjoyer.
- Filter coffee: Provides a rich and strong flavor thanks to the slow extraction process. When using this method, you will feel the richness of the coffee, where the flavor has been absorbed in every drop.
- Coffee machine: Combining technology, fast and convenient. However, the flavor and subtlety are sometimes not as prominent as the filter method.
Below is a detailed comparison table between these two methods:
| **Character** | **Filter Coffee** | **Coffee Machine** |
| **Brewing time** | Long, about 5-7 minutes | Fast, only 25-30 seconds |
| **Aroma** | Rich, sharp and distinct | Mild, uniform taste |
| **Feel** | Traditional, slow but enjoyable experience | Modern, simple and convenient |
It can be noticed that each method has certain advantages and disadvantages, so choosing how to make coffee also depends on personal preferences and habits.

Benefits of Filter Coffee Compared to Other Methods
When viewed as an overview, filter coffee brings many benefits to meet the enjoyment needs of many people, not only in Vietnam but also around the world.
- Rich flavor: Filter coffee extracts slowly and naturally, providing a rich flavor that is difficult to find through other methods. The elegant aroma of coffee will easily emerge with just a little patience.
- Highly customizable: You can easily adjust the ratio of coffee to water when brewing, thereby creating coffee cups with a distinct flavor to your liking.
- Typical tasting culture: Filter coffee offers a unique tasting experience, where waiting for every drop of coffee to fall has also become an integral part of the lifestyle of many Vietnamese.
Here is a summary of the benefits of filter coffee:
| **Benefit** | **Describe** |
| **Rich Flavor** | Extract slowly, bring clear emotions and experience |
| **Easy Customization** | The brewer can freely adjust the ratio and time |
| **Enjoy slowly** | Create opportunities to relax and interact with people |
Filter coffee is not only a drink, but also a part of Vietnamese culinary culture, where emotions and experiences always go hand in hand.
Conclude
Traditional filter coffee not only brings a delicious drink but also contains the cultural beauty of Vietnam. Through this article, we have explored the coffee brewing process in detail, from ingredients to how to enjoy it, with useful knowledge to help you prepare a cup of flavorful filter coffee yourself.
Making filter coffee requires not only technique but also waiting and enjoying every drop of coffee that flows down. Therefore, a filter coffee is more than just a drink. The taste from filter coffee will touch the soul and enrich your day. Take your time to enjoy a cup of filter coffee, feel the culture and love of every drop of coffee.
Contact Information
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Address: 5th Floor, Pax Sky Building, 34A Pham Ngoc Thach, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Phone: 0979 112 997
Email: dqcoffee@dqagri.com.vn
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