A contemporary interpretation of Vietnam’s conventional phin filter, the Phinoi made its debut final month at World of Espresso Jakarta. Right this moment, we’re giving it a go.

BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT

Pictures courtesy of Vasileia Fanarioti

Can a contemporary phin filter reinvent how we expertise Vietnamese espresso? That’s the query posed by the Phinoi, a strikingly fashionable tackle the nation’s iconic brewing software. Designed by Vu Dình Tú, founding father of Vietnam espresso store Refined. and one of many nation’s most seen advantageous robusta advocates, the Phinoi is a reimagination of the unique.

Created as a separate facet challenge from Refined., the Phinoi debuted final month at World of Espresso in Jakarta, Indonesia, signaling that its ambitions stretch far past Vietnam. With a vivid, youthful design and light-weight construct, the Phinoi is supposed for each traditional phin lovers and a brand new technology of curious brewers—and I had the prospect to take it for a spin.

The Dripper’s Design: Conventional Really feel, Modern Aptitude

At first look, the Phinoi distinguishes itself from conventional phin brewers with a light-weight, modern design. Constructed from virgin polypropylene, a food-safe plastic immune to temperatures as much as 120°C (248°F), the brewer weighs simply 80 grams. Its portability makes it well-suited for journey or out of doors brewing, with out the chance of denting or breakage widespread to aluminum fashions.

One of many extra technical options is the brewer’s 164.8-degree inside slope, which aids water circulate and reduces the clogging points usually skilled with standard phin designs. The bottom is broad and secure, and the chamber is formed to suit comfortably within the hand. The unit can be dishwasher protected, making cleanup easy.

The general form is subtly impressed by a flower, a element that displays the designer’s intent to fuse operate with a visible id rooted in Vietnamese aesthetics. Accessible in 5 stable colours, the Phinoi departs from the utilitarian look of traditional brewers, interesting to a youthful technology in search of each familiarity and visible distinction.

Whereas the plastic development could not attraction to those that desire the load and patina of metallic, it presents sensible benefits by way of sturdiness, usability, and accessibility. As a reinterpretation of a conventional software, the Phinoi invitations a reconsideration of what Vietnamese espresso tools can look—and really feel—like.

Brewing Check: Two Kinds, One Instrument

Conventional Phin Brewing

For the primary take a look at, I brewed a robusta from Vietnam utilizing the traditional phin methodology: floor espresso, gravity press, sizzling water, and a bit persistence. Because of the improved circulate angle, I bought a persistently timed extraction with no blockage—one thing I can’t at all times say for conventional metallic phins.

The ensuing cup was daring and fragrant, with all of the phin character you’d anticipate: low acidity, full physique, and a chocolatey end. The Phinoi manages to retain the essence of the old-school brew, however in a extra constant and user-friendly format.

Pourover Model with a Paper Filter

Subsequent, I used a small Kalita Wave 155 paper filter, positioned contained in the Phinoi chamber to check its pourover capabilities. The grind was barely coarser, and the brew methodology felt extra akin to a Hario V60—besides with a extra compact and grounded design.

Surprisingly, the Phinoi carried out properly right here too. The paper filter allowed for a cleaner, brighter cup with better-defined fruit and floral notes. It gained’t substitute high-end drippers in knowledgeable cupping lab, however for dwelling brewers and vacationers? It’s a superb hybrid possibility.

The Phinoi in Context

The Phinoi appeals to a variety of customers. For a lot of in Vietnam, it presents a extra constant and travel-friendly approach to brew a method of espresso that’s deeply rooted in day by day life. Its portability and sturdiness additionally make it a sensible possibility for individuals who brew on the go. And for newcomers to espresso, the Phinoi supplies an accessible introduction to each conventional phin brewing and pourover methods—with out requiring a number of instruments.

However past comfort, the Phinoi displays a broader effort to reinterpret custom via design. It responds to a generational shift: Whereas the phin stays a logo of Vietnamese espresso tradition, youthful espresso drinkers are more and more partaking with newer strategies and aesthetics. The Phinoi makes an attempt to satisfy that shift—not by changing the previous, however by adapting it.

For a product that started as a facet challenge in Hanoi, its evolution indicators one thing bigger: the quiet, ongoing reinvention of Vietnamese espresso tradition from inside. To study extra, go to the Phinoi web site right here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vasileia Fanarioti (she/her) is a senior on-line correspondent for Barista Journal and a contract copywriter and editor with a major concentrate on the espresso area of interest. She has additionally been a volunteer copywriter for the I’M NOT A BARISTA NPO, offering content material to assist educate individuals about baristas and their work.

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