A contemporary interpretation of Vietnam’s conventional phin filter, the Phinoi made its debut final month at World of Espresso Jakarta. Immediately, we’re giving it a go.
BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT
Images 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 instrument. Designed by Vu Dình Tú, founding father of Vietnam espresso store Refined. and one of many nation’s most seen superb 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 shiny, youthful design and light-weight construct, the Phinoi is supposed for each basic phin lovers and a brand new era 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, up to date design. Comprised of 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 danger 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 movement and reduces the clogging points typically 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 also be dishwasher protected, making cleanup simple.
The general form is subtly impressed by a flower, a element that displays the designer’s intent to fuse perform with a visible id rooted in Vietnamese aesthetics. Obtainable in 5 strong colours, the Phinoi departs from the utilitarian look of basic brewers, interesting to a youthful era in search of each familiarity and visible distinction.
Whereas the plastic development might not enchantment to those that desire the burden and patina of steel, it affords sensible benefits when it comes to sturdiness, usability, and accessibility. As a reinterpretation of a conventional instrument, the Phinoi invitations a reconsideration of what Vietnamese espresso tools can look—and really feel—like.
Brewing Check: Two Kinds, One Software
Conventional Phin Brewing
For the primary check, I brewed a robusta from Vietnam utilizing the basic phin technique: floor espresso, gravity press, sizzling water, and a little bit persistence. Because of the improved movement angle, I acquired a persistently timed extraction with no blockage—one thing I can’t at all times say for conventional steel phins.
The ensuing cup was daring and fragrant, with all of the phin character you’d count on: 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 Type 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 technique felt extra akin to a Hario V60—besides with a extra compact and grounded design.
Surprisingly, the Phinoi carried out nicely right here too. The paper filter allowed for a cleaner, brighter cup with better-defined fruit and floral notes. It received’t change high-end drippers in an expert cupping lab, however for residence brewers and vacationers? It’s an excellent hybrid choice.
The Phinoi in Context
The Phinoi appeals to a variety of customers. For a lot of in Vietnam, it affords a extra constant and travel-friendly option to brew a method of espresso that’s deeply rooted in each day life. Its portability and sturdiness additionally make it a sensible choice for many who brew on the go. And for newcomers to espresso, the Phinoi gives an accessible introduction to each conventional phin brewing and pourover strategies—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 an emblem of Vietnamese espresso tradition, youthful espresso drinkers are more and more partaking with newer strategies and aesthetics. The Phinoi makes an attempt to fulfill 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 be taught 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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