Sometimes, all we need is a strong cup of hot kopi to kickstart the day. We share how to make kopi at home in this article.
A question we often get when we run our Traditional Kopi catering service in Singapore is:
“Can I make kopitiam style kopi at home?”
Yes, you can most definitely can!
P.S. We’re selling Singapore Traditional Kopi Powder. This is the same blend we use at our traditional kopi live stations.
And yes, you can use these recipes with your Ya Kun coffee powder too.
Here, we share 3 ways you can make kopi at home:
- Traditional kopi using Mug and Coffee Sock – Serves 3 (8oz cups)[skip to section]
- Traditional kopi using Vietnamese Coffee Pot – Serves 1 (5oz cup) [skip to section]
- Traditional kopi using a Coffee Filter Bag – Serves 1 (8oz cup)[skip to section]
We’ve written out the recipe and added some of our notes below.
But first, here’s the video that walks you through the Singapore kopi brewing methods:
Traditional kopi using Mug and Coffee Sock
It’s enjoyable to brew kopi for one, it’s even more enjoyable to brew for family and friends.
This recipe allows you to scale up your kopi brewing and to cater for more.
It’s really simple, all you need to do is to immerse the kopi powder in hot water for about 3 mins to get a kopi concentrate. Then, remove the kopi grounds, dilute and serve!
The brew ratio we use when brewing at home is:
15g Kopi powder for every 8oz cup (~240ml)
Some notes about this recipe:
This recipe makes a kopi concentrate which gives you the flexibility to adjust the strength and thickness of your cuppa.
For a start, we recommend a dilution of 1 part water to 3 parts kopi concentrate.
If you like your kopi gao (or strong), skip the dilution. Vis versa for those who like their kopi po (or weak), add more water to the concentrate.
And oh, we’ve replaced the usual coffee pot with a mug because, not everyone owns (or want to own) a traditional kopi pot!
As for the coffee sock, you should be able to find it at the hardware or utility stores in your neighbourhood.
Alternatively, you can get one from our store.
How to make kopi with Coffee Pot and Sock
Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
- Large mug or heat safe container
- 100 g Kopi powder (~4 tablespoons, heaped / 1 pack of our Kopi Powder)
- 500ml water just off the boil
Recipe for 4 cups:
- Add 100g of kopi powder to a large mug or heat safe container,
- Add 500ml of hot water,
- Make sure all kopi powder are wet,
- Let mixture steep for 3 minutes,
- Remove kopi powder by filtering mixture through a coffee sock,
- Distribute the kopi concentrate into respective cups,
- Dilute to taste (for a start, add 1 part water to 3 parts kopi concentrate),
- Add condiments of choice to kopi,
- Enjoy!
Get your kopi brewing kit here
Traditional kopi using Vietnamese Coffee Pot
This method makes a single serving of kopi in a 5oz cup, pretty similar in volume to these:
The only equipment you’ll need for this is the Vietnamese Coffee Brewer, also known as a Phin:
For more information or answers to frequently asked question, read our Phin / Vietnamese Coffee Brewer Guide here.
How to make kopi using Vietnamese Coffee Pot
Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
- Vietnamese Coffee Brewer (Phin)
- 6g Kopi powder (~1 teaspoon)
- 158ml hot water
Recipe:
- Place phin over cup without filter,
- Add kopi powder,
- Level kopi powder in phin,
- Place coffee filter over kopi powder,
- Add 158ml of hot water (just off the boil),
- Wait for coffee to drip (will take about 3 minutes)
- Add condiments of choice to kopi
- Enjoy!
P.S. adding more kopi powder tend to result in a longer steeping time and a more bitter coffee.
Get your kopi brewing kit & phin here
Traditional kopi using a Coffee Filter Bag
If you do not have any equipment, here’s a no-frills alternative for you!
Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
- 1 coffee filter bag
- 6g to 12g kopi powder (~2 teaspoons)
- 200ml water just off the boil
Recipe for 1 cup of kopi using coffee bag:
- Add 2 teaspoon (heaped) of kopi powder to a coffee bag,
- Close bag, place in cup (8oz),
- Fill with water just off the boil,
- Wait 5 mins (make sure bag is completely submerged, use a spoon to hold down the bag),
- Remove bag,
- Add condiments of choice,
- Enjoy!
Adjust the dosage depending on how strong you’d like your kopi!
Over to you…
We’ve shared three easy ways you can brew kopi at home.
Try the recipes and let us know what you think about them.
Or, if you have any questions, just leave a comment below or text us using that chat box on the right of your screen!
Happy brewing!
P.S. We’re retailing the traditional kopi powder, click here for more information!
Frequently Asked Questions
Since we published this guide, we’ve received questions on brewing kopi at home. Here’re some of the common ones:
Can I brew ice kopi with a phin?
Yes you can, just drip your kopi over ice and enjoy.
If it tastes too diluted, increase the amount of kopi powder you use, reduce the amount of water used during brewing and make sure you’re using water off the boil.
Can I use a french press to brew kopi?
Yes, you can start with the same recipe used on the phin. Tweak the recipe to taste.
However, do note that some of the kopi powder may get stuck in your french press filter.
Why does my kopi taste diluted?
You may want to tweak your brewing recipe – try increasing the kopi dosage or reducing the amount of water used during brewing. Also make sure you use hot water that’s just off the boil.
Do you sell kopi powder?
Yes, check our Kopi selection here.
Do you sell the Vietnamese coffee pot or Phin?
Yes, browse here.
I’ve got more questions about the Phin!
Read our guide here. If your question remains unsolved, feel free to leave a comment or contact us.
Got more questions? Drop us a message on whatsapp (see bottom left of screen).
