How to make Kopi at home (3 easy brew methods)

Since we started our Traditional Kopi catering service in Singapore, we often get a the same question from guests during events:

“Can I make kopitiam style kopi at home?”

Good news, the answer is: Yes, you can most definitely can!

P.S. We’re selling Singapore Traditional Kopi Powder. This is the same blend we feature at our traditional kopi live stations.

And of course, if you’re using Ya Kun coffee powder or Toast Box coffee powder, the following recipes here will work as well.

Here’re 3 ways you can make kopi at home:

1. Traditional kopi using Coffee Sock – Serves 4 (8oz cups)[skip to section]
2. Traditional kopi using Vietnamese Coffee Pot – Serves 1 (5oz cup) [skip to section]
3. 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.

Here’s the video that walks you through the 3 methods of brewing coffee, Singapore style:

1) Brew kopi with 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 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, per cup, without the need for further dilution 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. Vice 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 wants 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 Sock

Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

• Large mug or heat-safe container
• 100 g Kopi powder
• 500ml water just off the boil

Kopi Recipe for 4 cups:

1. To 100g of kopi powder, add 500ml of hot water
2. Stir, making sure all kopi powder is wet
3. Let the mixture steep for 3 minutes
4. Stir the kopi mixture again
5. Pour through a coffee sock to get kopi concentrate
6. Dilute concentrate to taste (for a start, add 1 part water to 3 parts kopi concentrate)
7. Add condiments of choice to kopi
8. Enjoy!

☕ Get your kopi brewing kit here 👇

2) Brew traditional kopi using Vietnamese Coffee Pot

This method makes a single serving of kopi in a 5oz cup, pretty similar in volume to these cups:

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 questions, read our Phin / Vietnamese Coffee Brewer Guide here.

How to brew traditional 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

Steps:

1. Place phin over cup without inner filter,
2. Add kopi powder,
3. Level kopi powder in phin,
4. Place inner filter over kopi powder,
5. Add 158ml of hot water (just off the boil),
6. Wait for coffee to drip (will take about 3 minutes)
7. Add condiments of choice to kopi
8. Enjoy!

P.S. Adding more kopi powder tends to result in a longer steeping time and a more bitter coffee.

☕ Get your kopi brewing kit & phin here 👇

3) Brew traditional kopi using a Coffee Filter Bag

If you do not have any equipment, this is a no-frills alternative for you!

How to make traditional kopi using a Coffee Filter Bag

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 teaspoons (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!

☕ We’ve made it easier for you. Grab our kopi drip bags here 👇

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 text us using that chat box on the right of your screen!

Happy brewing!

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 reuse the kopi grounds? / Can I brew another round with the same kopi powder?

If you don’t mind a watery, diluted, bitter cup of kopi, yes it is safe to do so.

However, we would not encourage reusing the kopi grounds. Looks can be deceiving; you’ll continue to extract a dark kopi-like liquid on subsequent brews. But all fragrant and delicious compounds are likely to have been fully extracted in the first brew.

Can I use a French Press to brew kopi?

Yes, you can start with the same recipe for the phin. Tweak the recipe to taste. However, do note that some of the kopi powder may get stuck in your French Press filter.

Can I brew ice kopi with a phin?

Yes, you can. Simply 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.

Why does my kopi taste diluted?

You may want to tweak your brewing recipe.
> If by ‘diluted’, you mean it tastes watery, try increasing the kopi dosage or reducing the amount of water used during brewing.
> If it feels thin but has bitterness and your phin has choked, reduce your dose.

Also, make sure you use hot water that’s just off the boil.

Do you sell kopi powder?

Yes, you can check out 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 unanswered, feel free to leave a comment or contact us.

Which evaporated milk should I use?

We did a comparison; you can read our opinion on the best evaporated milk brands here.

Which condensed milk do you recommend?

You can use any brand that is easily accessible for you. For a comparison of brands, you can read our opinion on the best condensed milk brands here.

What’s the best way to clean and keep the coffee sock?

After each use, we recommend that you flip your coffee sock over and give it a good wash immediately using food-grade detergent, such as dishwashing liquid. You can read more here: How to Clean My Kopi Sock

What condiments should I add?

This depends on the final drink of your choice. Please refer to our Kopi Recipes for details!

Got more questions? Leave a comment below!