FAQs

COFFEE

WHAT IS VIETNAMESE COFFEE?

Vietnamese coffee is simply coffee beans from Vietnam. Vietnam is the #1 producer of Robustabeans globally and the second largest producer of coffee in the world (behind Brazil). Robusta coffeeis well-suited to Vietnam's climate and growing conditions. Vietnamese coffee is known for itsunique brewing method using a “phin”, its dark and bold flavor profile, and how it’s commonlyprepared with condensed miilk and other creamers.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ARABICA AND ROBUSTA BEANS?

Arabica and Robusta are the two main coffee bean species commercially cultivated and consumed worldwide. They differ in several aspects, including taste, growing conditions, caffeine content, and price.

In general, Arabica beans exhibit a wide range of flavors, including floral, fruity, and acidic notes. On the other hand, Robusta beans have a stronger and bolder taste with earthy, nutty, and sometimes woody flavors. Robusta coffee is often described as having a more straightforward and less subtle taste compared to Arabica.

We specialize in the Robusta bean, a coffee with twice the caffeine content of Arabica. This higher caffeine content contributes to the stronger and more robust flavor of Robusta coffee. If you like strong coffee, Robusta is your friend.

WHERE IS YOUR COFFEE SOURCED?

We work with small-batch farmers throughout the Central Highlands of Vietnam to vet and source quality green coffee beans. With the support of our small team in Vietnam, we meticulously detail every step of the process from coffee farm to brewed cup. There is no third party and no aspect overlooked, allowing us to prioritize a fair and honest trade with local farmers while supporting them harvest after harvest.

WHERE DO YOU ROAST YOUR COFFEE?

Our coffee is currently roasted with love in the Chicago suburb of Elmhurst, Illinois, by Brewpoint Coffee- a 100% woman and minority-owned business whose mission is to build an equitable and inclusive world through coffee.

DOES YOUR COFFEE HAVE MIILK IN IT?

Fat Miilk beans are 100% roasted coffee without any added dairy, additives, oils, or artificial flavorings.

WHY IS IT CALLED FAT MIILK?

Before Vietnamese coffee was known for all its unique complexities in origin, regions, varietals, harvest, and brew style, it was commonly recognized for its preparation and pairing with sweetened condensed miilk over ice (Cà Phê Sữa Đá). Hence, our name is Fat Miilk.

We honor and celebrate the recognition this classic drink has attributed to the expansion of Vietnamese coffee culture, but we also named our company Fat Miilk to extend the conversation further. Vietnamese coffee is much more than a drink style, and we get to expound on that narrative through our product offerings, storytelling, and overall brand.

DO YOU OFFER DECAF COFFEE?

At the moment, we do not offer decaf coffee.

DO YOU SELL READY-TO-DRINK COFFEE?

At the moment, we do not sell ready-to-drink coffee. You can try our coffee in person at our Chicago storefront.

WHAT IS THE EXPIRATION DATE FOR YOUR COFFEE?

Coffee doesn't necessarily have an expiration date like many perishable food items. However, it can lose its freshness and flavor over time. The shelf life depends on several factors, including the type of coffee, how it is stored, and whether it is whole bean (longer) or ground (shorter). Once our coffee is roasted, it’s the freshest for up to four months – but can last up to 6 months in the right conditions. We roast to order and roast dates are noticeably labeled on our coffee.

HOW DO I STORE MY COFFEE?

Whole beans and ground coffee should be stored properly in a cool, dark place away from heat, light, and moisture. Store our coffee in an airtight container for an even longer shelf life. Coffee stored in the freezer is subject to potential flavor degradation due to moisture and the absorption of other freezer odors.


We recommend buying coffee in smaller quantities and consuming it within a few weeks of purchase - check our subscription options so you get the freshest batch every time.

WHICH COFFEE IS RIGHT FOR ME?

We have a roast for you, depending on how you like your coffee! Read more about our product profiles and offerings here.

PHIN BREWING

WHAT IS A PHIN?

A phin is a small metal drip filter commonly used in Vietnam to brew coffee. It’s a mix between a pour-over and a French Press, and an essential part of the traditional Vietnamese coffee brewing process. The word "phin" is derived from the French word "filtre," as the French colonial period influenced the brewing style.

The phin consists of three main components:

Metal Filter Chamber: The filter chamber is a cup-shaped container made of metal with small holes or perforations at the bottom.

Filter Press: The filter press is a round plate with a diameter slightly smaller than the filter chamber. It fits snugly inside the chamber and can be lifted or pressed down.

Lid: The lid is a small cap that sits on top of the filter chamber and helps retain heat during brewing.

HOW DO I USE A PHIN?

Please see our brew guide here.The phin brewing method allows for a slow and controlled extraction, resulting in a strong and flavorful cup of coffee.

DO I NEED A PHIN TO BREW FAT MIILK COFFEE?

You do not need a phin to brew our coffee; while we highly recommend it for the experience, authenticity, and flavor - you can brew Fat Miilk coffee any way you prefer.

WHAT’S THE BEST GRIND SIZE FOR PHIN BREWING?

Grind size minimally differs depending on the filter holes of phins, but we recommend a moderately “fine grind” when using our filters. If you choose to have your coffee ground by us, it will be prepared to fit perfectly in our phin tools.

HOW DO I CLEAN MY PHIN?

Although our phins are dishwasher safe (top-rack only), we recommend hand-washing our phins to prevent any damage to the individual parts and to preserve the design. After emptying out the grounds, wash your phin with warm water and dish soap using a non-abrasive sponge or towel, then allow to air-dry.

WHY DOES MY COFFEE TASTE WATERED DOWN AFTER BREWING WITH A PHIN?

If your coffee tastes watered down, you might not be allowing the grounds to bloom properly when brewing. The first water pour should only be enough to coat the grounds. By doing this, you dampen the coffee and allow it to “bloom,” which releases its natural gasses and, in turn makes room for more water. After a minute or two, you can then fill hot water to the top of the phin’s rim and let it drip!

The phin brewing method allows for a slow and controlled extraction, resulting in a strong and flavorful cup of coffee. If the brew is not what you desire, using more or less water may be the solution.

HOW DO I MAKE VIETNAMESE ICED COFFEE WITH SWEETENED CONDENSED MIILK?

We love a classic Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Vietnamese robusta coffee with condensed miilk over ice) and our bold coffee is perfect for adding any additional flavors you desire. We recommend brewing one of our dark-roasted coffees using our phin filter, then pouring it over sweetened condensed miilk, stirring until combined, and finally adding ice. While sweetness is up to preference, we stick to a 7:1 coffee-to-condensed miilk ratio for a 12 oz cup. Check out our brew guide page for more tips.

WHY DOES YOUR PHIN BREW SUCH A SMALL AMOUNT OF COFFEE?

Phins come in various sizes, but our phins are intended to brew “one big serving” for a single sitting, roughly holding 9.5 oz and yielding anywhere between 10-16 fluid ounces (depending on how many passes of water you prefer).

SHOPPING AND SHIPPING

WHERE CAN I BUY YOUR COFFEE?

Currently, you can purchase all of our products including our coffee online at fatmiilk.com. Keep an eye out for our Chicago flagship storefront opening 2024.

DO YOU OFFER WHOLESALE?

We offer Fat Miilk coffee to our wholesale partners to sell and serve! To learn more about our wholesale partnerships and to inquire about becoming one, please visit our wholesale page.

DO YOU HAVE LOCAL PICKUP FOR MY ONLINE ORDER?

We offer local pickup at our Chicago storefront located at 5018 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640.
When picking up, please follow the details listed in your confirmation email and have your order ID ready.

DO YOU OFFER GIFT CARDS?

Not at the moment.

WHAT IS YOUR RETURN POLICY?

All non-coffee related product(s) must be unused, undamaged, and in their original condition to be processed as a return within 14 days of purchase (minus shipping and handling). All accepted inquiries will receive an email confirmation. Proof of purchase is necessary for a full refund.

Due to the perishable nature of coffee, we are unable to accept returns on all coffee orders. However, if you are dissatisfied for any reason, have questions, or there was an error on our part, please contact us within 14 days, and we’ll make it right. Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns on sale items or gift cards.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY PRODUCT IS DAMAGED OR DEFECTIVE?

If your order arrived damaged or defective, please let us know within 5 days of delivery, and we will work with you quickly to resolve the issue.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY ORDER IS WRONG?

If an incorrect item(s) were shipped, we sincerely apologize! Please let us know within 5 days of delivery, and we will work swiftly to correct your order. As a result, all shipping costs and fees will be compensated for on our end.

HOW MUCH DOES SHIPPING COST?

All shipping costs are calculated during the checkout process if applicable.

WHERE DO YOU SHIP FROM?

We process, package, and ship orders out of Chicago, Illinois.

WHERE DO YOU SHIP TO?

We ship to all 50 US States and Canada. Any restrictions will be communicated during the checkout process if applicable. Kindly be aware that customers are accountable for any additional duties and fees that may arise in relation to international shipping.

HOW CAN I CANCEL MY ORDER?

If your order has not yet shipped, all cancellations will be honored, and your refund will be posted to your original payment method. Once your order has been shipped, please refer to our refund policy.

HOW CAN I EDIT/CHANGE MY SHIPPING ADDRESS?

If your shipping address is incorrect, please email hello@fatmiilk.com as soon as possible, and we will try to update it. Unfortunately, we’re unable to reroute packages once they begin processing.

WHEN WILL MY ORDER BE PROCESSED?

Please allow 1 to 3 business days for your order to ship due to processing time (business days are Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays). Please note, changes to shipping addresses and product(s) cannot be edited once processing begins.

All processing times are estimates and may be subject to change

WHO DO I CONTACT FOR ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING MY ORDER?

Please forward all shopping, shipping, and handling inquiries and questions to hello@fatmiilk.com

To make sure you have the best experience, please include your order number and the product(s) you’re referencing in your message (if applicable).