Vietnamese Egg Coffee: 6 Irresistible Reasons to Try It Now
Move over lattes and cold brews—Vietnamese Egg Coffee is the creamy, sweet, and frothy drink that’s taking the coffee world by storm. Originating in Hanoi, Vietnam, this unique beverage blends rich Robusta coffee with a decadent foam made from whipped egg yolk, sweetened condensed milk, and a touch of sugar. The result? A bold yet silky treat that’s both a dessert and a drink in one.
Invented in the 1940s at the iconic Giang Café during a milk shortage, this clever creation quickly became a staple in Vietnamese coffee culture. Today, it’s enjoyed not only in local cafés but also in trendy kitchens around the world.
In this post, we’ll uncover what makes Vietnamese Egg Coffee so irresistible, show you exactly how to make it at home, and explain why this traditional drink is making a global comeback.
Table of Contents
What Is Vietnamese Egg Coffee?
If you’ve never heard of Vietnamese Egg Coffee, you’re in for a delicious surprise. This traditional drink is one of Vietnam’s most unique contributions to the coffee world—a creamy, sweet, and foamy beverage that tastes like a dessert in a cup.
The Origins in Hanoi
Vietnamese Egg Coffee, known locally as “Cà Phê Trứng,” was first crafted in the late 1940s by Nguyen Van Giang, a bartender at the prestigious Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel in Hanoi. During that time, milk was scarce due to wartime shortages. To compensate, Giang experimented by whisking egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk to create a creamy, milk-like substitute.
This inventive workaround didn’t just solve a problem—it created a sensation. Giang later opened his own coffee shop, Giang Café, which still stands today as a beloved Hanoi institution and the birthplace of this iconic drink.
What’s in It?
Despite sounding complex, Vietnamese Egg Coffee is surprisingly simple to make. It uses just a few basic ingredients—all of which you likely already have at home:
📋 Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Egg yolk | 1 |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 2 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Hot brewed Robusta coffee | 1 cup |
- Egg yolk forms the creamy topping
- Condensed milk and sugar sweeten the mixture
- Robusta coffee, known for its bold and bitter flavor, serves as the base
You simply whisk the yolk, condensed milk, and sugar until it becomes light and airy, almost like a custard or a soft meringue. Then it’s gently spooned over a cup of freshly brewed Vietnamese Robusta coffee.
The Unique Texture & Flavor
What sets Vietnamese Egg Coffee apart is its decadent texture and complex flavor profile. The top layer is rich and silky, like a sweet, airy custard. Beneath that, you’ll find a strong, slightly bitter brew that perfectly balances the sweetness.
It’s this contrast between bold and sweet, hot and creamy, that makes the drink so unforgettable. Served in a small cup—often nested in a bowl of warm water to maintain its temperature—it’s as much a sensory experience as it is a beverage
How to Make Vietnamese Egg Coffee at Home
Craving something warm, rich, and a little bit extraordinary? Good news: Vietnamese Egg Coffee isn’t just for cafés in Hanoi—you can easily recreate this decadent drink right in your own kitchen. With a few common ingredients and basic tools, you’ll be sipping your own velvety cup of Cà Phê Trứng in no time.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these essential tools:
- Whisk or hand mixer – for creating the signature fluffy egg foam
- Glass cup or mug – a clear glass shows off the beautiful layering
- Coffee brewer – a Vietnamese phin filter is ideal, but a drip brewer or espresso machine works too
Optional but helpful:
- Small saucepan or bowl – to place your cup in warm water and keep the drink hot, like they do in Vietnam
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make an authentic Vietnamese Egg Coffee at home:
- Prepare the Egg Cream
- In a small bowl, combine:
- 1 fresh egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Whisk vigorously with a hand whisk or hand mixer until the mixture becomes light, pale, and airy—about 3–5 minutes. It should resemble a fluffy custard or soft mousse.
- In a small bowl, combine:
- Brew the Coffee
- Brew 1 cup of strong Vietnamese Robusta coffee using a phin filter for authenticity. If you don’t have one, substitute with a shot of espresso or strong drip coffee.
- Assemble the Drink
- Pour the hot coffee into a heatproof glass cup.
- Gently spoon the whipped egg mixture over the top, allowing it to float like a creamy cloud.
- Optional: Serve Like a Pro
- Place the cup in a bowl of warm water to keep the layers hot and prevent the foam from collapsing too quickly—just like they do at Giang Café.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh, high-quality eggs: Freshness ensures better flavor and texture. If you’re concerned about using raw egg, opt for pasteurized eggs.
- Robusta coffee works best: It has a bolder, more bitter profile that balances the sweetness of the egg foam. Try a Vietnamese brand like Trung Nguyên for authenticity.
- Serve in a glass cup: Presentation matters! The visual contrast between dark coffee and golden cream is part of the experience.
- Add flair with toppings: A light dusting of cocoa powder, cinnamon, or even grated chocolate can elevate the flavor and aesthetics.
- Whisk longer for fluffier foam: The more air you incorporate, the lighter and more custard-like the topping becomes.
With these simple steps, you can enjoy one of Vietnam’s most iconic coffee drinks without ever leaving your home. Whether it’s for a cozy morning treat or a unique after-dinner indulgence, Vietnamese Egg Coffee is sure to impress.
6 Irresistible Reasons to Try Vietnamese Egg Coffee
Whether you’re a coffee lover, a foodie, or just someone who enjoys discovering new cultural experiences, Vietnamese Egg Coffee is a must-try. Here are six irresistible reasons why this iconic drink deserves a spot in your cup:
1. It’s a Dessert and a Drink in One
If you’ve ever wished your coffee tasted more like dessert, this is your dream come true. Vietnamese Egg Coffee offers a creamy, custard-like topping that feels indulgent with every sip. The thick, sweet foam sits on top like a luxurious layer of mousse, making this drink both energizing and satisfying. It’s like drinking tiramisu with a caffeine kick!
2. A Taste of Vietnam’s Coffee Culture
Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee producer, and coffee culture runs deep in the country’s daily life. From bustling Hanoi sidewalks to cozy corner cafés, Cà Phê Trứng is a beloved symbol of Vietnamese innovation and hospitality. Trying this drink gives you a real taste of tradition, one that connects you to the heart of Hanoi and its rich café heritage.
3. Surprising Yet Balanced Flavors
At first glance, egg in coffee may sound unusual—but one sip will change your mind. The rich, sweet foam harmonizes beautifully with the bold, slightly bitter Robusta coffee underneath. The result is a drink that’s both complex and balanced: creamy but not heavy, strong yet smooth. It’s a flavor contrast that works surprisingly well—and keeps you coming back for more.
4. Easy to Make at Home
No fancy espresso machines or barista-level skills required! All you need are basic kitchen tools like a whisk (or hand mixer), some simple ingredients, and a little patience. In just a few steps, you can whip up a café-quality cup of Vietnamese Egg Coffee in your own kitchen. It’s a budget-friendly, low-effort treat that feels fancy without being fussy.
5. Impress Guests with Something New
Serving Vietnamese Egg Coffee is a guaranteed conversation starter. Whether it’s brunch with friends or a cozy dinner party, this unique drink adds an exotic flair to your hosting game. It looks stunning in a glass cup, tastes incredible, and shows your guests that you’ve got serious culinary curiosity. Bonus points if you tell them about its origin story in Giang Café!
6. It’s Going Viral – For Good Reason!
From Pinterest boards to TikTok recipes and Instagram-worthy café photos, Vietnamese Egg Coffee is trending—and it’s easy to see why. It’s photogenic, flavorful, and full of personality. Foodies around the world are sharing their versions of the drink, and now you can join the movement too. Jump on the trend and experience firsthand why this classic drink is making a big comeback.
Conclusion
Vietnamese Egg Coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a delightful blend of culture, creativity, and comfort. With its rich history rooted in Hanoi, its indulgent custard-like foam, and its bold coffee base, this unique beverage offers a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just looking to try something new, this is a recipe that deserves a spot in your kitchen.
The best part? You don’t need a fancy café or a plane ticket to Vietnam to enjoy it. With just a few ingredients and a little whisking magic, you can bring this traditional Vietnamese treat to life right at home.
So why not whip up a cup today? Once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s become a beloved favorite across the globe—and why it might just become your new coffee obsession.
