Vietnam is known for bold coffee, slow rituals, and strong brews — but nothing surprises visitors quite like egg coffee.
Yes, egg coffee. Known locally as cà phê trứng, this creamy, foamy, sweet drink is one of Hanoi’s most iconic coffee creations. Made with strong phin-brewed coffee and a whipped blend of egg yolk, sugar, and sweetened condensed milk, it’s rich, smooth, and unlike anything you’ve ever tasted.
Let’s explore where egg coffee in Vietnam comes from, how it’s made, and why it’s a must-try on any coffee lover’s list.
From Shortage to Signature: The Surprising History of a Hanoi Classic
Egg coffee was born in Hanoi in the 1940s, during a time when milk was scarce. A resourceful barista named Nguyễn Văn Giảng, working at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, whisked up a replacement using egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk.
The final result? A drink that didn’t just substitute for milk — it elevated the coffee experience.
Over time, egg coffee became a local legend. Giảng went on to open Café Giảng, which still serves the original recipe today. But now, you can find egg coffee all over Vietnam, especially in Hanoi, where it remains a proud cultural staple.
What Does Egg Coffee Taste Like?
Creamy, sweet, smooth — and surprisingly not eggy.
The egg yolk is whipped with sweetened condensed milk and sugar until it becomes light and airy, almost like a custard foam. That layer is poured over a shot of strong, dark Vietnamese coffee — typically brewed with a phin filter.
The contrast between the hot coffee and the cool, sweet foam creates a unique texture and balance. It’s rich, almost dessert-like, but still very much a coffee drink.
Some say it reminds them of tiramisu. Others compare it to a sweet latte with a frothy twist. Either way, Vietnamese egg coffee is a flavour experience you won’t forget.
How Is Vietnamese Egg Coffee Made?
There are variations, but here’s the basic method behind every great cà phê trứng:
Ingredients:
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- And finally 1 strong shot of phin-brewed Vietnamese coffee
Steps:
- Brew the coffee using a phin — strong and concentrated is best.
- Whip the egg yolk, condensed milk, and sugar until thick and fluffy.
- Pour the whipped mixture over the coffee in a small cup.
- As a result, serve hot — often in a small bowl of warm water to keep the temperature steady.
At Hanoi Drip, we make our own version with a smooth, golden foam layered carefully over robusta coffee. It’s made to order and best enjoyed slowly.
Where to Try Egg Coffee in Hanoi
You’ll find egg coffee in many Vietnamese coffee shops today, but the best versions are still brewed with care and served in cosy, thoughtful spaces.
At Hanoi Drip, we serve a Famous Egg Coffee — a mandatory classic. It blends the tradition of whipped egg foam with the depth of robusta, creating a drink that’s comforting, nostalgic, and just a little bit indulgent.
Pair it with a quiet seat and time to savour. That’s how it was meant to be enjoyed.
Is Egg Coffee Safe to Drink?
Yes — egg coffee is made with fresh egg yolks and served immediately after preparation. The eggs are whipped, not cooked, but the sugar and condensed milk help stabilise the foam and cut any raw texture.
If you’re still unsure, try it at a trusted café like Hanoi Drip, where quality and food safety come first.
Try Egg Coffee the Right Way
If you’re new to egg coffee in Vietnam, don’t let the name stop you. It’s one of the most surprising — and rewarding — drinks in the world of coffee.
It’s warm, rich, layered, and completely unique. There’s history in a cup. And it’s another example of how Vietnamese coffee culture isn’t afraid to take the unexpected path.
Whether you’re visiting a Hanoi Drip Cafe or sipping from a café abroad, take the time to try cà phê trứng — the drink that turns coffee into comfort food.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vietnamese egg coffee made of?
It’s made from strong Vietnamese coffee topped with a whipped mix of egg yolk, sweetened condensed milk, and sugar.
Does egg coffee taste like eggs?
Not really. The flavour is creamy and sweet — more like a dessert foam than anything savoury.
Is egg coffee served hot or cold?
Traditionally, it’s served hot, often with the cup nestled in warm water. Some cafés offer iced versions too.
Can I make egg coffee at home?
Yes! You just need a phin filter, fresh eggs, condensed milk, and patience for whipping the foam.
Where can I try egg coffee?
Come by Hanoi Drip Cafe for our Famous Egg Coffee — a classic Vietnamese egg coffee experience.