For many people around the world, coffee is more than a drink—it’s a ritual, a comfort, and a dependable start to the day. Yet if you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to take your daily brew to a new level of richness and satisfaction, there’s an extraordinary tradition worth exploring: Vietnamese egg coffee, known locally as cà phê trứng. What began as a creative workaround in Hanoi in the mid-20th century has grown into a beloved cultural staple and an intriguing way to elevate your morning cup. Wikipedia
What Is Vietnamese Egg Coffee?
Vietnamese egg coffee is a unique beverage that combines hot, strong coffee with a luxurious topping made from whipped egg yolks, sugar, and often sweetened condensed milk. The result is a drink with two distinct layers: a bold, robust base and a sweet, velvety foam that feels almost dessert-like. Shef
Unlike Western coffee drinks that might rely on steamed milk or foamy cappuccino tops, the egg component in cà phê trứng brings a creamy richness that’s both subtle and indulgent. The whipped yolk mixture creates a texture somewhere between custard and meringue, giving every sip a balance of sweetness and aromatic coffee depth.
A Rich History Born From Resourcefulness
The story of egg coffee dates back to the 1940s, during a period of milk scarcity in Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi. At the time, fresh milk was difficult and expensive to obtain due to wartime shortages. A bartender named Nguyen Van Giang, working at the prestigious Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, decided to experiment by whisking egg yolks with sugar and adding this new foam to strong coffee as a creamy milk substitute. VietFoodNet
Giang’s creation was an instant hit with locals and visitors alike. The rich, sweet foam beautifully complemented the bold robusta coffee that Vietnam was—and still is—famous for producing. Eventually, Giang left the hotel and opened Café Giang in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, which still serves the drink and has become a must-visit spot for coffee lovers. MICHELIN Guide
Since then, egg coffee has become more than a clever substitute—it has become part of Vietnam’s cultural identity, especially in Hanoi where it’s celebrated as a local craft. What was once a necessity is now a signature taste recognized around the world. La Mejor Hotel & Sky Bar
How Does It Taste?
If you’ve never tried egg coffee, imagine this: rich, hot coffee with an aroma that’s bold and slightly bitter, paired with a creamy, sweet layer that softens the intensity without overpowering it. Many describe the experience as similar to tiramisu in a cup, where coffee and creamy sweetness mingle in every spoonful. Bon Appétit
The texture is what surprises most people. The whipped yolk isn’t watery or eggy in the raw sense—instead, it’s airy, velvety, and substantial enough to coat your palate. It’s that contrast—bitter coffee and sweet, whipped topping—that makes cà phê trứng so memorable.
Why Add Egg Yolk to Your Coffee? A Morning Coffee With More Substance
Today, some health-focused drinkers are exploring egg coffee not just for its flavor, but for its nutritional and functional aspects:
🥚 Protein and Healthy Fats
Egg yolks are a rich source of protein and healthy fats. A whipped yolk added to coffee adds small but meaningful nutrition, including choline, an essential nutrient involved in brain function and memory. dogpjs.com
☕ Steadier Energy Release
When you drink black coffee, caffeine is absorbed quickly, which can cause rapid energy spikes and crashes. Adding protein and fats—like those in egg yolks—may help slow absorption and promote a more sustained feeling of fullness and energy throughout the morning. dogpjs.com
🍯 Enhanced Satiation
Breakfast studies show that meals containing egg products often support greater satiety than high-carbohydrate options alone. This means you might feel fuller longer, reducing the urge to snack mid-morning. dogpjs.com
However, it’s worth noting that individual responses vary, and egg coffee should be seen as a tasty addition to your routine—not a miracle breakfast substitute.
How to Make Vietnamese-Style Egg Coffee at Home
Here’s a classic way to prepare cà phê trứng, adaptable for beginners and coffee enthusiasts alike:
Ingredients
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8–12 oz (240–350 ml) strong brewed coffee (phin filter or espresso works best)
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1 fresh egg yolk (use pasteurized if concerned about food safety)
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1–2 teaspoons sweetened condensed milk (or honey/sugar to taste)
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Optional: a dash of vanilla extract or cocoa powder
Step-by-Step Guide
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Brew strong coffee: Traditionally, Vietnamese coffee is brewed with a small metal phin filter over dark roast robusta beans, giving a concentrated and bold flavor. Mangoes And Palm Trees
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Separate the egg yolk: Place the yolk in a bowl.
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Add sweetener: Mix in condensed milk, sugar, or your preferred sweetener.
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Whip the mixture: Using a hand whisk, frother, or electric mixer, whip the yolk and sweetener until it becomes light, pale, and thick—similar to whipped cream or soft-peak meringue.
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Combine: Spoon the whipped yolk mixture on top of your hot coffee. Some coffee lovers like to pour a little hot coffee into the egg cream first to warm it gently before adding it to the mug to prevent curdling. dogpjs.com
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Serve: Enjoy it while hot. If you’re making an iced version, pour the brewed coffee over ice first, then top with the whipped egg foam. Tonkin Coffee
Safety Tips: Handling Eggs in Coffee
Because the egg yolk is whipped lightly and warmed rather than fully cooked, food safety is important:
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Use pasteurized eggs when possible to minimize risk of pathogens like Salmonella.
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Ensure your tools and work surface are clean.
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Consume the drink soon after preparation—don’t store it. dogpjs.com
If you are pregnant, elderly, immune-compromised, or have specific health concerns, consult a healthcare professional before consuming raw or lightly cooked eggs.
Fun Variations to Try
Once you’re comfortable with the classic recipe, here are a few ideas to experiment with:
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Iced egg coffee: Perfect for hot climates—cool coffee over ice with a chilled egg cream topper. Tonkin Coffee
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Vanilla or spice: Add a dash of vanilla or cinnamon for extra aroma.
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Chocolate twist: Mix a bit of unsweetened cocoa into the yolk before whipping.
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Lower-calorie versions: Try swapping condensed milk for alternative sweeteners.
A Global Trend With Local Roots
Though egg coffee is most strongly associated with Hanoi, its popularity has spread globally. In countries like the United States, cafés in cities such as Los Angeles and Houston now serve variations of the classic, including iced versions tailored to local tastes. Food & Wine
Beyond its rising fame, cà phê trứng is a testament to creativity in food culture—born from necessity, now celebrated as a bold and delightful coffee experience.