How to Make Vietnamese Egg Coffee Like a Pro

Discover how to make Vietnamese egg coffee like a pro with authentic recipes, tips, and brewing techniques. Learn the origins, ingredients, tools, and secrets to crafting this creamy, iconic Vietnamese drink at home. A must-try for every coffee lover!

What Is Vietnamese Egg Coffee?

Vietnamese egg coffee is a traditional drink made by combining strong robusta coffee with a sweet, frothy egg yolk cream. The result? A rich, velvety, almost custard-like layer floating atop a dark, bold espresso base. It’s not just coffee — it’s an experience of contrast: hot meets cold, bitter meets sweet, and light froth meets dense brew.

“The first sip is like dessert. The last sip is like nostalgia.” – Nguyen Van Giang, the original creator of cà phê trứng.

This beverage might sound unusual to some, but it holds a sacred place in Vietnamese coffee culture, especially in Hanoi, where it originated over 75 years ago.

The Origin of Cà Phê Trứng: A Vietnamese Classic

Egg coffee was invented in the 1940s in Hanoi by Mr. Nguyen Van Giang, a bartender at the historic Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel. Due to milk shortages during the French colonial era, Giang experimented by whisking egg yolks with sugar and coffee — and the result became a beloved staple.

Today, the drink is a signature offering at Giang Café, the small, humble establishment founded by the inventor himself. Every cup served there is a sip of Vietnamese history and hospitality.

Timeline Snapshot: Evolution of Egg Coffee

Egg coffee is more than a drink — it’s a symbol of Vietnamese resilience, innovation, and warmth.

What Makes Egg Coffee So Unique?

Vietnamese egg coffee stands out for several reasons:

• Texture: The whipped egg layer has the consistency of melted marshmallow or tiramisu topping.

• Flavor: It’s a balance of intense coffee, creamy sweetness, and aromatic depth.

• Presentation: Served in a small glass cup placed in warm water to maintain temperature.

• Cultural Experience: Often enjoyed slowly, in quiet cafés, while overlooking Hanoi’s bustling streets.

In a world of almond milk lattes and nitro cold brews, egg coffee remains refreshingly different.

Authentic Vietnamese Egg Coffee Recipe (Step-by-Step)

Ready to try it yourself? Follow this professional yet approachable guide to making the perfect cup of Vietnamese egg coffee at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All ingredients are easy to find and inexpensive:

• 1 egg yolk (free-range preferred)

• 2 teaspoons of condensed milk (for sweetness and thickness)

• 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar

• 1 shot of Vietnamese strong coffee (preferably robusta, brewed with a phin filter)

• Optional: Vanilla extract or a few drops of rum for aroma

Pro Tip: For the most authentic flavor, use Trung Nguyen or Highlands Coffee beans — two iconic Vietnamese brands.

Essential Tools and Equipment

You don’t need fancy gear — just some simple tools to recreate the Hanoi magic:

• Phin coffee filter or strong espresso machine

• Electric hand whisk or manual egg beater

• Heatproof glass cup

• Small bowl with hot water (to keep the drink warm)

“A good egg coffee doesn’t require a commercial kitchen — just care, consistency, and culture.” – Barista Huong Tran, Hanoi Coffee School

Step-by-Step Brewing Instructions

1. Brew the Coffee
   Using a phin filter, place 2 tablespoons of ground robusta into the chamber, add a bit of hot water, wait 30 seconds to let it bloom, then fill to the top. Let it drip slowly for 4–5 minutes.

2. Prepare the Egg Cream
   Separate the yolk from a fresh egg. Beat the yolk with 1 tsp sugar and 2 tsp condensed milk using a hand whisk until light, fluffy, and pale yellow (about 3–5 minutes).

3. Combine and Layer
   Pour the brewed coffee into your glass. Gently spoon the whipped egg cream on top. Don’t stir — the contrast is key.

4. Serve with Warm Water Bath
   Place the glass into a bowl of hot water to maintain temperature without cooking the egg layer.

How to Froth the Egg Perfectly

The secret to pro-level egg coffee? Perfect froth. Use the CANABIS principle to achieve it:

• Curiosity: Why does egg froth matter?

• Authority: Baristas in Hanoi beat by hand for 5 minutes.

• Novelty: Use a milk frother if you’re short on time.

• Action: Whip until it forms soft peaks.

• Benefit: The foam creates a mousse-like layer, balancing bitterness.

• Illustration: “Like whipped cream, but warmer, silkier, and fragrant.”

• Social proof: Thousands of YouTube tutorials now teach this single skill.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Using old eggs (freshness = better foam)

• Over-whipping (can break the structure)

• Adding the egg cream too early (wait until coffee is ready)

Tips to Make It Like a Hanoi Barista

Once you’ve mastered the basic steps of how to make Vietnamese egg coffee like a pro, it’s time to refine your technique. Baristas in Hanoi don’t just follow a recipe — they craft an experience. The difference lies in the details, and the following pro tips can elevate your cup from homemade to world-class.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced home brewers can stumble. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Using instant coffee: It lacks the bold, bitter punch of Vietnamese robusta.

• Overheating the egg mixture: The cream should stay silky, not scrambled.

• Skipping the hot water bath: This ensures the drink stays warm without altering the layers.

• Poor whisking technique: Without enough air, your egg foam will sink rather than float.

“Coffee is like jazz — it’s not about the notes you play, but how you play them.” – Barista Nguyen Linh, Café Dinh, Hanoi

Secret Flavor Enhancers You Can Try

Want to go beyond the classic? Many modern cafés — including those at Lyoncafe — are experimenting with subtle additions that enhance flavor without compromising authenticity.

Try adding:

• A drop of vanilla extract for sweetness

• A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for aroma

• A splash of dark rum or Baileys for warmth

• A sprinkle of sea salt to heighten complexity

“The perfect egg coffee whispers luxury without screaming for attention.” – Lyoncafe barista handbook, 2024 edition

Variations and Modern Twists on Egg Coffee

As the drink goes global, coffee innovators are crafting exciting variations of egg coffee that cater to changing palates, climates, and cultural mashups.

Cold Egg Coffee

Perfect for summer, this version uses chilled espresso and whipped egg cream served over ice. The cream sits like a mousse on top, maintaining the signature contrast. Some cafés garnish it with cocoa powder or a mint leaf for visual appeal.

Egg Coffee with Cocoa, Rum, or Vanilla

From cozy European cafés to fusion bistros in Bangkok and Seoul, new variations include:

• Mocha Egg Coffee: Add a spoon of cocoa powder to the yolk mixture.

• Irish Egg Coffee: Blend in Irish cream or whiskey.

• Vanilla Bean Egg Coffee: Infuse the cream with real vanilla seeds.

Recipe Comparison Table

Where to Try the Best Egg Coffee in Vietnam

If you’re lucky enough to visit Vietnam, don’t miss the chance to taste authentic egg coffee from its source. From alley cafés to riverside hideouts, Hanoi is full of gems.

Famous Egg Coffee Shops in Hanoi

Here are the must-visits:

1. Café Giang – The birthplace of cà phê trứng, still run by the inventor’s family.

2. Café Dinh – Overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, popular with artists and locals.

3. Note Coffee – Famous for walls filled with sticky notes from travelers.

4. Loading T Café – Cozy, French-style interior with rich foam perfection.

“You don’t just drink egg coffee in Hanoi — you sip history with every layer.”

Street vs Boutique Café Experiences

Street cafés offer rugged charm: tiny stools, close community, smoky brews.
Boutique cafés like The Note or Tranquil Books & Coffee deliver aesthetic vibes and curated menus.

Both experiences offer something special — intimacy vs atmosphere, tradition vs trend.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Facts

Yes, it’s rich. Yes, it’s indulgent. But is Vietnamese egg coffee healthy?

Is Egg Coffee Healthy?

In moderation, absolutely. The eggs offer high-quality protein, choline (for brain health), and vitamin D. The robusta coffee is naturally high in antioxidants and chlorogenic acid, which support metabolism.

“It’s like drinking a soft-boiled egg latte that just happens to kickstart your day.” – The New York Times, 2023 food feature

Calories and Nutrition Breakdown (per cup)

Tip: Use low-sugar condensed milk or natural sweeteners if you’re watching your intake.

See more: Top 10 Coffee Trends in 2025 You Need to Try

Cultural Significance of Egg Coffee in Vietnam

Egg coffee isn’t just a recipe. It’s a living tradition, a daily ritual, and a symbol of creativity during hardship. It reflects the Vietnamese spirit: adaptable, inventive, warm-hearted.

How Locals Enjoy Egg Coffee

Locals often enjoy it:

• In the early morning, before the markets open

• Mid-afternoon, during casual chats with friends

• At night, served with conversation and poetry in old cafés

Many Vietnamese cafés even serve it with a spoon, encouraging you to eat the cream before sipping the coffee — like a two-course experience in one cup.

Egg Coffee in Vietnamese Celebrations

Egg coffee has found its way into:

• Lunar New Year menus

• Wedding receptions

• Art exhibitions and poetry readings

It represents more than taste — it signifies comfort, warmth, and a celebration of Vietnamese identity.

“In Vietnam, coffee isn’t consumed. It’s cherished.”

Conclusion: Bring a Taste of Vietnam Home

Learning how to make Vietnamese egg coffee like a pro is more than a kitchen project — it’s a gateway to Vietnamese culture, a taste of tradition, and a craft worth mastering. With just a few humble ingredients — coffee, egg, condensed milk — you unlock a drink that has delighted generations and crossed continents.

Kara Chavez

I’m Kara Chavez, and I love coffee. I like to create some of the best coffees around – espressos, lattes, macchiatos . I strive for perfection in my coffee-making skills, and I take great pride in providing a delicious cup of joe to my customers.

I’ve been working in the coffee industry for years now, and I know everything there is to know about making a perfect cup of coffee. My passion for coffee shines through in every cup that I make, and I hope that you’ll stop by soon so that I can share my love of coffee with you!