Have you ever wondered, does Vietnamese coffee have egg? For many first-time visitors, the idea sounds unusual, even surprising. Yet in Vietnam, egg coffee has become a beloved symbol of creativity and flavor—something you won’t easily forget once you’ve tried it. This unique drink combines strong, bold coffee with a rich, creamy egg foam that feels almost like dessert in a cup. And if you’re curious to taste it for yourself, places like Tonkin Coffee in Ho Chi Minh City are where tradition meets craftsmanship, serving egg coffee just the way it was meant to be enjoyed.
Where egg coffee began
The beginnings of egg coffee are rooted in both necessity and creativity. During the 1940s in Hanoi, fresh milk was scarce, yet the demand for a creamy cup of coffee remained. To solve this, bartender Nguyen Van Giang turned to egg yolks, whisking them with sugar to create a smooth, custard-like foam. What started as an experiment soon found its perfect partner in strong Vietnamese coffee, giving rise to what we now know as cà phê trứng.
This moment in egg coffee Vietnam history captures more than just a clever recipe—it reflects the resilience and resourcefulness of the Vietnamese people. Over time, the drink evolved from a wartime substitute into a cultural treasure, recognized as both a local comfort and a must-try experience for travelers.
What exactly is egg coffee?
To really appreciate this drink, it helps to understand what goes into it, how it’s prepared, and why it tastes so unforgettable. Many people search for an egg coffee recipe Vietnamese style, but the magic lies in the balance of simple ingredients and careful technique.
Ingredients
At its heart, egg coffee starts with strong Vietnamese coffee, often robusta beans brewed in a traditional phin filter for that bold, slightly bitter profile. To this base, baristas add:
- Egg yolks, prized for their richness and creamy texture.
- Sugar, whipped with the egg to form a light, foamy cream.
- Condensed milk, which may be used at the bottom of the cup or blended into the foam, depending on the recipe.
Preparation
If you’ve ever wondered how to make Vietnamese egg coffee, the process is both simple and artful. The coffee is brewed first, dark and aromatic. Meanwhile, the egg yolk and sugar (with a touch of condensed milk if desired) are whisked until they become frothy, smooth, and almost mousse-like. This golden cream is then gently layered on top of the hot coffee, creating a striking contrast—bitter below, sweet and silky above.
Flavor and Texture
The result is indulgent yet balanced. The foam is velvety, custard-like, and slightly sweet, while the robust coffee underneath cuts through with depth and aroma. Depending on the variation, you might taste hints of vanilla or even a touch of salt for complexity. The overall experience is warm, rich, and decadent—more like sipping a dessert in a cup than drinking a regular coffee.
Do all Vietnamese coffees use egg?
Have you ever heard of a coffee with egg in it? It might sound unusual at first, but in Vietnam, egg coffee has become one of the most unique and beloved drinks. That said, not every Vietnamese coffee includes egg.
The majority of traditional styles—like cà phê đen (black coffee brewed with just hot water), cà phê sữa đá (the classic iced coffee with condensed milk), or bạc xỉu (a lighter, milkier version)—do not use egg at all. These are the daily favorites you’ll find on nearly every street corner.
Egg coffee, or cà phê trứng, is a special variation. It’s made by whipping egg yolks with sugar until they form a sweet, creamy foam, then gently layering it over strong Vietnamese coffee. The result is more like a dessert-coffee hybrid than your usual morning brew.
So, to answer the question directly: yes, Vietnamese coffee can have egg, but only if you specifically order egg coffee. In recent years, this drink has spread from its birthplace in Hanoi to many cafés across Ho Chi Minh City and beyond, each adding their own small twist while keeping its rich, velvety essence.
Tonkin Coffee: Your go-to spot for egg coffee in Ho Chi Minh City
If you’re searching for the best egg coffee in Ho Chi Minh City, Tonkin Coffee is a hidden gem—and a rising star—within the Saigon café scene. Here’s why it stands out:
Who We Are
Tonkin Coffee has several distinctive locations in District 1, including its flagship store, Tonkin Specialty Coffee on Ly Tu Trong, the leafy Tonkin Garden, and Tonkin Egg Coffee on Le Thi Rieng. Each space has its own unique charm, yet all share a commitment to authentic flavors and, in particular, the art of egg coffee.
The ambiance draws inspiration from Vietnamese folk culture. With traditional masks, Indochine-style touches, and warm interiors, Tonkin offers a blend of tradition and creativity that makes every visit memorable.
What Makes Our Egg Coffee Legendary
- Creamy, velvety foam: Our signature Cà Phê Kem Trứng is whipped to perfection—thick, airy, and delicately sweet.
- Bold, aromatic coffee base: We use robusta beans sourced from the fertile Central Highlands, roasted carefully to deliver a strong yet balanced flavor.
- Consistent quality: From the very first sip, you’ll notice the care Tonkin puts into every detail. Guests often share positive Tonkin Specialty Coffee reviews, praising both the drinks and the overall experience.
Other Reasons to Visit Tonkin
- Multiple locations: Whether you prefer an urban energy, a leafy retreat, or a more intimate space, Tonkin has a spot that fits your mood.
- Diverse menu: The Tonkin Specialty Coffee menu goes beyond egg coffee, offering classic Vietnamese brews, vegan-friendly drinks, bánh mì, and freshly baked pastries.
- Heritage and sourcing: Our beans are carefully selected from the Central Highlands, where the rich soil and cool climate create some of Vietnam’s finest coffee.
- Warm hospitality: With friendly service, inviting décor, and a cozy atmosphere, every visit feels personal—transforming a simple cup of coffee into a lasting memory.
So, does Vietnamese coffee have egg?
The simple answer: not always. Most Vietnamese coffees are served without egg, but egg coffee is a unique variation that has captured hearts with its richness and charm. Born out of both creativity and necessity, it blends bold coffee with a silky, dessert-like foam that feels indulgent and unforgettable.
To truly appreciate it, there’s no better place than Tonkin Coffee in Ho Chi Minh City. Here, every cup is carefully crafted—strong, aromatic coffee paired with smooth, velvety egg cream, presented with artistry in a warm and culturally inspired space. It’s more than just coffee; it’s an experience.
Contact us:
Tonkin Coffee
Tonkin Specialty Coffee
- Add: 91 Ly Tu Trong St, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- Hotline: 086 799 0125
Tonkin Garden Cafe
- Add: 135/50 Tran Hung Dao St, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- Hotline: 087 992 4691
Tonkin Egg Coffee
- Add: 1 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- Hotline: 0815 841 909
Nestled in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Tonkin Specialty Coffee is one of the best coffee shops to experience authentic Vietnamese flavors. From the iconic egg coffee and refreshing coconut coffee to bold Vietnamese coffee and the unique salt coffee, every sip is a journey into tradition. For non-coffee lovers, our Vietnamese matcha offers a gentle alternative. Pair your drink with a freshly baked banh mi or a buttery croissant, and savor the true taste of Vietnam in a setting inspired by folk culture and Indochine charm.