If you’ve seen those irresistible egg coffee photos online and dreamed of having your own beautiful shots beside this creamy, golden delight, then you should visit Tonkin Coffee. This is not just a place to drink coffee — it’s a place to experience it with all your senses. From the silky texture of freshly whisked egg cream to the visual excitement of pouring rich Vietnamese coffee into it yourself, Tonkin offers a version of egg coffee that is both elegant and unforgettable.
Why Is Vietnamese Egg Coffee Unlike Any Other?
Egg coffee, or cà phê trứng, is one of Vietnam’s most unique drinks. It first appeared in Hanoi in the 1940s, when fresh milk was scarce. To replace dairy, a creative bartender whisked egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk until it became fluffy and creamy, then poured it over strong brewed coffee. The result was magical — smooth like custard, rich like tiramisu, yet still bold with the strength of Vietnamese coffee.
Today, egg coffee is loved by locals and travelers alike. People don’t just drink it — they admire it. The creamy top layer, the dark espresso beneath, the contrast of colors, the warmth of the cup — all of these make egg coffee a drink that is just as beautiful as it is delicious.
Some travelers wonder: can you make egg coffee in a drip coffee maker? Technically, yes — you can use any strong brewed coffee as long as it has a rich, bold flavor. However, what makes egg coffee truly special is not just the ingredients, but the way it is prepared, served, and enjoyed. And that brings us to Tonkin Coffee.
More Than Coffee: The Tonkin Way of Enjoyment
At Tonkin Coffee, egg coffee is not served the usual way. Instead of giving you a single cup with coffee and egg cream already mixed, Tonkin offers a two-cup ritual that turns drinking into an experience.
On a wooden tray, you receive:
- One glass filled with smooth, white egg cream topped with a light dusting of cocoa.
- One small glass of freshly brewed, strong coffee.
- A small wooden spoon or stirring stick to mix your drink.
You are invited to pour the coffee into the egg cream yourself.
The moment is slow, delicate, and satisfying — the dark, aromatic coffee flows into the soft egg cloud, creating golden swirls and rich patterns. The cream rises slightly, the coffee warms it gently, and you watch layers blend into one another. This isn’t just a beverage. It’s an experience you feel, see, and remember.
And yes — it’s incredibly photogenic. Many visitors come not only to taste but to take Tonkin Specialty Coffee photos because every detail is designed to be beautiful: the glassware, the lighting, the wooden tray, the texture of the cream, even the little card that explains how to enjoy the drink. It’s a café where your camera will want to stay as long as your taste buds.
The Taste: Classic, Modern, and Absolutely Memorable
After you pour and gently mix, it’s time to taste. Egg coffee at Tonkin has a texture almost like velvety mousse. The first spoonful is creamy, light, and slightly sweet — like vanilla custard. But underneath, the strong coffee cuts through, adding balance, warmth, and depth. This combination makes egg coffee feel like both a dessert and a coffee.
Some people ask whether egg coffee should be egg coffee hot or cold. Traditionally, it is served hot, often in a warm water bath to keep the cream at the right temperature. However, it can also be served cold over ice—especially in warmer climates or summer days. At Tonkin Coffee, you can choose either, but the hot version enhances the natural aroma and texture beautifully.
Unlike many cafés where drinks are pre-mixed, Tonkin lets you control how strong or sweet you want it. Add a little coffee for a lighter flavor or pour it all in for a deeper, richer taste. You can enjoy it slowly, letting each layer unfold on your tongue — smooth cream, bitter espresso, a hint of cocoa, and the gentle sweetness of condensed milk.
A Café Worth Photographing — Indochine Aesthetics and Cultural Touches
Taste is just one part of the experience. The atmosphere of Tonkin Coffee completes it.
From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a warm Indochine-style interior — a beautiful combination of Vietnamese culture and French colonial charm. Wooden furniture, vintage floor tiles, handcrafted ceramics, and soft yellow lighting make the space feel nostalgic yet elegant.
But one of the most distinct decorative elements at Tonkin is the collection of traditional folk masks hanging on the walls. These masks, inspired by Vietnamese cultural festivals and theatre, add character and identity to the space. Every corner of the café tells a story — from the masks to the bamboo details, from the old photographs to the gentle background music.
This is why so many people love taking photos here. Whether it’s a flat-lay shot of your egg coffee tray, a close-up of the creamy texture, or a lifestyle photo of you holding the cup in front of the folk masks, every picture feels like a postcard from Vietnam.
Why Tonkin Coffee Should Be Your Next Stop
You don’t need to be a professional photographer or a coffee expert to enjoy Tonkin. All you need is curiosity and a love for beautiful things.
Here’s what makes Tonkin Coffee worth visiting:
- Authentic taste but with a unique twist — The traditional recipe is preserved, but the serving method adds elegance and interaction.
- Visually stunning presentation — Perfect for coffee lovers and photography lovers alike.
- Cultural ambiance — Indochine design, folk masks, warm colors, and cozy seating create the perfect setting.
- Friendly baristas — They don’t just serve coffee; they guide you through the ritual, making you feel welcome.
- Three locations in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City — Easy to find, especially for travelers staying near the city center.
Whether you’re alone, with friends, or planning a travel blog, Tonkin offers the perfect mix of flavor, culture, and creativity.
Visit Tonkin Coffee Today!
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.