In the middle of Ho Chi Minh City’s busy streets, Tonkin Coffee feels calm — like a small pause in the day. The space takes its inspiration from old Hanoi cafés, quiet and familiar, where conversations are soft and coffee is never rushed.
Egg coffee is the drink most people come back for. It’s smooth, slightly sweet, and full of warmth — rich coffee at the base, a creamy layer on top, and a taste that lingers in a gentle way. Nothing dramatic, just a simple cup made with care, and that’s exactly what makes it memorable.
A Brand Built on Heritage, Art, and Slow Coffee Culture
Tonkin Coffee is more than a café. It is a celebration of Vietnam’s cultural roots. The brand draws inspiration from the aesthetic of old Hanoi cafés, Indochine architecture, vintage décor, and traditional folk art. Inside each location, warm lighting and thoughtfully curated interiors bring a nostalgic charm to life.
Walk inside any Tonkin café, and you’ll feel the contrast between the bustling city outside and the calm atmosphere within — a peaceful refuge. The staff moves gently, coffee is prepared deliberately, and nothing feels rushed. The brand is committed to delivering not only great drinks but also an immersive cultural experience.
Three Tonkin Coffee Locations in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tonkin Coffee has three locations in District 1, each offering a different atmosphere but all staying true to the brand’s identity — calm, cultural, and proudly Vietnamese.
- Tonkin Specialty Coffee – 91 Ly Tu Trong Street
This is the main and most iconic location. It reflects a refined Indochine aesthetic with influences from the charm of old Hanoi. Traditional folk masks, vintage paintings, and soft ambient lighting create a nostalgic yet welcoming space. It’s a favorite spot for those who want to enjoy coffee in a place that feels artistic, soulful, and thoughtfully designed. - Tonkin Garden Café – 135/50 Tran Hung Dao Street
Situated inside a quiet alley, this branch opens into a peaceful garden-like setting. Green plants, open spaces, and a relaxed layout make it feel calm and refreshing even though it’s in the heart of the city. It’s the kind of place where people come to take a break, talk slowly, or simply sit and enjoy the atmosphere. - Tonkin Egg Coffee – 1 Le Thi Rieng Street
Warm, intimate, and full of character, this location features tones of red and yellow, traditional Vietnamese artwork, and a cozy, close-knit setting. The décor feels familiar and comforting, making it a perfect spot for quiet conversations, journaling, or simply enjoying a slow cup of coffee.
The Egg Coffee Experience at Tonkin
At Tonkin, egg coffee isn’t introduced as a finished drink — it begins with the coffee itself. The baristas want guests to first see, smell, and taste the pure espresso: extracted from quality robusta beans that reach near Fine Robusta standards. When pulled correctly, the espresso looks velvety, smells nutty and caramel-like, and tastes smooth with a gentle bitterness — elegant on its own, even before it meets the egg cream. It’s almost like ordering one drink but getting to enjoy it twice.
Tonkin also understands that bitterness is a natural part of coffee — it can be softened, rounded, but never completely removed. And because each person experiences bitterness differently, the café lets you decide how far you want to go on this flavor journey. You can pour all of the espresso into the egg cream for a bold, full-bodied cup, or add just half for something lighter and easier on the palate. Either way, the control is in your hands.
The egg cream itself is airy and light — gently sweet, silky, and almost custard-like. When it meets the espresso, it creates a harmony of warm coffee, soft sweetness, and rounded bitterness. Nothing overcomplicated — just a quietly satisfying balance.
Some guests wonder, “can you make egg coffee in a drip coffee maker?” Technically, yes. But at Tonkin, the coffee isn’t brewed with a phin or a basic drip machine. It’s extracted using a professional espresso machine, allowing better control over pressure, temperature, and richness — giving the drink its depth without harshness.
People often search for egg coffee photos to capture that golden layer, the swirl of dark espresso sinking into white cream, and the calm mood that comes with it. But truly, the best way to understand it is to sit down, take a breath, and drink it slowly — the way Tonkin intends.
More Than Egg Coffee — Other Signature Drinks You Should Try
While egg coffee remains Tonkin’s most beloved creation, the menu also reflects the wider spirit of modern Vietnamese café culture, with drinks that are both familiar and thoughtfully refined:
Vietnamese Drip Coffee
Strong, slow-brewed, and served đen or with condensed milk — a quiet nod to everyday Vietnamese life.
Salt Coffee
An inventive twist from Hue — espresso with a layer of salted cream. Slightly savory, deeply smooth, and unexpectedly comforting.
Coconut Coffee
Iced Vietnamese coffee blended with rich coconut milk — refreshing, creamy, and perfect for warm days.
Vietnamese Matcha with Coconut Milk
Earthy matcha meets coconut milk to create a smooth and lightly sweet drink.
Plant-Based Options — Inclusive, Without Compromise
For guests who prefer plant-based choices or follow a vegan lifestyle, Tonkin offers thoughtful alternatives. Drinks can be made using oat milk instead of dairy to maintain the creamy texture and balance of flavors.
Even with egg-based beverages, many visitors often search for terms like “vegan egg coffee” — and while Tonkin’s original recipe uses egg yolk, the café provides plant-based versions inspired by this idea. Instead of traditional ingredients, the foam is recreated with non-dairy elements, allowing guests to enjoy a similar warmth, richness, and comfort — without using eggs or dairy.
So if you find yourself wandering through the streets of Ho Chi Minh City, take a detour into one of Tonkin’s cafés in District 1. Sit down, breathe in the aroma of strong Vietnamese coffee, and pour it gently into that glass of egg cream. In that small moment, you’ll discover why egg coffee isn’t just a drink — it’s a memory.
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.