Eating egg coffee isn’t just sipping a drink — it’s enjoying a tiny moment of indulgence. Rich cream meets bold coffee in the most playful way. At Tonkin Coffee in Ho Chi Minh City, you’re given two cups: one silky, one strong. Blend them together at your own pace… each swirl reveals exactly how to eat egg coffee like locals do — slowly, warmly, and with a big smile.
Egg Coffee: Drink or Dessert?
Vietnam already has legendary coffee culture — strong, bold, and unforgettable. But egg coffee? Now that’s a surprise for many first-time visitors.
The first impression – what does egg coffee taste like?
- Looks like a dessert
- Smells like a rich coffee bar
- Tastes like a creamy dream
It’s smooth, slightly sweet, and layered with contrasting textures — fluffy top, deep coffee below. A little like tiramisu or crème brûlée… but uniquely Vietnamese.
Why People Fall in Love with It
- The creamy top melts right on your tongue
- The coffee underneath keeps every sip exciting
- It feels indulgent but still familiar
- You get to “play” with your drink — mixing and balancing the flavor
Some people call it coffee. Others call it dessert.
We call it joy in a cup..
Egg Coffee: Where Ingenuity Meets Flavor
For anyone curious why Vietnamese have egg coffee, the answer is simple: creativity in every little detail. Even in times of shortage, Vietnamese people always find a way to make something special — something beautiful.
Back in Hanoi during the 1940s, milk was scarce. Instead of giving up, a smart and determined bartender whisked egg yolks with sweetness to replace milk foam. And that clever idea turned into a comforting drink that surprised everyone with its smooth, rich taste.
What started as a solution became a signature:
Egg coffee — a symbol of Vietnamese warmth and ingenuityBorn from challenge.
Perfected through passion.
Loved by both locals and travelers ever since.
Even today, the story of where egg coffee originated always brings us back to Hanoi — to that moment of creativity and resilience that transformed a simple idea into a beloved Vietnamese icon.
How to Drink Egg Coffee: The Tonkin Coffee Experience
So, let’s get to what everyone really wants to know: how to eat egg coffee the way Vietnamese people enjoy it.
At Tonkin Coffee, the serving style makes the moment feel personal and fun.
Two Cups, One Perfect Match
You’ll be served:
- A cup of soft, smoothly whipped egg cream — light and silky
- A cup of robusta Vietnamese coffee — bold, fragrant, and full of character
This way, each part stays fresh until the very last sip.
How to Enjoy It
It’s super simple:
- Pour the coffee gently into the egg cream
- Stir lightly until you see a golden, creamy blend
- Take a slow sip and feel the flavors melt together
No pressure. No strict method.
Just a tasty moment you get to make your own.
Bonus Tip: Add a Croissant
Tonkin Coffee recommends enjoying egg coffee with a croissant.
The buttery layers pair beautifully with the sweet, creamy foam — giving you a café moment that feels both premium and cozy.
It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference in how the drink feels.
Tonkin also has more delicious choices on the menu to explore, so there’s always something new to try next time.
What Makes Tonkin Coffee’s Egg Coffee Special?
Tonkin Coffee doesn’t try to change tradition — it simply refreshes it with a new energy that still respects the original soul of Vietnamese coffee.
Here’s what makes the egg coffee experience unforgettable:
- Fresh but Authentic
Tonkin keeps the rich character of robusta coffee while offering a modern, youthful café vibe that feels welcoming from the moment you walk in.
- Perfectly Balanced Recipe
Not too sweet. Not too heavy.
Just the right harmony between silky egg cream and deep, bold coffee.
- Quality in Every Cup
Prepared with care — you can taste the thoughtfulness in every sip.
- A Space That Feels Like Vietnam
Tonkin Coffee embraces the Indochine aesthetic — a blend of nostalgia and contemporary charm.
Walls adorned with folk art and unique masks make it a place where culture and creativity come alive.
- Convenient Locations in the Heart of District 1
Ideal for travelers wanting to explore Ben Thanh Market or the vibrant center of Ho Chi Minh City:
- Tonkin Specialty Coffee
91 Ly Tu Trong St, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, HCMC - Tonkin Garden Cafe
135/50 Tran Hung Dao St, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, HCMC - Tonkin Egg Coffee
1 Le Thi Rieng St, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, HCMC
Whether you’re grabbing a quick cup or relaxing after a city walk, Tonkin Coffee offers the perfect stop — friendly baristas, cozy seating, and a vibe that makes every visit feel like a small escape.
If egg coffee becomes your new favorite (it often does!), Tonkin has plenty of other drinks and pastries waiting to be discovered on your next visit.
Tips to Enjoy Your First Egg Coffee Like a Pro
Here are a few friendly suggestions for a perfect first try:
- Sip slowly — notice the layers
- Try mixing different ratios of cream and coffee
- Have a bite of croissant between sips
- Chat with friends or just enjoy the quiet moment
- Take photos… egg coffee is too cute not to share!
Egg coffee isn’t just a beverage — it’s an experience.
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.