Curious about how to make Vietnamese egg coffee? This creamy, dessert-like drink is a true Vietnamese specialty. In this guide, you’ll learn the authentic recipe step by step — and if you want to experience the perfect cup, Tonkin Coffee in Ho Chi Minh City is the place to try.
The Origins of Vietnamese Egg Coffee
Coffee is one of the world’s most familiar and widely enjoyed drinks. Every day, millions of people start their mornings with a cup, making it a constant companion at breakfast tables, offices, and cafés across the globe. Vietnam shares that same passion. As the world’s second-largest coffee producer, the country has built a strong and distinctive coffee culture that both locals and visitors embrace.
Within this culture, one of Vietnam’s most remarkable creations was born: egg coffee, or cà phê trứng. In 1946, when fresh milk was scarce due to wartime shortages, a Hanoi bartender named Nguyen Van Giang came up with a clever alternative. By whisking together egg yolk, sugar, and condensed milk, he created a rich, creamy foam that paired beautifully with the strength of Vietnamese coffee.
What started as a solution to a shortage soon became a signature specialty. Today, egg coffee is not just a replacement for milk — it is a unique experience that blends bold flavors with velvety sweetness, and it remains one of the must-try drinks for anyone visiting Vietnam.
Ingredients: What You Need to Make Vietnamese Egg Coffee
To make authentic egg coffee, you don’t need fancy equipment or rare ingredients — just quality basics and a little care. Here’s what you’ll need:
Core Ingredients
- Vietnamese Robusta coffee (2–3 tablespoons, ground medium-fine)
- Hot water (90–95°C, not boiling)
- Egg yolks (2 fresh yolks, pasteurized if preferred)
- Sweetened condensed milk (2 tablespoons)
- Sugar (1 teaspoon, optional)
- Vanilla extract (a few drops, optional)
Equipment
- Vietnamese phin filter (small drip brewer)
- Heatproof glass or ceramic cup
- Mixing bowl
- Electric whisk or hand whisk
- Spoon and measuring tools
Step-by-Step: How to Make Vietnamese Egg Coffee
Step 1: Brew the Coffee
- Place 2–3 tablespoons of ground Vietnamese Robusta into your phin filter.
- Add about 20 ml of hot water first to “bloom” the coffee, then wait 20–30 seconds.
- Fill the filter with another 70–80 ml of hot water.
- Cover and let it drip slowly for 3–5 minutes. The slower the drip, the richer the flavor.
Tip: Robusta beans work best here. Their bold, slightly bitter notes balance the sweetness of the cream beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Cream
- Separate two egg yolks into a mixing bowl.
- Add 2 tablespoons of condensed milk and 1 teaspoon of sugar.
- (Optional) Add 2–3 drops of vanilla extract for extra aroma.
- Whisk for 2–5 minutes until the mixture is pale, thick, and frothy. It should look like soft whipped cream.
Tip: Eggs whip more easily at room temperature. If you’re cautious about raw eggs, use pasteurized yolks or whisk over a gentle hot water bath (bain-marie).
Step 3: Combine and Serve
- Pour the freshly brewed hot coffee into a small glass or cup.
- Spoon the whipped egg mixture gently on top to create a creamy layer.
- (Optional) Dust with cocoa powder or cinnamon for garnish.
- Serve right away with a small spoon.
How to drink: Sip through the foam so that the sweet cream mixes naturally with the strong, bitter coffee beneath.
Expert Tips for Perfect Egg Coffee
- Keep the balance right: The ideal ratio is two parts coffee to one part foam.
- Watch the temperature: Coffee should be hot, not boiling, or it may scald the foam.
- Choose your whisking method: Electric whisks are quick, but hand-whisking lets you fine-tune the texture.
- Experiment with flavors: Cocoa powder, honey, or even a splash of rum can add a modern twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Arabica instead of Robusta: Arabica is too mild for this recipe — stick to Robusta for authenticity.
- Whipping egg whites: Whites don’t create stable foam; yolks are essential.
- Over-whisking: This makes the foam grainy. Stop once it’s creamy and pale.
- Waiting too long: The foam collapses quickly, so serve immediately.
Where to Try Authentic Egg Coffee in Ho Chi Minh City
Even when you’ve mastered how to make Vietnamese egg coffee at home, enjoying it in Vietnam has its own magic. The atmosphere, the presentation, and the precision of experienced baristas elevate the drink from a recipe to an experience.
If you’re wondering where to drink egg coffee in Ho Chi Minh City, Tonkin Coffee is one of the top choices. Every cup is crafted with beans from Vietnam’s Central Highlands, fresh eggs, and rich condensed milk — simple ingredients treated with care to bring out their best.
The setting adds just as much to the enjoyment as the coffee itself. Tonkin’s Indochine-inspired interiors combine elegance with comfort, creating a warm, welcoming space where you can slow down and savor each sip. Friendly service makes the experience even more inviting, whether you’re stopping in for a quick cup or lingering with friends.
Three Convenient Locations in District 1
- Tonkin Specialty Coffee
91 Ly Tu Trong St, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Hotline: 086 799 0125
- Tonkin Garden Café
135/50 Tran Hung Dao St, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Hotline: 087 992 4691
- Tonkin Egg Coffee (dedicated to egg coffee)
1 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Hotline: 0815 841 909
Each branch delivers the same quality and care but with its own unique atmosphere — from a central city hub, to a leafy garden retreat, to a space devoted entirely to egg coffee. Together, they highlight Tonkin Coffee’s dedication to honoring tradition while offering guests a truly memorable taste of Vietnam in the heart of Saigon. For anyone searching for the best egg coffee in Ho Chi Minh City, Tonkin Coffee is a destination that should not be missed.
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.