Egg coffee is one of those drinks that sounds unusual at first, yet feels surprisingly familiar once you try it. Many people quietly ask themselves, is egg coffee made with raw egg, especially when they see the creamy layer on top. The answer lies in how the drink is prepared rather than just the ingredients. At Tonkin Coffee, egg coffee is crafted with fresh eggs and hot coffee, creating a smooth, custard-like cream that blends naturally with the brew, making the experience gentle, balanced, and easy to enjoy from the very first sip.
Is egg coffee made with raw egg?
Yes, traditional Vietnamese egg coffee is made using fresh egg yolks. The yolks are whipped together with sugar and condensed milk until they become light, airy, and creamy, forming a smooth foam that sits on top of strong hot coffee. This method has been used for generations and is at the heart of what makes egg coffee special.

What actually goes into egg coffee
To understand the drink clearly, it helps to know its basic components. A classic cup of egg coffee includes:
- Fresh egg yolk
- Sugar
- Condensed milk
- Strong Vietnamese coffee
Only the yolk is used, not the egg white. This is important because yolks provide richness and smoothness without the sulfur smell often associated with whole eggs.
Why raw egg yolk is used
Egg coffee was originally created in Hanoi during a time when fresh milk was scarce. Whipped egg yolk offered a creamy alternative that could stand in for milk or cream. When beaten properly, the yolk transforms into a soft, custard-like foam that feels more like dessert than a breakfast ingredient.
Once hot coffee is poured underneath, the warmth gently affects the egg mixture, making it thicker and more stable while keeping it smooth. This balance between heat and foam is a key part of traditional preparation.
What egg coffee really tastes like
People often hesitate to try egg coffee because they imagine it tasting strongly of egg. In reality, the flavor is very different from what most expect.
Does egg coffee taste like egg?
A common concern is whether egg coffee taste like egg. When prepared correctly, it does not have the flavor of scrambled eggs or raw egg at all. The whipping process removes any sharp egg notes, leaving behind a mild, creamy sweetness.

The taste is closer to a light custard or melted tiramisu cream, layered over bold coffee. The egg foam softens the bitterness of the coffee while allowing its aroma to come through.
Why many people enjoy it
For those trying it for the first time, the balance is often the biggest surprise. The bitterness of Vietnamese coffee meets the gentle sweetness of the egg foam, creating a smooth and comforting drink. This is why many visitors quickly realize that egg coffee taste good, even if they were unsure before ordering it.
At Tonkin Coffee, the egg coffee is known for its silky, glossy foam and the fragrant aroma of specialty coffee beneath. The cream is whipped until it holds its shape yet remains soft, allowing it to blend naturally with the coffee as you drink.
Is egg coffee safe to drink and how to enjoy it properly
Safety is often the most important question for people who are new to egg coffee. Understanding how it is prepared and served helps clear up most concerns.
Is egg coffee safe when made properly?
Many people ask whether is egg coffee safe to drink, especially because it involves egg yolk. When made with fresh ingredients, proper hygiene, and correct temperature control, egg coffee is generally safe to enjoy.
The hot coffee plays an important role. While the egg foam is whipped separately, the heat from the coffee helps stabilize the foam and slightly warms it when served. The drink is meant to be enjoyed immediately, which reduces any risk linked to time or storage.
At reputable cafés like Tonkin Coffee, attention is paid to ingredient quality and preparation standards. Eggs are carefully selected, the foam is made fresh for each cup, and the coffee is brewed hot and strong to complement the cream.
How egg coffee is served at Tonkin Coffee
At Tonkin Coffee, egg coffee is prepared with care and served in a calm, unhurried way that lets you enjoy each part of the drink at your own pace. The egg cream is thick and smooth, with a soft, velvety texture and a gentle aroma that already hints at the specialty coffee underneath.
The drink is presented on a simple wooden tray. On one side is a glass filled with the creamy egg topping, and beside it is a small serving of hot coffee. Everything is kept separate, clean, and well-balanced, so nothing feels overwhelming or rushed. This thoughtful setup allows you to experience the egg cream and the coffee both individually and together, depending on how you prefer to drink it.
Two simple ways to enjoy egg coffee at Tonkin Coffee
There’s no complicated method, just two easy steps that help you appreciate the drink fully.
Step 1: Enjoy the egg cream on its own
Start by taking a small spoonful of the egg foam. You’ll notice how soft and silky it feels, with a light sweetness and a creamy finish that’s closer to custard than anything egg-like. This step helps you understand the texture and flavor before mixing it with the coffee.
Step 2: Mix and sip slowly
Next, combine the egg cream with the hot coffee below. As you stir or pour, the foam blends naturally into the coffee, creating a smooth, balanced drink. Take slow sips and let the flavors unfold gradually, from the rich coffee base to the creamy finish at the top.
This simple approach makes egg coffee easy to enjoy, especially for first-time drinkers, and helps explain why this unique Vietnamese drink continues to win people over at Tonkin Coffee.
A comfortable way to enjoy egg coffee at Tonkin Coffee
Egg coffee often begins with curiosity and quickly turns into a pleasant surprise. When it’s made properly, the drink feels smooth, gentle, and easy to enjoy, even for those who don’t usually choose creamy or sweet coffee drinks.

At Tonkin Coffee, attention is placed on balance and comfort. The egg cream is whipped until light and silky, never thick or overwhelming. Beneath it, the coffee is aromatic and well-rounded, providing a warm base that supports the cream rather than overpowering it. The way the drink is served encourages you to take your time and enjoy each sip naturally.
For anyone unsure about trying egg coffee for the first time, Tonkin Coffee offers a relaxed environment where the drink feels familiar and welcoming. It’s not presented as something unusual or complicated, but simply as a well-prepared cup of Vietnamese coffee meant to be enjoyed at an easy pace.
In the end, egg coffee is less about the ingredients on their own and more about how they come together. With careful preparation and thoughtful serving, it becomes a smooth, comforting drink that feels quietly satisfying, especially when enjoyed at a place that truly understands egg coffee, like Tonkin Coffee.
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.
