When you first hear the phrase egg coffee, you might raise an eyebrow. Eggs… in coffee? But one sip is all it takes to fall in love with this velvety, comforting drink that feels more like a dessert than a beverage. It’s rich yet balanced, luxurious yet simple — a symbol of Vietnamese creativity in a cup.
This article will walk you through the authentic Vietnamese egg coffee recipe, explore why it holds such a special place in Vietnamese culture, and finally, where you can experience a beautifully modern version at Tonkin Coffee, right in the heart of Saigon.
A Brief History: Why Do Vietnamese Have Egg Coffee?
Before we dive into the ingredients and steps, it’s worth asking — why do Vietnamese have egg coffee in the first place?
The story dates back to Hanoi in the 1940s, during a time when milk was scarce. Nguyen Van Giang, a bartender at the Metropole Hotel, found an ingenious solution. Instead of milk, he whisked egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk to create a creamy, sweet foam that floated over dark, strong coffee. The result was a drink so rich and aromatic that it quickly became a national treasure.
Over the years, this creation — cà phê trứng — evolved from a practical substitute into an art form. It became a reflection of Vietnam’s spirit: resourceful, warm, and deeply tied to sensory experience.
Today, the drink represents far more than a caffeine boost. It’s about slowing down, enjoying textures, aromas, and contrasts — much like savoring a memory.
The True Egg Coffee Recipe Vietnamese Style
Let’s get to what makes this drink truly special: the ingredients and the process. While there are modern variations, the egg coffee recipe Vietnamese baristas follow is all about harmony — the marriage between strong, bitter coffee and smooth, sweet foam.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Vietnamese coffee (preferably robusta beans for bold flavor)
- Egg yolks (fresh, preferably organic)
- Sweetened condensed milk
- A touch of white sugar (optional)
- Hot water
- Optional: a dash of vanilla or cocoa powder for aroma
These are humble ingredients, yet when combined with care, they create one of the most indulgent drinks you’ll ever taste.
Brewing the Coffee Base
Traditionally, Vietnamese coffee is brewed using a phin filter. This slow-drip method produces a dark, thick, aromatic coffee that forms the backbone of the drink.
You can replicate it at home:
- Add about 14 grams of finely ground robusta coffee into the phin.
- Pour a small amount of hot water (around 90°C) to bloom the grounds.
- Then, add the remaining water and let it drip slowly for about 5–7 minutes.
- You’ll get roughly 100–120 ml of strong, concentrated coffee.
The aroma alone will make your kitchen smell like a Vietnamese café.
Making the Signature Egg Cream
In a separate bowl, combine two egg yolks with one to two tablespoons of condensed milk and a pinch of sugar. Whisk until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and fluffy. The goal is a texture that’s light but not airy — smooth enough to hold shape but creamy enough to blend easily.
Some recipes gently warm the mixture over hot water, but most modern versions rely on whipping speed and technique to create that perfect foam.
Assembling the Drink
Pour your hot coffee into a cup. Then, carefully spoon the egg cream on top until it forms a thick golden layer. Traditionally, the coffee cup is placed in a small bowl of hot water to keep the temperature steady.
To drink it, you can either stir gently so that the coffee and cream mix into one smooth consistency, or sip directly through the cream to taste the layers separately — bitter below, sweet above.
How Many Calories in Vietnamese Egg Coffee?
For such a decadent-looking drink, it’s surprisingly moderate. If you’ve ever wondered how many calories in Vietnamese egg coffee, the answer depends on proportions — but typically, a cup ranges from 150 to 200 calories.
Most of that comes from the condensed milk and egg yolks. However, it’s a more wholesome indulgence than you might think: the yolks provide natural fats and proteins, while the coffee contributes antioxidants.
That leads to another common question…
Is Vietnamese Egg Coffee Good for You?
So, is Vietnamese egg coffee good for you? In moderation, absolutely.
The drink offers a mix of natural caffeine and nutrients. The egg adds a silky texture but also contains vitamin D, protein, and healthy fats. Unlike sugary frappés or heavy cream-based lattes, egg coffee relies on real ingredients — no syrups, no artificial foam.
It’s comforting in a way that feels both indulgent and nourishing. And while it’s not an everyday habit for everyone, enjoying it as an occasional treat is part of what makes it so special.
Where to Buy Vietnamese Egg Coffee and Experience It the Right Way
Even with the perfect recipe at home, nothing compares to enjoying Vietnamese egg coffee in a place that understands its soul. So if you’re wondering where to buy Vietnamese egg coffee that feels both authentic and beautifully modern, the answer is Tonkin Coffee in District 1, Saigon.
Here, the classic cà phê trứng is reimagined with finesse. Instead of serving it in a single cup, Tonkin presents it in two graceful parts: one small glass of deep, aromatic coffee and another of smooth, white egg cream, delicately dusted with cocoa powder. You pour the coffee over the cream yourself, then stir gently — watching as dark liquid blends into the silky layer above. The first sip is unforgettable: warm, creamy, and full of roasted depth.
The Taste of Tonkin
Tonkin’s egg coffee has a texture that stands out. The foam is cloud-light yet rich, the coffee strong but never bitter. Together they create a harmony of sweetness and strength — a refined balance that makes every sip feel smooth and comforting.
And while the egg coffee is the highlight, it’s far from the only delight here. The café also serves a variety of expertly crafted drinks — from creamy cappuccinos to cold brews and refreshing signature blends — each prepared with the same dedication to quality and detail.
The Indochine Ambience
What truly completes the experience is Tonkin’s atmosphere. The space carries a gentle Indochine charm — warm wooden textures, soft golden light, and walls adorned with hand-painted murals and folk-style masks. It’s a modern café that still whispers stories of heritage and artistry.
Whether you come alone with a book or share coffee with friends, Tonkin offers a calm corner amid Saigon’s lively rhythm. Every element — from the aroma of roasted beans to the touch of ceramic and wood — invites you to slow down and savor.
To experience it for yourself, visit Tonkin Coffee and discover why this place has become a favorite destination for those seeking not just coffee, but connection and craft.
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.