Have you ever wondered what vegan Vietnamese egg coffee might taste like? The original drink is famous for its silky foam and strong coffee base, but today, plant-based twists are making it more accessible than ever. At Tonkin Coffee, you’ll find both the classic version and vegan-friendly options that keep the balance of bold coffee and creamy topping intact. It’s a perfect way to enjoy something comforting and familiar, whether you love tradition or prefer a lighter, dairy-free choice.
What Gives Egg Coffee Its Magic
Egg coffee, or cà phê trứng (egg coffee in Vietnamese language), was created decades ago in Hanoi. Instead of fresh milk, which wasn’t always easy to find, baristas whisked egg yolks with sugar to create a creamy topping for strong, dark coffee. The result was a drink that’s rich and smooth on top, bold and slightly bitter underneath.
What makes it stand out is the balance: the coffee brings strength, while the cream brings sweetness and comfort. Together, they create something that feels indulgent without being heavy.
For many visitors to Vietnam, what does Vietnamese egg coffee taste like is a common question. It’s cozy, delicious, and a little unexpected—something you remember long after the first sip.
A Growing Taste for Plant-Based Coffee
These days, more and more people are leaning toward plant-based choices—not just for meals, but for their daily coffee too. With that shift, it’s natural that even something as unique as Vietnamese egg coffee now has a vegan twist. Instead of eggs and dairy, plant-based alternatives step in to create the same velvety, foamy layer on top of strong Vietnamese coffee. The result feels just as indulgent, but lighter and kinder to different lifestyles.
The Secret Ingredients for Vegan Egg Coffee
So, how do you make vegan egg coffee? It’s all about finding plant-based ingredients that can mimic the texture of egg foam. Here are some of the best options:
- Aquafaba: This is the liquid from canned chickpeas. When whipped, it turns into a light foam that looks and feels a lot like whipped egg whites.
- Silken Tofu: Smooth and soft, silken tofu blends into a custard-like cream that’s rich and satisfying.
- Coconut Cream: Thick, naturally sweet, and creamy. It makes the topping richer and adds a subtle coconut note.
- Cashew Cream: Made by blending soaked cashews, this option gives a nutty flavor and a velvety texture.
- Plant-Based Stabilizers: A small pinch of xanthan gum or lecithin helps the foam hold longer and keeps it fluffy.
Each option brings something slightly different, so you can experiment until you find the version you love most.
How to Make Vegan Vietnamese Egg Coffee at Home
Here’s a simple recipe to get started.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons Vietnamese coffee (robusta works best)
- Hot water (for brewing)
- 3 tablespoons aquafaba (or coconut cream / silken tofu)
- 1 tablespoon sugar or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt (optional)
- Plant-based milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
Steps:
- Brew the coffee. Use a phin filter if you have one for that strong, authentic flavor. If not, an espresso shot works too.
- Make the vegan foam. Whip aquafaba with sugar and vanilla until it thickens into a froth. If using coconut cream or tofu, blend until smooth and custard-like.
- Assemble the drink. Pour the hot coffee into a cup, then spoon the vegan foam gently on top.
- Enjoy. Sip the layers as they are, or stir lightly to mix the flavors.
You’ll end up with a drink that feels creamy, rich, and satisfying—without a single egg or drop of dairy. It’s like enjoying Vietnamese egg coffee without condensed milk, but in a fully plant-based way.
How Does It Taste?
The vegan version has the same comforting feel as traditional egg coffee, but with small twists depending on the ingredients. Aquafaba makes it light and airy, coconut cream adds tropical sweetness, and tofu makes it smooth and custardy. Whichever base you choose, the drink keeps its key charm: the contrast of strong coffee and creamy topping.
For plant-based drinkers, it’s a fun way to enjoy something that feels both new and familiar.
Tonkin Coffee: Classic Egg Coffee Meets Vegan Choices
If you want to experience Vietnamese egg coffee the way it was meant to be, Tonkin Coffee is a great place to start. The café is known for serving egg coffee that’s creamy, smooth, and made with care—just like the original recipes from Hanoi.
At the same time, Tonkin recognizes that not everyone drinks eggs or dairy. Tonkin menu includes vegan-friendly options like oatmilk coffee, oatmilk lattes, and oatmilk cappuccinos. These drinks give you the same bold Vietnamese coffee flavor but with a plant-based twist that’s lighter and dairy-free.
So, whether you’re in the mood for the classic egg coffee or you’d rather stick to vegan choices, Tonkin has something for you. It’s a place where tradition and modern preferences meet, making sure no one misses out on the pleasure of enjoying good coffee.
Vegan Vietnamese egg coffee is proof that tradition can adapt to new lifestyles. It keeps the soul of the drink intact—strong coffee balanced with a silky topping—while making it accessible to anyone who prefers plant-based choices.
If you’d like to taste the original, you can stop by Tonkin Coffee, where the classic egg coffee remains smooth, creamy, and comforting. And if you’d prefer something vegan, the menu also includes oat milk coffees and other plant-based drinks that fit perfectly into a modern lifestyle.
Tonkin makes it even easier to enjoy by offering three cozy spots right in the heart of District 1. All three are located in central District 1, making them easy to find whether you’re exploring the city or just looking for a quiet spot to enjoy your cup.
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.