There’s a special charm to Vietnamese Egg Coffee that wins people over from the very first sip. Smooth, creamy, and balanced with the bold kick of robusta, it’s unlike any other coffee you’ve tried. In bustling Ho Chi Minh City, you can discover this authentic flavor at Tonkin Coffee, where tradition meets comfort in every cup.
What Gives Vietnamese Egg Coffee Its Signature Flavor
The charm of Vietnamese egg coffee lies in the way simple ingredients come together to create a drink that feels unforgettable. With just egg yolk, sugar, condensed milk, and robusta coffee, this humble recipe delivers a taste that’s both comforting and surprising. Whipped with sugar and condensed milk, the yolk transforms into a thick, velvety cream—silky like custard, slightly sweet, and full of character. Gently poured over strong black coffee, it creates a layered harmony of sweetness and bold flavor.
That first sip is where the magic unfolds. The creamy topping eases into the rich, slightly bitter coffee beneath, blending into something indulgent yet never too heavy—almost like a dessert you can sip. It’s not a drink to rush; instead, you savor it slowly, noticing how the flavors evolve with each taste.
For anyone wondering what is egg coffee Vietnam, the answer is rooted in both flavor and history. Born in Hanoi in the 1940s, when milk was scarce, it began as a clever substitute using egg yolks. Over time, it grew into more than just a solution—it became a cultural icon, celebrated by locals and loved by travelers. Each cup you enjoy today carries that legacy of creativity, resilience, and the welcoming spirit of Vietnamese café culture.
How Vietnamese Egg Coffee Is Traditionally Made
What makes Vietnamese Egg Coffee truly special is not just the ingredients, but the craft behind every cup. It’s a drink that rewards patience, where each step matters and small details make all the difference.
Whipping the yolks – Egg yolks are whisked together with sugar and condensed milk until they turn pale, thick, and glossy. The texture should be airy yet dense, almost like a custard cream. Done right, this topping is what gives egg coffee its signature richness.
Brewing the coffee – A strong base is essential. Traditionally, robusta beans are used for their bold flavor and natural bitterness. The coffee is brewed slowly through a phin filter, drop by drop, creating a concentrated shot that can hold its own beneath the creamy layer.
Bringing them together – The whipped cream is carefully spooned over the coffee, forming two distinct layers: one golden and sweet, the other dark and intense. Some prefer to stir it all into one smooth blend, while others enjoy sipping the hot coffee through the thick, sweet topping for a layered experience.
Hot or cold, always crafted with care – The classic version is served hot, often kept warm in a bowl of hot water to preserve its flavor and texture. But in modern cafés, iced egg coffee has also become popular, offering the same balance of creaminess and strength with a refreshing twist.
For anyone curious about how to make Vietnamese egg coffee, it’s as much about the process as the recipe. Each cup is crafted slowly, meant to be enjoyed slowly, carrying not just flavor but also the warmth of Vietnam’s coffee culture.
Tonkin Coffee: Authentic Egg Coffee Experience in the Heart of Saigon
Tonkin Coffee is more than just a café—it’s an experience. With a focus on both flavor and atmosphere, each branch has its own character while staying true to the authentic taste of Vietnamese egg coffee.
Tonkin Specialty Coffee – 91 Ly Tu Trong St, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
Right in the lively center of District 1, this branch is a favorite for those who love a cozy yet modern coffee experience.
The menu highlights authentic egg coffee made with robusta beans and silky cream, perfect for anyone exploring Saigon’s downtown.
Hotline: 086 799 0125
Tonkin Garden Café – 135/50 Tran Hung Dao St, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
Tucked away in a quiet alley, Tonkin Garden Café feels like a hidden oasis. With its leafy courtyard and relaxing vibe, it’s the ideal spot to sip egg coffee slowly, away from the city’s bustle. The combination of greenery and warm service makes it a local favorite.
Hotline: 087 992 4691
Tonkin Egg Coffee – 1 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
Just a short walk from the famous Huynh Hoa Banh Mi, this branch is dedicated entirely to egg coffee. Here, the spotlight is on the iconic drink itself—from the classic hot version to refreshing iced variations. If you want to truly understand why Vietnamese egg coffee has become a cultural icon, this is the perfect spot to experience it in its purest form.
Hotline: 0815 841 909
At Tonkin Coffee, egg coffee may be the star, but the menu is full of other tempting choices. You can enjoy signature creations like salted coffee, coconut coffee, or creamy yogurt coffee, each crafted with the same care and balance of flavors. For something lighter, there’s a selection of teas, fruit smoothies, and refreshing cool drinks—perfect for Saigon’s warm days. With such variety, every visit offers a new taste to discover, whether you’re a coffee lover or simply in the mood for something fresh.
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.