Coffee culture in Vietnam is full of surprises, and egg coffee is one of its most iconic highlights. Beyond the traditional recipe with condensed milk, many people are turning to Vietnamese egg coffee without condensed milk for a healthier yet equally indulgent option. If you’re curious about how to prepare it or where to find an authentic cup, Tonkin Coffee in Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect place to start your journey.
What Makes Vietnamese Egg Coffee Special
Vietnamese egg coffee, or cà phê trứng, is one of the most unique creations in Vietnam’s coffee culture. Born in Hanoi in the 1940s, it came from a time when fresh milk was scarce. Instead of giving up, a creative bartender whisked egg yolks with sugar to mimic cream. The result was a rich frothy topping poured over strong black coffee. Later, sweetened condensed milk became part of the recipe, making the drink sweeter and creamier, and turning it into the classic version we know today.
The drink is simple yet indulgent: strong Vietnamese coffee on the bottom, a thick layer of whipped egg yolk on top, and often a touch of condensed milk for sweetness. Traditionally, it is enjoyed hot, with the cup sitting in a bowl of warm water to keep it at the perfect temperature. Some modern cafés also serve it iced for a refreshing twist.
Part of its charm lies in the flavor experience. Many first-time visitors ask what does Vietnamese egg coffee taste like, and the answer is usually the same: it’s like drinking a rich, velvety dessert in a cup, where the bitterness of robust coffee blends with the creamy sweetness of whipped egg yolks.
Why Skip Condensed Milk and What to Use Instead
Condensed milk gives egg coffee its classic sweetness and creamy texture, but it’s not always suitable for everyone. Some want to avoid dairy, while others prefer a less sugary experience. Making egg coffee without condensed milk allows more people to enjoy this drink and opens the door to creative flavor variations.
Common Reasons to Avoid Condensed Milk
- Healthier choice: less sugar and fewer calories.
- Dairy-free lifestyle: perfect for those who are lactose-intolerant or vegan.
- Lighter taste: lets the boldness of the coffee shine through.
- Room for creativity: you can explore new textures and flavors.
Best Substitutes for Condensed Milk
- Coconut cream – Thick, rich, and slightly sweet, it adds a tropical note.
- Plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy) – Works best when paired with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey.
- Honey or maple syrup – Provide natural sweetness with a smooth finish.
- Egg yolk and sugar only – The original wartime style, simple yet satisfying.
Each substitute changes the character of the drink slightly, but the creamy foam and bold coffee foundation remain.
How to Make Vietnamese Egg Coffee Without Condensed Milk
Skipping condensed milk doesn’t mean losing the magic. With a few ingredients, you can prepare a cup that’s smooth, rich, and completely customizable. If you’ve ever wondered how to make Vietnamese egg coffee at home, this version without condensed milk is a perfect place to start.
Ingredients (for 1 serving)
When preparing this drink, you only need a few simple items. These egg coffee Vietnam ingredients are easy to find and create the perfect balance of strong coffee and creamy foam:
- 2 tablespoons Vietnamese ground coffee (Robusta is ideal)
- 120 ml hot water
- 2 egg yolks (fresh or pasteurized)
- 1–2 tablespoons sugar, honey, or coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon coconut cream or plant-based milk (optional)
- A dash of vanilla extract (optional)
Equipment
- Vietnamese phin filter or French press
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or hand mixer
Step-by-Step Method
- Brew the coffee
Use a phin filter for authenticity. Add ground coffee, bloom with a splash of hot water, then let the rest drip slowly. You should get a small, strong cup of coffee. - Whip the egg mixture
Combine egg yolks, sweetener, and coconut cream (if using). Whisk until the mixture is pale, thick, and frothy. With a hand mixer, this takes about 3 minutes. - Assemble the drink
Pour the brewed coffee into a cup, then spoon the whipped egg mixture on top. Sprinkle cocoa or cinnamon if you like. - Serve hot or iced
Traditionally hot, but pouring it over ice gives you a refreshing variation.
Tips for Success
- Use the freshest eggs for flavor and foam.
- Adjust sweetness to match your substitute.
- Whisk thoroughly until you get a smooth texture.
- Stick with strong Vietnamese coffee beans so the flavor balances the creaminess.
The result is a lighter yet still indulgent drink—creamy on top, bold underneath, and easily tailored to your preferences.
Savoring Vietnamese Egg Coffee at Tonkin, Right in the Heart of Saigon
Making egg coffee at home can be rewarding, but nothing quite compares to enjoying it in Vietnam itself, where the atmosphere, brewing techniques, and carefully chosen ingredients elevate the experience. In Ho Chi Minh City, Tonkin Coffee has become a go-to spot for both locals and travelers who want to savor authentic Vietnamese flavors in a welcoming setting.
What makes Tonkin stand out is its balance between honoring tradition and embracing creativity. The cafés serve the classic egg coffee that generations of Vietnamese have cherished, while also offering lighter, dairy-free, and modern twists that suit today’s diverse tastes. Beyond egg coffee, the Tonkin menu includes a wide range of specialty drinks and light bites, making it an inviting destination for everyone—whether you’re a fan of bold traditional brews or prefer something refreshing and contemporary.
With three unique locations—Tonkin Specialty Coffee at 91 Ly Tu Trong, Tonkin Garden Cafe at 135/50 Tran Hung Dao, and Tonkin Egg Coffee at 1 Le Thi Rieng—you’ll find a space that matches your mood, from cozy corners to vibrant garden settings. Each branch reflects the same dedication to quality, ensuring that every cup is crafted with care.
Vietnamese egg coffee without condensed milk proves that traditions can be adapted while still preserving their charm. By using substitutes like coconut cream, plant-based milk, or natural sweeteners, you can create a version that’s lighter, healthier, and perfectly tailored to your taste. The drink remains creamy, aromatic, and deeply satisfying—just with a modern twist.
If you’re at home, follow the recipe and enjoy experimenting with variations. And if you find yourself in Ho Chi Minh City, don’t miss the chance to sip a cup at Tonkin Coffee, where the rich tradition of egg coffee meets the creativity of today’s café culture.
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.