If you’ve ever wondered what does egg coffee taste like, you’re not alone. The idea of mixing coffee with egg yolks sounds unusual at first, but one sip quickly changes your mind. At Tonkin Coffee, this classic drink is reimagined with care — a smooth layer of whipped egg cream paired with strong, aromatic Vietnamese coffee. Known locally as cà phê trứng, it’s a silky, comforting creation that blurs the line between coffee and dessert. Rich yet balanced, creamy yet light, it captures Vietnam’s creativity and warmth in a single cup.
A Sweet Balance: Understanding the Taste and Texture
Vietnamese egg coffee is all about harmony — the gentle sweetness of egg cream blending with the bold character of dark roasted coffee. Each sip feels like a dance between softness and strength, inviting you to slow down and savor.
It’s time to discover what Vietnamese egg coffee tastes like.
Velvety, Rich Foam
The first thing you notice is the golden, velvety foam on top. Made by whisking egg yolks with condensed milk and a touch of sugar, this layer is light and smooth — almost like a soft meringue or a delicate custard cream. When made well, it doesn’t taste “eggy” at all. Instead, it’s subtly sweet, with hints of vanilla and caramel that melt beautifully on the tongue.
Crafted with care at Tonkin, the signature foam strikes a perfect balance — thick enough to float gracefully, yet airy enough to blend seamlessly with the coffee beneath.
Strong, Bold Coffee Base
Beneath the cream lies a shot of dark, full-bodied Vietnamese coffee, typically brewed from robusta beans. These beans bring intensity, depth, and a slight bitterness that perfectly offsets the foam’s sweetness. The result is both comforting and complex — a combination that lingers long after your first sip.
When the Two Layers Meet
At Tonkin, the experience feels personal. The coffee and cream are served separately, inviting you to pour and stir them together. As they merge, the contrasting textures melt into a silky, dessert-like drink with a gentle sweetness and a touch of roasted depth. It’s often compared to tiramisu or coffee custard — light, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
From Hot to Iced: The Joy of Different Versions
Just like other beloved Vietnamese coffee styles, egg coffee can be enjoyed in more than one way. Whether warm or chilled, each version brings out a different expression of flavor and comfort.
Hot Egg Coffee
The warm version is soft and soothing — a perfect companion for quiet mornings or rainy afternoons. As you stir, the rich foam slowly blends with the hot coffee, releasing a gentle aroma of roasted beans and sweet cream. The result is smooth, balanced, and comforting.
The hot version at Tonkin is best savored slowly, letting the sweetness mellow and the aroma open up with every sip.
Iced Egg Coffee
On warmer days, the iced version offers a refreshing change. The chilled coffee contrasts beautifully with the cool, creamy foam, creating a texture that feels almost like melted ice cream. It’s invigorating, slightly sweet, and ideal for Saigon’s tropical climate.
This version feels youthful and modern yet still rooted in tradition — a perfect example of how Vietnam’s coffee culture continues to evolve without losing its authenticity.
The Story and the Craft Behind the Cup
Behind every cup of egg coffee lies a story of creativity and resilience. It’s a drink that began from necessity but grew into a cultural symbol, representing the ingenuity of the Vietnamese spirit.
Why Do Vietnamese Have Egg Coffee?
Egg coffee was first created in Hanoi in the late 1940s, during a time when milk was scarce. A local bartender found a creative substitute by whisking egg yolks with sugar and coffee, transforming a shortage into something remarkable.
Today, why do Vietnamese have egg coffee goes beyond history — it’s about pride and cultural identity. The drink embodies warmth, simplicity, and the ability to turn the ordinary into something special. It reflects the Vietnamese way of finding beauty and flavor in even the simplest ingredients.
An Authentic Vietnamese Egg Coffee Recipe
While every café adds its personal touch, an authentic Vietnamese egg coffee recipe usually calls for four key ingredients: strong black coffee, egg yolks, condensed milk, and sugar. The yolks are whisked until pale and creamy, forming a smooth foam that sits atop freshly brewed robusta coffee.
At Tonkin Coffee, this traditional recipe becomes a thoughtful experience. Guests are invited to pour the coffee themselves — watching as the dark espresso swirls into the soft, golden cream. The moment is quiet, deliberate, and deeply satisfying — a small ritual of balance and harmony.
A Modern Interpretation at Tonkin Coffee
Nestled in the heart of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Tonkin Coffee carries forward this tradition with a contemporary touch. The atmosphere is calm and welcoming, where both locals and travelers can pause from the city’s rhythm and enjoy something truly Vietnamese.
Tonkin’s version of egg coffee keeps its authentic recipe but focuses on simplicity and balance. Each cup is crafted to highlight the contrast between bold coffee and smooth cream — never too sweet, never too strong. It’s a modern expression of a timeless drink, offering a sense of comfort that feels both familiar and new.
A Taste You’ll Remember
Egg coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a story in a cup — one that tells of creativity, warmth, and the beauty of opposites. The sweetness meets the bitterness, the softness meets the strength, and together they create something that lingers long after the last sip.
If you’re looking for a true taste of Vietnam, skip the ordinary and try this local favorite. Whether enjoyed hot or iced, it’s a reminder of how simplicity can be extraordinary. And if you want to experience it at its finest, visit Tonkin Coffee, where every cup celebrates the essence of Vietnamese coffee culture — bold, smooth, and unforgettable.
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.