Rich, sweet, and unlike any other coffee in the world, egg coffee has become one of Vietnam’s most iconic drinks. To answer the question “What is Egg Coffee Vietnam”, it’s a fusion of bold robusta coffee with a silky foam of egg yolk and condensed milk — often described as dessert in a cup. Together with Tonkin Coffee, let’s explore the story, flavors, and cultural charm behind this beloved Vietnamese specialty.
A Cultural Icon in a Cup
Coffee is one of the most beloved beverages in the world, with millions of people starting their day with a steaming cup. In Vietnam, that same love is deeply woven into daily life. As the world’s second-largest coffee producer, the country has not only built a thriving coffee economy but also developed a unique culture around it — one that blends tradition, creativity, and community.
Within this culture, one drink stands out for its originality: egg coffee, known locally as cà phê trứng. This Vietnamese specialty combines the bold strength of robusta beans with a sweet, velvety foam made from egg yolks, condensed milk, and sugar. The result is unlike anything else — a rich, custard-like topping sitting atop dark, aromatic coffee, often described as “dessert in a cup.”
But egg coffee is more than just a recipe. It tells a story of innovation, resilience, and cultural pride. To truly understand what egg coffee is in Vietnam, we need to look at its history, its flavors, and the experience of drinking it both at home and in the cafés that have perfected it.
The Story Behind Egg Coffee
Egg coffee was first created in Hanoi in 1946 by Nguyen Van Giang, a bartender at the Metropole Hotel. At that time, Vietnam was facing wartime shortages, and fresh milk was difficult to find. Instead of giving up on making creamy coffee, Giang looked for an alternative. He whisked egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk until they became a thick, frothy cream, then layered it over strong Vietnamese coffee.
What began as a clever substitution quickly became something much bigger. Locals embraced this new drink for its unique flavor and texture, and soon Giang opened his own café where egg coffee became the signature. Over the decades, the drink evolved from a wartime improvisation into a cultural icon.
Today, egg coffee is celebrated throughout Vietnam. In Hanoi, it remains a classic symbol of the city’s culinary identity. In Ho Chi Minh City, it has taken on a new life in specialty cafés, where traditional recipes meet contemporary spaces, making it accessible to both locals and international visitors.
The Taste and Experience of Egg Coffee
So, what exactly does Vietnamese egg coffee taste like? Imagine sipping a cup where the first layer is rich and creamy, almost like whipped custard, followed by the deep, slightly bitter kick of robusta coffee underneath. The two parts are meant to be enjoyed together — the sweet foam blending into the strong coffee, creating a harmony of flavors that surprises and delights.
The texture is just as important as the taste. A well-made egg cream should be thick enough to float but soft enough to melt into the coffee with each sip. Too thin, and it collapses. Too thick, and it feels heavy. The perfect cup achieves a balance that feels indulgent without being overwhelming.
Of course, you can learn how to make Vietnamese egg coffee at home with a phin filter, whisk, and a little patience. But in Vietnam’s cafés, the experience is elevated by the setting: the clink of cups, the warm lighting, the aroma of freshly ground beans, and the artistry of baristas who have perfected the craft. It’s not only about the drink but the feeling of being part of a tradition that has endured for nearly eight decades.
Savoring Egg Coffee in Saigon
Though first created decades ago, egg coffee has grown into a signature drink enjoyed across Vietnam. In Ho Chi Minh City, it has found a natural home within the city’s vibrant café culture, where heritage recipes are embraced and presented in warm, modern settings.
For anyone curious about tasting the original egg coffee Saigon is known for, Tonkin Coffee is a standout destination. What makes it special is the way simple ingredients — robust beans from the Central Highlands, fresh egg yolks, and creamy condensed milk — are crafted into something truly memorable by skilled baristas.
Each of Tonkin’s three spaces in District 1 brings a different dimension to the experience. At Tonkin Specialty Coffee on Lý Tự Trọng, the city’s energy flows around you as you sip; over on Trần Hưng Đạo, Tonkin Garden Café offers a leafy retreat where time slows down; while Tonkin Egg Coffee on Lê Thị Riêng is entirely devoted to celebrating this one-of-a-kind drink. Together, they showcase Tonkin’s dedication to both tradition and creativity, giving guests the chance to enjoy egg coffee in settings as varied as the city itself.
For locals and travelers wondering where to drink egg coffee in Ho Chi Minh City, Tonkin Coffee is an answer that blends authenticity, atmosphere, and a genuine taste of Vietnam.
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.