In many corners of Vietnam, the gentle sound of coffee dripping through a small metal filter is part of daily life. But beyond the classic black or iced brew, there’s something truly unique to discover — What Is Vietnamese Egg Coffee.
This smooth, creamy drink has been enjoyed for decades, offering a quiet sense of comfort and warmth. It’s more than just a caffeine boost; it’s a moment to pause and unwind. If you want to experience this local favorite in an Indochine-style space, Tonkin Coffee in District 1 is a charming place to start.
The Gentle Story Behind Egg Coffee
Vietnamese egg coffee, known locally as cà phê trứng, was born in Hanoi in the 1940s. The story goes that a bartender, working in a hotel during a time when milk was hard to find, began whisking egg yolks with sugar and sweetened condensed milk. The result was a soft, airy cream that could sit on top of a hot cup of coffee. It wasn’t meant to be fancy — just a simple solution to a shortage. But it turned into something much more meaningful over time.
What makes egg coffee special is not just its flavor but the way it reflects everyday creativity. Instead of being a high-end invention, it came from a small act of making do with what was available. This practical beginning is one reason the drink still feels humble, approachable, and deeply Vietnamese.
From Hanoi to the South
For years, egg coffee was a Hanoi treasure, but today it’s a beloved drink throughout the country. If you’re wondering “can you get egg coffee all over Vietnam”, the answer is yes. From the busy streets of Hanoi to the vibrant cafés of Ho Chi Minh City, this drink has found a place in nearly every major destination.
Its spread isn’t just about flavor — it’s about a cultural experience. Egg coffee invites you to sit down, slow your pace, and enjoy something simple yet thoughtful. You don’t rush through a cup of egg coffee. You let it warm you, even on a humid afternoon in Saigon.
For many travelers looking for where to drink egg coffee in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City has become a great place to begin. The city’s café culture blends traditional recipes with modern touches, creating a fresh way to enjoy this classic drink.
More Than a Drink
To many people, egg coffee is more than something to sip. It’s a piece of quiet history, a drink that connects the past and the present. Whether served in a small cup on a busy Hanoi street or in a modern café in Saigon, it carries the same sense of calm. You don’t rush through a cup of egg coffee. You let it sit for a while, you stir gently, and you drink slowly.
The Making of a Creamy, Gentle Drink
Egg coffee may sound unusual at first, but its preparation is straightforward and gentle.
Whipping the Cream Layer
The drink begins with whisking egg yolks with sugar and sweetened condensed milk. This mixture is whipped until it becomes thick and soft, with a smooth and creamy texture. A good cream layer is light and silky, holding its shape just enough to sit beautifully on top of the coffee.
Some cafés whisk by hand for a delicate texture, while others use small machines for consistency. Either way, the goal is to create a foam that’s soft and balanced — not too sweet, not too heavy.
A Strong Coffee Base
Beneath the cream is a layer of strong, aromatic Vietnamese coffee, usually brewed from robusta beans. This base is bold and slightly bitter, which complements the sweetness of the egg foam perfectly.
Many cafés still prefer brewing with the traditional phin filter — a slow drip method that creates a rich and concentrated cup. Others use espresso machines to bring out different flavors. No matter the method, the key is strength and aroma.
A Gentle Layering
When the coffee is ready, the egg cream is carefully spooned on top. The golden foam rests above the deep brown coffee, forming a simple but elegant two-layer drink.
Some people stir the two layers together before drinking, while others enjoy the foam first, then the coffee underneath. There’s no single way to drink it — the joy is in finding your own rhythm.
Hot or Iced, Always Easy to Enjoy
Although egg coffee is traditionally served hot, many cafés also offer an iced version. The foam remains thick and smooth, even when the drink is cold, giving you a refreshing way to enjoy a classic flavor.
Hot or iced, the experience remains the same: a comforting balance between the strength of coffee and the softness of the cream.
A Flavor That Stays with You
The taste of egg coffee is gentle and layered. The coffee brings warmth and a little bitterness. The foam softens it, adding a light sweetness that never overwhelms. Many describe it as being somewhere between a dessert and a drink — simple, soothing, and satisfying without being heavy.
It’s a drink you sip slowly, letting the flavors blend on their own time.
Where to Experience Egg Coffee in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City has become a wonderful place to explore egg coffee in different styles. Some cafés stay close to the original Hanoi recipe, while others bring a modern touch.
One place that beautifully combines both tradition and contemporary flair is Tonkin Coffee — a local name that has made egg coffee a gentle highlight of their menu.
A Café with Indochine Charm
Tonkin Coffee is known for its calm and welcoming atmosphere. The décor reflects Indochine-inspired design — soft lighting, warm tones, and details that carry a quiet sense of Vietnamese heritage. It feels elegant but approachable, creating a space where you can simply sit and enjoy a well-crafted cup.
Their egg coffee focuses on balance. The foam is smooth and velvety, whipped with care to create just the right texture. The coffee base is strong but not harsh, blending naturally with the cream. It’s a drink that feels familiar, whether it’s your first time trying egg coffee or your tenth.
Three Cozy Locations in District 1
Tonkin Coffee has three branches in the heart of District 1, making it easy to find a comfortable corner to enjoy this classic drink:
- Tonkin Specialty Coffee
91 Ly Tu Trong St, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Tonkin Garden Cafe
135/50 Tran Hung Dao St, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Tonkin Egg Coffee
1 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Each location has its own quiet character, but they all share the same thoughtful preparation and consistent flavor. Whether you step inside for a quick coffee break or settle in for a calm afternoon, the drink remains at the center of the experience.
More Than Just Egg Coffee
While egg coffee is a highlight, Tonkin also serves a variety of drinks that reflect Vietnam’s lively café culture. You’ll find traditional phin coffee, refreshing cold brews, and creative blends — perfect if you want to explore more local flavors without losing the cozy vibe.
And if you’re curious about the price of egg coffee in Vietnam, it’s often pleasantly affordable, making it easy to enjoy more than one 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.