Egg coffee is one of Vietnam’s most fascinating culinary creations — a drink that surprises even the most seasoned coffee lovers. And if you’re wondering “Where Did Egg Coffee Originate?”, Tonkin Coffee in Ho Chi Minh City is a perfect place to begin the journey of taste and history. With deep passion for Vietnamese coffee heritage, Tonkin Coffee brings the original essence of egg coffee from Hanoi to the vibrant heart of Saigon.
Below, let’s explore its origin story, flavor secrets, and where you can enjoy the finest version in Saigon today.
The Unexpected Birth of Egg Coffee in Vietnam
Egg coffee didn’t begin as a specialty drink — it simply came from a practical idea.
Back in mid-20th-century Hanoi, fresh milk wasn’t easy to find. To make up for it, a bartender named Nguyễn Văn Giảng experimented with whisking egg yolks and condensed milk into a smooth, creamy foam. When poured over a cup of Vietnamese coffee, the result was a comforting new way to enjoy something familiar.
That humble solution eventually grew into a symbol of Vietnamese creativity.
Coffee Culture Meets Creativity
Vietnam has long been known for its rich, robust coffee. During a time when ingredients were limited, people adapted and found new approaches. The combination of strong robusta and silky egg cream brought a pleasant texture and balanced flavor — adding a gentle sweetness without losing the bold coffee character.
It was a simple adjustment that quietly shaped a new tradition in Vietnamese coffee culture.
From Hanoi to the World
Egg coffee first became well-known at Café Giảng in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Word spread naturally — friends sharing with friends, travelers bringing home the memory. Soon, cafés across Vietnam began serving their own versions, especially in the vibrant coffee community of Ho Chi Minh City.
Today, egg coffee carries a little history with every cup, connecting past ingenuity with present-day enjoyment.
So… What Does Egg Coffee Taste Like?
Creamy but strong. Sweet but bold. Familiar but surprising.
The silky foam on top tastes like a light custard — a little like tiramisu or crème brûlée — while the coffee beneath remains intense and aromatic. When you take a sip, you get both layers at once. The warmth, the contrast, the texture… it’s unlike any other coffee experience.
Some people describe it as a liquid dessert. Others love how it keeps the authentic Vietnamese coffee punch at its core. One thing’s for sure: once you try it, you’ll crave it.
How Is Egg Coffee Made?
There are different interpretations, but the foundation of an authentic Vietnamese egg coffee recipe stays consistent:
Key Ingredients
- Vietnamese robusta coffee — strong, aromatic and full-bodied
- Condensed milk — sweet and dense, a signature in local coffee culture
- Egg yolks — fresh, whisked into a fluffy cream
- A touch of sugar or vanilla (optional)
The Layering Magic
- Brew a strong shot of Vietnamese coffee
- Whip egg yolk with condensed milk until smooth and airy
- Pour the foam over the coffee
- Serve immediately while hot
That’s it — a simple recipe powered by craftsmanship.
At the best cafés, the foam isn’t just soft — it’s glossy, smooth and decadent, staying afloat until your last sip. And that’s exactly what Tonkin Coffee is known for.
Where to Drink the Best Egg Coffee in Saigon
While Hanoi is the birthplace, Saigon has embraced egg coffee with flair — especially in District 1, the center of tourism, culture and food experiences. When searching for egg coffee saigon district 1, you’ll find plenty of cafés, but not all truly honor the original spirit.
One brand stands out — Tonkin Coffee — where history, technique and premium beans blend into an unforgettable cup.
Why Tonkin Coffee?
Because they don’t treat egg coffee as a trend — they treat it as heritage.
Tonkin Coffee revives and elevates Vietnamese egg coffee with precision and passion, staying true to Hanoi roots while embracing Saigon’s creative creativity. Every cup is crafted to honor tradition in a fresh, refined way.
What makes Tonkin’s egg coffee unforgettable?
Fine Vietnamese Robusta
Selected from the fertile Central Highlands — bold, aromatic, and naturally smooth.
Egg Cream Like a Dessert
Silky, fluffy texture whipped to perfection — flavorful yet not eggy or overly sweet.
Vietnamese Pure Cacao on Top
A fine dusting of cacao sourced from Vietnam, adding depth, aroma, and a subtle bitterness to balance the luscious cream — a finishing touch that elevates the drink toward tiramisu-level indulgence.
A Unique Serving Ritual
Your egg coffee is presented in two separate parts:
• A chilled glass of pristine egg cream
• Freshly brewed robusta in a petite serving pot
You become the final “creator”: gently pour the coffee into the cream and swirl to blend layers into a rich, velvety harmony. It’s interactive — turning a drink into a moment.
More Than a Drink — A Cultural Moment
A warm and thoughtfully designed space celebrating Vietnamese craft, perfect for locals and global travelers seeking authenticity.
So if you’re curious what does egg coffee taste like, or craving an original egg coffee Saigon moment in District 1 — Tonkin Coffee is the place where tradition meets delight.
Visit Tonkin Coffee in District 1 – Taste the Legacy
You don’t need to fly to Hanoi to enjoy the drink where it originated. Tonkin Coffee brings authenticity right to the lively heart of Saigon with three distinct locations:
Tonkin Specialty Coffee
91 Ly Tu Trong St, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
A stylish and refined space — perfect for savoring a traditional drink with a modern twist
Tonkin Garden Cafe
Hotline: 087 992 4691
A relaxing green atmosphere, ideal for slow sips and long conversations
Tonkin Egg Coffee
1 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
An intimate spot dedicated to the art of crafting the perfect egg coffee
Each venue offers the same signature: premium coffee brewed with passion.
So next time you’re exploring Saigon, don’t miss your chance to enjoy egg coffee the way it’s meant to be enjoyed: freshly made, rich in culture, and crafted with love.
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.