When people first hear about Vietnamese egg coffee (cà phê trứng), they often pause and ask, “Coffee… with eggs?” It sounds unusual — until that first creamy sip. Then, everything makes sense.
This velvety drink tells a story of creativity and warmth. If you’ve ever wondered why do Vietnamese have egg coffee, it’s because they turn simple ingredients into something truly special.
At Tonkin Coffee, this tradition is reimagined — where every cup blends heritage, artistry, and the comforting soul of Vietnam.
The Origins of Egg Coffee: A Story of Creativity and Comfort
Back in the 1940s in Hanoi, milk was scarce and expensive. During those tough times, a Vietnamese bartender named Nguyễn Văn Giảng had a clever idea: he whisked egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk to create a creamy, frothy substitute for milk foam. Then he poured in strong Robusta coffee — the bold, aromatic variety that Vietnam is famous for.
What he created wasn’t just a substitute; it was a masterpiece.
The result was a drink that tasted like dessert — rich and silky like tiramisu, yet unmistakably coffee. That humble act of improvisation became a cultural icon, now known worldwide as Vietnamese Egg Coffee.
So, what is Vietnamese egg coffee called in Vietnam? It’s known as cà phê trứng — a symbol of Vietnamese creativity, warmth, and hospitality.
Why Egg Coffee Captures the Vietnamese Spirit
Vietnamese people have always had a deep connection with coffee. The country is the world’s largest exporter of Robusta beans, known for their bold aroma and strong flavor. While many countries drink coffee as a quick pick-me-up, in Vietnam, coffee is an experience — slow, social, and soulful.
Egg coffee fits perfectly into that tradition. It represents:
Creativity from Simplicity
Making something extraordinary from ordinary ingredients — just like the Vietnamese spirit during hard times.
Warmth and Togetherness
Egg coffee is usually enjoyed slowly, shared with friends, or savored in peaceful moments. It’s less about caffeine and more about comfort.
Pride in Local Flavor
Vietnamese coffee is strong, earthy, and unapologetically robust. The egg foam adds a layer of luxury, turning every cup into a balance of intensity and sweetness.
Today, cafés across Vietnam keep that heritage alive — and one name that stands out is Tonkin Coffee, a brand that honors tradition while reinventing it for the modern coffee lover.
Experience the Signature Egg Coffee at Tonkin
At Tonkin Coffee, the classic cà phê trứng takes on a whole new life. Here, egg coffee isn’t just something you drink — it’s something you experience.
The Signature Egg Coffee Experience
Tonkin’s version is a modern twist on the Hanoi original. It’s presented not as a ready-made beverage, but as a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) experience, allowing each guest to be part of the process.
Presentation
Your egg coffee arrives on a beautiful wooden tray, featuring two main parts:
- A glass of light, creamy, and airy white egg foam, often topped with a delicate sprinkle of cocoa powder.
- A small shot of dark, concentrated espresso, brewed from premium Vietnamese Robusta beans.
The Moment
Instead of being pre-mixed, you’re invited to pour the espresso yourself — slowly and gently — into the white, silky foam. As the dark coffee meets the creamy top, beautiful layers appear in the glass. You can stir it slightly or leave it marbled, adjusting the flavor and strength just the way you like.
This small, hands-on step makes the drink feel more personal and engaging — a cozy, everyday moment that brings you closer to Vietnamese coffee culture.
Perfect Pairings
To make it even better, Tonkin suggests enjoying your egg coffee with a freshly baked croissant. The flaky, buttery pastry pairs perfectly with the smooth sweetness of the drink, creating a simple yet delightful treat.
Whether you’re trying cà phê trứng for the first time or returning for your favorite cup, Tonkin’s Signature Egg Coffee is a warm, elegant reminder of why this classic Vietnamese drink continues to capture so many hearts.
The Soul of Tonkin Coffee: Heritage, Space, and Heart
What makes Tonkin special isn’t just its coffee — it’s the way it brings Vietnamese culture to life through every detail.
1. Tonkin Specialty Coffee
91 Ly Tu Trong St, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
This is Tonkin’s flagship café — a place where craftsmanship meets creativity. The space embodies the Indochine aesthetic: high ceilings, dark wooden accents, warm lighting, and subtle touches of nostalgia. Here, every corner tells a story — from folk paintings to traditional masks that celebrate Vietnamese heritage.
Baristas here don’t just make coffee; they craft it with care. Every cup is brewed with precision, using locally sourced Robusta beans known for their deep aroma and rich flavor. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a refined, peaceful coffee experience right in the heart of Saigon.
2. Tonkin Garden Cafe
135/50 Tran Hung Dao St, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Step into Tonkin Garden Cafe, and you’ll instantly feel calm. Hidden within the busy streets of District 1, this location offers a lush, green escape — filled with plants, natural light, and soft music.
It’s ideal for slow mornings, reading, or chatting with friends over a glass of egg coffee or Vietnamese drip. The garden ambiance reflects Tonkin’s philosophy: coffee should nourish both the heart and the senses.
3. Tonkin Egg Coffee
1 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
This cozy café is Tonkin’s tribute to its roots — intimate, warm, and dedicated entirely to the art of making egg coffee.
The space is filled with charm — traditional wall art, gentle lighting, and a touch of nostalgia. It’s the perfect place to slow down, reflect, and enjoy the drink that has become a symbol of Vietnamese creativity.
If you’re wondering where to buy Vietnamese egg coffee, this is the spot — a true home for the drink that represents Vietnam’s cultural soul.
In every sip of Tonkin’s egg coffee, you taste the heart of Vietnam — strong, warm, and endlessly creative.
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.