Egg Coffee is the most popular and special coffee drink in Vietnam. Egg coffee is traditionally made with egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk, and robusta coffee. It was invented in Hanoi during the 1940s by Nguyen Van Giang, who was working as a bartender at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel. Due to a shortage of milk, he used egg yolks as a substitute, creating a unique coffee drink. Egg coffee is very popular among Vietnamese people.
Origin of Egg Coffee
Egg coffee, or cà phê trứng in Vietnamese, originated in Hanoi, Vietnam. It was created in the 1940s by Nguyen Van Giang, a bartender at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel in Hanoi. During that time, milk was scarce due to the war, so Nguyen Van Giang used egg yolks as a substitute. He whipped egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk to create a creamy and rich drink that quickly gained popularity, becoming a beloved local specialty. Today, Nguyen Van Giang’s legacy continues with his family-run Café Giang, which remains a popular spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy this distinctive egg coffee.
How to Make Egg Coffee
Egg coffee is a special drink from Vietnam with a rich taste and creamy flavor. It is made with strong coffee, egg yolk, and sweetened condensed milk. Follow these steps to make your own egg coffee:
Ingredients
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup of strong black coffee (you can use espresso or any strongly brewed coffee, including Nescafé)
First Step: Brew the Coffee
First, make a cup of strong black coffee. You can use an espresso machine, a French press, or any method you prefer. Make sure the coffee is fresh and very strong.
Second Step: Prepare the Egg Mixture
- Separate the egg yolk from the egg white. You only need the yolk for this recipe.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk until it becomes smooth and slightly frothy.
- Add two tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to the egg yolk.
- Continue to whisk the mixture until it becomes thick and creamy. This may take a few minutes. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
Final Step: Combine Coffee and Egg Mixture
Pour the fresh and strong coffee into a cup. Gently spoon the creamy egg mixture on top of the coffee. The mixture should float on the surface, creating a beautiful layered effect.
Now your egg coffee is ready to drink. You can enjoy it hot or cold. To drink, mix the egg cream into the coffee or enhance the flavor with sugar, honey, or additional flavors such as caramel, coconut, or hazelnut.
What Does Egg Coffee Taste Like?
The taste of egg coffee is often described as a blend of sweet and bitter, with the sweetness from the whipped egg yolks balancing the robust bitterness of strong Vietnamese coffee.
Some people compare the flavor to a coffee-flavored custard or tiramisu. The creamy texture and sweetness give it dessert-like qualities. The combination of the creamy egg mixture and the dark, rich coffee creates a complex and indulgent taste experience.
Is Egg Coffee Safe to Drink?
Egg coffee can be safe to drink if prepared properly, but there are a few factors to consider:
Freshness of Eggs
Use fresh, high-quality eggs to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination.
Preparation Hygiene
Ensure that all utensils and surfaces are clean to prevent contamination.
Health Considerations
Individuals with compromised immune systems, the elderly, pregnant women, and young children should be cautious when consuming raw or lightly cooked eggs.
If made with proper hygiene and fresh ingredients, egg coffee can be a delightful and safe drink.
How Popular Is Egg Coffee Outside of Vietnam?
Egg coffee, originally from Vietnam, has gained some popularity outside its home country, though it remains a niche drink compared to more traditional coffee beverages.
Global Cities with Vietnamese Communities
Egg coffee can be found in global cities with significant Vietnamese communities, such as Paris, London, and various cities in the United States and Australia. In these areas, Vietnamese cafés often serve egg coffee as a specialty item.
Tourist Spots
In tourist hotspots, particularly in Southeast Asia, egg coffee might be available due to the influence of Vietnamese cuisine. It’s often marketed as a must-try drink for tourists.
Coffee Enthusiasts
Egg coffee has a small but dedicated following. Specialty coffee shops and cafés that focus on unique coffee experiences might offer egg coffee.
I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
