When I first heard about egg coffee, I was skeptical. Eggs… in coffee? But the moment I took my first sip at a tiny café in Hanoi, I was hooked. The velvety richness of whipped egg yolks, sweetened with condensed milk, floating over strong Vietnamese coffee — it’s like dessert in a cup. If you’ve ever wondered how to recreate this decadent drink at home, you’re in the right place. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make authentic Vietnamese egg coffee, including tips I picked up from baristas in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
What Is Vietnamese Egg Coffee?
Egg coffee (cà phê trứng) is a traditional Vietnamese drink that originated in Hanoi in the 1940s. During a milk shortage, a clever bartender at Café Giảng whisked together egg yolks and condensed milk as a substitute — and a creamy legend was born.
Today, egg coffee is a beloved staple of Vietnamese café culture. It’s rich, frothy, slightly sweet, and layered — combining robust coffee with a creamy egg topping that tastes like tiramisu foam.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make egg coffee at home, you only need a handful of ingredients — but quality matters. Here’s what you’ll need:
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For the coffee:
2 tablespoons Vietnamese ground coffee (e.g., Trung Nguyên, Robusta, or dark roast)
100ml boiling water (just under ½ cup)
For the egg cream:
1 egg yolk (use the freshest egg you can find)
2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but recommended)
Equipment:
A Vietnamese phin filter or French press (if you don’t have a phin)
Electric hand mixer or whisk
Heatproof glass or cup
Step-by-Step: How to Make Authentic Egg Coffee at Home
1. Brew the Coffee
If you have a Vietnamese phin filter:
Add 2 tablespoons of coffee to the filter.
Press the tamper gently over the grounds.
Pour a splash of hot water to let the coffee bloom for 10–15 seconds.
Then fill the rest with hot water.
Let it drip slowly for about 4–5 minutes.
2. Make the Egg Cream
Separate one egg yolk into a mixing bowl.
Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.
Whisk for 3–5 minutes using a hand mixer until the mixture becomes light, frothy, and pale yellow (almost like soft meringue or whipped cream). You want stiff peaks that float on the coffee.
3. Assemble the Egg Coffee
Pour the hot coffee into your glass or cup.
Gently spoon the whipped egg mixture on top.
Some people like to drizzle a little coffee on top of the cream for a marbled look.
What Does Egg Coffee Taste Like?
It’s like the love child of espresso and crème brûlée. The egg foam is sweet, rich, and custard-like — almost like a soft dessert topping. Combined with bold Vietnamese coffee, it’s perfectly balanced: strong yet smooth, sweet but not overpowering.
Tips for Perfect Egg Coffee Every Time
Use fresh eggs: Freshness is key to taste and safety. If concerned, use pasteurized eggs.
Sweetened condensed milk matters: Avoid substitutions like evaporated milk — it won’t taste the same.
Whisk properly: Under-whipping results in runny foam that sinks. Over-whipping? You might get grainy texture.
Warm your glass: Pour hot water into the glass beforehand to keep your egg coffee warm longer.
Can I Make It Without a Vietnamese Phin?
Yes! While the phin gives a more authentic taste and ritual, a French press or even a moka pot can give you a similarly strong brew. What you’re really looking for is a bold, rich coffee base that won’t get lost under the creamy topping.
Is Egg Coffee Safe to Drink?
Yes — if you use fresh, high-quality eggs. In Vietnam, this drink is made fresh to order and consumed immediately. If you’re still unsure, consider pasteurized eggs or ask your doctor, especially if you’re pregnant or immunocompromised.
Variations to Try
Iced Egg Coffee (Cà phê trứng đá): Pour the coffee over ice and spoon egg foam on top.
Chocolate Egg Coffee: Add a touch of cocoa powder into the egg mixture for a mocha twist.
Egg Matcha Latte: For something different, try replacing the coffee with matcha green tea.
Final Thoughts
Egg coffee may sound unusual, but it’s a true gem of Vietnamese culture. It’s not just a drink — it’s an experience. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a rainy afternoon or want to impress guests with a unique coffeehouse-style treat, egg coffee is well worth mastering at home.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram with your egg coffee creation.
FAQs
Q: Can I use instant coffee?
A: You can, but it won’t have the depth of flavor traditional Vietnamese coffee offers. Stick to dark roasts if you do.
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Q: How do I store leftover egg mixture?
A: It’s best used fresh, but if needed, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Re-whip before using.
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Q: Is egg coffee vegan?
A: Not by default. But for a plant-based twist, you can experiment with aquafaba (chickpea water) and coconut condensed milk — though it won’t be quite the same
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.
