Egg coffee is a unique and indulgent drink originating from Vietnam, known for its rich, creamy texture and naturally sweet flavour. Traditionally made with strong Vietnamese coffee topped with a luscious whipped mixture of egg yolk and sweetened condensed milk, this coffee feels more like a luxurious dessert than a simple caffeine fix. In this recipe guide, you’ll learn how to make authentic homemade egg coffee, bringing the café experience of Hanoi right to your kitchen.
What makes egg coffee so special is its unexpected yet harmonious combination of flavours. The bitterness of robust coffee is perfectly balanced by the velvety, custard-like foam, creating a drink that feels comforting, energising, and decadent all at once. It’s a perfect example of how creativity in simple ingredients can transform an everyday drink into an extraordinary experience.
Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast looking for something new, hosting a brunch that impresses guests, or simply craving a sweet afternoon treat, homemade egg coffee is a perfect choice. It proves that with just a few ingredients and the right technique, you can create café-style drinks at home that surprise and delight every time.
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Best Time To Eat
Egg coffee is best enjoyed as a morning or mid-afternoon drink, especially when you want a rich, energising treat that doubles as a sweet pick-me-up alongside breakfast or dessert.
Best Dishes To Partner
Pair your egg coffee with light pastries like buttery croissants, crisp biscotti, or sweet brioche, or serve it after a savoury Vietnamese breakfast such as banh mi or pho to balance the meal with something creamy and indulgent.
Vietnamese egg coffee, or cà phê trứng, is one of those drinks that often surprises first-time tasters. Made with strong, robust coffee and a rich, frothy layer of whipped egg yolk and sweetened condensed milk, it’s creamy, bold, and unlike any coffee experience most people are used to. But its uniqueness is exactly what makes it so divisive.
Some coffee lovers swear by its silky texture and indulgent flavor, calling it a perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness. To them, it’s a comforting ritual, a piece of Vietnamese heritage that deserves a place on every coffee lover’s must-try list. But others find the idea of mixing raw egg with coffee strange, even off-putting. It challenges the conventional notions of what coffee should taste like.
There’s also an ongoing debate about authenticity versus adaptation. Purists believe the only way to truly experience Vietnamese egg coffee is in Hanoi, where it originated in the 1940s. Others argue that with the right technique and ingredients, you can recreate an authentic version anywhere. This tension between tradition and accessibility is part of what keeps the drink’s reputation so intriguing.
How to Make Egg Coffee
Egg Coffee Recipe Ingredients
2 tablespoons Vietnamese coffee (or any strong dark roast coffee)
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
Hot water (about 150 ml)
Ice (optional) for iced egg coffee
Equipment:
Vietnamese coffee filter (phin) or any coffee brewing method (e.g., espresso machine, French press)
Whisk or hand mixer
Cup or glass
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Step By Step How to Make Egg Coffee
Brew the Coffee
If you have a Vietnamese phin, add 2 tablespoons of ground coffee into the filter. Place the filter over a cup, pour a small amount of hot water to bloom the coffee, then fill the filter with hot water (about 150 ml). Let it drip slowly. Alternatively, brew a strong cup of coffee using your preferred method.
Prepare the Egg Cream
Separate the egg yolk from the white. In a bowl, combine the egg yolk and sweetened condensed milk.
Use a whisk or hand mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes thick, pale, and forms soft peaks. This may take about 5 minutes.
Assemble the Egg Coffee
Pour the freshly brewed hot coffee into a cup. Gently spoon the whipped egg cream over the coffee. The cream will float on top, creating a beautiful layered effect. For iced egg coffee, you can add ice cubes before pouring the coffee and cream.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while the coffee is hot. Stir the cream into the coffee before drinking for a rich and smooth experience.
Tips To Make Egg Coffee
Use fresh eggs and good-quality coffee for the best flavor. Adjust the amount of condensed milk to your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more.
Whisking the egg yolk and condensed milk until it’s very thick is crucial for achieving the right texture.
How Many Calories Have Egg Coffee
The calorie content of egg coffee will vary based on the exact ingredients and quantities used. Here’s an approximate breakdown:
Egg yolk: 55-60 calories
Sweetened condensed milk (2 tablespoons): 130-150 calories
Coffee: 2-5 calories (depending on how it’s brewed)
Total Calories per Serving: Approximately 185-215 calories
How to Eat (or Sip)
Stir lightly before drinking: Mix the foam with the coffee gently to balance the flavors.
Use a spoon: Many enjoy scooping the creamy top layer first, almost like dessert.
Sip slowly: Egg coffee is best enjoyed warm and at a leisurely pace.
How to Partner
Pair with pastries: A buttery croissant or sweet brioche complements the drink’s richness.
Serve with fresh fruit: Mango or citrus helps cut through the creaminess.
Enjoy solo: It’s rich enough to stand on its own as a dessert-like treat.
Serving Suggestions
The way Vietnamese egg coffee is presented is part of its charm.
Serve in a small cup or glass: This keeps the layers distinct and elegant.
Use a warm water bath: Traditionally, the cup is placed in hot water to keep the drink warm without curdling the egg.
Top with a light dusting: Cocoa powder or cinnamon can add a fragrant finishing touch.
Vietnamese egg coffee is proof that a simple drink can carry a story, a tradition, and a touch of wonder. It’s rich, memorable, and truly unlike anything else you’ll try.
Final Thoughts
Vietnamese egg coffee isn’t just a beverage—it’s an experience. It reflects Vietnam’s resourcefulness, creativity, and rich coffee culture. While it might seem intimidating at first, the flavors are surprisingly harmonious, offering a creamy contrast to the strength of the coffee beneath.
For many, trying egg coffee becomes a memorable moment in their travels or culinary adventures. It’s a drink that encourages slowing down, sipping carefully, and savoring each layer of texture and flavor. It’s a small but meaningful window into Vietnamese daily life.
Whether enjoyed in a small Hanoi café or made at home, Vietnamese egg coffee proves that the most unexpected combinations can create something extraordinary. It’s a reminder that stepping outside your comfort zone often leads to the best discoveries.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.