Vietnamese Egg Coffee, or “Cà Phê Trứng,” is a creamy, decadent coffee drink that has become a must-try experience for both locals and tourists in Vietnam. Known for its sweet and velvety texture, this unique concoction blends the richness of egg yolks with the bold flavor of Vietnamese coffee, creating a beverage that’s both satisfying and unforgettable. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of egg coffee, what makes it so special, and how you can make this traditional Vietnamese treat at home.
Cà Phê Trứng
Table of Contents
The Origins of Vietnamese Egg Coffee
Egg coffee was invented in Hanoi in the 1940s by a man named Nguyen Van Giang. At the time, Vietnam was facing a shortage of milk due to the French War, and Giang, who worked as a bartender at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, came up with the idea of replacing milk with whisked egg yolks. His creation became an instant hit, and the recipe has been passed down through generations. Today, his family-run café, Cafe Giang, is still famous for serving this beloved coffee.
What Makes Cà Phê Trứng Special?
Egg coffee stands out because of its unique combination of ingredients. The whipped egg yolk creates a thick, creamy foam that contrasts beautifully with the strong, slightly bitter taste of the coffee. The addition of sugar and sweetened condensed milk enhances the sweetness, making it a rich, dessert-like drink. This blend of textures and flavors sets egg coffee apart from traditional coffee, making it an extraordinary coffee experience.
The Ingredients of Vietnamese Egg Coffee
The ingredients used to make Cà Phê Trứng are simple, yet they come together to create a complex and indulgent flavor:
- Egg yolks: The key ingredient that gives the coffee its creamy, custard-like texture.
- Vietnamese coffee: Strong, dark, and bold, this coffee is typically brewed using a Vietnamese drip filter (phin).
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and richness to the drink.
- Sugar: Further sweetens the egg foam.
- Boiling water: Used to keep the drink warm and mix with the coffee.
How to Make Cà Phê Trứng at Home
If you’re intrigued by the idea of egg coffee and want to try making it yourself, here’s a simple step-by-step recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup of strong Vietnamese coffee (brewed with a drip filter or espresso machine)
- Hot water (optional, for warming the cup)
Instructions:
- Brew the coffee: Start by brewing a cup of strong Vietnamese coffee using a drip filter (phin). If you don’t have a phin, you can use an espresso machine to brew a strong shot of espresso.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks with sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale yellow. This can take around 5-7 minutes if done by hand or a few minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add the condensed milk: Once the egg mixture is fluffy, gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk and whisk for another 1-2 minutes until well combined. This will give the foam a creamy, velvety texture.
- Pour the coffee: Pour the brewed Vietnamese coffee into a cup. If you prefer to keep the coffee warm while preparing, place the cup in a bowl of hot water.
- Top with egg foam: Carefully spoon the egg foam mixture over the top of the hot coffee, allowing it to float on the surface.
- Stir and enjoy: Cà Phê Trứng is typically served with a spoon so you can stir the foam into the coffee. The result is a sweet, rich drink with a smooth, creamy texture.
Variations of Cà Phê Trứng
Though the traditional Cà Phê Trứng is served hot, there are a few variations that have become popular over the years:
- Iced Cà Phê Trứng: For a refreshing take, try serving egg coffee over ice. The cold version is perfect for warm days and has a slightly different texture, with the foam staying thick while the cold coffee refreshes.
- Cocoa Cà Phê Trứng: Some cafés offer a version of egg coffee that includes cocoa powder or chocolate syrup, turning it into an indulgent mocha-like treat.
- Egg Beer or Egg Cocoa: In addition to coffee, the egg mixture can be paired with beer or hot cocoa, offering a completely different but equally decadent beverage experience.
Where to Try Cà Phê Trứng in Vietnam
While egg coffee can be found in cafés across Vietnam, its birthplace is Hanoi, and there are a few iconic spots you shouldn’t miss:
- Cafe Giang: This is the original café where egg coffee was invented, and it remains one of the most popular destinations for this iconic drink.
- Cafe Dinh: Another popular spot in Hanoi, Cafe Dinh offers a cozy atmosphere and is known for its authentic Cà Phê Trứng experience.
- Hanoi Social Club: A trendy café that offers a modern twist on traditional Vietnamese drinks, including Cà Phê Trứng.
Cafe Giang: This is the original café where Cà Phê Trứng was invented, and it remains one of the most popular destinations for this iconic drink.
The Cultural Significance of Egg Coffee
Cà Phê Trứng isn’t just a delicious drink—it’s also a symbol of Vietnamese creativity and resilience. The drink emerged during a time of scarcity, but it has since become a part of the country’s cultural identity, representing the ingenuity of the Vietnamese people in overcoming challenges. Today, egg coffee is an example of how tradition can be blended with innovation to create something timeless and unique.
Here are 5 reasons why you should try Vietnamese Egg Coffee:
1. A Unique Coffee Experience
Vietnamese Egg Coffee is unlike any other coffee you’ve tried. The combination of whisked egg yolk with bold Vietnamese coffee creates a rich, creamy texture that makes this drink stand out from the typical espresso or latte. It’s a sweet and indulgent coffee that feels more like a dessert.
2. A Taste of Vietnamese Tradition
Cà Phê Trứng is not just a drink—it’s a piece of Vietnam’s culinary history. Invented in the 1940s in Hanoi, it showcases Vietnamese innovation during a time of scarcity. Trying this coffee gives you a deeper appreciation of the country’s culture and traditions.
3. Surprisingly Simple Ingredients
Despite its luxurious taste, Cà Phê Trứng is made from basic ingredients: eggs, coffee, sugar, and condensed milk. It’s easy to make at home, and you don’t need any fancy tools—just a good whisk and a strong cup of coffee.
4. Versatility in Serving Styles
Cà Phê Trứng can be enjoyed both hot or iced, making it versatile for different seasons. Whether you’re warming up with a hot version in the winter or cooling down with iced egg coffee in the summer, it’s a treat all year round.
5. A Sweet and Satisfying Indulgence
The creamy, frothy egg layer combined with the strong, slightly bitter coffee creates a perfect balance of flavors. It satisfies both your coffee cravings and your sweet tooth, offering a rich, comforting drink that feels indulgent yet balanced.
Cafe Dinh‘s Cà Phê Trứng
Conclusion
Cà Phê Trứng is more than just a beverage; it’s a flavorful and cultural experience that showcases the creativity of Vietnamese cuisine. With its combination of rich coffee and creamy egg foam, this delightful drink offers a one-of-a-kind taste that’s worth savoring. Whether you’re visiting Vietnam or want to try making it at home, egg coffee is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Sources:
https://www.bonappetit.com/story/vietnamese-egg-coffee
https://fallontravels.com/blog/best-egg-coffee-hanoi-vietnamese-old-quarter-cafe