Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng) – The Most Iconic Hanoi Drink
When it comes to Hanoi’s beverages, no drink is more iconic than Egg Coffee (Cà phê trứng). This creamy, rich coffee has fascinated travelers from around the world with its unique combination of strong Vietnamese coffee and whipped egg yolk. Invented in Hanoi in the mid-20th century, Egg Coffee is more than a drink-it is a cultural experience, symbolizing Hanoi’s creativity and charm.
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1. What is Egg Coffee?
Egg Coffee is a specialty drink from Hanoi, made by blending robusta coffee with a frothy cream of whipped egg yolk, sugar, and condensed milk. The result is a velvety, custard-like foam layered on top of hot coffee, creating a balance of bitterness and sweetness. Often described as a “liquid tiramisu,” Egg Coffee is both comforting and indulgent, making it a must-try for any visitor to Vietnam.
2. The origin of Vietnamese egg coffee
Back in the 1940s, during the French colonial period, milk was a scarce commodity in Hanoi. To overcome this challenge, a young bartender named Nguyen Van Giang, who was then working at the prestigious Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, experimented with using egg yolks as a substitute for milk. The result was a surprisingly rich and creamy mixture that complemented strong Vietnamese coffee perfectly. His inventive recipe amazed patrons, encouraging him to leave the hotel and open his own café in 1946, where Egg Coffee officially began its journey.
By the 1950s, Egg Coffee had firmly established itself as a staple on café menus across Hanoi. What started as a creative solution to a shortage quickly turned into a cultural favorite. Mr. Giang’s recipe-combining coffee, egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk—created a curious yet harmonious drink that continues to surprise foreign tourists and delight locals alike. Its unique balance of flavors made it more than just coffee; it became an experience deeply tied to Hanoi’s culinary identity.
Vietnam is recognized as one of the top 10 countries with a unique coffee culture, according to The Travel magazine. For the Vietnamese, coffee is not merely a morning beverage; it is enjoyed throughout the day, at noon, in the afternoon, and even at night. Among the many creative coffee variations in the country, Egg Coffee stands out as a must-try specialty, especially in Hanoi. It symbolizes not only the resourcefulness of its creator but also the deep love of Vietnamese people for coffee as both a drink and a cultural ritual.
3. Egg Coffee Ingredients - The Secret Behind Hanoi’s Most Iconic Drink
Egg coffee is made of three types of coffee: Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica. This combination results in a delicious drink that is rich, aromatic, and full of flavor. Other essential ingredients to make egg coffee are egg yolks, sugar, and milk.
In particular, the egg coffee at its birthplace, Giang cafe, is unique because they have a secret recipe that can minimize the fishy taste of the egg yolk. Other cafes have different recipes with various tweaks, obviously.
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To make a good cup of egg coffee, the egg yolks are whipped with milk and granulated sugar, and then mixed with boiling coffee. A brown color will immediately surface in the cup, along with an irresistible aroma. Egg coffee can be served hot or cold, and both variations will bring you some quite different experiences of paralleled delight.
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4. Best Places to Try Egg Coffee in Hanoi
If you want to experience the authentic taste of Egg Coffee in Hanoi, there are several iconic cafés you simply cannot miss. Each has its own story, charm, and loyal following. Here are the most notable spots:
4.1 Giang Café – The Birthplace of Egg Coffee
Giang Café is the original birthplace of egg coffee, founded by Mr. Nguyen Van Giang, the inventor of this legendary drink. It remains the most popular destination for egg coffee lovers in Hanoi.
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- Address: No. 39, Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
- Opening Hours: Daily, from 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
4.2 The Note Coffee – A Colorful Café with Stories
Famous for its walls filled with thousands of colorful sticky notes written by visitors from around the world, The Note Coffee offers not only a delicious cup of egg coffee but also a heartwarming and interactive experience.
- Address: No. 64, Luong Van Can Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
- Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:30 PM; Friday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
4.3 Pho Co Café – A Hidden Gem in the Old Quarter
Nestled in a quiet corner away from Hanoi’s bustling streets, Pho Co Café is a hidden gem where you can enjoy egg coffee while taking in a serene view of the city and the Old Quarter rooftops.
- Address: No. 11, Hang Gai Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
- Opening Hours: Daily, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
4.4 Dinh Café – Authentic Flavor Passed Down
Founded by the second daughter of Mr. Giang, Dinh Café is known for serving egg coffee in its most authentic and nostalgic flavor. Although modest in appearance, this café delivers a true Hanoi experience.
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- Address: 2nd Floor, No. 13, Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
- Opening Hours: Daily, from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
A cup of egg coffee brings together the sweetness of milk, the bitterness of strong Vietnamese coffee, and the delicate aroma of whipped egg yolks. Sitting in a cozy café, sipping this unique drink while watching the bustling streets of Hanoi go by, is an experience you should not miss when visiting Vietnam.
For travelers seeking to enjoy Hanoi to the fullest, staying at Tonkin Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa, conveniently located near the Old Quarter, is an excellent choice. The hotel offers elegant rooms, relaxing spa services, and personalized hospitality to make your stay unforgettable. To complement your journey, don’t miss dining at Gạo Ta Restaurant, where authentic Vietnamese cuisine is prepared with fresh local ingredients, giving you a true taste of Hanoi’s culinary heritage. Together, they ensure that your Hanoi experience is as authentic, flavorful, and memorable as your very first sip of egg coffee.