Vietnamese egg coffee, or Cà Phê Trứng, is a unique and indulgent coffee drink made with strong Vietnamese coffee, egg yolk, and sweetened condensed milk. The result is a rich, creamy, and dessert-like coffee with a smooth, velvety texture.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make authentic Vietnamese egg coffee at home using traditional ingredients and techniques.
What Is Vietnamese Egg Coffee?
✔ Originated in Hanoi, Vietnam, in the 1940s.
✔ Made with egg yolk, sweetened condensed milk, and robust Vietnamese coffee.
✔ Has a thick, creamy, custard-like foam on top.
✔ Often enjoyed as a dessert-like treat rather than a regular morning coffee.
💡 Fun Fact: This drink was invented as a substitute for milk, which was scarce in Vietnam during the 1940s.
What You’ll Need
✔ Vietnamese coffee (Robusta beans preferred)
✔ Egg yolk (fresh and high-quality)
✔ Sweetened condensed milk
✔ Hot water
✔ Phin filter (Vietnamese coffee maker) or espresso machine
✔ Hand whisk, milk frother, or electric mixer
💡 Why Robusta Beans? Vietnamese coffee is typically made with Robusta beans, which have a stronger, more bitter taste than Arabica, balancing the sweetness of the egg mixture.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vietnamese Egg Coffee
Step 1: Brew Strong Vietnamese Coffee
✔ Use a phin filter (Vietnamese drip coffee maker) for authentic results.
✔ Add 2 tablespoons of ground Vietnamese coffee into the filter.
✔ Pour hot water (195–205°F / 90–96°C) and let it drip slowly.
✔ If you don’t have a phin, use a French press or espresso machine.
💡 Why It’s Important: The coffee should be strong and bold to balance the sweetness of the egg mixture.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
✔ Separate one egg yolk into a small bowl.
✔ Add 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk.
✔ Whisk vigorously for 3–5 minutes until it becomes thick, foamy, and pale yellow.
💡 Best Tools: Use a milk frother or electric whisk for a faster, fluffier texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Drink
✔ Pour the hot coffee into a small cup.
✔ Gently spoon the whipped egg mixture on top.
✔ Serve immediately and enjoy!
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t mix the layers! Sip through the egg foam to experience the creamy texture and strong coffee contrast.
Variations of Vietnamese Egg Coffee
☕ Iced Egg Coffee – Make the same recipe but serve over ice.
☕ Egg Cocoa (Cà Phê Trứng Sô Cô La) – Use hot cocoa instead of coffee for a chocolatey version.
☕ Salted Egg Coffee – Add a pinch of salt to enhance flavors.
Conclusion
Vietnamese egg coffee is a delicious, creamy, and unique coffee experience. With strong coffee and a rich egg foam topping, this drink is perfect for those who enjoy sweet, dessert-like coffee flavors.