Vietnamese “cà phê trứng” (egg coffee) is a delicious and unusual coffee blend that has become well-known worldwide for its distinctive flavor and cultural significance. Vietnam’s innovative culinary traditions are exemplified by this rich and creamy beverage, which is a beloved part of the country’s coffee culture. For those looking for a coffee experience they won’t soon forget, egg coffee is a real treat.

Vietnam’s capital city of Hanoi is where egg coffee first appeared in the 1940s. According to legend, the first egg coffee was invented by Nguyen Van Giang, a bartender at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, in response to the lack of milk during the French colonial era. He replaced milk with a clever condensed milk, sugar, and egg yolk mixture that’s whisked together to create a velvety, opulent froth that perfectly complements a strong Vietnamese coffee. Egg coffee has changed over time, with different iterations having varied proportions of egg to coffee, but the basic pairing of these components has remained the same.

Egg coffee requires careful attention to detail and takes a long time to prepare. Egg yolks and sugar are whisked together until they form a frothy, pale mixture, which is what makes the rich and velvety egg foam. Using the classic drip method, the coffee is brewed and allowed to slowly seep through a metal mesh into a cup of dark, intense brew. Then, a rich layer of the frothy egg mixture is gently spooned over the coffee, balancing the coffee’s strong bitterness with a hint of sweetness and adding a creamy texture. The end effect is a tasteful fusion of textures and flavors, with the smoothness of the egg foam contrasting with the strong coffee.

Egg coffee is usually served in a tiny glass that is frequently submerged in a bowl of hot water to keep it warm. A genuinely unique sensory experience is produced by the enticing aroma of sweetened condensed milk and egg mixed with the fragrant aroma of coffee. The rich coffee base gives way to a smooth, slightly sweet egg foam in every sip of egg coffee, taking the palate on a journey through layers of flavor.

Egg coffee is a popular beverage served at many cafés across the city and has become an iconic part of Hanoi’s café culture. To provide coffee lovers with more options, some establishments offer egg coffee variations such as egg cappuccino or egg chocolate coffee in addition to the classic egg coffee. Egg coffee is a unique delicacy that has become extremely popular among locals and tourists alike, drawing in coffee connoisseurs from all over the world despite its richness.

Beyond just its flavor, egg coffee is appealing because it connects you to the history and culture of Vietnam. This delicious beverage is a representation of Vietnamese ingenuity and resiliency in difficult circumstances, like the scarcity of milk during the French colonial era. The way the Vietnamese prepare and serve egg coffee also reflects their warmth and hospitality, inviting guests to partake in this delightful aspect of their culture.