Vietnamese Egg Coffee

Cà Phê Trứng is a unique and indulgent coffee creation from Vietnam. It consists of a strong, dark roast coffee base, typically brewed using a traditional phin filter. The defining feature is the rich, sweet, and creamy topping made by whipping egg yolks with sweetened condensed milk until it forms a light, airy foam. This luscious cream is then poured over the hot coffee, creating a drink that is often compared to a liquid tiramisu or coffee-flavored custard.
Vietnamese Egg Coffee

Preparation

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

Vietnamese Egg Coffee is a specialty coffee drink. It is categorized as a hot drink, perfect for cooler weather or as a decadent treat. It stands in its own category of coffee preparations, distinct from lattes or cappuccinos due to its unique egg-based topping.

Serving

Served hot in a small glass cup, this drink is non-alcoholic and its temperature is often maintained by placing the cup in a bowl of hot water. The serving size is relatively small due to its richness.
Serving size
Approximately 150-200 ml / 5-7 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Hot
Glass type
Small heatproof glass cup or mug
Glass treatment
Sometimes the cup is placed in a small bowl of hot water to keep the coffee warm.

Backstory

Legend has it that Cà Phê Trứng was invented in the 1940s in Hanoi by Nguyen Van Giang. At the time, fresh milk was scarce in Vietnam due to the French War. As a bartender at the Sofitel Legend Metropole hotel, Giang cleverly substituted the dairy with whipped egg yolk, creating a surprisingly delicious and creamy alternative.
Origin
Hanoi, Vietnam, 1940s.

Vietnamese Egg Coffee

The original Vietnamese name is Cà Phê Trứng, which directly translates to "egg coffee". It is sometimes spelled as Càphêtrứng without the diacritics. In English, it is most commonly known simply as Vietnamese Egg Coffee or just Egg Coffee.
Original name
Cà Phê Trứng
Alternative names
  • Egg Coffee
  • Càphêtrứng

Characteristics overview

This drink boasts a bold coffee aroma balanced by a sweet, custardy scent, with a flavor profile dominated by the sweet cream and bitter coffee. It has a thick, velvety texture and a distinctive layered appearance, making it a warming and comforting treat.
Flavor
Rich, sweet, coffee, creamy, custard-like, vanilla notes
Aroma
Strong coffee, sweet, custardy, vanilla
Taste balance
Sweet, bitter
Aftertaste
Lingering sweetness, smooth coffee finish
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Layered, dark brown coffee base, pale yellow creamy topping
Texture
Thick, creamy, velvety, frothy, smooth
Seasonality
Warming, suitable for all seasons but particularly comforting in cooler weather

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intense, marked by a high degree of sweetness and creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the strong bitterness of the coffee. It is a non-alcoholic and completely still beverage.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You'll need a fresh egg yolk, sweetened condensed milk, and strong black coffee. A dash of vanilla extract is optional but recommended for extra flavor.
  • Egg Yolk1 large
    Use a fresh, high-quality egg for the best flavor and safety.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 oz)
    Adjust to taste for desired sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract1/4 teaspoon(optional)
    Adds a pleasant aroma and depth of flavor.
  • Strong Black Coffee120 ml / 4 oz
    Traditionally made with Vietnamese robusta beans brewed in a phin filter, but a strong espresso or dark roast drip coffee can be used.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

The key equipment is a whisk or electric mixer to create the signature egg foam and a Vietnamese phin filter or espresso machine for a strong coffee base.
  • Whisk or electric hand mixer for whipping the egg cream.
  • Vietnamese phin filter or espresso machine for brewing the coffee.
  • Mixing bowl for preparing the cream.

Instructions

The process involves brewing strong coffee, then whipping an egg yolk with sweetened condensed milk until it's a thick foam. This foam is then spooned over the hot coffee and served immediately.
1. Brew a strong cup of coffee (about 120 ml / 4 oz) using a phin filter, espresso machine, or your preferred method. Pour it into a heatproof glass cup.
2. Separate the egg yolk from the white. Place the yolk in a small, clean mixing bowl.
3. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract (if using) to the egg yolk.
4. Using an electric hand mixer or a milk frother, whip the mixture on high speed for about 3-5 minutes. Continue until it becomes thick, pale, frothy, and has the consistency of a light custard or meringue.
5. Gently spoon or pour the whipped egg cream over the top of the hot coffee in the cup. It should float on top, creating a distinct layer.
6. Garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or ground cinnamon, if desired.
7. Serve immediately while the coffee is hot and the foam is fresh. You can place the cup in a small bowl of hot water to keep it warm.

Garnishing

A simple dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon can be added on top of the foam for extra aroma and visual appeal.
  • A light dusting of cocoa powder or ground cinnamon on top.

Dietary Information

This drink is vegetarian, gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free. However, it is not caffeine-free, dairy-free, egg-free, or vegan due to its core ingredients of coffee, condensed milk, and egg yolks.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✕ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a rich and caloric drink, high in sugar and carbohydrates primarily from the sweetened condensed milk. It serves as more of a dessert than a standard daily coffee.
Calories
Averagely 200-250 kcal / 837-1046 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 20-25 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 20-25 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is perfect as a special morning coffee, a rich afternoon pick-me-up, or a satisfying dessert after a meal. Its warming and comforting nature makes it especially suitable for cozy, relaxed moments.
  • Morning treat
  • Afternoon pick-me-up
  • Dessert drink
  • Cozy day indoors

Pairing suggestions

Cà Phê Trứng is often enjoyed on its own as a treat. However, it can be paired with simple pastries that won't compete with its rich flavor, or with savory snacks like a classic Bánh mì for a contrasting experience.
  • Bánh mì (Vietnamese baguette)
  • Simple pastries or croissants
  • Sunflower seeds (a common Vietnamese snack)

Cà Phê Trứng: The Liquid Tiramisu of Coffees

Cà Phê Trứng, or Vietnamese Egg Coffee, is a unique and decadent beverage originating from Hanoi. It features a robust, dark coffee base crowned with a thick, sweet, and creamy foam made from egg yolks and condensed milk. The result is a drink with a velvety texture and a taste reminiscent of liquid tiramisu, offering a perfect balance between the bitterness of the coffee and the sweetness of the egg cream. It's a must-try for adventurous coffee lovers seeking a truly special and memorable experience.

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