Experience the rich tradition of Vietnamese egg coffee with our family's authentic recipe—inspired by our time in Da Nang and ready in just 10 minutes!
Watch our step-by-step video to see how we make this authentic Vietnamese egg coffee!
Hey there, coffee lovers! I’m Oliver, and I’m thrilled to share an authentic Vietnamese egg coffee recipe inspired by a vibrant day in Da Nang’s Hai Chau district with Mangoes and Palm Trees. Known as cà phê trứng, this luxurious drink blends strong coffee with a creamy, frothy egg yolk topping, offering a dessert-like experience. During a family adventure in Da Nang, Natalia and I savored this iconic treat at a charming cafe while our son, Victor, sipped a strawberry smoothie. Guided by local barista Minh’s tips, this recipe brings Vietnam’s rich coffee culture to your kitchen.
One radiant afternoon, we wandered through Hai Chau’s bustling streets, drawn by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee to a quaint alley cafe. Its rustic wooden tables and vibrant murals set the scene as we ordered egg coffee in takeaway cups—despite my eco-conscious stance against single-use plastics. Victor, our 8-year-old, sketched the colorful street while enjoying his smoothie. The first sip was pure magic: velvety egg foam melted into bold coffee, balancing bitter and sweet. Born in Hanoi during the 1940s milk shortages, egg coffee was innovated by Nguyen Van Giang, using whipped egg yolks as a creamy substitute (Vietcetera). Today, it’s a beloved ritual across Vietnam, especially in Da Nang’s vibrant cafes.
Authentic Vietnamese Egg Coffee
A luxurious blend of strong coffee topped with a creamy, frothy egg yolk mixture, offering a dessert-like experience. Inspired by Da Nang’s coffee culture.
5 minutes
5 minutes
10 minutes
1
Ingredients
- 1–2 tbsp ground dark roast coffee (preferably Vietnamese, e.g., Trung Nguyen)
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- 2–3 oz hot water (195°F–205°F)
Our vibrant ingredients for authentic Vietnamese egg coffee!
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Vietnamese Phin Filter Set 1
- Vietnamese Phin Filter Set 2
- Vietnamese Phin Filter Set 3
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Small bowl
- Coffee cup or glass
Instructions
- Brew the Coffee: Place 1–2 tbsp ground coffee in the phin filter over a cup. Pour 1–2 tbsp hot water to bloom for 30 seconds. Fill with 2–3 oz hot water, cover, and let drip for 4–5 minutes.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: Whisk 1 egg yolk with 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk and 1 tsp sugar until thick and frothy, about 3–5 minutes.
- Assemble the Drink: Spoon the egg mixture over the brewed coffee. Serve immediately with a spoon to mix or sip through the foam.
Whisking the egg mixture to perfection.
Why This Vietnamese Egg Coffee is a Family Favorite
This Vietnamese egg coffee recipe is more than a beverage—it’s a cultural treasure blending robust coffee with creamy egg foam. Our family fell in love with it in Da Nang’s vibrant cafes, where barista Minh taught us the art of the perfect frothy topping. It’s a comforting ritual that evokes memories of bustling markets and warm hospitality, making it a cherished part of our culinary journey.
A Taste of Our Travels
From Hanoi’s historic cafes to Da Nang’s coastal haunts, egg coffee is a testament to Vietnam’s ingenuity, born during 1940s milk shortages (Vinpearl). Minh called it “a warm hug in a cup,” a social ritual that brings people together. Every sip feels like a moment in a vibrant Vietnamese cafe.
The Health Benefits in Every Sip
This Vietnamese egg coffee offers a delightful boost:
- Caffeine Kick: ~100mg per serving enhances alertness (Healthline).
- Nutrient-Rich: Egg yolks provide vitamins A, D, and E for skin and immune health.
- Moderation Tip: With ~150–200 calories, enjoy as a treat or try our vegan variation with aquafaba.
A Note from Oliver on Ingredients
Quality ingredients make this drink shine. Vietnamese Robusta coffee’s bold flavor, brewed with a phin filter, pairs perfectly with the creamy egg foam—a balance I honed in Da Nang’s cafes. Minh’s tip: “Whisk the egg until it’s like a cloud” for the perfect texture.
Chef's Recommendation: For the best brew, try Trung Nguyen Coffee. Its depth is unmatched.
Serving Suggestions (The Mayerhoffer Way)
We love making this coffee a cozy ritual for Victor. Serve it in a warmed cup with a spoon to savor the foam, and set out small bowls of garnishes for a fun twist.
- Sweet Pairings: Enjoy with banh com or our Dessert Recipes.
- For Balance: Pair with iced tea, as we did in Da Nang.
- Meal Companion: Serve alongside our Traditional Vietnamese Pho.
Drink Pairings to Elevate Your Experience
Enhance the moment with these pairings:
- For Adults: A chilled Tiger beer or light oolong tea complements the richness.
- Family-Friendly: Coconut water with lime or our Ca Phe Sua Da.
- A Vietnamese Finish: Try with Lavazza Espresso brewed in a Phin Filter.
Enjoying Vietnamese egg coffee with traditional iced tea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Vietnamese egg coffee unique?
It blends strong coffee with a frothy egg yolk topping, creating a creamy, dessert-like drink.
Is Vietnamese egg coffee safe to drink?
Yes, with fresh or pasteurized eggs. The hot coffee slightly pasteurizes the mixture.
Can I use instant coffee?
It works but lacks depth. Use a dark roast for better flavor.
How do I make it without raw eggs?
Heat the egg mixture over a double boiler to 160°F (71°C), then cool before adding.
What coffee is best?
Vietnamese Robusta, brewed with a phin filter, offers the bold flavor needed (Phin Coffee).
Let’s Make It Together!
This Vietnamese egg coffee recipe is more than a drink—it’s a cultural escape in every sip, ready in just 10 minutes. It’s a taste of our family’s journey through Da Nang’s vibrant cafes, brought to your kitchen. We hope it delights you as it does us. Watch our video above, try a twist, and make it yours! Share your creations with #MangoesAndPalmTreesCoffee on social media or email team@mangoesandpalmtrees.com. Happy brewing!
Thirsty for more? Explore our Coffee Recipes or find your culinary style with our Personality Quiz Hub.
