How to Make Vietnamese Egg Coffee at Home (Sweet and Creamy)
Have you ever sipped on something so creamy, so sweet, so utterly indulgent that you wondered why you hadn’t tried it sooner?
That’s exactly what Vietnamese Egg Coffee—known as Cà phê trứng in Vietnam—feels like.
It’s a drink that’s part dessert, part coffee, and 100% comfort.
If you’ve never had coffee with egg before, don’t worry—it’s way more delicious than it sounds.
And the best part? You can easily make it at home with just a few simple ingredients!
Let’s dive in, and I’ll show you exactly how to whip up this creamy, dreamy Vietnamese Egg Coffee recipe.
By the end of this, you’ll feel like a total barista pro (or at least, you’ll look like one to your friends).
What is Vietnamese Egg Coffee?
Vietnamese Egg Coffee is not your average cup of joe.
This rich, decadent drink combines strong Vietnamese coffee with a sweet, frothy egg cream topping made from whipped egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk.
It’s a little like a tiramisu in liquid form—smooth, velvety, and completely satisfying.
This coffee originated in Hanoi in the 1940s, when milk was scarce.
A clever barista decided to use egg yolks as a creamy substitute, and voilà! Egg Coffee was born.
Today, it’s a beloved part of Vietnamese street food culture and a must-try Vietnamese breakfast treat when visiting Hanoi.
But thanks to this Vietnamese Egg Coffee recipe, you don’t need to book a flight—you can bring the magic to your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy — You don’t need fancy equipment or complicated techniques.
- Crazy Delicious — Sweet, creamy, and bold—what’s not to love?
- Impressive — Serve this to guests, and they’ll think you’re a total coffee artist.
- Customizable — Love Vietnamese Iced Coffee or Coconut Coffee? You can tweak this recipe for summer drinks too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your very own Vietnamese Egg Coffee:
- Strong Vietnamese Coffee: Use ground Vietnamese coffee like Trung Nguyên or any dark roast coffee.
- Egg Yolks: The fresher, the better.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds that signature sweetness.
- Sugar: Just a little to help with the whipping.
- Hot Water: To brew your coffee.
That’s it! Simple, right? If you don’t have Vietnamese coffee on hand, you can substitute with espresso or another strong brew, but the authentic flavor really shines with the real deal.
Step-by-Step Vietnamese Egg Coffee Recipe
Here’s how you can make this creamy egg yolk coffee at home:
Step 1: Brew the Coffee
Start by brewing a strong cup of Vietnamese coffee. If you have a traditional phin filter, great! If not, a French press or espresso machine works just fine. You want about 4 ounces of coffee per serving. The goal is to make it bold and rich—no weak coffee here!
Step 2: Whip the Egg Cream
Separate the egg yolks from the whites (save the whites for another recipe like meringue or scrambled eggs). Place the yolks in a bowl with 1-2 tablespoons of sugar and beat until pale and frothy. Add 1-2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk and continue whipping until the mixture is thick, creamy, and slightly airy.
Step 3: Assemble the Coffee
Pour your hot coffee into a cup, leaving some room at the top. Gently spoon the whipped egg cream over the coffee. It should sit on top like a luxurious foam layer.
Step 4: Enjoy!
Serve immediately with a spoon. The fun part? You get to mix the egg cream into the coffee yourself. The combination of bold coffee and sweet, creamy topping is absolutely heavenly.
Tips for the Best Egg Coffee
- Use Fresh Eggs: Since you’re consuming raw egg yolks, fresh eggs are non-negotiable.
- Chill the Bowl: For an extra fluffy egg cream, chill your mixing bowl beforehand.
- Go Slow: When whipping the yolks, patience pays off. The longer you whip, the better the texture.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add a touch of vanilla extract or even a pinch of cinnamon for a unique twist.
Variations to Try
- Vietnamese Iced Coffee Version: Pour your coffee over ice before adding the egg cream for a refreshing summer treat.
- Coconut Egg Coffee: Add a splash of coconut milk to the coffee for a tropical vibe.
- Spiked Egg Coffee: Mix in a shot of Baileys or rum for a grown-up indulgence.
Why Add Egg to Coffee?
I get it—the idea of putting an egg in coffee might sound strange at first.
But the egg yolk adds an incredible richness and creaminess that you just can’t get from milk or cream alone.
It’s the secret ingredient that takes this coffee from good to unforgettable.
Think of it like Thai Iced Coffee or a Carnivore Coffee Recipe—sometimes the best flavors come from unexpected combos!
Pair It With…
- Fried Spring Rolls: A savory snack to balance the sweetness.
- Rice Noodle Salad: Light and refreshing.
- Comfort Drinks: Pair it with Thai Iced Coffee or Coconut Coffee for a fun drink sampler.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: While traditional Egg Coffee isn’t vegan, you can experiment with aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) and plant-based condensed milk for a Vegan Vietnamese twist.
Q: Is it safe to drink raw egg coffee?
A: Yes, as long as you use fresh, pasteurized eggs. If you’re worried, you can use pasteurized egg yolks.
Q: Can I store the egg cream?
A: It’s best made fresh, but you can store whipped egg cream in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a step-by-step guide to making Vietnamese Egg Coffee at home. It’s creamy, sweet, and just the right amount of indulgent.
I promise, once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
Whether you’re sipping it as a morning pick-me-up or serving it as a dessert drink, this Vietnamese coffee recipe is guaranteed to impress.
So grab your whisk, brew that coffee, and let’s get sipping.
And hey, if you do try it, let me know how it turns out.
I’d love to hear about your egg coffee adventures!
