(TITC) – Vietnam’s iconic egg coffee is once again drawing international attention after being highlighted by Time Out as the one drink visitors should always order when traveling in the country.
Known locally as cà phê trứng, the specialty beverage originated in Hanoi in 1946 during a period of milk shortages. According to the story widely associated with its creation, bartender Nguyen Van Giang, who was working at Metropole Hanoi, developed the recipe by whisking egg yolks with sugar and sweetened condensed milk to create a rich foam served atop strong Vietnamese coffee.
The drink has since become one of Hanoi’s most recognizable culinary symbols and a favourite among both domestic and international travellers.
“Today, you can find egg coffee almost anywhere, even outside Vietnam,” said Tran Duc Thang, Head Barista at Capella Hanoi. “But the authentic experience is tied to a very specific feeling, the moment you slow down, sit still, hear the rhythm of the city around you, and hold a warm cup in your hands.”
Coffee was first introduced to northern Vietnam by the French in the late 19th century. Over time, local coffee culture evolved to reflect Vietnam’s own tastes and circumstances. The scarcity of fresh milk led to the widespread use of sweetened condensed milk, which eventually became a defining ingredient in many Vietnamese coffee drinks.
Egg coffee emerged as one of the most creative responses to those limitations. Its distinctive combination of bitter coffee and creamy egg foam has often been compared to a liquid dessert, with many describing it as similar to tiramisu.
“What makes Hanoi special is that people didn’t simply replace an ingredient,” Tran said. “They transformed it into something entirely their own.”
Traditionally, the egg mixture was whisked by hand, a process that could take up to half an hour. While modern equipment has simplified preparation, the drink’s characteristic flavor and texture remain largely unchanged.
Today, visitors can find egg coffee at numerous cafés across Hanoi. Among the most notable are Café Giảng, where the drink is believed to have originated, as well as several modern specialty coffee shops that continue to preserve and reinterpret the city’s coffee traditions.
Beyond its unique taste, egg coffee has become a reflection of Vietnamese ingenuity and adaptability. Nearly 80 years after its creation, the beverage remains a staple of Hanoi’s café culture and an essential experience for travelers exploring the Vietnamese capital.
As international interest in Vietnam’s culinary heritage continues to grow, egg coffee stands out as a reminder that some of the country’s most celebrated traditions were born not from abundance, but from innovation.
Tourism Information Technology Center
