Vietnamese egg coffee is a coffee drink you must try. If you have never tried this delicious coffee, you can immediately start with the authentic recipe Nawon will introduce in the article below. But first, let’s learn a little about this coffee drink.
What is Vietnamese egg coffee
Vietnamese egg coffee, or “cà phê trứng” in Vietnamese, is a unique and attractive coffee drink from Hanoi, Vietnam. It is famous for its rich and creamy texture, blending the strong flavor of coffee with the silky goodness of a sweet egg coating.
A classic cup of egg coffee includes 2 parts: the strong robusta Vietnamese coffee at the bottom and the shiny golden egg cream layer on top. The custard mixture, consisting of egg yolks, condensed milk, and sugar, is then whipped until it becomes thick and bubbly. This creamy mixture is carefully layered on the coffee, creating a visually appealing and attractive double-layered beverage. Because the ingredient contains egg yolk, it’s also called Vietnamese egg yolk coffee.
It has a unique combination of sweet and bitter flavors, with the rich taste of Vietnamese coffee complemented by the delicious creaminess of the custard. Served hot and iced, Vietnamese egg coffee has become popular not only in Vietnam but also worldwide, captivating the taste buds of coffee enthusiasts worldwide.
How Vietnamese egg coffee was invented
The creator of egg coffee was Mr. Nguyen Van Giang, a barista at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Vietnam, in the 1940s. At that time, Vietnam struggled with a shortage of fresh milk and low prices. The high cost of milk makes enjoying cappuccino coffee difficult for most Vietnamese people. With his creative personality and diligent research, Mr. Giang proposed replacing the milk cream layer with egg yolks beaten with white sugar, 1-2 drops of honey, and a little condensed milk. The result is a cup of coffee with a velvety golden egg cream coating, creating an attractive flavor for traditional Vietnamese coffee.
Word spread, and soon, locals and tourists alike were fascinated by this ingenious creation. Mr. Giang decided to quit his job at the hotel and open a cafe under his name – cafe Giang – with the main dish he had created. To this day, Vietnamese egg coffee has become a sought-after specialty beverage, famous for its unique flavor and cultural flair. It’s not just a drink; It is a critical factor in Vietnamese coffee culture, demonstrating the resourcefulness and ingenuity of Vietnamese people in the face of challenges.
American television channel CNN once rated it as one of the most impressive specialties of the capital, Hanoi. Japanese newspaper prtimes.jp also reported on the opening of Giang coffee shop in the Land of the Rising Sun, with the first location at 78-3 Yamashita Street, Naka District, Kanagawa Prefecture, Yokohama City. This newspaper page also describes Giang coffee as “delicious egg coffee originating from Hanoi Old Quarter, Vietnam.”
How to make Vietnamese egg coffee
Enjoy the rich and smooth flavor of Vietnamese Egg Coffee with the simple recipes below.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of Vietnamese ground coffee (strong, robusta coffee works best)
- 3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons of sugar (adjust to taste)
- Hot water for brewing coffee
- Cocoa powder (optional)
How to make Vietnamese egg coffee step by step
- Brew the Coffee: Brew a strong cup of Vietnamese coffee using a drip filter or any preferred brewing method.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture:In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and condensed milk until well combined and slightly thickened.
- Whip the Mixture: Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the egg and condensed milk mixture until it becomes thick and frothy. This may take a few minutes.
- Sweeten the Egg Mixture: Add sugar to the egg mixture and continue whipping until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture reaches a creamy consistency.
- Assemble the Egg Coffee:
- Pour the brewed Vietnamese coffee into a glass or cup
- Carefully spoon the whipped egg mixture on top of the coffee, creating a distinct two-layered presentation.
- Place the egg coffee cup in a bowl of warm water to maintain the temperature of the coffee
- Sprinkle a little cocoa powder to decorate and enhance the flavor
- Serve and Enjoy: Tilt the glass and take a small sip to combine the rich coffee flavor with the velvety egg topping.
Read more: What Is The Difference Between Espresso Vs Coffee?
How to drink egg coffee
Tips for enjoying egg coffee to savor the unique flavors and experience of fully, consider the following tips:
- Take your time: It is meant to be enjoyed slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together. Take small sips and savor each one, appreciating the creamy texture and the balance of flavors.
- Experiment with variations: While the classic recipe is delightful, feel free to experiment. You can add a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to enhance the flavors. Some people even enjoy adding a touch of rum or brandy for an extra kick.
- Pair with Vietnamese snacks: It pairs exceptionally well with traditional Vietnamese snacks such as “bánh gai” (sticky rice cake), “bánh bò” (steamed rice cake), or “bánh mì” (Vietnamese baguette). The combination of the rich coffee and the sweet or savory snacks creates a delightful culinary experience.
- Embrace the texture: The whipped egg yolks create a unique and velvety texture in egg coffee. Embrace this texture and enjoy the creamy mouthfeel as you sip the coffee.
- Share the experience: Friends or loved ones often enjoy it. Share the experience with others and introduce them to this Vietnamese specialty. It’s a great conversation starter and a way to bond over a delicious and unique beverage.
Vietnamese egg coffee is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of Vietnam’s rich coffee culture. The fusion of robust coffee with a velvety egg topping has created a unique and indulgent beverage. It has become a symbol of resilience in the face of the challenges of Vietnamese people.
