The Art of Brewing Vietnamese Egg Coffee: A Rich & Creamy Delight

Introduction

Vietnamese Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng) is one of the most luxurious and unique drinks to emerge from Vietnam’s rich café culture. Often described as “liquid tiramisu,” this indulgent beverage pairs strong Vietnamese Robusta coffee with a velvety, sweet custard made from whipped egg yolk and condensed milk.

First created in the 1940s during a milk shortage in Hanoi, Egg Coffee has since become a symbol of Vietnamese creativity and culinary excellence. Today, it is served in both traditional street cafés and specialty coffee shops around the world.

At Taty’s Specialty Coffee & Tea in Orange County, we proudly serve authentic Egg Coffee made from 100% Fine Robusta beans slow-brewed using a traditional phin filter. Whether you're a lifelong coffee lover or new to Vietnamese-style brews, this guide will show you what makes Egg Coffee so special and how to experience it for yourself.

A Brief History of Vietnamese Egg Coffee

Egg Coffee was invented by Nguyễn Văn Giảng, a bartender at Hanoi’s legendary Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel. During the 1940s, when fresh milk was scarce, he began whisking egg yolks with sugar and sweetened condensed milk to create a creamy topping that mimicked the richness of milk.

The result was a luscious foam layered over bold Vietnamese coffee: smooth, sweet, and energizing. This innovation quickly became a staple in Hanoi cafés, and it remains one of Vietnam’s most iconic drinks.

At Taty’s, we continue this tradition by preparing fresh egg custard foam in-house, served hot or iced, giving our guests a taste of Vietnam in every sip.

What Makes Vietnamese Egg Coffee So Unique

1. A Bold Robusta Coffee Base

Vietnamese Egg Coffee begins with strong, phin-dripped Robusta beans. These beans are known for their chocolatey depth, intense aroma, and higher caffeine content. Compared to the smoothness of Arabica, Robusta delivers a rich, bold foundation that perfectly contrasts the sweet, airy topping.

2. Rich, Sweet, and Velvety Egg Foam

The signature foam is made by whipping fresh egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, and sugar into a pale yellow custard. It’s thick, smooth, and slightly sweet—like the topping of a dessert. This luscious layer floats on the coffee, creating a visually stunning and flavor-rich experience.

3. A Perfect Balance of Sweetness and Bitterness

Egg Coffee is beloved for its balance. The bitterness of the Robusta coffee cuts through the sweetness of the foam, creating a harmony of flavors that is comforting, energizing, and indulgent all at once.

💡 Pro Tip: Egg Coffee is meant to be savored. Sip through the foam or gently stir to combine both layers for a smooth, well-rounded flavor journey. ☕️

How to Make Vietnamese Egg Coffee at Home

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 2 tablespoons of Vietnamese Robusta coffee (e.g., Trung Nguyên or Café Du Monde)
  • 1 fresh egg yolk
  • 2 teaspoons sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 4 to 5 oz hot water (195–205°F)

Step-by-Step Brewing Guide

Step 1: Brew the Coffee

  • Add the ground coffee to your phin filter
  • Press the filter gently over the grounds
  • Pour in a small amount of hot water to bloom for 30 seconds
  • Slowly add the rest of the hot water
  • Let it drip for 4 to 5 minutes and set the brewed coffee aside

Step 2: Make the Egg Foam

  • Whisk the egg yolk, condensed milk, and sugar for 5 minutes
  • The mixture should become light, frothy, and thick like custard

Step 3: Assemble Your Egg Coffee

  • Pour the brewed coffee into a small glass or cup
  • Gently spoon the foam over the top
  • Optionally, dust with cocoa powder or cinnamon
  • Serve immediately for best taste and texture

💡 Pro Tip: In traditional Vietnamese cafés, Egg Coffee is often served in a glass placed inside a bowl of hot water to help retain heat. 🔥

Variations of Egg Coffee You Can Try

At Taty’s Specialty Coffee & Tea, we offer several takes on the classic:

Iced Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng Đá)

A chilled version served over ice, perfect for hot California afternoons. ❄️

Egg Matcha Latte

Swapping coffee for Japanese matcha, this green-hued twist adds an earthy richness with the same creamy foam.

Egg Cocoa

For those who want to skip the caffeine, this dessert-like treat uses hot chocolate as a base while keeping the luxurious egg foam. 🍫

We proudly offer hot and iced versions year-round so you can enjoy this Vietnamese treasure your way.

Where to Find Vietnamese Egg Coffee in Orange County

If you're searching for authentic Egg Coffee in Orange County, Taty’s Specialty Coffee & Tea is your destination. Our passion for Vietnamese tradition and modern craftsmanship makes every drink a special experience.

What You’ll Find at Taty’s:

  • 100% Fine Robusta coffee beans sourced from Vietnam
  • House-made egg custard foam whipped fresh daily
  • Both hot and iced options for any weather
  • Crafted in the traditional style using phin filters

📍 Visit us at our Westminster and Garden Grove cafés
🛒 Order online through Toast for a quick and commission-free experience 🚗💨

FAQs About Vietnamese Egg Coffee

Q: Is Egg Coffee safe to drink?
Yes. It uses fresh egg yolks that are whisked into a foam, similar to how custards or tiramisu toppings are prepared.

Q: Does Egg Coffee taste like eggs?
Not at all. The flavor is sweet and custard-like. The egg adds richness without tasting eggy.

Q: Can I use regular coffee instead of Vietnamese Robusta?
You can, but it won't have the same bold depth. For the most authentic flavor, we recommend using Vietnamese Robusta brewed with a phin.

Q: Is Egg Coffee served hot or cold?
Both. At Taty’s, we offer Egg Coffee hot for those seeking comfort and iced for a refreshing twist. 🧊

Conclusion

Vietnamese Egg Coffee is more than just a drink—it is a warm, flavorful tradition that combines the boldness of Robusta coffee with the smooth elegance of a sweet, foamy custard. Every sip is rich, comforting, and uniquely Vietnamese.

Whether you try it for the first time or it becomes your new favorite ritual, Taty’s Specialty Coffee & Tea is your home for authentic Egg Coffee in Orange County.

Come for the bold coffee. Stay for the silky smooth finish. Experience Egg Coffee the Taty’s way. ☕️🍮💛

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