How to Make Vietnamese Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng) at Home

Egg coffee, or Vietnamese egg coffee, is a rich and creamy coffee drink that originated in Hanoi. Combining the bold flavors of Vietnamese coffee with a frothy, custard-like egg foam, it offers a unique and indulgent coffee experience. In this guide, we'll walk you through a step-by-step egg coffee recipe, discuss what is egg coffee, and provide expert tips on how to make egg coffee and how to drink egg coffee for the best experience. We'll also explore whether you can put egg nog in coffee and how it compares to traditional egg coffee.

What is Egg Coffee?

Vietnamese egg coffee (ca phe trung) was invented in the 1940s in Hanoi when fresh milk was scarce, and egg yolks were used as a substitute. The result? A decadent, velvety coffee with a slightly sweet and creamy topping that balances perfectly with the strong, bold flavors of Vietnamese robusta coffee. Hanoi egg coffee has since become a signature drink in Vietnam and is now enjoyed worldwide.

Ingredients

For the Egg Cream Topping:

• 3 egg yolks

• 10ml honey (adjust to taste)

For the Coffee Base:

• 30ml brewed Vietnamese coffee (Bazan Coffee’s Krong Nang Robusta or Vietnam Blend is highly recommended)

• Ice cubes (for the cold version)

Step-by-Step Egg Coffee Recipe

1. Prepare the Egg Mixture:

• Separate 3 egg yolks into a bowl.

• Add 10ml honey and whisk vigorously using a mixer or a handheld frother for 10–15 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and smooth.

2. Brew the Coffee:

• Brew 30ml of strong Vietnamese coffee using a traditional phin filter or an espresso machine.

• If using a phin filter, let the coffee steep slowly for a bold and rich flavor.

3. Assemble the Drink

Hot Egg Coffee:

1. Warm the cup: While preparing the egg mixture, preheat your coffee cup with hot water.

2. Pour the coffee: Once the coffee is ready, discard the warming water from the cup and pour in the freshly brewed coffee.

3. Add the whipped egg cream: Gently spoon the egg mixture over the coffee.

4. Enjoy: Stir gently from the bottom up before drinking.

Cold Egg Coffee:

1. Prepare the cup: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.

2. Pour the coffee: Brew 50ml of strong coffee and pour it over the ice.

3. Add the egg foam: Spoon the fluffy egg mixture over the coffee.

4. Serve and enjoy: The contrast between the cold coffee and the rich egg foam makes this version refreshing and decadent.

Pro Tips for the Best Egg Coffee

• Taste the whipped egg mixture before adding it to coffee to ensure the right sweetness.

• For a stronger coffee flavor, extend the brewing time with a phin filter.

• Drink within 10 minutes to enjoy the freshest flavor before the egg foam changes texture.

• Egg cream coffee variations can include cocoa powder, cinnamon, or nutmeg for a unique twist.

FAQs About Egg Coffee – Everything You Need to Know

Q: What is the difference between egg coffee and egg cream coffee?

A: The term "egg coffee" refers to a Vietnamese specialty drink where egg yolks are whisked with sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and sometimes vanilla to create a thick, frothy, and creamy layer on top of strong coffee. This results in a custard-like texture that balances the coffee’s boldness.

In contrast, "egg cream coffee" is a New York-origin beverage that does not contain eggs or coffee at all. Instead, it is made with milk, carbonated water, and chocolate syrup, resembling more of a light, fizzy chocolate milk than a coffee-based drink.

💡 Key Difference: Vietnamese egg coffee is a rich, espresso-like drink with a frothy egg topping, whereas egg cream coffee is a soda-like chocolate drink with no relation to actual coffee.

Q: How to drink egg coffee properly?

A: The best way to enjoy Vietnamese egg coffee is to experience the contrast between the rich, velvety egg foam and the bold, dark coffee underneath. Here’s how to drink it:

1. Option 1 – Traditional Method (Layered Experience):

• Start by sipping the creamy egg foam on top to enjoy its luxurious texture and sweet, custard-like taste.

• Then, take a sip of the robust coffee below for a bitter-sweet balance.

2. Option 2 – Blended Method (Even Flavor):

• Gently stir the drink from the bottom up to mix the coffee with the egg foam.

• This creates a smooth and creamy cappuccino-like consistency with an even distribution of sweetness and bold coffee flavor.

💡 Pro Tip: Many coffee shops serve egg coffee in a small cup placed inside a bowl of warm water to maintain the ideal drinking temperature and prevent the egg foam from cooling too quickly.

Q: Can you put eggnog in coffee instead of egg foam?

A: Yes, eggnog can be used as an alternative to egg foam, but it won’t provide the same texture.

 Similarities:

• Eggnog adds creaminess and a rich, spiced flavor to coffee.

• It contains eggs, milk, and sugar, making it somewhat similar in concept to egg coffee.

 Differences:

• Eggnog is pre-mixed and liquid-based, so it won't create the thick, frothy layer that traditional egg coffee has.

• It often includes nutmeg, cinnamon, and other spices, altering the flavor profile.

💡 Best Way to Use Eggnog in Coffee:

• Froth the eggnog before adding it to coffee for a creamier texture.

• Pair it with a strong coffee like Bazan Coffee’s Fine Robusta – Krong Nang to balance the sweetness.

Q: How does Hanoi egg coffee differ from regular coffee drinks?

A: Hanoi egg coffee is richer, creamier, and more dessert-like than traditional coffee drinks. Here’s how it stands out:

☕ Hanoi Egg Coffee vs. Regular Latte/Cappuccino:

• Unlike a latte or cappuccino, which has milk foam, egg coffee features a thick, whipped egg yolk topping that tastes like a sweet custard.

• The strong robusta coffee at the base gives it an intense, bold flavor, whereas lattes and cappuccinos are more balanced and creamy.

💡 Pro Tip: Hanoi egg coffee is often described as “liquid tiramisu” due to its creamy, dessert-like nature.

 

Q: What is the best coffee for making Vietnamese egg coffee?

A: Vietnamese robusta coffee is the best choice for making egg coffee due to its strong, bold, and slightly bitter profile, which perfectly balances the sweetness of the egg foam.

 Recommended Coffee:

• Bazan Coffee’s Fine Robusta – Krong Nang

• Grown in Vietnam’s high-altitude regions, this robusta has a full-bodied, strong flavor with chocolatey and nutty undertones.

• The high caffeine content (about 2x more than arabica) provides a powerful kick that pairs well with the rich egg topping.

 Why Robusta?

• Higher caffeine content makes it stronger and less acidic than arabica.

• Creates a thicker crema, which enhances the drink’s visual appeal.

• Offers a bold and intense contrast to the sweet, creamy egg foam.

💡 Alternative: If you prefer a milder flavor, try a medium-dark arabica blend, but robusta is the most authentic choice.

Q: Is Vietnamese egg coffee safe to drink?

A: Yes! Vietnamese egg coffee is safe to drink as long as fresh, high-quality eggs are used.

 How to Ensure Safety:

• Use pasteurized eggs if you're concerned about consuming raw egg yolks.

• Choose fresh, organic eggs to minimize risks.

• The heat from the freshly brewed coffee partially cooks the egg foam, reducing concerns about bacteria.

💡 Pro Tip: To be extra cautious, whisk the egg mixture over gentle heat (double boiler method) before adding it to the coffee to create a safe, frothy topping without using raw egg directly.

Experience Authentic Vietnamese Egg Coffee with Bazan Coffee

At Bazan Coffee, we believe that the key to crafting the perfect Vietnamese egg coffee lies in choosing the finest coffee beans. Whether you're making it for the first time or refining your recipe, the quality of your coffee is essential to creating an authentic, flavorful experience. With Bazan’s premium, specialty-grade beans, you can craft a rich, smooth, and creamy egg coffee that brings a true taste of Vietnam to your cup.

The New Revolution: Fine Robusta from Vietnam

For a truly exceptional egg coffee, the beans you use matter. Bazan’s Fine Robusta – Krong Nang is the perfect choice for those who love a bold, full-bodied coffee. Unlike the mass-produced Robusta beans used in many commercial coffees, our Fine Robusta is carefully sourced and processed to give you a smoother, more refined flavor profile, making it the ideal base for your egg coffee.

Why Choose Fine Robusta – Krong Nang?

• Grown at 650m in Krong Nang, Dak Lak: The volcanic soil in this region adds depth and complexity to the flavor, creating a strong, rich base ideal for egg coffee.

• 72-Hour Natural Anaerobic Fermentation: This unique process brings out caramelized sweetness, smooth textures, and a creamy body, perfect for the rich, velvety texture of egg coffee.

• Bold & Full-Bodied: With higher caffeine content than many Arabica beans, Fine Robusta – Krong Nang provides a robust, energizing base, making it ideal for egg coffee.

If you're looking for an intense, rich coffee with deep caramel and honeyed notes, Fine Robusta – Krong Nang is your perfect match.

Not Just Robusta – The Best of Both Worlds

For a balanced, smooth egg coffee, Bazan’s Special Vietnam Blend is an excellent choice. This expertly crafted blend combines high-altitude Arabica beans with Fine Robusta, delivering an espresso base that strikes the perfect balance between smoothness and boldness.

Why Choose Special Vietnam Blend?

• A Fusion of Arabica & Fine Robusta: The lively acidity of Arabica combined with the rich, full body of Robusta creates a complex, smooth egg coffee base.

• Tasting Note of Pineapple & Floral Aroma: These fruity notes provide natural sweetness, enhancing the richness of the egg cream.

• Versatile Brewing: Whether you’re brewing egg coffee, espresso, or preparing coffee cocktails, Special Vietnam Blend works wonderfully across all methods.

If you want a balanced, complex egg coffee with fruity sweetness and rich body, Special Vietnam Blend is your ideal choice.

For a More Refined Egg Coffee: Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat

If you enjoy a lighter, more refined egg coffee, Bazan’s Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat offers the perfect base. Grown in the cool climate of Da Lat, this coffee offers bright acidity and floral complexity, perfect for those who enjoy a more delicate yet flavorful egg coffee.

Why Choose Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat?

• Grown at 1,550m in Cau Dat, Da Lat: The cool climate and mineral-rich soil create perfect conditions for high-quality Arabica beans.

• Fully Washed Processing: This method ensures a clean, vibrant cup with floral and caramel undertones, ideal for making a refined egg coffee base.

• Complex Tasting Notes: Layers of bell pepper, spices, and caramel offer a sophisticated flavor profile, elevating your egg coffee experience.

If you prefer a bright, floral egg coffee with delicate complexity, Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat is your perfect choice.

Which Coffee Should You Choose for Your Authentic Egg Coffee?

• For a bold, full-bodied egg coffee with deep caramelized sweetness → Fine Robusta – Krong Nang

• For a smooth, balanced egg coffee with fruity complexity → Special Vietnam Blend

• For a refined, bright egg coffee with caramel and spicy notes → Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat

You’re Just One Brew Away from a Better Day

Crafting the perfect egg coffee starts with selecting the best beans. Whether you're brewing for yourself or sharing it with friends, Bazan Coffee ensures that every cup delivers exceptional flavor and quality.

Shop Bazan Coffee Today and Brew the Best Egg Coffee!

Explore our premium selection of specialty-grade Vietnamese coffees and elevate your egg coffee experience. Don’t settle for ordinary coffee- discover the rich, complex flavors of Vietnam’s finest with Bazan Coffee. Your perfect egg coffee is just one click away!