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Vietnamese Egg Coffee, or Cà Phê Trứng, is a Vietnamese coffee drink made with strong brewed coffee and a creamy topping prepared from egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk.
What Is Vietnamese Egg Coffee?
Vietnamese Egg Coffee originated in Hanoi and is traditionally prepared with strong Vietnamese coffee and a whipped egg-yolk mixture. The egg topping is usually combined with sweetened condensed milk and sugar until it becomes thick, smooth, and creamy.
| Feature | Vietnamese Egg Coffee |
|---|---|
| Origin | Vietnam |
| Vietnamese name | Cà Phê Trứng |
| Main coffee | Strong brewed coffee |
| Topping | Egg yolk and condensed milk |
| Flavor | Rich, sweet, creamy and bold |
| Traditional brewing | Vietnamese phin filter |
Unlike a regular latte, Vietnamese Egg Coffee does not rely on steamed milk. Its distinctive creamy texture comes from the whipped egg mixture.
7 Best Coffee Beans for Vietnamese Egg Coffee
The best coffee beans for Vietnamese Egg Coffee are generally medium-dark or dark roasted beans with a strong body. Vietnamese Robusta is a traditional choice, but espresso blends containing Robusta can also work very well.
Nguyen Coffee Supply – Truegrit Robusta: Medium Roast Whole Beans
Truegrit is a 100% Vietnamese Robusta coffee designed for drinkers who want a particularly bold and concentrated cup.
Key features:
- 100% Vietnamese Robusta
- Medium roast
- Strong, full-bodied profile
- Hazelnut and citrus notes
- Recommended for phin, drip, and French press
Truegrit can work especially well when the coffee needs to stand up to a sweet egg topping. Its pronounced body gives the finished drink a strong coffee foundation without requiring an especially dark roast.
Lavazza Super Crema
Lavazza Super Crema is a medium-roast blend combining Arabica and Robusta beans from Asia and South America.
Key features:
- Arabica and Robusta blend
- Medium roast
- Full-bodied and aromatic
- Roasted hazelnut notes
- Brown sugar sweetness
Super Crema is a useful option if you want Vietnamese Egg Coffee with a smoother, more espresso-style character rather than a distinctly Vietnamese Robusta profile.
Nguyen Coffee Supply – Hanoi Robusta: Dark Roast Whole Beans
Hanoi is a 100% Robusta coffee with a dark roast developed around the bold character traditionally associated with Vietnamese coffee.
Key features:
- 100% Vietnamese Robusta
- Dark roast
- Strong and rich flavor
- Fig and graham cracker notes
- Suitable for phin, espresso, pour-over, and drip
The combination of dark roast character and Robusta body helps the brewed coffee remain noticeable beneath the sweet egg cream.
Starbucks Espresso Roast
Starbucks Espresso Roast is a dark, multi-region blend that has been used as the base for the company’s espresso drinks since 1975.
Key features:
- Dark roast
- Multi-region coffee blend
- Rich molasses notes
- Caramel-like sweetness
- Designed for bold espresso-style drinks
The strong roast character makes this coffee suitable when you want a familiar, bold flavor beneath the egg cream.
Peet’s Major Dickason’s Blend
Peet’s Major Dickason’s Blend is a dark-roast whole bean coffee known for its rich and full-bodied style. The beans can be purchased whole and prepared using several methods, including espresso, making the blend versatile for concentrated coffee recipes.
Key features:
- Dark roast
- Full-bodied coffee
- Rich and spicy character
- Available as whole beans
- Suitable for espresso, drip, and French press
It is particularly useful if you prefer the coffee portion to remain prominent instead of letting the sweet egg topping dominate the cup.
Death Wish Coffee Whole Bean
Death Wish Dark Roast is a bold blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, available in whole-bean form. The brand describes the coffee as having low acidity, heavy body, and flavors of cocoa, baker’s chocolate, and cherry.
Key features:
- Dark roast
- Arabica and Robusta blend
- Heavy, smooth body
- Cocoa and baker’s chocolate notes
- Low acidity
The combination of Robusta and dark roasting makes this an interesting choice for a stronger Vietnamese Egg Coffee.
Kicking Horse Kick Ass
Kicking Horse Kick Ass is an organic, Fairtrade Arabica blend with a dark, sweet and smoky character. Its tasting profile includes chocolate malt, molasses, licorice, and an earthy finish, creating a particularly rich base for a creamy coffee drink.
Key features:
- 100% Arabica beans
- Dark roast
- Low-acidity profile
- Chocolate malt and molasses notes
- Sweet, smoky and earthy character
Although it does not contain Robusta, Kick Ass can still work well for Vietnamese Egg Coffee when you want a dark, chocolate-oriented flavor.
What Is the Best Brewing Method for Vietnamese Egg Coffee?
The Vietnamese phin filter is the traditional brewing method for Vietnamese Egg Coffee. It produces a concentrated cup that works particularly well with the rich egg cream.
A phin is a small metal filter that sits directly on top of your cup. Hot water slowly passes through the ground coffee, creating a strong brew without requiring an espresso machine.
Phin vs. Other Brewing Methods
| Method | Result | Good for Egg Coffee? |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnamese phin | Strong and concentrated | Excellent |
| Espresso | Very concentrated | Excellent |
| French press | Full-bodied | Very good |
| Pour-over | Cleaner and lighter | Good |
| Drip coffee maker | Mild to medium strength | Acceptable |
If you want the most traditional experience, use a Vietnamese phin filter with a dark or medium-dark roast.
How to Make Vietnamese Egg Coffee Step by Step
Making Vietnamese Egg Coffee at home is relatively simple. The most important step is creating a thick, smooth egg cream.
Ingredients
For one serving, you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons finely ground coffee
- 3–4 tablespoons hot water
- 1 egg yolk
- 1–2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon sugar, optional
Step 1: Brew the Coffee
Add the ground coffee to a Vietnamese phin filter. Place the filter over a small cup and slowly add hot water.
Let the coffee drip until you have a strong, concentrated brew.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Cream
Separate one egg yolk and place it in a small bowl. Add the condensed milk and, if desired, a little sugar.
Whisk vigorously for several minutes until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and creamy.
Step 3: Combine the Coffee and Egg Cream
Pour the freshly brewed coffee into a heat-resistant glass or cup. Slowly spoon the egg cream over the top.
For a more traditional presentation, place the finished cup in a bowl of hot water to help keep it warm.
Step 4: Enjoy
Drink the coffee through the creamy topping or gently mix the layers together. The contrast between strong coffee and sweet, silky egg cream is what makes Vietnamese Egg Coffee distinctive.