Where to Try Vietnamese Egg Coffee in Ho Chi Minh City
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Vietnamese Egg Coffee in Ho Chi Minh City: What It Is & Where to Try It
Vietnamese egg coffee is one of the most fascinating drinks you'll find in Southeast Asia. With its rich texture and unique flavor, it's both a dessert and a caffeinated boost. Originally from Hanoi, egg coffee (called cà phê trứng in Vietnamese) has gained a loyal following in Ho Chi Minh City too. In this guide, we'll explore what it is, where it came from, and where you can find the best egg coffee in Ho Chi Minh City today.
What Is Vietnamese Egg Coffee?
Vietnamese egg coffee is made by whipping egg yolks, condensed milk, and a bit of sugar until creamy, then gently spooning the mixture over hot, robust Vietnamese coffee. The drink is usually served in a small glass, sometimes with a bowl of warm water underneath to keep it hot.
The taste? Think of a light tiramisu in a cup, or a silky crème brûlée paired with strong espresso. It's a surprising combination, but it works wonderfully well.
A Brief History of Egg Coffee
Egg coffee was invented in Hanoi in the 1940s by Nguyen Van Giang, a bartender at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel. During a milk shortage, he substituted egg yolks for milk and discovered that the result was creamy, rich, and delicious.
The drink became a local favorite and spread to southern Vietnam. Today, vietnamese egg coffee is a national treasure and a must-try for visitors.
How It's Made: Simple Yet Precise
The preparation of vietnamese egg coffee requires care. Here is how it's typically done:
Brew strong Vietnamese coffee using a metal phin filter.
Whip egg yolks with sweetened condensed milk and sugar until the mixture becomes thick and foamy.
Pour the egg mixture on top of the coffee.
Serve immediately, often with a spoon and warm bowl underneath.
Some cafes also offer iced egg coffee, where the foamy egg sits on top of chilled coffee for a refreshing twist.
Making egg coffee the traditional way: whisked yolk over strong Vietnamese brew.
Where to Try Vietnamese Egg Coffee in Ho Chi Minh City
Egg coffee is no longer exclusive to Hanoi. Many cafes in Ho Chi Minh City have perfected their own versions. Below are some of the best places to try this drink in Saigon:
1. Dai Viet Restaurant
Location: Bui Vien & De Tham, District 1
Opening hours: 24/7
Why it’s special: While known for its seafood and cocktails, Dai Viet also serves an excellent vietnamese egg coffee. It has a thick, creamy foam and a bold coffee base. It's also one of the few places where you can enjoy this drink any time of day or night.
Highlight: Affordable price (~55,000 VND), served hot or iced, perfect for tourists looking for a local twist.
Tip: Pair it with a seafood snack or Vietnamese dessert.
Enjoy egg coffee anytime at Dai Viet — creamy, bold, and available 24/7.
2. Cong Caphe
Location: Multiple branches in District 1
Vibe: Retro, military-themed design
A well-known Vietnamese chain, Cong Caphe offers egg coffee with a nostalgic twist. Their version is sweet, foamy, and always satisfying.
Traditional egg coffee with a nostalgic vibe at Cong Caphe.
3. Okkio Cafe
Location: Nguyen Hue & Pasteur
Vibe: Stylish, minimal, great for photos
Their egg coffee is smooth and beautifully presented, ideal for coffee lovers who want both flavor and aesthetics.
A modern touch on a Vietnamese classic at Okkio Cafe.
4. 96B Experiment
Location: 96B Phan Ngu, District 1
Vibe: Craft coffee, specialty beans
Focused on high-quality ingredients, this cafe offers a well-balanced egg coffee with just the right sweetness and boldness.
Bold and creamy — egg coffee for true coffee lovers at 96B Experiment.
5. The Running Bean
Location: Hai Ba Trung Street
Vibe: Cozy and calm
Their take on vietnamese egg coffee is rich and comforting, served in modern cups with soft music in the background.
A comforting cup of egg coffee in one of Saigon’s coziest cafes.
Why You Should Try Egg Coffee in Saigon
Unique Flavor: A true fusion of dessert and caffeine
Cultural Experience: Try something invented during wartime ingenuity
Instagram-Worthy: It looks as good as it tastes
Available Anytime: Especially at Dai Viet Restaurant, open 24/7
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vietnamese egg coffee safe to drink?
Yes. The egg yolks are fresh and whisked properly. Most cafes in Ho Chi Minh City follow strict hygiene standards.
Can I find vegan or non-dairy egg coffee?
Not really. Since egg and condensed milk are core ingredients, vegan versions are rare. However, you can ask for alternatives at modern cafes.
Should I drink it hot or cold?
Traditionally, it's hot. But iced versions are popular in the Saigon heat.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a coffee addict, foodie, or just curious, vietnamese egg coffee is a drink worth seeking out in Ho Chi Minh City. It represents the creativity of Vietnamese cuisine and offers a delightful new taste for the global traveler.
Start with the classic version at Dai Viet Restaurant, then explore the rest of the city’s cafés. Either way, you’ll get a taste of something unforgettable.
