Egg Coffee: An Invention Born from Milk Shortage, Becoming a Symbol of Hanoi
The history of the drink is a rare case where a culinary legend is fully confirmed: in 1946, a bartender named Nguyen Van Giang, working at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel in Hanoi, faced a severe shortage of milk in the post-war city. The solution turned out to be unexpected — he began whisking egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk, creating a dense creamy foam reminiscent in texture and taste of liquid tiramisu, but hot. Thus cà phê trứng was born – today one of the most recognizable symbols of Hanoi’s coffee culture.
The legendary Giảng cafe on Nguyễn Hữu Huân Street, 39 has been operating since 1946 and remains practically a must-visit spot for those visiting Hanoi for the first time — a tiny premises on the second floor, where there is often a queue of about fifteen people, but turnover is quick, so you don’t have to wait long. The cup is served in a bowl with hot water so that the drink doesn’t cool down while you enjoy it. The proper way to drink it: first eat the creamy foam with a spoon, separately from the coffee, and then drink the infused coffee from below. The price at the cult Giảng is 30,000–50,000 dong (about 90–150 rubles), in ordinary cafes around the city — comparable or slightly cheaper.
Coconut Coffee: A Southern Response to a Northern Invention
If egg coffee is strongly associated with Hanoi, then coconut coffee is linked to Ho Chi Minh City and southern Vietnam, although the drink’s roots also lie in the north: the first appearance of cà phê cốt dừa is connected with the coastal Hai Phong, and its fame was brought by the Hanoi coffee chain Cộng Cà Phê. It’s prepared more simply than it sounds: strong Vietnamese coffee (usually robusta or a blend of robusta with arabica) is mixed with thick coconut cream, which compensates for the characteristic bitterness of Vietnamese robusta with its velvety sweetness. The result is served on ice – a refreshing, dessert-like drink that works wonderfully in the heat, unlike hot egg coffee.
Why it became a trend among young travelers
Both drinks fall into the same category as Balinese bowl photos or Japanese puri-kura: they are simultaneously delicious, inexpensive and visually striking – the creamy cap of egg coffee or the layered texture of coconut coffee look great in a frame, and the very story of their origin (milk shortage, post-war ingenuity) provides a ready plot for a story. Official recognition by the Michelin Guide in recent years has only amplified interest: now both drinks are perceived not just as local exoticism, but as a gastronomic attraction of world level.
What to try if you don’t like eggs or coconut
A classic Vietnamese alternative is cà phê sữa đá (coffee with condensed milk and ice) or simply cà phê đá (black coffee with ice without additives). Both options are sold practically on every corner, cost less than specialized “dessert” versions and give the same introduction to the characteristic taste of Vietnamese robusta without experimenting with texture.
Practical checklist
- Egg coffee (cà phê trứng) — legendary Giảng café in Hanoi, 30,000–50,000 dong, enjoyed hot: first the foam with a spoon, then the coffee.
- Coconut coffee (cà phê cốt dừa) — associated with Ho Chi Minh City and the south, served cold, refreshing in the heat.
- Both drinks are officially recognized by the Michelin Guide as gastronomic attractions of Vietnam.
- Don’t like eggs or coconut – have cà phê sữa đá (with condensed milk) or cà phê đá (black with ice).
- Avoid peak hours at Giảng if you don’t want to queue – the establishment is tiny.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I try original egg coffee in Hanoi?
At Giảng café at Nguyễn Hữu Huân, 39 – an establishment that has been operating since 1946 and is considered the birthplace of the drink.
How to properly drink egg coffee?
First, you eat the creamy foam on top with a spoon, then you drink the coffee below—the cup is served in a bowl of hot water to keep it warm.
What’s the difference between coconut coffee and egg coffee?
Coconut coffee is served cold and associated with southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City), while egg coffee is hot and linked to Hanoi in the north.
What should I order if I don’t like the idea of egg or coconut coffee?
Classic cà phê sữa đá (with condensed milk and ice) – available practically at any café throughout the country.
What’s next
Check out the guide to Vietnam visa regulations and familiarize yourself with drone filming rules if you plan on shooting coffee shops from above.
Prices in cafes change, and popular establishments like Giảng may have queues – allow a little extra time for visiting during peak season.
