When it comes to experiencing the best egg coffee in Hanoi, you’re in for a unique treat that combines the rich culture of Vietnamese coffee with a twist that’s both delightful and surprising. Egg coffee is a specialty that stands out in Hanoi’s bustling café scene, from popular areas like Hanoi Train Street and the Old Quarter to hidden coffee shops known only to locals.
Introduction to Hanoi’s coffee culture
Vietnam, the world’s second-largest exporter of coffee beans, has a vibrant coffee culture deeply ingrained in its daily life. Coffee shops, found in every corner of the country from big cities to small villages, serve as social hubs where people gather with friends and family, conduct business, or simply relax.
Coffee drinking is not just a habit but a ritual, with each cup brewed slowly using a traditional phin filter. While Vietnamese coffee is famous for its strong, robust flavor, the country also boasts unique variations like egg coffee, coconut coffee, yogurt coffee, and even avocado coffee.
The history of Vietnamese egg coffee
To understand the history of egg coffee, one must first recognize the broader context of coffee in Vietnam. During the French colonial period in the 1940s, milk was scarce. In response, a bartender named Nguyen Van Giang at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel in Hanoi created a signature Vietnamese version of cappuccino by substituting milk with whisked egg yolks. This ingenious recipe resulted in the first cup of Vietnamese egg coffee.
The drink quickly became a huge success, leading Mr. Giang to open his own café in 1946, known today as Giang Cafe. Despite the end of the war and the availability of fresh milk, egg coffee remains a beloved staple, enjoyed by both locals and tourists.
What is Vietnamese egg coffee?
Despite its name, egg coffee doesn’t taste like eggs and it doesn’t involve a raw egg floating in your coffee. Instead, Vietnamese egg coffee, or “ca phe trung,” is a rich and creamy concoction made by whipping egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk, then adding it to hot coffee. The result is a velvety, custard-like foam atop a strong, aromatic brew. The drink is made using a combination of three types of coffee: Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica, which together create a delicious, rich, and aromatic beverage.
At its birthplace, Giang Cafe, the egg coffee is particularly unique due to a secret recipe that minimizes the egg yolk’s fishy taste, making the drink smooth and delectable. Other cafes have their own variations, but the essential process involves creating a thick, creamy foam from egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk, which is then spooned onto a hot, robust coffee shot. Some variations may also incorporate butter or cheese for added depth and complexity.
What does egg coffee taste like?
The taste of egg coffee is often likened to liquid tiramisu or a sweet, creamy custard. The egg yolk adds a subtle richness and a velvety texture, while the condensed milk provides sweetness that balances the bitterness of the strong coffee. The result is a balanced and unique flavor profile that is both sweet and bitter, rich and smooth.
Best egg coffee in Hanoi
While you can find egg coffee throughout Hanoi, a cluster of cafés along Nguyễn Hữu Huân street has earned the nickname “Coffee Street.” This is where you’ll discover some of the most renowned spots to savor this unique Vietnamese creation. Here are seven cafés that stand out for their exceptional egg coffee, each with its own distinct charm and ambiance:
1. Café Giang
Often cited as the birthplace of egg coffee, Café Giang is a must-visit for those seeking the original recipe. The café’s founder, Mr. Nguyen Van Giang, created the drink in 1946 when fresh milk was scarce. Today, the café is run by his son, who continues to serve up the same beloved concoction. The atmosphere is bustling and unpretentious, with simple decor and communal seating. While some might argue it’s become a bit touristy, the egg coffee here remains a classic for a reason.
- Address: 39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm
- Opening Hours: Daily 7 am – 10 pm
2. Café Lam
Located on Coffee Street, Café Lam is a local favorite known for its charming old-world ambiance and artistic decor. The walls are adorned with vintage paintings donated by artists who frequented the café in its early days. While egg coffee might not have been invented here, Café Lam has been serving it for decades, and their version is a must-try.
- Address: 60 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm
- Opening Hours: Daily 7:30 am – 10:30 pm
3. The Note Coffee
If you’re looking for a quirky and Instagrammable spot, The Note Coffee is a great option. The walls are covered in colorful notes left by visitors from around the world, creating a unique and eclectic atmosphere. While the decor might be the initial draw, don’t overlook their delicious egg coffee, which offers a lovely view of Hoan Kiem Lake from their second-floor seating area.
- Address: 64 Lương Văn Can, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm
- Opening Hours: Daily 8 am – 10 pm
4. Café Dinh
Tucked away in a small alley near Hoan Kiem Lake, Café Dinh is a hidden gem known for its exceptional egg coffee. The owner is the daughter of Mr. Nguyen Van Giang, the inventor of egg coffee, so you can expect an authentic and expertly crafted cup. The café itself is simple and unassuming, but the coffee is the star of the show.
- Address: 13 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm
- Opening Hours: Daily 7 am – 9:30 pm
5. Café Pho Co
Hidden behind a silk shop, Café Pho Co is a true hidden gem in the Old Quarter. The café’s rooftop terrace offers stunning views of Hoan Kiem Lake, making it the perfect spot to enjoy an egg coffee while soaking up the atmosphere of the city. Their egg coffee is known for its rich flavor and creamy texture.
- Address: 11 Hàng Gai, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm
- Opening Hours: Daily 8 am – 11 pm
6. Nang Cafe
Nang Cafe is a charming, retro-style café with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Their egg coffee is served warm in a cup placed on a small candle warmer, ensuring it stays hot and delicious to the last sip. The café’s vintage decor and cozy ambiance make it a great place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee.
- Address: 45 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm
- Opening Hours: Daily 8 am – 10 pm
7. Loading T Café
Housed in a beautifully restored French colonial building, Loading T Café is a popular spot for both locals and expats. Their egg coffee is unique, featuring a hint of cinnamon for added warmth and complexity. The café’s eclectic decor, friendly staff, and delicious coffee make it a great place to spend a rainy afternoon.
- Address: 8 Chân Cầm, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm
- Opening Hours: Daily 8 am – 10 pm
Egg coffee at Hanoi train street
Hanoi Train Street is a popular destination for tourists, known for its narrow alleyways where trains pass just meters from houses and cafes. While not renowned for having the absolute best egg coffee in Hanoi, the experience of sipping this unique drink while a train rumbles past is undeniably memorable. Several cafes along the street offer egg coffee, each with its own twist on the recipe. It’s a great way to combine sightseeing with a taste of local culture, but be prepared for the crowds and occasional train delays. If you’re looking for a more serene egg coffee experience, venture to other cafes in the Old Quarter or beyond.
Coffee tours & workshops
For coffee enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of Vietnamese coffee culture, consider joining a coffee tour or workshop. These experiences offer a behind-the-scenes look at coffee production, from bean to cup. Coffee tours typically involve visits to different cafes, tasting various coffee types, and learning about the brewing methods.
Workshops focus on hands-on experience, teaching you how to make traditional Vietnamese coffee or even egg coffee. Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a dedicated connoisseur, these tours and workshops provide a fascinating glimpse into the rich world of Vietnamese coffee.
