☕ Vietnamese Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng): A Creamy Delight from Hanoi

Vietnamese Egg Coffee, known as Cà Phê Trứng, is a unique and indulgent beverage that combines strong Vietnamese coffee with a rich, creamy egg yolk mixture. This delightful concoction offers a harmonious blend of bitter coffee and sweet, velvety foam, making it a must-try for coffee enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike.

🕰️ A Brief History

The origins of Egg Coffee trace back to Hanoi in 1946. During a time when milk was scarce due to wartime shortages, Nguyen Van Giang, a bartender at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, innovatively used egg yolks as a substitute for milk in coffee. He whipped egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk to create a creamy topping, resulting in the birth of Egg Coffee. Giang later opened his own café, Café Giang, which remains a popular destination for this iconic drink. 

🍽️ What Does It Taste Like?

Egg Coffee offers a luxurious experience, with the robust flavor of Vietnamese coffee complemented by a sweet, custard-like foam. The combination creates a balanced taste profile, reminiscent of tiramisu or a coffee-flavored dessert, making it both a comforting and energizing treat.

👩🍳 How to Make Vietnamese Egg Coffee at Home

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Vietnamese ground coffee (preferably Robusta)

• 1 egg yolk

• 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

• Hot water

• Cocoa powder for garnish (optional)

Equipment:

• Vietnamese phin filter or alternative brewing method

• Hand mixer or whisk

• Serving cup

Instructions:

1. Brew the Coffee:

   • Place the phin filter over your cup.

   • Add the ground coffee to the filter and press gently.

   • Pour a small amount of hot water to bloom the coffee, then fill the filter with hot water.

   • Allow the coffee to drip slowly into the cup.

2. Prepare the Egg Mixture:

   • In a bowl, combine the egg yolk, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and vanilla extract.

   • Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes frothy and light in color.

3. Assemble the Drink:

   • Gently pour the whipped egg mixture over the brewed coffee.

   • Optionally, sprinkle cocoa powder on top for garnish.

   • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Whether you're a seasoned coffee aficionado or new to Vietnamese beverages, Egg Coffee offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. Give it a try and experience a taste of Hanoi's rich coffee culture.