Egg coffee (Cà Phê Trứng) in Hanoi is a unique drink that brings together unexpected but delicious flavors, making it a must-try during your Vietnam trip. Besides exploring popular sights, savoring Vietnamese egg coffee should definitely be on your to-do list.
Read on to discover the origin of egg coffee and 6 best places to try egg coffee in Hanoi.
The Origin of Egg Coffee in Vietnam
Egg coffee was created in the 1940s by a bartender named Nguyen Van Giang at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel. He wanted to make a Vietnamese version of cappuccino, but during the war, there wasn’t enough fresh milk. So, he used condensed milk and egg yolks instead. People loved it so much that he opened his own café, Cafe Giang, in 1947.
The traditional recipe for egg coffee has been closely guarded since it was first introduced to the public. However, from its name and flavor, it’s clear that some key ingredients include egg yolks, condensed milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and strong espresso.
Nowadays, the original egg coffee recipe has been adapted to suit changes in customer preferences. Each coffee shop that serves egg coffee has its own unique and intricate preparation method, along with a proprietary recipe. This variety of approaches offers diverse experiences for coffee lovers to enjoy.
6 Best Places to Try Egg Coffee in Hanoi
Hanoi is the place where egg coffee was first introduced so it’s no surprise that you can find numerous egg coffee shops in this capital city. From old-school favorites to modern spots with a unique twist, here are 6 best places to enjoy egg coffee in Hanoi.
1. Cafe Giang
You can find Vietnamese Egg Coffee at many places in Hanoi, but none compare to Cafe Giang, where it all started! Cafe Giang was founded by the inventor of Egg Coffee, Mr. Nguyen Van Giang, and is now run by his son, Mr. Nguyen Van Dao.
Giảng’s egg coffee offers a rich coffee flavor complemented by the aromatic taste of egg yolks and a hint of sweetness from the cream. While there are many coffee shops in Hanoi that serve egg coffee, achieving the perfect balance between the egg aroma and coffee flavor requires careful attention to detail. That’s why Giảng coffee shops are a trusted choice—they are the original pioneers of egg coffee and place great importance on preserving the authentic recipe.
The café’s menu is quite extensive, offering a wide range of egg coffee options. In addition to classic egg coffee, you can also enjoy variations like egg coffee with cinnamon, matcha, Coke, or even mung bean. For those looking for something extra special, there are options like egg coffee with rum or beer!
Address: 39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm
2. Cafe Dinh
Cafe Dinh is also renowned as one of the top spots in Hanoi to enjoy the best egg coffee in town. The owner of this coffee shop is the daughter of Mr. Nguyen Van Giang, so you can expect the egg coffee here to be quite similar to Cafe Giang’s.
Dinh Cafe offers a balcony with a view of Hoan Kiem Lake, making it the perfect spot to enjoy egg coffee while taking a stroll around the Old Quarter. Despite serving egg coffee after Giang, Dinh Cafe is gaining popularity for its even richer flavor compared to other cafes. For those who love discovering hidden gems in Hanoi, Dinh Cafe is tucked away in a small alley on Dinh Tien Hoang Street, facing Hoan Kiem Lake, adding to its charm.
Like the other cafes mentioned, Cafe Dinh is also tucked away and somewhat hidden. To find it, you’ll need to navigate through a narrow hallway on street level and climb to the second floor. But once you arrive, you’ll discover a cozy retreat where you can enjoy delicious egg coffee and soak in the atmosphere.
Address: 13 P. Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm
3. Cafe Phố cổ
The Ancient Coffee is another top spot for egg coffee in Hanoi. Their egg coffee boasts a smooth and fluffy layer of beaten egg cream, meticulously whipped using a machine. Alongside the delicious coffee, the café is adorned in the nostalgic style of old Hanoi, which attracts a steady stream of customers. Sitting down to savor a cup of coffee while gazing at the ancient Hoan Kiem Lake creates a memorable experience, offering serene and tranquil moments during your visit to Hanoi.
Address: 11 Hàng Gai, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm
4. Cafe Lâm
Cafe Lâm has been around since the 1950s and is known for two main things: the wonderful smell of freshly roasted and ground coffee, and the impressive collection of paintings by famous Vietnamese artists like Bui Xuan Phai and To Ngoc Van.
The coffee at Café Lam is carefully chosen, roasted, and ground following its own special recipe, resulting in a scent that’s hard to describe. Just one sip and you’ll be captivated by the lingering aroma. When you visit Café Lam, it’s recommended to try their Hanoi egg coffee along with their traditional coffee options: hot black coffee or iced brown coffee, to get the full experience of their unique flavors.
Address: 60 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm
5. Cafe Nang
Cafe Nang was a well-known spot back in the 1950s. If you’re eager to try egg coffee, this is the place to go. Its delightful interior is both charming and cozy. Pro tip: Opt for a seat upstairs!
When you order egg coffee here, it’s served on a candle to keep it warm. The creamy egg layer on top is delicious and inviting. However, it’s best to enjoy Hanoi’s egg coffee soon after it’s served, as letting it sit too long can make it taste a bit fishy. Additionally, hot egg coffee tends to have better flavor compared to iced egg coffee.
Address: 45 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm
6. Loading T
Loading T Coffee Shop is tucked away on the second floor of an old French villa, making it a hidden gem for those seeking a peaceful spot to unwind and savor coffee. The café boasts a charming yellow interior adorned with patterned tiles, lofty ceilings, and red brick walls, evoking a cozy and timeless ambiance. When you indulge in a sip of egg coffee here, you’ll experience the luxurious, velvety texture of the egg cream and catch a subtle hint of cinnamon aroma. In addition to egg coffee, the café also offers an array of coffee beverages, smoothies, and snacks for patrons to enjoy.
Address: 8 P. Chân Cầm, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm