Vietnamese egg coffee, or cà phê trứng, pairs strong coffee with a sweet, silky egg-yolk cream inspired by the café culture of Hanoi.
Whipping the yolks with condensed milk until pale and thick creates a custard-like topping that slowly folds into the hot coffee.
Use very fresh eggs and keep the finished drink hot. A mug of hot water around the serving glass helps the coffee stay warm while you whip the cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve in a small clear glass so the dark coffee and golden cream are visible. A small crisp cookie or sesame biscuit makes a simple pairing.
Recipe Notes
Egg coffee is best served immediately. Because it contains lightly cooked egg yolks, use pasteurized eggs when available and do not store leftovers.
Vietnamese Egg Coffee
Strong Vietnamese coffee topped with a sweet, silky whipped egg-yolk cream for a rich café-style drink.
Equipment
- Vietnamese coffee phin or espresso maker
- Hand mixer
- Small bowl
- Two heatproof glasses
- Kettle
Ingredients
Egg Coffee
- 2 large egg yolks preferably pasteurized
- 3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract optional
- 1/2 cup strong brewed Vietnamese coffee hot
- 1/2 cup hot water for the warming bath
Instructions
Brew the coffee:
- Place the serving glasses in a shallow dish and pour hot water around them to keep them warm.
- Brew the coffee directly into a small heatproof cup using a phin filter or another strong brewing method.
Whip the egg cream:
- Whisk the egg yolks, condensed milk, and vanilla in a small bowl with a hand mixer for 4 to 5 minutes, until pale, thick, and glossy.
- Spoon the egg cream over the hot coffee, leaving distinct layers if desired.
Serve:
- Carefully remove the warming water and place the glasses on saucers.
- Serve immediately with a small spoon so the cream and coffee can be folded together while drinking.
Notes
- Fresh, pasteurized eggs are the safest choice for this lightly cooked preparation.
- For a richer texture, rest the glass in a hot-water bath while serving.
- Use decaf coffee for a lower-caffeine version, though the drink will be less traditional.
Nutrition
Calories: 145kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 4gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 190mgSodium: 55mgSugar: 17g