Egg Coffee in Hanoi: Your Ultimate Guide to Satisfying Your Caffeine Cravings

Vietnam’s coffee culture is undeniable. Whether it’s the bustling street-side coffee breaks with friends or the trendy, upscale cafes popping up in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, coffee is at the heart of daily life here.

At Hanoi’s beloved Cafe Giang, however, people aren’t just after a typical caffeine boost. They’re here for ‘cà phê trúng’ – egg coffee, a local specialty that features a smooth, meringue-like foam of egg whites on top of rich, dark Vietnamese coffee.

While many places around the city now offer egg coffee, this iconic cafe is proud to be the birthplace of the famous drink.

Egg coffee is available both hot and cold. The hot version is served in a small glass as a golden, creamy blend. It’s eaten with a spoon and has a taste reminiscent of coffee-flavored ice cream – more of a dessert than a traditional drink.

The hot version is served in a small dish of hot water to keep it warm. As you sip, the bold coffee at the bottom slowly blends with the creamy egg layer on top, creating a rich, thick sweetness that’s indulgent but not overpowering.

A Well-Kept Family Secret

Cafe Giang is always bustling, with patrons filling both floors of the cafe. At the center of it all, near the bridge connecting the lower and upper levels, sits Nguyen Van Dao, meticulously recording orders in a large notebook and directing the staff.

Behind him, in the modest kitchen, a red mixing machine hums away, whipping up eggs and other ingredients for the cafe’s famous concoction. Van Dao’s pride is evident when he speaks about their signature drink.

Van Dao explains that it was his father, Nguyen Van Giang, who created the egg coffee recipe in 1946 while working as a bartender at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel. During a time of milk shortages in Vietnam, he used whisked egg yolks as a substitute.

‘The foreigners and locals at the hotel all loved it,’ Van Dao recalls. ‘So, my father decided to leave the hotel and start his own business, selling egg coffee and building his own brand.’

When asked about the recipe, Van Dao starts listing the ingredients, counting them off on his fingers.

‘Egg, condensed milk, coffee powder, a bit of butter, and some cheese… but I can’t reveal everything – it’s a family secret,’ he laughs.

‘I’ve never had a customer who didn’t love it,’

Mark Lowerson, the founder of Street Eats Hanoi, leads food tours for visitors from around the world and notes that egg coffee is always a hit with tourists.

‘For most of our customers, trying egg coffee is a real eye-opener,’ he says. ‘The surprise factor is huge. When I first describe it, they can’t quite picture it. ‘Egg’ and ‘coffee’? Together? It’s hard to imagine those two ingredients in the same cup. It’s always a fun moment.’

‘I’ve never had a customer who didn’t love it. Most end up finishing it in no time and swear they’ll come back for one every day they’re in Hanoi. Even people who don’t normally drink coffee are often pleasantly surprised,’

That being said, he admits that some people find it too rich to finish. ‘It’s a very indulgent way to get your caffeine fix, there’s no denying that.’

The Coffee Culture of Vietnam

Historically, Vietnam was a tea-drinking country, influenced by the Chinese who ruled for over a thousand years. Coffee didn’t become popular until much later.

What’s behind the popularity of coffee today?

‘I can’t say for sure, but I believe it all started with French influence, which makes sense given the widespread love for bread and cheese,’ says Will Frith, a specialty coffee consultant who has worked in Dalat, Vietnam’s central highlands.

‘The French introduced coffee to Vietnam primarily to cater to their colonial expatriates. As the country evolved under the influence of European economic forces – from the French in the 1860s to the Germans in the mid-20th century – instant coffee production grew, and coffee slowly spread to cities, gaining popularity over time,’

Today, coffee culture is deeply woven into the fabric of Vietnamese life.

‘The older generation enjoys sitting at sidewalk cafes, smoking cigarettes, and chatting for hours,’ explains Frith. ‘Many will nurse their coffee throughout the day. Meanwhile, the younger crowd gravitates towards more European-style cafes, enjoying the atmosphere and socializing with friends. These cafes often resemble nightclubs, with loud music to match the vibrant vibe.’

As for the latest coffee trends in Vietnam, Frith points out a growing fascination with all things natural and specialty.

‘Consumers are increasingly drawn to hand-crafted products, beautiful presentations, and unique experiences. Specialty cafes are popping up across Ho Chi Minh City, and even other cities are starting to see a rise in this trend,’ he adds.

‘Anything that’s mixed or blended with milk and sugar seems to have a loyal following,’ which is something that Van Dao at Cafe Giang understands well.

‘I’m truly honored and grateful to have so many visitors come here and recognize our brand,’ he says, gesturing toward the crowded cafe filled with both locals and tourists.

What makes his egg coffee stand out from the others serving the same drink across Hanoi?

‘The secret lies in the recipe,’ he says plainly. ‘Many places have tried to replicate it, but the flavor is just not the same.’

Other Hanoi Cafes Where You Can Get Your Egg Coffee Fix

Dinh Cafe

Owned by Mr. Van Dao’s sister, this cafe might just be the second-best spot in Hanoi to enjoy cà phê trúng, offering scenic views of Hoan Kiem Lake.

13 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi; +84 (0)4 3824 2960

Oriberry Coffee

Oriberry offers Fair Trade coffee by partnering with farming cooperatives across Vietnam, helping improve the livelihoods of farmers by providing fair wages and better working conditions. The cafe has two locations in the city.

25 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Hanoi; +84 (0)4 6275 8669

36 Au Trieu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi; +84 (0)4 6275 8669

Leu Coffee

This quirky cafe and bar, with its underground vibe, attracts mostly locals and is known for serving excellent coffee and drinks.

2nd Floor, No.1, Ta Hien Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi; +84 (0)98 453 03 82

Loading T

Housed in a stunning colonial mansion, Loading T is one of the most charming spots to enjoy a coffee in the city. Check out the video above for a sneak peek inside.

2nd Floor, 8 Chan Cam, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi; +84 122 786 8686