Egg Coffee: A Hanoi Origin

The Invention of an origin

Egg Coffee, or Cà Phê Trứng, is a testament to Vietnamese ingenuity. The story begins in 1946, amidst the First Indochina War. Nguyen Van Giang, a resourceful bartender at Hanoi’s Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, faced a critical shortage of fresh milk. To address this, Giang innovatively turned to egg yolk as a substitute. By whisking egg yolk with sugar and condensed milk, he created a creamy, frothy topping that could rival the cappuccinos he was inspired by. This inventive concoction quickly gained popularity for its unique texture and rich flavor, leading Giang to open his own café finally, Giang Cafe, which remains a popular destination for coffee enthusiasts.

Ingredients and Preparation

Cà Phê Trứng is undeniably a delightful blend of traditional Vietnamese coffee and a rich, creamy egg mixture. Here’s what you need to create this iconic beverage:

Ingredients:

• Vietnamese coffee powder
• Egg yolks
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Sugar
• Optional: butter and cheese for added richness

Preparation:

1. Brew the Coffee: Firstly, start by brewing a strong cup of Vietnamese coffee using a phin filter. The robust flavor of Vietnamese coffee, often made from dark roast beans, forms the perfect base for this drink.
2. Prepare the Egg Mixture: Separate the egg yolks from the whites. Whisk the yolks with sugar in the bowl until the mixture is thick and frothy. Slowly add sweetened condensed milk while continuing to whisk, creating a creamy and smooth texture.
3. Combine and Serve: Pour the brewed coffee into a cup and gently spoon the egg mixture on top. Finally, the contrasting layers of dark coffee and light, frothy egg cream create a visually appealing drink. Serve immediately, ideally with a small spoon to mix the layers together as you drink.

The Variations

The adaptability has given rise to several delightful variations, each adding a unique twist to the original recipe:

• Coconut Egg Coffee: This variation incorporates coconut milk into the egg mixture, lending a tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with the coffee. It’s a favorite at Phin Coffee Restaurant, where the creamy coconut adds an extra layer of richness.
• Chocolate Egg Coffee: For a decadent treat, chocolate is mixed into the egg cream. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a sweet and indulgent coffee experience.
• Rum Egg Coffee: Adding a splash of rum introduces a new dimension, making it a warming, aromatic drink ideal for colder weather.

The variation at Phin Coffee Restaurant

At Phin Coffee Restaurant, we take pride in offering a distinctive version, known as Coconut Egg Coffee. This special blend combines our traditional egg mixture with rich coconut milk, enhancing the creamy texture and adding a subtle sweetness. This variation not only honors the traditional recipe but also brings a refreshing twist that has quickly become a customer favorite.

Our invention is crafted with the utmost care. We use high-quality ingredients to ensure each cup is a perfect balance of strong Vietnamese coffee and smooth, flavorful egg cream. The addition of coconut milk gives our Egg Coffee a unique character, making it a must-try for visitors to our restaurant.

Why it is a Must-Try

Cà Phê Trứng is more than just a beverage; it’s an experience that captures the essence of Vietnamese coffee culture. The combination of bitter coffee and sweet, frothy egg cream creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is unlike any other coffee drink. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or simply curious about trying something new, Egg Coffee offers a unique and delicious taste of Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage.

At Phin Coffee Restaurant, we invite you to savor this iconic drink in a cozy and welcoming environment. Our commitment to quality and tradition ensures that every cup is a memorable experience, showcasing the best of Vietnamese innovation and hospitality.