Vietnamese-Style Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng): An Indulgent Café Treat at Home
Skip the café line and experience one of Vietnam’s most decadent coffee inventions in your own kitchen. Vietnamese-Style Egg Coffee, or Cà Phê Trứng, layers rich, velvety whipped egg yolk and sweetened condensed milk atop bold espresso for a dessert-worthy sip that’s part cocktail, part custard. Here’s how to recreate this silky-smooth classic in just minutes.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Custardy Texture: Whipping egg yolk and condensed milk creates a thick, marshmallow-like foam reminiscent of crème brûlée.
- Balanced Sweetness: The bittersweet espresso cuts through the creamy topping, preventing it from tasting overly sugary.
- Netflix-and-Chill Elegance: Serve in a clear glass to showcase the contrasting layers, then savor with a spoon or straw.
- Simple Ingredients: No special equipment—just a whisk (or hand frother), coffee, and pantry staples.
🛒 Shop This Recipe
- 6 Bean Blend – Dark Roast Espresso (our signature, full-bodied espresso)
- 15oz Ceramic Coffee Mug
- Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Fresh Egg Yolks
We’ve linked our favorite sustainable coffee and drinkware—perfect for enjoying this cozy treat!
⚠️ Safety Note
This recipe contains raw egg yolk. To reduce the risk of foodborne illness, we recommend using pasteurized eggs, especially if serving to children, pregnant individuals, or those with weakened immune systems.
☕ Ingredients (Serves 1)
- 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
- 1 Tbsp sweetened condensed milk, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 shot (about 2 oz) hot espresso (or ½ cup very strong brewed coffee)
- Hot water (to dilute, if using brewed coffee)
📝 Step-By-Step Instructions
-
Whisk the Foam
In a small mixing bowl, combine the egg yolk and 1 Tbsp sweetened condensed milk. Whisk vigorously by hand (or use a handheld frother) for 2–3 minutes, until the mixture turns pale, thick, and ribbon-like. -
Prepare the Coffee
Pull one shot of espresso with our 6 Bean Blend – Dark Roast Espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, brew ½ cup double-strength coffee and dilute with hot water to taste. -
Layer & Serve
Pour the hot espresso into a clear glass or mug. Using a spoon, gently dollop or pipe the egg-condensed-milk foam on top, forming a plush yellow cap. Drizzle extra condensed milk over the foam for a touch of sweetness and visual appeal. -
Enjoy Immediately
Sip through the foam into the coffee beneath, or swirl the layers together for a creamy, custard-infused coffee treat.
📜 A Brief History of Cà Phê Trứng
During the 1950s in Hanoi, milk was scarce, so inventive café owners substituted sweetened condensed milk for fresh dairy. Legend attributes the creation of Egg Coffee to bartender Mr. Nguyen Van Giang, who whipped egg yolk and coffee into a thick, milk-free delight that quickly became a local favorite . Today, Cà Phê Trứng is a must-try for visitors to Vietnam and a viral sensation among home baristas worldwide.
🍨 Variations & Twists
- Iced Egg Coffee: Let the espresso cool, then pour over ice before adding foam.
- Cardamom-Spiced: Whisk a pinch of ground cardamom or cinnamon into the egg mixture for aromatic warmth.
- Vegan Swap: Replace the egg yolk with aquafaba (chickpea water) whipped with condensed coconut milk for vegan-friendly foam—note: peaks may be looser.
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Egg Coffee
- Room-Temperature Eggs whip more easily than cold.
- Gentle Heat: Serve immediately after pouring hot coffee—this keeps foam stable without cooking the egg.
- Fresh Condensed Milk: Use high-quality brands for the best sweetness and texture.
- Safety Note: If you’re concerned about raw egg, choose pasteurized eggs to reduce risk.
🐝 Bee-Tastic Tip
Elevate your Cà Phê Trứng experience by pairing it with a honey-drizzled biscotti or almond cookie. And remember, every 6 Bean Blend purchase supports bee-friendly farming practices—sip sustainably, one velvety layer at a time.
📸 Share Your Creation!
We’d love to see your Vietnamese-Style Egg Coffee masterpieces. Tag us on Facebook @BeeTasticOfficial and use #BeeTasticBrews for a chance to be featured. Enjoy this café-style indulgence from the comfort of home!