Discover Hanoi's unique egg coffee at Café Giang and other top spots. Experience this creamy treat steeped in rich Vietnamese culture!
When wandering the streets of Vietnam, you'll quickly discover that coffee culture is deeply embedded in daily life. Locals and visitors alike can be seen perched on low plastic stools, sipping brews and sharing stories, from bustling cafés to hipster spots. However, if you find yourself in Hanoi, a trip wouldn’t be complete without trying “cà phê trúng” or egg coffee, a unique specialty that goes beyond your average caffeine fix.
Discovering Egg Coffee at Café GiangOne of the best places to experience this delightful concoction is Café Giang, a quaint establishment that claims to have invented egg coffee. This beloved drink features a creamy, soft, meringue-like egg white foam resting atop a cup of rich Vietnamese coffee.
Hot and Cold Variants:Hot Egg Coffee: Served in a small glass placed in a dish of hot water to keep it warm, this version offers a thick, sweet taste that mingles the strong coffee flavor with the velvety egg foam.
Cold Egg Coffee: This version is served as a creamy, dessert-like treat that’s more akin to coffee-flavored ice cream. It’s typically consumed with a spoon, making it a refreshing choice on hot days.
Finding Café Giang can be a bit of an adventure. Its narrow entrance might be easy to overlook, but once you step through the hallway, you'll find a bustling two-story café filled with coffee enthusiasts.
A Family LegacyCafé Giang is managed by Nguyen Van Dao, the son of the café’s founder, Nguyen Van Giang, who invented egg coffee in 1946 while working at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel. Due to a shortage of fresh milk, he began using whisked egg yolk, which quickly gained popularity among hotel patrons. Inspired by the positive response, he opened his café to share this delightful drink with the world.
Van Dao takes pride in the recipe, which he describes as a closely guarded family secret. He reveals that the key ingredients include egg, condensed milk, coffee powder, butter, and cheese—but he won’t share the entire formula.
Other Notable Cafés for Egg CoffeeWhile Café Giang is the original, several other spots in Hanoi also serve delicious egg coffee:
Located near Hoan Kiem Lake, Dinh Café is owned by Van Dao’s sister and is renowned for its cozy ambiance and views.
Address: 13 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi; Phone: +84 (0)4 3824 2960
This socially conscious café sells Fair Trade coffee and supports local farmers. It has two locations in Hanoi.
Addresses: 25 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Hanoi; +84 (0)4 6275 8669 & 36 Au Trieu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi; +84 (0)4 6275 8669
With its quirky décor and underground vibe, Leu Coffee attracts a local crowd and serves exceptional brews.
Address: 2nd Floor, No.1, Ta Hien Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi; Phone: +84 (0)98 453 0382
Housed in a beautiful colonial mansion, Loading T is one of the most charming places in Hanoi to sip coffee.
Address: 2nd Floor, 8 Chan Cam, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi; Phone: +84 122 786 8686
ConclusionWhether you’re a coffee lover or simply looking to try something new, egg coffee is a must-try when visiting Hanoi. This creamy delight, steeped in history, offers a unique taste of Vietnamese culture. Don’t forget to explore the various cafés around the city to experience the best of this iconic beverage!
