Vietnamese egg coffee, alongside black coffee and iced milk coffee, has been recognized by Taste Atlas as one of the world’s best coffee drinks, making Hanoi’s iconic egg coffee a must-try for anyone visiting the capital.
On December 9, the world-renowned culinary website Taste Atlas released its list of the 62 most delicious coffee drinks globally, and Hanoi’s egg coffee proudly secured the 6th position. In addition, two other Vietnamese coffee drinks, including black coffee (6th in the list) and iced milk coffee (8th named in the ranking), were also highlighted as unique and authentic beverages worth experiencing.
Egg Coffee
The combination of strong coffee and the richness of egg yolk has created a symbolic drink that typically delicious in Hanoi. File photo
Egg coffee, a specialty of Hanoi, has made it into the top 10 with a high ranking and is one of the most iconic and creative Vietnamese coffee drinks.
Being famous for its rich and velvety texture, the beverage is made from strong black robusta coffee, whisked together with egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk.
The egg yolks and milk are whipped for around ten minutes until fluffy and then lightly heated to form a creamy, custard-like mixture. Hot coffee is poured into the cup first, followed by the whipped egg layer on top, creating a beautiful contrast and an irresistibly smooth, sweet flavor.
This unique drink originated in Hanoi in the 1950s, when milk was scarce and egg yolk became a creative substitute. At present, egg coffee remains one of the most distinctive Vietnamese coffee experiences loved by both locals and international travelers.
Traditional black coffee
Vietnamese traditional black coffee. File photo
Introduced by the French in the mid-19th century, the black coffee quickly became an integral part of daily life in Vietnam.
Black coffee gradually holds a special place in Vietnamese culture. Today, the country ranks among the largest coffee producers in the world and is a leading exporter of robusta coffee beans.
This traditional Vietnamese coffee drink is brewed using the phin method without any added ingredients, no milk, no sugar, just pure and concentrated coffee. The result is a strong, aromatic and slightly bitter drink that perfectly represents the spirit of Vietnamese coffee culture.
Foreign visitors often call it “Vietnamese coffee” as it captures the essence of local brewing traditions and the robust flavor of Vietnam’s signature coffee beans.
Vietnamese iced milk coffee
Vietnamese Iced Milk Coffee (Ca Phe Sua Da) – the iconic sweet and creamy cold coffee beloved across Vietnam. File Photo
Vietnamese iced milk coffee is a refreshing and flavorful coffee drink made by combining strong brewed coffee, condensed milk, and ice. Traditionally, the coffee used is robusta beans, well-known for their bold and bitter flavor.
The coffee is brewed using a traditional metal drip filter (phin), allowing each drop to slowly fall into the glass below. Once the coffee is ready, sweetened condensed milk is added, then the mixture is stirred well and poured over ice.
The drink is usually served in a tall glass, offering a perfectly balanced taste of rich, smooth and pleasantly sweet.
From the dessert-like charm of egg coffee, the bold simplicity of black coffee, the rich creaminess of Vietnamese iced milk coffee, each Vietnamese coffee drink tells a story about Vietnam’s creativity, culture and love for coffee.
By Anh Kiet
