Egg coffee, a must to try when in Hanoi

THE HANOI TIMES — Associated with the image of century-old Hanoi, Ca phe trung or egg coffee, emerged in the 1940s against the backdrop of the country's hardship.

At that time, the lack of fresh milk prompted a bartender to create an entirely new creamer made from egg, it’s egg yolk. Since, the combination of strong coffee and the richness of egg yolk has created a symbolic drink that typically delicious in Hanoi. 

First introduced to Vietnam by French colonialists in the 19th century, coffee is now Vietnam's leading export item and the country is one of the world's leading coffee exporters, with numerous farms in the Central Highlands. In 1946, Nguyen Van Giang, a bartender at the Grand Metropole Hotel (now the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi), replaced fresh milk with egg yolk to remedy a shortage of fresh milk. The result was a tasty, irresistible drink, ca phe trung.

The drink then became the signature of Cafe Giang, the business that the bartender then opened. His cafe is considered the birthplace of Vietnamese egg coffee. Ever since, egg coffee has become one of the most typical and famous drinks in Hanoi. The small coffee shop owned by Giang's family has been a fixture in the lives of Hanoians for many generations. His recipe has been attempted by numerous other bartenders in the capital, but no one has been able to achieve the same flavor.

To some Westerners, the phrase "egg coffee" may sound odd or even unpleasant. But the drink is indeed popular around the world. CNN Travel rated egg coffee as a must-drink for visitors to Hanoi, while Buzzfeed put it at the top of its list of "17 Ways to Drink Coffee Around the World."

On a more personal note, celebrities such as Apple CEO Tim Cook, former US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and American musician John Legend have all chosen to sample egg coffee when in town. Many travel bloggers also describe the drink as an "unforgettable culinary experience" and "a perfect blend of East and West.

Let’s check out the unique features of ca phe trung! First and foremost, it’s the harmonious flavor. The blend of bitter, strong coffee, creamy chicken egg, and a hint of sweetness creates a very special sensation, both familiar and strange to the taste buds.

The second point is the unique multi-layered structure. From the very first sip, you can feel the smooth, buttery layer of egg foam covering the thick black coffee. The contrast of colors and textures also makes for a different visual and taste experience.

Finally, despite its exquisite flavor, ca phe trung is made with the simplest and most available ingredients: coffee, chicken egg, sugar, and condensed milk. It is the ingenious combination of these ingredients that creates the one-of-a-kind drink.

To make a complete cup of egg coffee, egg yolks are whisked to form a smooth, meringue-like cream layer over strong coffee typical of Vietnam. When served, the sweet, fatty taste of the egg foam blends with the slightly bitter coffee, releasing a surprising flavor.

Since its introduction, ca phe trung has remained popular, and several versions of the original recipe have been created. It even comes in hot and cold versions, each offering a different experience. Cold egg coffee is served in a glass filled with ice and tastes like coffee ice cream or liquid tiramisu.

Meanwhile, hot egg coffee is usually placed in a small bowl of hot water to maintain the temperature. When enjoyed, the robust coffee flavor at the bottom of the glass seeps through the golden, sweet, and rich egg on top, creating an amazing blend.

In addition to the classic egg coffee, Cafe Giang also offers other creative drinks such as egg cocoa coffee. This dish features a layer of whipped egg cream topped with another layer of cocoa powder. For those who love sweets, the egg cocoa coffee is the perfect choice. Other variations include egg matcha, egg chocolate, and egg beer. Don't think too much about the unusual names, just try the one you find most appealing to discover refreshing tastes.

Not merely a beverage, ca phe trung has crossed borders, won international tourists over and become a symbol of Vietnamese cuisine. It's a testament to the creativity and talent of locals in gastronomy and plays an important role in the development of the Vietnam coffee industry. The more international attention egg coffee draws, the more cafes are experimenting and creating their own versions. Whether enjoyed at a longstanding establishment or made at home, it always promises to be an inspiring and memorable experience.

If you ever visit Hanoi or anywhere in Vietnam, be sure to try this drink and enjoy the delightful blend of culture and cuisine it offers!