Drink Egg Coffee at Cafe Giang

Hidden in a small alley in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, visiting Cafe Giang is one of the most authentic coffee experiences you can have in the city. This humble café is famous for being the birthplace of Vietnamese egg coffee, a unique drink that has become a must-try specialty for visitors exploring Hanoi.

Egg coffee, or cà phê trứng, was invented in 1946 by Nguyen Van Giang, a bartender who worked at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. During a time when fresh milk was scarce, he experimented with whisked egg yolks and condensed milk to create a creamy substitute. The result was a rich, custard-like foam layered over strong Vietnamese coffee—a surprisingly delicious combination that soon became famous throughout Hanoi.

At Cafe Giang, the drink is prepared by whipping egg yolk with sugar and condensed milk until it becomes a thick, velvety cream. This golden foam is gently poured over a cup of strong coffee brewed using a traditional phin filter. The cup is often served inside a small bowl of hot water to keep it warm while you slowly enjoy it.

The café itself offers a nostalgic glimpse of old Hanoi. Walking through the narrow entrance feels like stepping back in time, with simple wooden tables, low stools, and walls that reflect decades of history. Despite its modest appearance, the café attracts thousands of visitors every year who come to taste the original egg coffee where it was first created.

For the best experience, take a moment to taste the sweet egg foam first, then gently stir it into the coffee below. The balance between the bold bitterness of Vietnamese coffee and the creamy sweetness of the egg layer creates a flavor that is both rich and unforgettable.

Trying egg coffee at Cafe Giang is more than just enjoying a drink—it is a small journey into Hanoi’s culinary heritage and one of the most memorable experiences in the city.