Egg coffee is the speciality of Hanoi. Coffee becomes a part of Vietnamese culture, we drink coffee in the morning, afternoon and even evening. It is normal that people don’t ask you to go to eat breakfast in the morning but to go and drink a cup of coffee together. Besides filtered coffee, egg coffee takes Vietnamese coffee to a new level of internationally famous.
Hanoi Old Quarter: A paradise for coffee lovers
Nestled in the heart of Vietnam, Hanoi Old Quarter is a vibrant and bustling neighborhood that offers a plethora of delightful experiences for visitors. One of the highlights of this enchanting district is its rich coffee culture. From traditional Vietnamese coffee to unique concoctions, Hanoi Old Quarter is a paradise for coffee lovers.
I have to admire that I didn’t know about egg coffee until a foreign friend introduced it to me a few years ago. After tasting it, I must say it is the best coffee that you can get in Hanoi.
Where to find the best Egg Coffee in Hanoi Old Quarter?
Ca Phe Giang, the best egg coffee shop in Hanoi
- Address: (Map) 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi (near Dong Xuan Market)
- Opening time: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price: Around 30,000- 50,000 for an egg coffee
“Ca phe Giang” is the place you can get authentic egg coffee, even though many coffee shops in Hanoi Old Quarter also offer this type of coffee, the taste of Giang’s egg coffee is different. The whipping egg is soft and smooth, and you don’t get the taste of eating raw eggs.
The recipe for egg coffee is quite simple: whipped egg yolk, coffee, and milk or sugar (depending on your taste). I did try to make some egg coffee at home, it looked similar, but it didn’t taste the same. According to Mr Nguyễn Chí Hòa (Owner of Ca Phe Giang), his family has some secret ingredients that make his egg coffee tastes so special.
Back in 1946, Mr Giang (Father of Mr Hòa and the inventor of Egg coffee) was a chef at Metropole Hotel Hanoi, he made a cappuccino for French people, but that type of coffee was so expensive for Vietnamese to drink. He thought that there might be some substitutes for expensive cream and milk foam and he tried to mix coffee with egg yolk, and a new type of coffee was born.
The egg coffee was served in a small cup and put in a bowl filled with warm water. The coffee tastes best while it is hot; therefore, the hot bowl of water keeps your coffee warm for a longer time. You can try iced egg coffee it was nice and suitable for a drink in the hot summer of Hanoi. You won’t want to hold a warm cup in the 40-degree Celsius weather.
The location of Giang Café is one special point that I love. It locates in a small alley of no 39, Nguyen Huu Huan. In the street full of the coffee cafeteria and always seems to be packed with people and vehicles, the alley is an invisible boundary that separates you from the noisy world.
*Ca Phe Giang is getting more crowded as many tourists and locals want to try this coffee shop
Café Dinh
- Address: (Map) Second Floor, 13 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hang Bac District, Hanoi (around the corner from St. Joseph’s Cathedral)
- Opening time: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price: 30,000- 50,000 for an egg coffee
Another hidden gem for egg coffee enthusiasts is Café Dinh. Tucked away in a narrow alley, this quaint café is frequented by locals who swear by its authenticity and quality. The secret to their exceptional egg coffee lies in the meticulous preparation process. Each cup is carefully crafted by hand, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors. The cozy and intimate ambiance of Café Dinh adds to the overall experience, making it a must-visit for coffee aficionados.
Café Pho Co
- Address: (Map) 10 Ma May Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi (near Hoan Kiem Lake)
- Opening time: 7:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Price: Expect to pay around 40,000- 60,000 for an egg coffee
While egg coffee may steal the spotlight, Hanoi Old Quarter offers a myriad of other unique coffee experiences. For a taste of the traditional Vietnamese coffee, head to Café Pho Co. Located in a charming old house, this café exudes an old-world charm that is hard to resist. Sip on a cup of strong and aromatic Vietnamese coffee as you soak in the history and charm of the surroundings.
Café Nola
- Address: (Map) 89, Ma May, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem
- Opening time: 10:00 AM- 8:30 PM
- Price: 30,000-60,000
For those seeking a modern twist on their coffee experience, Café Nola is the place to be. This trendy café combines the art of coffee with the love for books, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Browse through their extensive collection of books while sipping on a meticulously crafted coffee creation. From espresso-based drinks to refreshing iced coffees, Café Nola offers a wide range of options to cater to every taste.
Hanoi Egg Coffee
- Address: (Map) 8 P. Gia Ngư, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi (near Hoan Kiem Lake)
- Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price: Expect to pay around 30,000- 50,000 for an egg coffee
This small cafe is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Their egg coffee is made with the traditional recipe and is sure to satisfy your cravings. The cafe is clean and well-maintained, and the staff is friendly.
Loading T Cafe
- Address: 80 Ma May Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi (near Hoan Kiem Lake)
- Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Price: Expect to pay around 40,000- 60,000 for an egg coffee
This trendy cafe is a great place to try egg coffee with a modern twist. They use high-quality ingredients and their egg foam is light and airy. The cafe has a stylish interior and a relaxed atmosphere.
Thọ Cafe
- Address: 117 Trieu Viet Vuong, Bui Thi Xuan, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi (not far from the Old Quarter)
- Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Price: Expect to pay around 20,000 – 40,000 for an egg coffee
While technically not in the Old Quarter, Tho Cafe is a local favorite known for its affordable and delicious egg coffee. The cafe is not fancy, but it has a traditional atmosphere and friendly service.
Neo Café
- Address: 33 Le Dai Hanh Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi (in the Old Quarter)
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM (consistent across all Neo Cafe locations)
- Price: Prices for egg coffee typically range from 30,000 – 100,000
Neo Cafe provides a modern and high-quality coffee experience while still offering traditional Vietnamese coffee options like egg coffee. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or simply looking for a comfortable cafe with a delicious cup of coffee, Neo Cafe is definitely worth a visit. The location on Le Dai Hanh Street within the Old Quarter makes it easily accessible for your Hanoi exploration.
Price of Egg coffee
While the price of egg coffee may vary depending on the establishment, you can expect to pay around 40,000 to 60,000 Vietnamese Dong (approximately $1.75 to $2.60) for a cup. Considering the unique flavors and the labor-intensive process involved in its preparation, egg coffee is truly a bang for your buck.
What is Egg Coffee and its origins?
Egg coffee, or ca phe trung, is a Vietnamese specialty that originated in Hanoi during the 1940s. It was created by Nguyen Van Giang, the founder of Café Giang, as a creative solution to the scarcity of fresh milk during the war. By whisking egg yolks with condensed milk, he was able to create a rich and creamy alternative that could rival traditional coffee additives.
The secret recipe of Hanoi Egg Coffee
The secret to the perfect Hanoi egg coffee lies in the meticulous preparation and the quality of the ingredients. To create this delightful beverage, Vietnamese Robusta coffee is brewed using a traditional drip filter, resulting in a strong and aromatic base.
Separately, egg yolks are whisked vigorously with condensed milk until they form a frothy and creamy mixture. The coffee is then poured into a cup, and the whipped egg yolk is carefully spooned on top, creating a luscious layer of foam. The resulting concoction is a harmonious blend of bitterness, sweetness, and creaminess that is sure to leave you craving for more.
Exploring the rich coffee culture of Hanoi Old Quarter
Hanoi Old Quarter is undoubtedly a haven for coffee enthusiasts, with its diverse offerings and unique experiences. From the legendary egg coffee at Café Giang to the traditional Vietnamese coffee at Café Pho Co, there is something to satisfy every palate. So, the next time you find yourself wandering through the charming streets of Hanoi Old Quarter, make sure to indulge in the rich coffee culture and uncover the hidden gems that this enchanting neighborhood has to offer.
It is easy now to find egg coffee on the menu of most coffee shops in Hanoi Old Quarter, but you could find some more local picks here:
- Cafe Dinh – 13 Dinh Tien Hoang, the owner is Mr Hoa’s Thus the taste is very similar to the one in Giang coffee. (Map)
- Giảng Café – 106 Yen Phu, the 2nd branch of Giang coffee, is more famous among Vietnamese people. (Map)
- Café Pho Co – 11 Hang Gai. The ancient house hides between 2 souvenir shops; it might take you some time to find the entrance. This cafeteria also offers a good view of Hoan Kiem Lake (Map)
- Dream Bean coffee: 44 Ngo Huyen str, Hanoi Old Quarter (www.facebook.com/hanoidreambeans)
- Blackbird Coffee – 5 Chan Cam, Hanoi Old Quarter
- Cafe Yên: 184 Quan Thanh street, near WestLake
Thanh Le
