What is Vietnamese Egg Coffee? The Origins and Secrets of Egg Coffee Saigon
A Brief History: From Hanoi to Saigon
Egg coffee Saigon is now a star of the city’s café culture, but its origins lie far to the north in Hanoi, back in the 1940s. In the Sofitel Metropole Hotel, one of Hanoi’s most legendary establishments, there was a shortage of milk, and an innovative bartender, Nguyen Van Giang, created an ingenious substitute by whisking together egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk to make a thick, creamy froth. This frothy concoction was then layered over the fiercely brewed Vietnamese robusta coffee, with the result being both a drink and a dessert in one.
The egg coffee soon gained popularity throughout Vietnam, and in the decades that followed, it found a new home in Saigon, where coffee shops started introducing their own creative touches some of them sticking with the traditional Hanoi method, others inventing new tastes and methods of serving.
How Egg Coffee Saigon is Made: Crafting the Perfect Cup
The magic of egg coffee Saigon lies in how it is prepared. Even the greatest of cups begin with the proper ingredients and a careful process:
Essential Ingredients:
- Vietnamese Robusta Coffee: Is characterized by its bold, intense taste with a subtle bitter note that complements the sweetness of the egg foam perfectly.
- Egg Yolks: High-grade fresh yolks that, when whisked, give a smooth, velvety consistency.
- Sugar: Provides the sweetness needed to balance the coffee’s bitter flavour.
- Condensed Milk: Contributes a rich, sweet creaminess that strengthens the egg froth.
Egg Coffee Saigon (Source: tonkin)
Step-by-Step Preparation:
- Whisk the Egg Foam: Sugar is whisked with fresh egg yolks until light and airy. A little condensed milk is incorporated to achieve a silky, creamy texture.
- Brew the Coffee: Rich, hot Vietnamese robusta coffee is made with a classic drip-style filter (phin) for true flavor. The coffee needs to be strong and full of flavor in order to be able to handle the creamy foam.
- Layering: The egg yolk-based foam is layered softly on top of the hot coffee. In certain cafes in Saigon, the foam is so silky and thick that it is actually reminiscent of a dessert.
- Service Style: For the traditional look, egg coffee Saigon is usually served in a small hot water bowl in order to keep the beverage warm. In a few cafes, there is even an iced variation, with the creamy head floating on top of cold coffee.
Top 10 Authentic Egg Coffee Spots in Saigon (2025 Update)
1. 3T Egg Coffee Saigon – Nostalgic Charm in the Heart of Saigon
- Address: 355 Hoang Sa, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Price Range: 35,000 – 100,000 VND
Looking for a real egg coffee Saigon experience with a nostalgic twist? 3T Egg Coffee is your go-to location. Situated along the riverside, this café boasts a peaceful atmosphere with retro-style décor, providing the perfect setting to get away from the chaos of the city.
What Makes It Special: This creamy, scented egg coffee Saigon served here is rich and well-balanced with a velvety froth that dissolves into the bold coffee below. Enjoy this treat by the riverside – the ideal way of starting your ho chi minh food experience.
Menu Highlights:
- Egg Coffee (Classic and Authentic)
- Cocoa Egg – A chocolatey twist on the classic.
- Matcha Egg – A creamy blend with a touch of green tea.
3T Egg Coffee Saigon (Source: caphetrung3t)
2. Little HaNoi Egg Coffee – A Taste of Hanoi in Saigon
- Address: 119/5 Yersin, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price Range: 30,000 – 50,000 VND
Step inside Little HaNoi Egg Coffee and you’ll be transported back in time directly to Hanoi’s Old Quarter. This warm, inviting spot gets the traditional Vietnamese coffee experience just right, with an authentic egg coffee Saigon that is silky, smooth, and in perfect balance.
What Makes It Special: This egg froth is silky smooth and perfectly set, with the optimal amount of sweetness, which is ideal for both newbies and egg coffee fans.
Menu Highlights:
- Classic Egg Coffee – Rich, aromatic, and creamy.
- Egg Chocolate – A velvety, chocolatey delight.
- Matcha Egg – A unique green tea twist.
Little HaNoi Egg Coffee (Source: danielfooddiary)
3. RuNam D’Or – Luxurious Egg Coffee Experience Near Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Address: 3 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Price Range: 50,000 – 150,000 VND
For those with a taste for refinement, RuNam D’Or is a place that absolutely cannot be missed. Situated in the city center, within easy walking distance of the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral, this café combines traditional French-inspired style with Vietnamese friendliness.
What Makes It Special: Why It’s Special: This egg coffee Saigon is prepared with high-grade ingredients, resulting in a flawlessly balanced beverage that tastes rich, creamy, yet not too sweet. It is the perfect treat for a high-end afternoon respite or upscale dessert in Saigon.
Menu Highlights:
- Signature Egg Coffee – Smooth, creamy, and decadent.
- High-end Vietnamese-European Dining – The ideal complement for your coffee.
- Fine Wines – For those with a taste for luxury.
RuNam D’Or (Source: saigonvibes)
4. Phin Xanh Vietnamese Coffee & Tea – Eco-Friendly Egg Coffee Haven
- Address: 47 Phan Chu Trinh, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Price Range: 29,000 – 79,000 VND
Step into Phin Xanh Vietnamese Coffee & Tea, a small, environmentally friendly café that presents an invigorating twist on egg coffee Saigon. The green-themed, warm interior is soothing, providing a welcome refuge from the city’s streets.
What Makes It Special: Egg coffee here is prepared with quality materials, topped with a smooth, creamy egg froth that complements the rich Vietnamese coffee below. Locals and visitors alike, casual or otherwise, can all agree on this being a top spot for a quiet coffee halt.
Menu Highlights:
- Classic Egg Coffee – Smooth, velvety, and fragrant.
- A chocolate-flavored variant, full of richness.
- Vietnamese Tea – a refreshing choice for tea enthusiasts.
Phin Xanh Vietnamese Coffee & Tea (Source: tripadvisor)
5. Vietphin Coffee – Modern Ambiance with Rich Egg Coffee
- Address: 89 Cach Mang Thang Tam, Ward Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price Range: 30,000 – 70,000 VND
For those seeking a large, up-to-date café experience, Vietphin Coffee is an ideal option. Over several floors, this café provides ample comfortable chairs, ensuring that it’s an excellent spot in which to relax, get some work done, or spend time with friends and enjoy a nice cup of egg coffee Saigon.
What Makes It Special: The egg coffee of Vietphin is characterized by its velvety, creamy froth that is not too rich or too sweet, providing a great first taste of this legendary beverage.
Menu Highlights:
- Traditional Egg Coffee – Smooth, balanced.
- Iced Coffee – For a Refreshing Twist.
- Fruit Tea – an ideal partner for your coffee.
Vietphin Coffee (Source: VietphinCoffee)
6. Coffee Hut – Cozy and Relaxing Egg Coffee Spot
- Address: 5 Truong Quyen, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price Range: 30,000 – 60,000 VND
Seeking a peaceful refuge amid Ho Chi Minh City? Coffee Hut is your ideal retreat. It is but a short stroll from the city’s iconic Turtle Lake, and this café boasts a friendly and cozy atmosphere that is the perfect setting for a peaceful coffee interlude.
What Makes It Special: The egg coffee Saigon is characterized by its dense, scented foam that perfectly complements the bold, intense flavor of Vietnamese coffee. The cozy ambiance, complete with wooden furniture and dimmly lit decor, is the ideal spot in which to relax.
Menu Highlights:
- Egg Coffee: Classic and smooth with a silky, velvety foam that dissolves into the coffee.
- Egg Chocolate: A chocolatey, rich variation on the traditional treat.
- Matcha Egg: A novel combination of silky egg and revitalizing matcha.
Coffee Hut (Source: CoffeeHut)
7. Xo Bo Coffee – Vintage Vibes and Thick Egg Coffee Cream
- Address: 11 Phan Dinh Phung, Ward 17, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Price Range: 25,000 – 55,000 VND
Step into a nostalgic world when you go to Xo Bo Coffee, with vintage decor and old-school tunes that transport you back in time. It’s an ideal place for those old-Saigon-lovers, and their egg coffee Saigon is a must-try.
What Makes It Special: Xo Bo is made special by its thick, creamy egg foam. Rich, smooth, and in balance, it provides a beautiful contrast with the bold Vietnamese coffee that lies beneath.
Menu Highlights:
- Classic Egg Coffee: Is a thick, creamy treat with a dense foam top.
- Vietnamese Drip Coffee: Rich and full-bodied, ideal for true coffee aficionados.
- Dessert Pairings: Try your coffee with classic Vietnamese sweets for a complete experience – the ideal dessert in Saigon moment.
Xo Bo Coffee (Source: XôBồCoffee&Tea)
8. Nap Saigon – A Peaceful Egg Coffee Retreat
- Address: 65/1 Thu Khoa Huan, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price Range: 40,000 – 80,000 VND
For those that are looking for a peaceful, minimalist retreat, Nấp Saigon is a secret gem. This small café provides a peaceful setting, ideal for introspective quiet moments, reading, or simply savoring an excellent cup of egg coffee Saigon.
What Makes It Special: This egg coffee is creamy yet balanced, and its light, frothy froth complements the bold Vietnamese coffee perfectly. It is just as enjoyable hot or cold, with each sip being an absolute pleasure.
Menu Highlights:
- Classic Egg Coffee: It is smooth, creamy, and fragrant.
- Iced Egg Coffee: Is a welcome refresher for hot days in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Pastries and Cookies: Great for a light bite with your coffee, excellent for a Saigon moment dessert.
Nap Saigon (Source: NấpSaigon)
9. Goc Ha Noi – Authentic Hanoi Vibes in Saigon
- Address: 165/3 Bui Vien, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price Range: 40,000 VND
Want a taste of Hanoi amid Saigon? Goc Ha Noi transports the capital city’s coffee culture to the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. This little café, with its retro decor and warm atmosphere, is a welcome respite from the busy streets of Bui Vien.
What Makes It Special: This egg coffee Saigon is prepared according to an original Hanoi formula, with a silky, sugary froth and a deep, nuanced coffee. It is a must-try for anyone interested in tasting Hanoi’s real flavor in the south.
Menu Highlights:
- Egg Coffee: Rich, pure, and well-balanced.
- Egg Chocolate: A smooth and velvety variant for all chocolate enthusiasts.
- Traditional Snacks: Have your coffee with Vietnamese sunflower seeds, the same as in Hanoi.
Goc Ha Noi (Source: vibrantlyvietnam)
10. Manki True Artisan Cafe – Artistic Ambiance with Silky Egg Coffee
- Address: 42bis Ly Tu Trong, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price Range: 35,000 – 70,000 VND
Seeking a place that combines coffee and art? Try Manki True Artisan Cafe. This café is famous for its minimalist, artistic design, and is a lovely spot for creative individuals to unwind and have a taste of egg coffee Saigon.
What Makes It Special: The egg coffee here is extremely smooth, with silky, velvety froth that dissolves into the intense Vietnamese coffee. The cozy, artistic atmosphere of the café enhances the experience, and it is a favorite with travelers and locals alike.
Menu Highlights:
- Classic Egg Coffee: Smooth, silky, and fragrant.
- Vietnamese Coffee: Full-bodied and intense, ideal for coffee connoisseurs.
- Pastries and Cakes: The ideal complement for your coffee, turning your stop into a dessert in the Saigon experience.
Manki True Artisan Cafe (Source: cafescene)
Conclusion
From the quaint corners of 3T Egg Coffee Saigon to the upscale atmosphere of RuNam D’Or, you’ve discovered the best egg coffee Saigon cafes. But there’s more. Match your creamy coffee with a delicious dessert in Saigon, or go further with your food adventure with true Ho Chi Minh food.
Ready to savor the best egg coffee in Saigon? Start your delicious journey now!
Impress Travel – Your Trusted Travel Partner
- Address: 125 Hoang Ngan, 3rd Floor, Trung Hoa, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Contact: (+84) 912 379 189
- Email: info@impresstravel.com