If you're an adventurous coffee enthusiast who is always eager to explore new and unique flavors, then you've probably heard whispers of Vietnamese Egg Coffee or Ca Phe Trung. A delicious, creamy coffee—with egg. This popular drink comes from Hanoi, Vietnam, and it's just about to become your newest favorite way to drink coffee. But before we jump into how, let's take a little detour into why.
Picture this: 1940s, Vietnam. It is a country that has been facing a lack of dairy products, especially milk, for years. And what made him think of this was the thought of why not substituting the milk in coffee with egg yolks? The result was a frothy, custard-like coffee beverage that has spiraled into a cultural sensation.
Now that you know a little bit of the history, let's get to the good part: making this silky, smooth, dessert-like coffee in your very own kitchen.
What Ingredients do you need?
Before we get started, here are a few easy-to-find ingredients.
- 2 large egg yolks
- 4 tbsps sweetened condensed milk
- 12 ounces of very strong coffee, made by you—preferably as an espresso
- Sugar, should you want it sweeter
Okay, let's do it step by step as you are prepared now and weave the magic.
How can you make Vietnamese egg coffee at home?
Here are 4 simple steps to help you make Vietnamese egg coffee at home:
Make Your Espresso (Your Coffee Base)
Vietnamese Egg Coffee is based on a very strong and rich coffee. You should use something very strong, like espresso, to balance off all of the sweetness and richness of the whipped egg topping.
- Pro tip: If you want to, you can use a Vietnamese drip filter—a phin—for authenticity. Otherwise, a regular espresso machine is just fine. You are going to want about 12 ounces of coffee; that amount usually serves two.
The stronger the coffee, the better it will pair with that creamy topping—so don't go easy on those grounds!
Whip the Egg Yolks and Sweetened Condensed Milk to Perfection
This is where the magic really starts to happen. This is the step in which we whisk up our topping, creamy and frothy, which will give this coffee all the difference in the world.
- Crack the egg open and gently pass it back and forth, letting the white fall while preserving the yolk. You only need the yolks, so you can save the whites for some other recipe—for instance, a fluffy meringue?
- Mix the sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks. Use about 4 tablespoons. This adds the creamy sweetness that makes Vietnamese egg coffee so irresistible.
- Whip these two ingredients together. If you have a hand blender, this will be a lot easier. You are aiming to whip it until soft peaks form. This will take around 3 to 5 minutes. You'll notice that the mixture will more than double in volume and will turn thick, creamy, and light in color.
Pro tip: If you don't have a hand blender, use a whisk—just be ready for an arm workout. It's worth it!
Assemble Your Vietnamese Egg Coffee
Now that you have your coffee brewed and your egg mixture beaten, it's time to put everything together.
- Pour the coffee into 2 mugs or glasses.
- Now, with your spoon, top the coffee gently with that whipped egg yolk and sweetened condensed milk mixture. Be gentle; it's supposed to sit on top of the coffee, all frothy—not mix in right away.
Part of the fun is in the presentation: it will be as impressive as the coffee tastes.
Enjoy Your Homemade Ca Phe Trung(Vietnamese Egg Coffee)
There you go! You have created the exotic Vietnamese Egg Coffee. Now, how to drink it?
- Sip slowly: The first few sips will be a delightful contrast between the bitterness of the strong coffee and the rich, sweet, creamy topping. You can either mix the layers together for a balanced flavor or savor each layer separately.
Why Does Egg Coffee Work?
You might be thinking, "Egg yolk in coffee? How's that even going to taste good?" Trust me, this drink is nowhere near as strange as it sounds.
The yolk bestows richness upon it and a texture that is almost velvety, feeling more like a dessert than a drink. Plus, sweetened condensed milk balances everything with its sugary, caramel-like flavor.
Double doses of creaminess and fluff come in with the whisked egg mixture, tasting almost like a cloud flavored with coffee.
Customizing Your Egg Coffee – Make It Yours!
Having mastered the basic recipe, there's no limit to the amount of personalization possible to really own the drink. Here are some fun ideas to take Vietnamese Egg Coffee up a notch:
- Vanilla extract or cinnamon: Add a splash of vanilla or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm and comforting twist.
- Use other milk: For a different flavor profile instead of the sweetened condensed milk, try it with coconut milk or almond milk.
Final Thoughts: A Coffee Adventure Worth Trying
So, there you have it: the secret to making real Vietnamese egg coffee at home. Easy and delicious, it can be a lovely way to vary your morning coffee routine.
Whether one is alone, in a crowd, or impressing their friends over brunch, Vietnamese egg coffee is much more than just a drink; it is an experience. A reminder that good ideas sometimes come from a bit of necessity and lots of creativity.
So why not grab and whip up another batch today? Your taste buds will thank you.