In Southeast Asia, coffee is more than just a drink, but also part of the culture and daily life. Among various local brews, one stands out for its unique twist: egg coffee.
Within Southeast Asia, this creamy beverage is especially popular in two countries: Vietnam and Indonesia. The Vietnamese egg coffee (cà phê trứng) and the Indonesian egg coffee (kopi talua) may use the same ingredients, coffee and egg yolk, but their flavors, textures, and origins are completely different.
These two versions of egg coffee perfectly reflect the diversity of Southeast Asian coffee culture, and prove that even a simple egg can transform a cup of coffee into something unforgettable.
Cà Phê Trứng from Vietnam
Vietnamese egg coffee, known locally as cà phê trứng, is a beloved drink among both locals. This coffee stands out for its creamy texture from the whisked egg yolk, perfectly balanced with the strong flavor of robusta coffee.
The story behind this unique drink is just as fascinating as its taste. According to local story, cà phê trứng was invented during the French War in Vietnam, when fresh milk was scarce. To replace milk, people began experimenting with egg yolks as an alternative.
A bartender named Nguyen Giang is credited as the creator of this iconic beverage. Without access to fresh milk, he tried mixing coffee with egg yolk and condensed milk, and unexpectedly, the result was a soft, creamy drink that tasted almost like a melted tiramisu.
Making egg coffee is quite simple. First, whisk the egg yolk, sugar, and condensed milk until the mixture becomes foamy and thick. Then pour hot espresso over it.
To enjoy, stir the drink gently so the thick egg cream blends with the coffee, creating a smooth, rich harmony of flavors.
Traditionally, this coffee is served in a small cup placed in a bowl of hot water to maintain its temperature. Because of its thick texture, it’s usually enjoyed with a spoon, like eating a dessert. Besides the hot version, this coffee can also be enjoyed cold with ice cubes.
One of the most famous places to enjoy Vietnamese egg coffee is Café Giang in Hanoi, founded by Nguyen Giang himself in 1946. This humble café remains a must-visit spot, always crowded with locals and travelers from around the world who come to taste the original cà phê trứng.
Kopi Talua from Indonesia
Kopi talua is a traditional Indonesian egg coffee that originated from Minangkabau, West Sumatra. This drink can often be found in small coffee stalls around Padang, where it’s served alongside teh talua or egg tea.
Like Vietnamese egg coffee, kopi talua also combines coffee and egg yolk, but it also includes Indonesian spices such as ginger or cinnamon. These spices give the drink a richer, more complex flavor with a warm, aromatic hint.
In Indonesia, this drink is enjoyed differently from the Vietnamese version. The Minang people consider kopi talua a herbal, energy-boosting beverage. It is believed to offer several health benefits, such as increasing stamina and improving vitality, especially for men.
While Vietnamesee egg coffee can be served iced, kopi talua is usually enjoyed hot because its spices are meant to warm the body. Many people drink it early in the morning or at night to regain energy. With its foamy texture and warming spices, each sip of kopi talua delivers a comforting heat that spreads through the chest, a true symbol of Indonesian warmth and tradition.
In both Vietnam and Indonesia, egg coffee represents more than flavor, but also a reflection of their culture and tradition. Each sip carries a piece of culture, warmth, and the shared passion of two nations that celebrate coffee in their own unique way.
References:
- https://indonesiakaya.com/pustaka-indonesia/kopi-talua-cara-beda-menikmati-kopi-di-minangkabau/
- https://vietcetera.com/en/the-history-of-egg-coffee
