The Vietnamese iced coffee recipe is a strong black coffee consumed straight on the rocks. But this one is an iced version of Hanoi's most iconic café drink called cà phê trứng, or egg coffee, that locals and visitors have been relishing since 1946. The original was created by a local coffee shop owner who, faced with milk shortage during wartime, used whipped egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk. The cold version of the egg coffee is served over ice, making it the perfect summer drink.
This iced egg coffee recipe is sight after because it shares the same frothy top like the viral dalgona recipe. But for the egg coffee, the foamy top is created by the whisked egg yolk, condensed milk, and vanilla. This foam is light yet rich and closer to a loose version of the Italian dessert zabaglione, rather than a stiff meringue. Spooned over cold, strong-brewed coffee and ice, for an energising drink.
For the most authentic version of this iced egg coffee recipe, you should go for the Vietnamese robusta beans. Brew using a Vietnamese phin brewer to produce a coffee that is strong, earthy, and full-bodied to match the richness of the egg cream. Brewing an espresso from a dark roast coffee works just as well. All you need is a whisk, a glass, and good-quality eggs.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
3 tbspFinely ground coffee (heaped)
1 1/2 cupsHot water
1Egg yolk
2 tbspSweetened condensed milk
¼ tspVanilla extract
as neededIce cubes
for toppingCinnamon or cocoa powder (optional)
Follow
Directions
Description - Step 1
Step 1: Make the Whipped Egg Mixture
Add the egg yolk, condensed milk, and vanilla extract to a small bowl. Whisk well for 5-10 minutes, or use a small electric hand mixer or milk frother. The mixture should turn pale yellow, aerated, and frothy; not stiff like whipped cream. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Brew the Coffee
Prepare a phin filter and add the ground coffee into it. Place it over a big glass and pour hot water into the brewer. Let the coffee drip into the glass; it should take around 5 minutes. Take two glasses of around 250 ml, and divide the coffee between them. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 30 minutes.
Description - Step 3
Step 3: Assemble the Iced Egg Coffee
Place the chilled serving glasses in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before assembling. Fill each glass with ice cubes. Pour the chilled coffee over the ice. Spoon half of the chilled egg foam over the top of each glass. Dust the tops with cocoa or cinnamon powder. Serve immediately.
Adding egg to coffee creates a smoother, creamier texture and can reduce the bitterness. Egg proteins also boost its nutrient content, making the coffee more filling and richer than usual.
Vietnamese egg coffee usually tastes creamy, sweet, and velvety if made properly. The egg yolk’s egginess is masked by the condensed milk whipped with it.
Iced egg coffee uses raw eggs in it, so it is advisable for people with sensitive system like senior citizens, pregnant women, and those with a weak immune system avoid having it to avoid any Salmonella risk.
Coffee is best when it is freshly ground and sealed in an airtight container and anything that hampers that – oxygen, moisture, heat, and light – are its enemies.