Egg Coffee (Cà phê trúng)

Upon hearing you’ve been to Hanoi, many Vietnamese locals will almost immediately jump to a single question: “Did you have egg coffee?” Their look, one of gleeful anticipation, seems to suggest they’re used to getting a fairly entertaining mix of responses.

Now, I can’t imagine why that might be when there’s clearly only one response: “Yes and I will never live a full day again without it.”

The sweet and velvety drink was invented in 1946 by Nguyen Van Giang, a bartender at the Sofitel Legend Metropole hotel who was seeking a substitute for milk which was expensive at the time. The resulting drink eventually prompted the opening of Giảng Cafe, where the sumptuous coffee continues to attract Vietnamese and travellers alike.

The recipe is simple enough – prepared by whisking egg yolks, condensed milk and a touch of Vietnamese coffee to create a rich cream that sits upon fresh black coffee. At Giảng Cafe, the recipe remains secret, but with butter and cheese said to be part of it.

If you’re heading to Hanoi, Giảng Café is definitely a good place to start, but don’t stop there. Our favourite cup came from Cham Coffee and Sandwiches (address further below), a little shop on Tống Duy Tân where you’ll find your fill of cafés, restaurants, juice bars and more.

Giảng Café

39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Lý Thái Tổ, Hà Nội (map)

www.cafegiang.vn/en/

If you aren’t heading to Hanoi any time soon, Jodi of Legal Nomads snagged a recipe from her Hanoi host family which you can check out here.