Vietnamese coffee culture is one of the great pleasures of a trip to Ho Chi Minh City. Strong robusta brewed through a small metal filter, sweetened with condensed milk and served over ice, fuels the city from early morning. Egg coffee is a more decadent cousin: a whipped custard of egg yolk and sugar spooned over strong coffee, producing a drink somewhere between a dessert and a latte. It originated in Hanoi, but it is available in Saigon's cafes and is a favourite with visitors. An egg coffee workshop teaches you how to make it yourself. In a short class led by a local instructor, you learn about the beans, the brewing method and the technique for whisking the egg foam until it is thick and glossy. Then you taste your own creation. It is a small, affordable activity that fits into a spare hour, and it is especially enjoyable on a rainy afternoon or as a break from sightseeing.
How it works
You book a session, arrive at the venue at the start time and join a small group around a table or counter. The instructor demonstrates each step, and you follow along with your own ingredients and equipment. Details such as the venue, group size, what extra drinks or snacks are included and whether you can take recipes home vary by operator, so check them at booking.
What to expect
A typical class covers the basics of Vietnamese coffee, the phin filter, and the preparation of the egg cream with whisking and sweetening. You will probably taste the finished drink and may try variations. The mood is relaxed and informal, with time for questions about local coffee habits. If you are concerned about raw egg, ask the instructor about how the egg is prepared and about alternatives. The workshop is suitable for beginners and does not require any special skills.
Making the most of it
Schedule the class early in your stay so you can order with confidence at cafes afterwards and compare your cup with what you find around town. Combine it with a visit to a famous cafe or an old apartment building filled with coffee shops, and bring a notebook if you want to remember the proportions.
Coffee beans, phin filters and condensed milk are good, light souvenirs to buy before you go home. This is a good low-key activity for couples, friends and solo travellers, and it works as a rainy-day plan when the afternoon downpour arrives.
Why choose this workshop
Vietnamese coffee is more than a drink, it is a daily ritual and a social habit. Learning to make egg coffee gives you a small piece of that culture and a skill you can repeat at home, with a few ingredients that are easy to find. You will also learn about variations such as salted coffee, coconut coffee and the classic ca phe sua da, so you can order with confidence.
If you are interested in the origins of the drink, ask the instructor about its invention in Hanoi in the 1940s, when milk was scarce. Ask where to buy good beans and a phin filter, since both make excellent gifts and travel well.
What to expect
The experience
A short hands-on class in making Vietnamese egg coffee with a local instructor, ending with a tasting.
Best time
A mid-morning or afternoon break between sightseeing stops.
How long
About one to one and a half hours.
Tips
Ask about how the egg is prepared if you have concerns, and note any dietary needs when you book.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Coffee lovers and curious food travellers.
- Families
- Fine for older children, with a milder drink for those who do not drink coffee.
- Couples
- A cosy, interactive activity for two.
- Pair with
- A cafe visit or a Michelin-style street food tour.
- Time needed
- About an hour and a half.
Good questions
What is egg coffee?+
A Vietnamese drink made by whipping egg yolk with sugar into a thick cream and serving it over strong coffee.
Do I need any experience?+
No. The class is designed for beginners.
Is the egg raw?+
The cream is whipped from egg yolk. Ask the instructor how it is prepared if you have concerns.
Can I drink it without caffeine?+
Ask the host about decaf or alternative drink options when you book.
How long is the workshop?+
Usually about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on the operator.
