☕ Egg Coffee – Giảng Café, a Timeless Taste of Old Hanoi
If there’s one drink that people always associate with Hanoi, it’s egg coffee. And when it comes to egg coffee, nearly everyone immediately thinks of Giảng Café – a long-standing coffee shop tucked away in a small alley right in the heart of the Old Quarter.
🥚 A Truly “Hanoi” Invention
Egg coffee was created in 1946 by Mr. Nguyen Van Giang, who used to work as a bartender at the Metropole Hotel. Back then, fresh milk was scarce, so he whipped up egg yolks as a substitute. The result was a rich, creamy, and aromatic coffee drink, blending the bitterness of robusta with the sweetness and smoothness of egg foam. It sounds unusual, but one sip and you’re hooked.
🍶 A Flavor Like No Other
At Giảng, the egg coffee features a golden, velvety egg foam—almost like mousse—floating atop a strong, dark coffee base. It’s typically served in a small cup placed in a bowl of hot water to keep it warm and enhance the aroma. Every sip is warm, creamy, and comforting—especially perfect for Hanoi’s chilly days.
📍 The Atmosphere
Giảng Café isn’t on a main street—it’s hidden in a narrow alley off Nguyen Huu Huan Street. Stepping inside, you’re greeted with a nostalgic atmosphere: old wooden furniture, soft yellow lighting, and the rich scent of coffee filling the air. Everything about the place feels authentically “Hanoi”—quiet, vintage, and full of charm.
🧾 Beyond Egg Coffee
Giảng doesn’t stop at egg coffee. You’ll also find other creative versions like cocoa egg, mung bean egg, beer egg, and even rum egg. Each has its own unique flavor, both unusual and delightful—definitely worth trying if you have the time.
