Hanoi Old Quarter: Egg Coffee Class & Balcony Tasting

Summary

Egg coffee secrets in Hanoi’s Old Quarter with hands-on class and tasting

You’ll crack eggs and whisk them into frothy magic right in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Learn three different styles of Vietnamese coffee with a local teacher, taste your creations on a balcony above the city buzz, and leave with a small gift plus new skills for home brewing. There’s something quietly special about that first creamy sip.

What’s the experience like?

Stirring the yolk felt oddly satisfying, like I was making something secret. Our teacher at Cafe Minh — she just smiled as I tried to pronounce “cà phê trứng.” Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin too (I definitely butchered it). The place is tucked just off Ta Hien Beer street, so you still hear the scooters outside, but inside it smells sweet and a bit earthy from all that condensed milk and strong Robusta. We started with the classic egg coffee — honestly, I’d never tasted anything like it before coming to Hanoi’s Old Quarter. It’s rich but not heavy, almost like dessert but not quite.

The class is super hands-on. You crack eggs yourself, whisk until your arm gets tired (no cheating), then pour over espresso so dark you can see your reflection. Our guide explained how this drink came about during milk shortages — something about resourcefulness that feels very Vietnamese. She showed us the difference between Hanoi-style milk coffee and the sweeter Saigon version (three drops of something secret — she wouldn’t tell). I kept mixing up which was which, but nobody seemed to mind. We got to try everything right there on their little balcony while the city buzzed below. The air was sticky but there was a breeze if you sat near the edge.

I’m still thinking about that first sip — warm, creamy foam with bitter coffee underneath. You get a small gift after class (mine’s now living on my kitchen shelf) and they’ll set you up with whatever you need if you want to try again at home. Honestly, I stayed longer than planned just comparing my two cups and chatting with another traveler who’d never had egg coffee either. So yeah, if you’re curious or just want an excuse to sit above Hanoi for an hour or two, this day trip egg coffee class is worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Learn and taste Hanoi egg coffee

• Choose suitable class time
• Go to Cafe Minh on Lương Ngọc Quyến street
• Meet teacher and learn coffee history
• Prepare ingredients and start making coffee
• Learn recipes: egg coffee, Hanoi milk coffee, Saigon milk coffee
• Enjoy and compare your coffee creations
• Buy take-home coffee materials if desired

Top questions

Where does the egg coffee class take place?

The class is held at Cafe Minh, 53 Lương Ngọc Quyến street in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

What types of coffee will I learn to make?

You’ll learn Hanoi egg coffee, Hanoi-style milk coffee, and Saigon-style milk coffee.

Is this day trip egg coffee class suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels and no prior experience is needed.

Are ingredients and equipment provided?

Yes, all ingredients and equipment are included for the class.

Is there an English-speaking teacher?

Yes, your teacher speaks English during the entire class.

Can vegetarians join this egg coffee class?

Please inform in advance if you are vegetarian so accommodations can be made.

How far is Cafe Minh from Ta Hien Beer Street?

Cafe Minh is only a few meters away from Ta Hien Beer Street in Hanoi Old Quarter.

Do I get anything to take home after the class?

You receive a small gift after completing the class; materials for home use are also available for purchase.

What’s included

Your day includes all ingredients and equipment needed for making three styles of Vietnamese coffee under guidance from an English-speaking teacher at Cafe Minh in Hanoi’s Old Quarter; after class you’ll receive a small gift before heading out or lingering over your creations on their balcony or sidewalk area.