What are some common myths and misconceptions about egg soda?
Egg soda is a Vietnamese drink (soda sua hot ga) made from egg yolk, condensed milk and club soda. Common misconceptions are that it tastes eggy, that it is the same as an egg cream, and that carbonation makes the raw yolk safe. Nothing shows that it does, so use pasteurized or very fresh eggs.
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In this article
What is egg soda?
Vietnamese egg soda (soda sua hot ga) is a sweet, fizzy drink made with egg yolk, sweetened condensed milk and club soda, served over ice. Tasting Table describes it as sweet, velvety and custardy with a foamy top.
Myth: it tastes like raw egg
Tasting Table describes the flavor as sweet, creamy and custardy, not eggy. The condensed milk dominates. Some people still dislike the texture.
Myth: it is the same as an egg cream
No. A New York egg cream is milk, seltzer and chocolate syrup with no egg. Egg soda actually uses egg yolk.
Myth: the soda cooks the egg, so it is safe
Tasting Table claims the sodium bicarbonate and sodium citrate in club soda “cook” the egg, but it gives no source for that, and I found nothing showing that soda makes a raw yolk safe. Raw egg carries a salmonella risk, so people who are pregnant, elderly, young or have weak immunity should avoid it. Using pasteurized eggs lowers the risk; Tasting Table suggests pasteurizing the egg in low-heat water and cites the USDA on this.
Myth: it has been made forever
The origin is unclear. Accounts link it to egg coffee and to a time of milk shortages, but these are mostly lifestyle writing, so treat them as unconfirmed.
How is it made?
- Add about 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to a tall glass.
- Add one egg yolk and club soda.
- Stir hard to form foam and serve over ice. Some versions strain out curdled bits.
Drink it right away. Ask for less sugar by asking for less condensed milk.
People also ask
Is egg soda safe to drink?
It uses raw yolk, so there is a salmonella risk. Pasteurized eggs lower it; vulnerable groups should avoid it.
Does egg soda taste like egg?
Tasting Table describes it as sweet, creamy and custardy rather than eggy.
Is egg soda the same as an egg cream?
No. Egg soda contains yolk and condensed milk; an egg cream has no egg at all.
Sources
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