Vietnam is renowned for its rich coffee culture, deeply rooted in history and tradition. Nowhere is this culture more vibrant than in Hanoi, the capital city, where coffee is more than just a drink—it is a way of life. From the bustling street-side cafes to the hidden gems tucked away in narrow alleyways, Hanoi offers an authentic experience for coffee lovers. In this guide, we take you through the best cafés in Hanoi that showcase the city’s unique coffee culture.
The Legacy of Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnam is the second-largest coffee producer in the world, and its coffee culture reflects a fusion of French colonial influence and local innovation. Introduced by the French in the 19th century, coffee quickly became an integral part of Vietnamese daily life. Unlike the espresso-based drinks commonly found in Western countries, Vietnamese coffee is known for its strong, bold flavors and unique brewing methods using a phin filter.
Signature Vietnamese Coffee Styles
- Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk): A robust, dark roast coffee brewed through a phin filter and mixed with sweetened condensed milk.
- Cà Phê Đen Đá (Black Iced Coffee): Pure, unsweetened coffee served over ice.
- Cà Phê Trứng (Egg Coffee): A Hanoi specialty where coffee is topped with a creamy mixture of whipped egg yolk, sugar, and condensed milk.
- Cà Phê Cốt Dừa (Coconut Coffee): A delightful blend of coffee, coconut milk, and crushed ice.
- Bạc Xỉu (Sweetened White Coffee): A milkier, sweeter version of traditional Vietnamese coffee.
Now that you understand the essence of Vietnamese coffee, let’s explore the best places in Hanoi to enjoy an authentic experience.
Best Cafés in Hanoi for an Authentic Experience
1. Café Giảng – Home of the Famous Egg Coffee
No visit to Hanoi is complete without trying Cà Phê Trứng, and Café Giảng is the birthplace of this iconic drink. Established in 1946, this legendary café has perfected the art of creating a creamy, rich egg coffee that tastes almost like liquid tiramisu.
📍 Address: 39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
⭐ Must-Try: Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng)
🕒 Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
2. Café Đinh – A Hidden Gem Overlooking Hoàn Kiếm Lake
Tucked away in a small alley, Café Đinh offers a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere. Run by the daughter of Café Giảng’s founder, it serves one of the best egg coffees in Hanoi, along with traditional black and milk coffees.
📍 Address: 13 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
⭐ Must-Try: Egg Coffee & Black Iced Coffee
🕒 Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
3. The Note Coffee – A Colorful Experience
If you’re looking for a café with character, The Note Coffee is the place to go. Located near Hoàn Kiếm Lake, this vibrant café is covered in thousands of handwritten notes from visitors worldwide.
📍 Address: 64 Lương Văn Can, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
⭐ Must-Try: Coconut Coffee & Traditional Vietnamese Coffee
🕒 Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:30 PM
4. Tranquil Books & Coffee – A Quiet Escape
For those seeking a peaceful retreat, Tranquil Books & Coffee is an oasis in the heart of Hanoi. With bookshelves lining the walls and soft music playing in the background, this café is perfect for reading while sipping on a cup of Cà Phê Sữa Đá.
📍 Address: 5 Nguyễn Quang Bích, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
⭐ Must-Try: Vietnamese Drip Coffee & Bạc Xỉu
🕒 Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
5. Blackbird Coffee – Specialty Coffee in the Old Quarter
If you’re in search of high-quality, specialty coffee, Blackbird Coffee is the perfect spot. It serves a variety of local and international blends, carefully roasted for an exceptional coffee experience.
📍 Address: 5 Chân Cầm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
⭐ Must-Try: Espresso & Vietnamese Iced Coffee
🕒 Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
6. Loading T Café – Aesthetic French Colonial Charm
Housed in a stunning French colonial building, Loading T Café combines vintage charm with delicious coffee. The cinnamon-infused Vietnamese coffee here is a must-try.
📍 Address: 2nd Floor, 8 Chân Cầm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
⭐ Must-Try: Cinnamon Coffee & Cà Phê Sữa Đá
🕒 Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
7. Laika Cafe – A Modern Twist on Traditional Coffee
For those looking for a modern café experience, Laika Cafe blends trendy aesthetics with a variety of Vietnamese and Western-style coffees.
📍 Address: 91 Trung Hòa, Cầu Giấy, Hanoi
⭐ Must-Try: Coconut Coffee & Espresso-Based Drinks
🕒 Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Final Thoughts on Hanoi’s Coffee Culture
Hanoi is a paradise for coffee lovers, offering an incredible variety of unique coffee styles and experiences. Whether you prefer a classic Cà Phê Sữa Đá, a creamy egg coffee, or a refreshing coconut coffee, there is no shortage of outstanding cafés to explore. Each establishment has its own charm, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions and evolving trends of Vietnam’s coffee culture.