Hanoi coffee culture: Must-visit cafes in Hanoi for every traveler

1. What’s special about Hanoi’s coffee culture?

The basics: Robusta Beans, Phin Drip, and Condensed Milk

As I’ve said, Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee producer, and most of it: about 97% is Robusta beans. They’re much stronger and a lot more bitter than Arabica, with nearly double the caffeine. That’s why if it’s your first time, you might feel a little dizzy or even get the jitters after just one cup.

Here in Hanoi, we usually brew coffee with a phin filter, that little metal drip you see sitting on top of the glass. It drips slowly, which makes the coffee taste even more intense and concentrated. Instead of fresh milk, Hanoians traditionally add thick, sweet condensed milk, which balances the bitterness of Robusta and creates that unmistakable Vietnamese flavor.

The icons: Egg, Salty, and Coconut Coffee

• Egg Coffee (Cà phê trứng): Invented in Hanoi at Café Giang in the 1940s, this creamy drink whisks egg yolk with sugar and condensed milk, poured over strong coffee. Think of it as a rich dessert in a cup (almost like tiramisu in liquid form).

• Salty Coffee (Cà phê muối): A newer invention from Hue but now popular in Hanoi cafés, it mixes coffee with a layer of salty whipped cream. The touch of salt surprisingly enhances the sweetness and depth of the brew.

• Coconut Coffee (Cà phê cốt dừa): A Hanoi favorite, especially at Cộng Cà Phê. Blending coffee with coconut cream or milk, often served frozen like a milkshake, it’s refreshing and indulgent on hot days.

Next up is a list of cafés, with prices ranging from budget-friendly to a little higher, but trust me, every coffee (and drink) here is worth trying. (Explore: Best Vietnamese drinks)

I’ll include a map at the end of the article so you can easily find them!

2. The most iconic cafes

2.1 Café Giảng

• Address: 39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Lý Thái Tổ
• Must-try: Egg coffee, salted coffee

Café Giang is without doubt one of the top Hanoi cafes and the first name locals and travelers alike will recommend. Is it worth the hype? Honestly, yes!

Although many cafes in Hanoi now serve egg coffee, Café Giang is the place that claims to have invented it. So if you want to taste the original, this is the spot to go.

2.2 Café Đinh

• Address: 13 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm
• Must-try: Egg coffee, cocoa coffee

Another legendary Hanoi cafe, Café Đinh is always mentioned in the same breath as Café Giang. Some prefer Giang, others swear by Đinh. Personally, I find Café Đinh’s version less sweet, which I quite like.

2.3 Cộng Cà Phê

• Multiple locations across Hanoi
• Must-try: Coconut coffee, iced milk coffee

Cộng is probably the most recognizable Hanoi cafe chain, with dozens of branches around the city. Its military-themed vintage decor is nostalgic and uniquely Vietnamese! If you want to see what everyday coffee culture in Hanoi feels like, visit at a Cộng branch.

2.4 Hidden Gem Coffee

• Address: 1 Hang Mam Street, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District
• Must-try: Egg coffee  (with alcohol, making it extra special)

Hidden Gem Coffee really lives up to its name. The place is full of recycled bits: old bottles, scrap metal, random furniture, turned into colorful décor. It feels so different from the classic egg coffee spots like Giang or Đinh, especially since their egg coffee is mixed with a bit of alcohol.

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3. Hidden cafes & Atmospheric spots

3.1 Tranquil Books & Coffee (3 branches)

Addresses:

• 15B Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoan Kiem District
• 5 Nguyen Quang Bich Street, Cua Dong Ward, Hoan Kiem District
• 19 Cao Ba Quat Street, Ba Dinh District

Must-try: Coffee, matcha latte

With three different branches, Tranquil is one of the coziest and most atmospheric cafes in Hanoi. The Cao Bá Quát branch is the most spacious, with an outdoor area and occasional pop-up markets showcasing local handmade creations by young Vietnamese artists.

3.2 Ta Coffee

• Address: 4A Ngo Gach Alley, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District
• Must-try: House blend coffee, rose tea, chrysanthemum tea

Right in the bustling Old Quarter, Ta Coffee is an unexpected little hideaway. Their coffee is roasted specifically for the shop, while the floral teas are beautifully fragrant. If you’re looking for a quiet corner in the heart of the Old Quarter, this Hanoi cafe is a perfect find.

3.3 Cafe Phố Cổ – 11 Hàng Gai

• Address: 11 Hang Gai Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Must-try: Passion fruit yogurt, salted coffee

One of the most beautiful Hanoi cafes in the Old Quarter, Phố Cổ feels like a rare find. To get there, you walk through a small clothing store until the path opens into a nostalgic courtyard. There’s even a small antique shop inside, which is perfect for sipping your coffee while browsing curiosities.

3.4 Café Hương

• Address: 91B Trieu Viet Vuong Street, Nguyen Du Ward, Hai Ba Trung District
• Must-try: Black coffee, frozen lemon tea

This is actually my friend’s cafe: less famous than the big names, but with excellent coffee that can keep you awake all night if you drink it in the afternoon! A true hidden gem among Hanoi cafes off the tourist trail.

4. Aesthetics cafes in Hanoi

4.1 The Note Coffee 

• Address: 64 Luong Van Can, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem
• Must-try: Coconut iced latte, yogurt coffee

The Note Coffee is a super special spot with walls covered in thousands of sticky notes from travelers around the world, you can leave your own too! From the higher floors, you can get great views of the Hoan Kiem lake and the busy streets below.

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4.2 Workshop 14

• Address: No. 6, Alley 5, Tu Hoa Street, Quang An, Tay Ho District
• Must-try: Cold brew, specialty coffee

If you’re looking for a Hanoi cafe with Instagram vibes, Workshop 14 is a solid pick. Drinks here are a bit pricier than average, but the stunning West Lake view makes it absolutely worth it. It’s a cozy spot much loved by the Tay Ho community, and if you bring your camera, you’ll walk away with some beautiful shots to remember.

4.3 Godmother.

• Address: 45–47 Ấu Triệu Street, Hoàn Kiếm district
• Must-try: Coconut coffee, fresh fruit mixes, brunch, pastries

Godmother is one of those aesthetic cafes in Hanoi that feels like it just stepped out of a Pinterest mood board. If you grab a seat outdoors, you’ll have a direct view of St. Joseph’s Cathedral: one of the best photo spots in the Old Quarter. 

4.4 Xofa Café & Bistro

• Address: 14 Tống Duy Tân, Hoàn Kiếm
• Must-try: Iced latte, late-night cocktails

Xofa is famous as one of the few 24-hour cafes in Hanoi, and it’s a favorite hangout for both young locals and expats. Located right on Tống Duy Tân street (known as Hanoi’s late-night food hub), you can grab the area’s signature fried rice and then head to Xofa for coffee or even a cocktail. 

It does get quite busy in the evenings, so I recommend visiting during the day if you want a calmer vibe.

☕Here’s a map of the best cafés around Hanoi to explore:📍

6. What you should know before café hopping in Hanoi

• Some cafés are hidden in small alleys and can be tricky to find on maps. If you get lost, ask a local or message the café on Instagram.
• Vietnamese coffee is strong. If it’s your first time, you might feel shaky, lose sleep, or even get a little too much of a laxative effect.
• A few cafés are mainly for Instagram lovers. If you’re not into that, check Google reviews before you go.
• Try sitting at a street café on the little plastic stools. It’s a very Hanoi thing to do.

• Prices are usually cheap in traditional cafés (20k–40k VND) ($1-$2). Specialty coffee shops are higher, often 55k–120k VND ($2-$5).
• In the Old Quarter, some cafés charge a small parking fee for motorbikes. Look for a parking spot before you go in.
• The popular cafés get crowded on weekends. If you’re with a group, it’s better to reserve a table.
• Coffee made with a phin filter takes longer than machine espresso. Be patient and enjoy the slow drip.

Today, Hanoi is home to countless cafes, each with its own unique style and signature drinks, catering to different tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer Robusta or Arabica, you should definitely try the drinks in Hanoi since it’s an experience that captures the heart of the city.

I hope this guide helps you find your perfect cafe. If you need any help, don’t hesitate to drop a comment below!

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