Best Coffee Shops in Hanoi are not only havens for coffee lovers but also reflections of Hanoi’s rich culture and charm. From vintage cafes nestled in the Old Quarter to contemporary spots with creative designs, these coffee shops offer a unique experience. Beyond just beverages, these spaces provide a relaxing atmosphere where you can immerse yourself in the city’s laid-back pace and vibrant spirit. Follow Ula Travel now!
I. Why is Hanoi Coffee Famous Among International Tourists?
1. The Quality of Coffee
Hanoi coffee is primarily made from robusta beans, which provide a strong, bold flavor distinct from the arabica beans commonly found in Western countries.
Hanoi coffee is known for its strong, slightly bitter taste, but it becomes irresistibly appealing when combined with condensed milk or other unique ingredients such as egg or yogurt, creating a flavor unlike anywhere else. This careful craftsmanship has attracted many international visitors to Hanoi, eager to experience the rich, robust coffee culture.
2. A Connection to Community and a Slow-Paced Lifestyle
Coffee in Hanoi is not just a drink; it is an integral part of daily life. The coffee culture here is deeply rooted in community, with people gathering at cafes to catch up with friends, read the newspaper, or simply enjoy a peaceful moment.
The tradition of sipping coffee is usually a slow, contemplative process, particularly when drinking from the traditional phin filter, where the coffee drips slowly, allowing people to relax and savor every drop.
II. Coffee Culture in Hanoi
1. The Art of Vietnamese Drip Coffee in Hanoi
a. Origin and Meaning
During the French colonial era, coffee was introduced as a luxury drink. Instead of using complex espresso machines, the Vietnamese developed the compact and simple drip filter. Over time, this filter became a symbol of creativity and simplicity, preserving the rich essence of the coffee beans.
Today, drip coffee is deeply woven into Hanoi’s daily life. It’s not just a drink but also a means of connecting people to the city’s tranquil atmosphere, historic streets, and timeless charm.
b. A Unique Experience
Enjoying drip coffee in Hanoi is a sensory journey. The process begins with finely ground coffee being placed in the filter, which is gently pressed down to create just the right level of compression. Hot water is then poured slowly over the grounds, and each drop of coffee seeps through the filter, accumulating in the cup below.
This process takes about 5–7 minutes, offering ample time to reflect, relax, or take in the surroundings. Sitting in a corner of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, savoring a rich cup of drip coffee in the quiet ambiance, is an unforgettable experience for any visitor.
2. Egg Coffee—A Unique Culinary Heritage of Hanoi
a. The History of Egg Coffee
Egg coffee, a distinctive drink that embodies the cultural essence of Hanoi, has become an integral part of the capital’s culinary landscape. This beverage was created in the 1940s by Nguyễn Văn Giảng, a Hanoi native and the founder of Giảng Café, one of the oldest coffee shops in the city.
b. The Experience of Tasting Egg Coffee
When tasting egg coffee, visitors are immediately captivated by the smooth, pale yellow foam that sits on top of the strong black coffee. This foam is a result of the combination of traditional phin coffee, egg yolk, sweetened condensed milk, and sugar, creating a flavor that is rich and creamy without being overwhelming.
The coffee’s slight bitterness blends perfectly with the creamy sweetness of the egg, offering a balance that delights the palate. What makes egg coffee truly special is not just its flavor but also the experience of savoring it. The coffee is served in small ceramic cups, and each sip allows you to enjoy the fusion of rich coffee and creamy foam.
3. Coffee Space – The Soul of Hanoi’s Culture
a. Sidewalk Coffee Shops
One of the most distinctive features of Hanoi’s coffee culture is the sidewalk coffee shops. These are where you can easily find locals sitting, chatting, or simply enjoying their favorite coffee.
The sidewalk coffee shop is more than just a place to grab a coffee; it is an essential part of Hanoi’s lifestyle, where people pause to unwind and share everyday stories with one another.
For international tourists, sitting at a sidewalk coffee shop is an opportunity to blend into the vibrant and colorful life of Hanoi. Many tourists consider this an unmissable part of their trip, where they can sip coffee, observe the life of the city, and chat with locals. You may even find yourself making new friends or receiving coffee invitations from Hanoi residents, who are always friendly and welcoming.
b. Alley Coffee Shops in Hanoi
While the sidewalk coffee shops capture the modern, bustling spirit of the city, coffee shops hidden in small alleys offer a quieter, more intimate space steeped in the ancient charm of Hanoi.
These little alleys, winding and peaceful, hold coffee shops tucked away behind old wooden doors, transporting you into a completely different atmosphere from the outside world. It is here that you will find a more tranquil, relaxing space, perfect for those seeking a moment of peace in the heart of the bustling capital.
Alley coffee shops in Hanoi often boast unique, personal spaces with simple yet captivating décor. The old brick walls, classic wooden furniture, and gently hanging lanterns create a cozy, familiar environment.
III. Best Coffee Shops in Hanoi
1. Cafe Giang
Cafe Giang, tucked away in a small alley in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, is a must-visit spot for travelers seeking a unique coffee experience. Established in the 1940s by Mr. Nguyen Van Giang, this café is renowned not only for its iconic egg coffee but also for its nostalgic and historical ambiance.
a. The Original Egg Coffee
When stepping into Cafe Giang, visitors will immediately be captivated by the nostalgic atmosphere and traditional decor. This is one of the oldest coffee shops in Hanoi, providing a feeling as if you’ve stepped back in time.
The egg coffee here is not just a beverage but a part of Hanoi’s history and culture. The aromatic coffee mingles perfectly with the creamy egg foam, creating a unique combination that offers visitors an emotional and sensory experience.
b. Hear the Story of the Café’s History
Cafe Giang is famous not only for its egg coffee but also for its long history. The staff at the café are always happy to share interesting stories about the creation of egg coffee by Mr. Nguyen Van Giang, as well as the ups and downs of the café throughout its long journey.
- Address: Cafe Giang is located at 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. It is situated in a small alley, but it is easy to find, just a few minutes’ walk from Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Price Range: An egg coffee here costs around 60,000 VND (about 2.5 USD).
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2. The Note Coffee
The Note Coffee is one of the most unique coffee shops in Hanoi, beloved by locals and international tourists alike. Located right by Hoan Kiem Lake, the café attracts visitors not only with its prime location but also with its distinctive style—a place where small handwritten notes come together to create a colorful and meaningful space.
a. Leave a Note and Connect with Visitors Worldwide
The most iconic feature of The Note Coffee is its charming collection of sticky notes that cover the walls, tables, and even the ceiling. When you visit, you’ll receive a small piece of paper and a pen to write your own message. It could be a heartfelt wish, a short story, or simply your thoughts in the moment.
These notes aren’t just personal mementos; they are threads that connect thousands of visitors from all over the world. You can spend time reading others’ messages, uncovering fascinating stories, and perhaps even finding a note that strangely resonates with your own feelings.
b. A Vibrant Space with Stunning Views
The Note Coffee is brimming with colors, from the array of sticky notes to its minimalist yet cozy interior design. The café has three floors, each exuding a warm and inviting ambiance. The top floor is the most popular, featuring large windows overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.
You can sip a delicious cup of coffee while taking in the bustling streets and serene natural beauty. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a peaceful moment amidst the vibrant energy of Hanoi.
- Address: The Note Coffee is located at 64 Luong Van Can Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Coffee and Pricing: Prices range from 40,000 to 70,000 VND (approximately $2 to $3 USD), making it a great value for the location and experience.
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3. Tranquil Books & Coffee
Nestled in a quiet alley in the heart of Hanoi, Tranquil Books & Coffee is a sanctuary for those who cherish tranquility, books, and coffee. The café feels like an open book, inviting visitors to step inside and enjoy truly relaxing moments away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
a. Where Coffee Meets Books
The moment you enter Tranquil, you’ll be embraced by a serene atmosphere that starkly contrasts with the lively streets of Hanoi. Shelves filled with books on literature, history, and philosophy line the walls, creating a cozy and intellectual ambiance. Tranquil is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a space for reflection, learning, and connecting with the world of knowledge.
Every corner of the café is thoughtfully designed with soft lighting, rustic wooden furniture, and soothing background music. This harmonious blend makes Tranquil the perfect spot for international travelers seeking a peaceful retreat from the demands of sightseeing.
b. The Art of Relaxation in Hanoi
The menu at Tranquil extends beyond coffee to include a variety of drinks and pastries, but the star of the show is their rich and flavorful coffee, meticulously brewed to preserve its traditional essence.
Sipping on a slow-dripped phin coffee while delving into a favorite book encapsulates the Hanoi way of turning coffee into an art of relaxation. Many international visitors have shared that Tranquil offers a rare sense of serenity, something they find truly unique and difficult to experience elsewhere in the world.
- Address: 5 Nguyen Quang Bich Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
- Price Range: 50,000–90,000 VND (~2–4 USD). This reasonable price range offers great value for the unique space and high-quality service in Hanoi’s central district.
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4. Coffee Shops at Hanoi Train Street
Hanoi Train Street isn’t just a hotspot for international travelers because of the iconic image of trains threading through narrow streets—it’s also a place where you can enjoy coffee in an entirely unique way. Here, sipping coffee isn’t just about the taste; it’s about immersing yourself in the vibrant local culture, witnessing daily life, and experiencing an adrenaline rush like nowhere else.
a. A Unique Coffee Culture at Hanoi Train Street
Along the narrow street where trains pass astonishingly close to homes, coffee shops have sprung up in a charmingly compact space. The coffee culture here stands apart from anywhere else in the world.
These coffee shops strike a unique balance between traditional and modern aesthetics. Often decorated with warm yellow lights, rustic wooden chairs, and iconic items like traditional Vietnamese coffee filters, dried flowers, or vintage paintings of old Hanoi, the ambiance is as memorable as the coffee. Each cup here carries not only a rich flavor but also the story of life along this bustling train street.
b. The Thrill of Sipping Coffee by the Tracks
What excites international visitors most about Hanoi Train Street is the thrill of being so close to the passing trains. A few minutes before the train’s arrival, café owners alert customers to move inside or stand safely against the walls.
As the train approaches with its whistle echoing and wheels clattering on the tracks, you’ll feel the ground tremble and a soft breeze rush past. This fleeting moment leaves an unforgettable impression as you sip your coffee while the train roars by. Many visitors describe it as “one of the most unique coffee experiences in the world.”
Location and How to Get to Hanoi Train Street: Hanoi Train Street is located on Tran Phu and Phung Hung Streets in the Hoan Kiem District, near Hanoi’s Old Quarter. You can easily walk there from Hoan Kiem Lake or take a taxi or ride-hailing service.
- Some sections of the street are now closely monitored for safety reasons, but there are still cafés open in designated areas. It’s best to check ahead or go with a guide or local to find a suitable spot.
Pricing at Hanoi Train Street Cafés: Despite being one of Hanoi’s most iconic attractions, the coffee prices here are surprisingly reasonable, catering to both international visitors and locals.
- Black or iced coffee: 30,000 – 50,000 VND (~1.5 – 2 USD).
- Egg coffee: 40,000 – 60,000 VND (~2 – 2.5 USD).
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5. Sidewalk Coffee Shops in Hanoi
Sidewalk coffee shops are one of the most unique experiences that any traveler to Hanoi cannot miss. Unlike upscale or modern cafes, these sidewalk coffee shops are deeply embedded in the street culture of Hanoi. Here, you can enjoy a cup of black iced coffee or sweetened iced coffee at an affordable price in a simple yet cozy environment.
a. Enjoy Coffee at Affordable Prices
Black iced coffee, with its rich and slightly bitter taste, is one of the most popular choices at Hanoi’s sidewalk coffee shops. Sweetened iced coffee, a mix of coffee and condensed milk, offers a signature sweetness that many international travelers will find intriguing and delightful.
These coffees are usually served in simple plastic or glass cups, but the taste is always the highlight. What makes these sidewalk coffee shops so appealing is their affordability, with prices ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 VND (roughly 0.4 to 1.2 USD), depending on the location and the shop.
b. Observe the Everyday Life of Locals
One of the most fascinating aspects of visiting sidewalk coffee shops is the chance to observe the daily life of Hanoi’s residents. These small coffee shops, often found on streets, in alleys, or even right on the sidewalks, attract not only workers but also students, office employees, and older people. It’s where they take a short break, chat with friends, or just relax.
Sitting at a sidewalk coffee shop, you can witness the lively hustle and bustle of the city. Motorbikes, bicycles, and pedestrians rush by while you sip your coffee, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of the morning or late afternoon. This provides travelers with a genuine insight into the life of Hanoi locals, unlike any experience you might find at the more touristy spots.
In conclusion, exploring coffee shops in Hanoi is not just about tasting the drinks—it’s a journey into the city’s culture, history, and people. International visitors to Hanoi should not miss the chance to try its signature coffees, discover its unique coffee spaces, and understand how coffee has become an inseparable part of Hanoi’s daily life.
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