Exploring Cafes In Hanoi: Top 8 Best Places To Go

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a city that thrives on its café culture. From tucked-away family-run coffee shops to stylish modern spaces, cafes in Hanoi are more than just places to enjoy a drink — they’re a window into the city’s history, lifestyle, and creativity. Whether you’re after a traditional cup of egg coffee or a trendy coconut latte, Hanoi’s café scene has something for everyone.

Let’s join Hanoi Voyages to explore the top cafes in Hanoi that you must try!

The unique café culture in Hanoi

Coffee arrived in Vietnam during the French colonial period, and Hanoi has since become one of the country’s most iconic coffee hubs. Here, coffee is not just a beverage — it’s a ritual. Traditional drinks like cà phê phin (drip coffee) are enjoyed slowly, while unique innovations like egg coffee, coconut coffee, and even salt coffee make the capital stand out from other cities.

Visiting cafes in Hanoi also means experiencing the city’s social life. Locals meet for hours over coffee, students study in cozy corners, and travelers discover both the bustling energy and tranquil escapes hidden across the city.

Must-try coffee in Hanoi

Hanoi is home to a variety of unique coffee styles, from traditional brews to creative modern twists. Each type reflects a different side of Hanoi’s culture and innovation, making coffee tasting an essential part of your journey through the city.

Here are 5 must-try coffees in Hanoi that will give you a true taste of its vibrant café culture.

Ca Phe Den (Vietnamese Black Coffee)

“Ca phe den” in Hanoi refers to black coffee, a simple yet beloved beverage that’s a cornerstone of Vietnamese coffee culture. In Hanoi, “ca phe den” is served in various places, from street-side stalls to quaint cafes and bustling markets. It’s typically made with a phin filter, which slowly drips hot water through finely ground coffee beans, producing a strong and flavorful brew.

Ca Phe Sua (Vietnamese Coffee with Condensed Milk)

In Hanoi, a popular Vietnamese coffee called “Ca phe sua” combines strong black coffee with sweetened condensed milk. The richness of the coffee blends harmoniously with the creamy sweetness of condensed milk in this delectable concoction. It’s typically brewed with a phin filter, which allows hot water to slowly drip through the coffee grounds into a cup containing condensed milk, producing a delicious and aromatic beverage that’s a true embodiment of Vietnamese coffee culture.

Ca Phe Cot Dua (Coconut Coffee)

“Ca phe cot dua” in Hanoi refers to coconut coffee, a delightful Vietnamese beverage. It blends the strong flavors of coffee with the creamy richness of coconut milk or coconut cream, creating a harmonious blend of robust coffee flavors with the tropical sweetness of coconut.

Ca Phe Trung (Egg Coffee)

Egg coffee, known as “ca phe trung” in Vietnamese, is one of the must-try activities in Hanoi for anyone visiting the city. This creamy delight features a frothy mixture of egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk, and robust Vietnamese coffee.

When in Hanoi, you must try the egg coffee. The egg yolk’s rich, creamy texture combined with the strong coffee creates a sweet yet bold flavor that is truly unique to Vietnamese coffee culture.

Ca Phe Muoi (Salt Coffee)

Top best cafes in Hanoi

Hanoi’s café scene is as diverse as the city itself. Some cafés are steeped in history, serving recipes that have been passed down for generations, while others showcase a modern, creative spirit with unique designs and innovative drinks. Whether you prefer a quiet corner to read a book or a lively spot buzzing with locals and travelers, you’ll find plenty of options that capture the essence of the capital.

Let’s discover eight of the best cafes in Hanoi where you can truly experience this vibrant culture.

Café Giang

• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

• Location: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hoan Kiem District

No trip to Hanoi is complete without tasting the famous egg coffee, and Café Giang is where it all began. Founded in the 1940s, this humble café in the Old Quarter invented the drink by whisking egg yolks with coffee to create a rich, creamy texture. 

Despite its growing popularity among tourists, Café Giang has maintained its authenticity, serving not only the famous egg coffee but also other traditional Vietnamese coffee variations. It’s a popular destination for both locals and visitors. The space may feel small and simple, but its authentic charm and historical significance make it one of the must-visit cafes in Hanoi.

Cafe Dinh

• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

• Location: 13 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District

Dinh Cafe in Hanoi is a charming and historical spot known for its connection to Vietnamese history and its association with the renowned egg coffee. It’s situated in the Old Quarter, near Hoan Kiem Lake, and has a cozy, traditional ambiance.

This cafe is famous for its delicious egg coffee, a signature concoction created by Mr. Dinh, the founder. The drink comprises a rich blend of egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk, and robust Vietnamese coffee.

Cong ca phe

• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM

• Location: Multiple branches; one popular spot is 27 Nha Tho Street, Hoan Kiem District

Cong ca phe is a popular coffee chain in Hanoi that combines a nostalgic, retro ambiance with a strong sense of Vietnamese heritage. This cafe chain is renowned for its traditional Vietnamese coffee, including the classic “ca phe sua da” (Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk) and its variations like coconut coffee and egg coffee.

What makes Cong ca phe unique is its ability to blend history, cultural symbolism and coffee culture into a distinctive and inviting setting. It’s a place where patrons can enjoy quality Vietnamese coffee while being transported to a nostalgic period in Vietnam’s past.

The Note coffee

• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

• Location: 64 Luong Van Can Street, Hoan Kiem District

The Note coffee is a charming cafe in the Old Quarter of Hanoi. What sets it apart is its captivating concept – walls adorned with colorful sticky notes left by visitors from around the world. Patrons are encouraged to write messages, draw pictures, or leave notes, creating a vibrant tapestry of expressions that cover nearly every inch of the cafe’s walls.

The Note Coffee provides a cozy and inviting atmosphere among this unique decor. It’s an ideal place to enjoy a variety of Vietnamese coffee specialties, including the famous egg coffee, as well as other beverages and light bites.

Loading T Cafe

• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Location: 8 Chan Cam Street, Hoan Kiem District

Loading T Cafe stands out for its innovative coffee drinks, cozy ambiance and artsy décor. It’s a hidden gem where you can find a variety of coffee concoctions, from traditional Vietnamese blends to inventive and Instagram-worthy drinks.

The coffee at Loading T is fantastic, especially their traditional Vietnamese coffee with a signature twist. Loading T roasts the coffee’s beans in cinnamon, which makes an already tasty Vietnamese coffee something extra special.

The Hanoi Social Club

• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM

• Location: 6 Hoi Vu Street, Hoan Kiem District

The Hanoi Social Club is a cultural center in Hanoi’s heart. It’s not just a cafe; it’s a hub for art, music and community converge. With its eclectic decor, comfortable seating, and welcoming vibe, this café in a colonial-era building offers a relaxed ambiance.

The cafe offers a diverse menu that includes delicious coffee, homemade meals and a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. The Hanoi Social club, in addition to its culinary delights, hosts live music performances, art exhibitions, workshops and other events, creating a vibrant space for creative minds to connect and express themselves.

Tranquil Books & Coffee

• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM

• Location: 5 Nguyen Quang Bich Street, Hoan Kiem District

Tranquil Books & Coffee is a delightful cafe that combines literary charm with cozy coffee culture. As the name suggests, it’s a haven for book lovers, combining the pleasures of reading with the enjoyment of excellent coffee.

This cafe has a serene atmosphere and shelves filled with a wide range of books in various languages. Visitors can browse the collection while sipping their favorite coffee. It’s a place where one can immerse themselves in a good book or simply enjoy a peaceful moment with a cup of coffee, creating an oasis of tranquility amidst the bustling streets of Hanoi.

Cafe Pho Co

• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM

• Location: 11 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem District

Cafe Pho Co is a unique and charming cafe nestled in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, known for its picturesque location and delightful ambiance. What makes this cafe special is its setting, which is often described as hidden away in an old house and accessed through narrow alleys and staircases.

The allure of Cafe Pho Co lies not only in its beverages but also in the tranquil atmosphere and panoramic view it provides, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists looking for a peaceful moment in the heart of Hanoi.

If you’d like to combine café hopping with a deeper exploration of Hanoi’s culture and history, Hanoi Voyages offers tailor-made tours that take you beyond the coffee cup — from iconic landmarks to hidden local experiences.

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Tips for café hopping in Hanoi

Hanoi’s café scene is diverse, and knowing how to explore it will make your experience even more enjoyable. Here are some practical tips to keep in mind when planning your coffee adventure in the city:

• Best time to visit: Early morning for a peaceful start or late afternoon to enjoy the lively city atmosphere.

• Budget: Most drinks range from $1.50 to $3.50, making café hopping affordable.

• Mix it up: Try both traditional cafés and modern concepts to fully appreciate the variety.

• Local etiquette: Usually, you order at the counter or with staff before finding a seat. Don’t rush — take your time and enjoy the slow coffee culture.

Hanoi’s café culture is a blend of tradition and creativity, offering everything from historic coffee houses to trendy modern spots. Whether you're craving a rich egg coffee, a peaceful lakeside view, or a unique local experience, these cafés have something special to offer. Don’t miss the chance to sip and savor the best of Hanoi!