Jul - 29 - 2025
The best coconut coffee in Hanoi isn’t just a drink, it’s a delicious blend of bold Vietnamese espresso and smooth, tropical coconut milk that captures the city’s creative spirit. Amid Hanoi’s vibrant streets and lively cafe culture, this indulgent yet refreshing treat has become a local favorite. With countless cafes offering their own takes, each cup offers a unique flavor journey through the capital’s charm and energy. In this GTrip guide, we’ll lead you to the must-visit spots for coconut coffee that promise unforgettable sips and authentic experiences.
Known locally as ca phe cot dua, Vietnamese coconut coffee is a rich, indulgent beverage that marries the bold intensity of robusta coffee with the tropical sweetness of coconut cream. First emerging in Hanoi in the early 2000s, this drink quickly became a beloved modern twist on Vietnam’s traditional coffee culture. Unlike typical coconut-flavored coffees, Hanoi’s version features a thick, mousse-like coconut layer resting atop strong, dark coffee. It delivers both visual appeal and a layered flavor profile.
The preparation starts by whipping coconut cream with sweetened condensed milk until it reaches a velvety consistency. This mixture is then gently poured over freshly brewed Vietnamese coffee, typically made using the iconic phin filter. Served hot or over ice, the result is a dessert-like drink with balanced sweetness, bold coffee notes, and an irresistibly creamy finish.
Key ingredients:
What makes Hanoi’s coconut coffee stand out is the harmony between its components. The best cups strike a perfect balance, allowing both the deep coffee flavor and creamy coconut to shine. With its contrasting textures and indulgent taste, this drink offers a uniquely Vietnamese sensory experience that’s both refreshing and unforgettable.
Vietnamese coconut coffee, known as ca phe cot dua, is a rich, indulgent beverage
Read more: Discover Top 7 Authentic Egg Coffees – another iconic drink of Hanoi
Hanoi's coconut coffee scene offers a delightful array of cafes where this Vietnamese specialty truly shines. Each venue brings its unique spin to this beloved beverage. These seven locations represent the cream of Hanoi's coconut coffee offerings. Let's explore where locals and tourists alike flock for their coconut coffee fix.
Cong Caphe’s coconut coffee is perhaps the most iconic in Hanoi - a velvety fusion of bold Vietnamese espresso and silky whipped coconut cream that’s both refreshing and indulgent. The drink has earned a cult following not just for its flavor, but also for the nostalgic experience that comes with every visit.
Cong Caphe draws its distinctive identity from Vietnam’s post-war “subsidy era,” especially the 1970s and 1980s - a time marked by scarcity, resilience, and ingenuity. This unique aesthetic is reflected in every detail: from worn wooden tables and enamel cups to vintage propaganda posters and antique furnishings. If you want to understand more about a historical context - one of the inspirations behind this unique space, the Vietnam Military History Museum offers valuable insight into that era.
Stepping into any Cong Caphe branch feels like traveling back in time. The military-themed decor, retro soundtrack, and curated memorabilia create a nostalgic atmosphere that perfectly complements its signature coconut coffee - a harmonious balance of bitter and sweet, bold and smooth.
With dozens of locations across Hanoi, including prime spots in the Old Quarter, near Hoan Kiem Lake, and a serene lakefront cafe on Trich Sai overlooking West Lake, Cong Caphe is never far away, offering both great coffee and a window into Vietnam’s living history.
Cong Caphe's coconut coffee is arguably the most famous in Hanoi
Hidden in a charming residential area, Cu Xa Cafe offers a coconut coffee that locals swear by. Their version features a lighter coconut cream that floats delicately atop the dark coffee, creating a beautiful visual contrast and layered flavor experience. The vintage decor and quiet atmosphere make it perfect for savoring this delightful concoction away from the tourist crowds.
Hidden in a charming residential area, Cu Xa Cafe offers a coconut coffee that locals swear by
JOLI's take on coconut coffee incorporates a hint of vanilla into their coconut cream, creating a subtly sweet version that's extremely popular with younger locals. The lakeside location offers a serene setting, especially during sunset, when you can enjoy your coconut coffee with a gentle breeze. Their coconut coffee is notably creamy with perfectly balanced sweetness.
JOLI's take on coconut coffee incorporates a hint of vanilla into their coconut cream, creating a subtly sweet version that's extremely popular with younger locals
For an upscale coconut coffee experience, Luc Thuy stands out with their artisanal approach. Their coconut coffee is made with single-origin Vietnamese beans and premium coconut cream, resulting in a more sophisticated flavor profile. The elegant French colonial setting offers stunning views of Hoan Kiem Lake, making it worth the premium price for both the drink and the atmosphere.
For an upscale coconut coffee experience, Luc Thuy stands out with their artisanal approach
Read more: Top 20 Coffee Shops in Hanoi Old Quarter for an Unforgettable Trip
Gemini Coffee has perfected their coconut coffee recipe by adding a hint of condensed milk to the coconut layer, creating an extra level of richness that complements the strong coffee base. Their spacious, contemporary setting features floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light, making it an ideal spot for morning coconut coffee and working remotely.
Gemini Coffee has perfected their coconut coffee recipe by adding a hint of condensed milk to the coconut layer
This hidden gem serves a unique coconut coffee variation that incorporates a light dusting of cacao powder on top, adding a subtle chocolate note to the drink. The cozy, book-lined interior attracts students and locals alike. What makes their coconut coffee special is the homemade coconut cream that's prepared fresh daily, giving it an authentic flavor you won't find elsewhere.
Voz Coffee’s coconut coffee is special with the homemade coconut cream that's prepared fresh daily
Open 24/7, Xofa is perfect for night owls craving coconut coffee at any hour. Their version stands out with a generous coconut cream layer that's lightly sweetened and whipped to a mousse-like consistency. The bohemian atmosphere with comfortable sofas and artistic decor creates a space where you can linger for hours. Their coconut coffee can be ordered hot or cold, with the iced version being particularly refreshing during summer.
Located on Tong Duy Tan - a street known for its vibrant food scene, Xofa also places you within walking distance of Hanoi’s bustling Night Market, where iconic street eats await.
Xofa is perfect for night owls craving coconut coffee at any hour
Exploring the vibrant coffee scene in Hanoi offers a delightful adventure where each sip unveils something unique about this bustling city’s culture. Discovering the best coconut coffee in Hanoi becomes more than just a quest for taste. It’s an immersion into local life. As you reflect on these experiences, consider how these moments of discovery enhance your journey, adding layers to your travel memories. Each cafe visit satisfies a culinary curiosity and also connects you to the heart of Vietnam's social landscape. There's always another hidden gem or unexpected flavor waiting around the corner with GTrip guiding your way forward. You can consider booking Hanoi tours of GTrip - Vietnam Travel Agency to try the famous coconut coffee in this city.