Jul - 01 - 2025
In Hanoi, coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s a lifestyle. Scattered across the city are coffee shops that capture the soul of the capital, quiet corners steeped in nostalgia and buzzing spaces full of creative energy. If you're chasing the aroma of traditional egg coffee or exploring modern brews in artsy settings, Hanoi’s coffee shop scene offers something for every taste and mood. This GTrip guide takes you beyond ordinary coffee stops to uncover the most iconic and must-visit cafes in town. Let each cup be your ticket to discovering Hanoi’s charm, one sip, one story at a time.
Hidden down a small alley in the Old Quarter, Cafe Giang is the undisputed home of Hanoi’s most iconic drink: egg coffee. The shop may be unassuming, but its rich, velvety blend of whipped egg yolk, sweetened condensed milk, and robust Vietnamese coffee is anything but ordinary.
Served warm in a cup nestled in hot water, this creamy drink balances the bold bitterness of coffee with a soft, dessert-like sweetness, often likened to liquid tiramisu. Beyond the original version, Cafe Giang also offers unique spins like egg cocoa, egg matcha, and even egg beer, all featuring their signature silky foam. With a cozy, vintage vibe and a steady stream of locals and tourists, Cafe Giang offers not just a drink but a sensory experience that captures the soul of Hanoi’s coffee culture.
The birthplace of Hanoi’s legendary egg coffee, Cafe Giang serves rich, creamy brews that blend tradition with timeless flavor
Step into Always Cafe, and you’ll feel like you’ve apparated straight to Hogwarts. Tucked away in the Old Quarter, this two-story wizard-themed coffee shop is a must-visit for Harry Potter fans. With house flags, floating candles, moving portraits, and wizard robes available for photo ops, the atmosphere is pure magic.
The drink menu features playful potions, such as Butterbeer, Polyjuice Potion, and Amortentia, blending creativity with Instagram-worthy presentation. There’s also a selection of light bites, from pumpkin soup to chocolate frogs. If you're a die-hard Potterhead or just curious, Always Cafe offers a whimsical escape from Hanoi’s busy streets, no spell required.
Cong Ca Phe is one of Hanoi’s most iconic coffee chains, known for its vintage, military-themed decor that takes inspiration from Vietnam’s post-war era. With its green walls, retro furniture, and nostalgic propaganda posters, the space offers a unique glimpse into the past while delivering a cozy and Instagram-worthy ambience.
The signature Coconut Coffee is a must-try, creamy, refreshing, and perfect for a hot Hanoi day. Other favorites include Salted Cream Coffee, Egg Coffee, and Kumquat Tea for non-coffee drinkers. The Quan Su branch is especially charming with its multiple floors and cozy balcony views. It’s a great spot to relax, snap a few photos, and enjoy a drink that blends tradition with a modern twist.
Des: Cong Ca Phe blends post-war nostalgia with bold coffee flavors in a vintage setting full of retro charm
Nestled in a restored French colonial villa, Bancong Cafe blends vintage elegance with Hanoi’s vibrant street life. Its name means "balcony", and true to form, its wrought-iron balconies are the best seats in the house, perfect for sipping tea or coffee while watching the bustle of the Old Quarter below.
Inside, antique decor, hand-painted tiles, and sepia photos recreate a 1930s Hanoi vibe. The menu fuses Vietnamese and French influences, offering standouts like peach lemongrass tea, Vietnamese drip coffee, and light bites such as a baguette with pate or caramelized banana with coconut cream. If you're after morning calm or evening ambiance, Bancong provides a tasteful window into the past, an ideal spot to unwind with flavor and history.
Xofa Cafe & Bistro is a rare gem in Hanoi’s cafe scene, open 24/7 and always inviting. Located on the lively Tong Duy Tan food street, this spacious garden-themed cafe blends indoor comfort with leafy courtyards, mosaic-tiled stairs, and soft lighting that shifts with the time of day.
Loved by locals and travelers, Xofa serves a broad menu ranging from Italian pasta and French pastries to Vietnamese fusion dishes. Their coffee, available at any hour, is consistently high-quality, perfect for fueling up at dawn or winding down late at night. With vegetarian-friendly choices, charming decor, and round-the-clock service, Xofa is the go-to spot for anyone seeking a quiet morning or a creative work session. It’s also a perfect place for a midnight coffee fix in the heart of Hanoi.
Xofa Cafe & Bistro offers 24/7 comfort with garden vibes, quality coffee, and global cuisine on Hanoi’s food street
Tucked away on the second floor above a modest bag shop, Cafe Dinh is a hidden gem beloved by locals. Overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, this unassuming coffee shop is run by the daughter of Mr. Giang, who preserves the family’s traditional recipe to this day.
Cafe Dinh’s signature egg coffee is rich, velvety, and served in a no-frills setting that reflects the charm of Old Hanoi. Wooden chairs, faded photos, and the occasional indoor smoker all contribute to its nostalgic vibe. The narrow balcony offers one of the best views of Hoan Kiem Lake, especially during early mornings. Simple, affordable, and packed with history, Cafe Dinh is where you’ll find authentic Hanoi flavor, both in your cup and in the atmosphere.
The Note Coffee is instantly recognizable for its colorful interior covered in thousands of handwritten sticky notes from visitors around the world. Each wall, ceiling, and chair becomes part of a living, breathing message board filled with travel dreams, love notes, and positive affirmations.
Aside from its cozy, feel-good atmosphere, the cafe serves excellent coconut and egg coffee, plus fruit smoothies and signature drinks. With views overlooking the lake and a prime Old Quarter location, The Note is ideal for both people-watching and quiet reflection. Leave your mark and enjoy a coffee break that’s both delicious and deeply personal.
The Note Coffee charms with vibrant sticky-note walls, heartfelt messages, and lakeside views, offering coffee that’s as memorable as the atmosphere
Hidden behind a narrow alley in the Old Quarter, Hidden Gem Cafe lives up to its name as Vietnam’s largest eco-friendly recycling cafe. From furniture made of bicycle parts to coconut-shell cups and zero-plastic policies, everything here champions sustainability without compromising style or comfort.
The menu features ethically sourced Vietnamese coffee with creative twists, like bamboo cold brew and honey-sweetened eco egg coffee. You can also join egg coffee workshops or crafting sessions that turn waste into treasure. More than a cafe, it’s a feel-good stop where you can sip consciously and support local communities.
Hanoi Coffee Station offers a quintessential coffee experience in a beautifully preserved French colonial building in the Old Quarter. With exposed brick walls, vintage décor, and sunlit interiors, the cafe seamlessly blends historical charm with modern comfort.
Their egg coffee is a must-try, creamy, custard-like, and rich in flavor, alongside other Vietnamese staples like coconut coffee and yogurt coffee. The space also hosts phin brewing demos, language exchanges, and occasional live music, making it more than just a cafe. It’s a cultural experience rooted in Hanoi’s rich coffee heritage.
Hanoi Coffee Station blends French colonial charm with authentic brews and cultural experiences, making it a must-visit spot for true coffee lovers
Nestled on bustling Hang Bac Street in the Old Quarter, C.O.C Legacy is a haven for true coffee enthusiasts. This specialty coffee shop takes pride in showcasing beans from across Vietnam’s top coffee-growing regions, each with distinctive aromas and tasting notes.
With brewing options like phin drip, pour-over, cold brew, and velvety egg coffee, C.O.C Legacy lets visitors explore Vietnam’s coffee heritage in both traditional and modern ways. Their baristas are well-versed in regional characteristics and brewing techniques, ready to walk you through your coffee journey. The interior blends Vietnamese charm with minimalist aesthetics, offering a quiet, inviting space for conversation, remote work, or mindful sipping.
Hanoi 1990s is the top choice on Hanoi’s famous Train Street, offering front-row views of passing trains in a safe, authentic setting. Located at a prime spot in Alley 222, this nostalgic cafe combines vintage 90s decor with railway memorabilia, creating a unique atmosphere.
You can enjoy egg coffee, teas, juices, and light bites while the owner ensures safety and even helps capture the perfect train photo. With its blend of charm, thrill, and warm hospitality, Hanoi 1990s is a must-visit for those seeking Hanoi’s most unforgettable cafe experience.
Hanoi 1990s offers the safest, most authentic Train Street cafe experience, complete with vintage vibes, great coffee, and unforgettable front-row views of passing trains
Hidden on the upper floors of a charming French colonial building, Loading T Cafe is a peaceful hideaway in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. With vintage decor, large windows, and soft music, it offers a nostalgic atmosphere perfect for solo visitors, creatives, and coffee connoisseurs.
The signature egg coffee is creamy yet balanced, while yogurt coffee and egg cocoa provide refreshing alternatives. If you're journaling, working, or simply pausing from the city buzz, Loading T delivers quality brews and timeless charm.
Established in 1936, Ca Phe Duy Tri is one of Hanoi’s oldest family-run cafes, preserving nearly a century of authentic Vietnamese coffee tradition. With vintage wooden interiors and a loyal local following, stepping into Duy Tri feels like traveling back to old Hanoi.
Famous for its slow-drip phin coffee, yogurt coffee, and a unique blend of Robusta, Arabica, and Moka beans, every cup here is brewed with care and history. At surprisingly affordable prices, Duy Tri offers a deep, rich flavor and a rare, authentic glimpse into Hanoi’s past.
Ca Phe Duy Tri, established in 1936, is a historic Hanoi cafe serving rich, traditional Vietnamese coffee in a timeless, vintage setting
Tucked away in the Old Quarter, Hanoi Egg Coffee offers a pure, no-frills experience dedicated to Vietnam’s most iconic beverage. This small, intimate cafe preserves the original 1940s-style egg coffee recipe, rich Arabica coffee topped with silky whipped egg cream, served warm in a hot water bath to keep its perfect temperature.
Here, egg coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s a cultural ritual. With traditional phin brewing, vintage decor, and attentive staff happy to share the backstory. In this coffee shop, each cup offers a taste of Hanoi’s ingenuity and charm, at a price that’s as humble as the cafe itself.
True to its name, Tranquil Books & Coffee is a peaceful escape in the heart of Hanoi, where books and brews come together. Shelves filled with fiction, poetry, and translated Vietnamese literature line the walls, inviting visitors to linger with a book in hand and a hot drink by their side.
Soft lighting, a quiet-zone policy, and cozy seating create a haven for students, remote workers, and book lovers alike. Signature drinks like the Sau Cold Brew (infused with local herbs) or the Creamy Vietnamese Latte enhance the reflective vibe. With fast wifi and a calm ambience, Tranquil is more than a cafe, it's Hanoi’s sanctuary for the mind.
Tranquil Books & Coffee is a peaceful literary cafe in Hanoi, providing quiet reading nooks, carefully crafted drinks, and a cosy retreat for book lovers and creatives
Hanoi's coffee scene offers unique flavors that reflect Vietnam's innovative approach to coffee culture. You can enjoy egg-based creations and coconut-infused delights. These signature beverages showcase the creativity and adaptability of Vietnamese coffee artisans.
Egg coffee stands as Hanoi's most celebrated coffee innovation, featuring a decadent custard-like topping made from whipped egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk floating atop strong Vietnamese coffee. This velvety creation delivers a tiramisu-like experience with each sip, balancing the robust coffee with creamy sweetness.
The drink originated during Vietnam's 1946 milk shortage when Nguyen Van Giang, a Metropole Hotel bartender, ingeniously substituted whisked egg yolks for scarce milk. Today, his legacy continues at Cafe Giang, run by his son, though numerous cafes across Hanoi now offer their interpretations.
How to enjoy egg coffee properly:
Vietnamese coffee delivers a distinctively bold experience thanks to its robusta-based foundation, offering nearly twice the caffeine content of arabica beans with chocolatey, nutty undertones. The signature brewing method using a phin filter creates a deliberately slow extraction process that produces an intensely concentrated brew.
The most popular variation, Ca Phe Sua Da, combines this strong coffee with sweet condensed milk and ice, creating a perfectly balanced sweet-bitter experience. For purists, Ca Phe Den showcases the bean's natural intensity, while Bac Xiu offers a milder experience with extra condensed milk.
Common Vietnamese coffee variations:
Variation | Description | Best time to enjoy |
---|---|---|
Ca Phe Sua Da | Iced coffee with condensed milk | Morning or afternoon refreshment |
Ca Phe Den Da | Black iced coffee | Morning kickstart |
Ca Phe Nong | Hot coffee (with or without milk) | Cool mornings or evenings |
Bac Xiu | Extra-milky coffee (reduced coffee ratio) | Afternoon treat for those who prefer less caffeine |
Coconut coffee delivers a tropical twist to Vietnam's coffee scene, combining strong Vietnamese coffee with a luscious blend of coconut cream, condensed milk, and crushed ice. This refreshing beverage resembles a coffee-infused coconut smoothie, offering the perfect balance between caffeine kick and tropical indulgence.
Particularly popular during Hanoi's humid summers, this relatively recent coffee innovation has quickly become a staple in modern cafes throughout the city. The preparation involves blending frozen coconut cream with condensed milk until achieving a silky, ice-cream-like consistency, then pouring hot espresso or traditional Vietnamese coffee over this base.
What makes coconut coffee special:
Coconut coffee is a refreshing Hanoi favorite that blends bold Vietnamese coffee with creamy coconut for a tropical, smoothie-like twist
Exploring Hanoi’s cafe scene is more than just sipping coffee – it’s about experiencing the rhythm and cultural depth of the city. Each cafe tells a story, offering a glimpse into both old and modern Hanoi. With GTrip – a travel brand rooted in authentic Vietnamese experiences – you’ll uncover hidden gems across the capital. Beyond typical check-in spots, GTrip guides you through meaningful journeys that connect emotions with the charm of every street and every cup of coffee. In Hanoi, surprises await around every corner – and GTrip is your trusted companion along the way.