13 Best cafes in Hanoi with pictures
On every street corner in Hanoi, Vietnam you’ll find either a café, or restaurant or both. Vietnam is renowned for their amazing food… and for good reason! Here are the best cafes in Hanoi that are just begging to be visited!
This is definitely a foodie town and you should definitely be; I couldn’t help but breathe in the freshly brewed Vietnamese coffee wafting through the air. Hanoi’s cafe culture is something you have to witness for yourself; it’s a testament to the city’s social scene, the banging energy and of course the rich history.
The city is renowned for its rich coffee culture, where each café has its unique charm and flavours to offer. I’ll be covering the 13 best cafes in Hanoi, from the buzzing Old Quarter to the phenomenon that is crazy Train street!
You might be interested in some of my other Vietnam articles:
The incredible Incense Village in Hanoi
The crazy and incredible Hanoi Train Street
Best places to stay in Da Nang
Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
Best tours in Hanoi:
| Don’t miss some of the best tours in Hanoi, whether you’re after some adventure or a serene escape, there’s something for you. Ha Long Bay tours – the incredible emerald Gem on Vietnam’s East coast. Ninh Binh tours – trips to the city of Ninh Binh Hanoi Foodie tours – this was the best thing I did in Hanoi! Incense Tour – Quang Phu Cau is the most incredible place! Motorbike tour – definitely fun and an adventurous way to explore the city. |
13 best cafes in Hanoi
Train Street Cafes!
Now this is surely the most unique spot to have a coffee and definitely has my vote for one of the best cafes in Hanoi, if only for the bizarrely unique experience of sipping a coffee whilst having a thundering train pass within inches of you.
But as bizarre as it is, it is fun, unique and a great experience! If there’s a single thing you MUST do in Hanoi, it’s train street (unless you have a deathly fear of trains), please go! Full guide on Hanoi Train Street coming soon!
Cafe Giang
This place should be one of the first on your list as it’s rich with history, significant for changing the way Vietnam drinks its coffee, and definitely one of the best cafes in Hanoi; head straight into the Old Quarter, you’ll spot Cafe Giang a tiny little shopfront that’s pretty indiscernible.
But even if the shop face is not that remarkable, it is the ultimate hidden gem renowned for its iconic egg coffee.
I honestly first thought that it sounded a bit gross, I had a mental image of someone cracking an egg into a coffee, but it’s nothing like that; if anything, it tastes like a creme brulee. This family-run establishment has been serving this unique coffee since the 1940s and the story behind it is why this cafe is famous.
This recipe was devised during a time when milk was scarce in Vietnam, so they used egg yolks for milk. The creamy mixture of whipped egg yolks, coffee, and sweetened condensed milk creates a smooth foam that has a delightful creme brulee-y texture. It’s a must-visit for Hanoi City.
The recipe for the famous Giang egg coffee is the same as when it was invented, and includes chicken egg yolk, Vietnamese coffee powder, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and cheese.
The coffee is brewed using a filter in a small cup, and then the whisked blend of egg yolk and other ingredients is added. To maintain its warmth, the cup is submerged in a bowl of hot water. It’s a right of passage – try one!
If you’re not a fan of coffee, try an egg hot chocolate, or one of the other 100 things on the menu. Giang Café is tucked away on Nguyen Huu Huan Street and is a must visit.
Cong Caphe (Cộng Cà Phê)
A visit to Hanoi would be incomplete without visiting the famous Cong Caphe. This is a chain of coffee shops around the city and is very cosy with wooden alcoves tucked away and lovely authentic bookshelves- it seems to be a blend of vintage Vietnamese aesthetics with a contemporary twist.
Cộng’s founder, Linh Dung wanted travellers to experience her rustic and romantic childhood memories through a visit into Cộng Caphe and it certainly works.
Cong Caphe also sells their own game board; the Vietnamese version of monopoly and a few other games.
Try their signature Coconut Coffee (this was surprisingly quick to become my go to beverage), they have a refreshing blend of strong coffee and creamy coconut milk, served in a retro tin cup. Very instagrammable.
There are branches all around town.
The Note Coffee
This café is super instagrammable! Every inch of The Note Coffee café is covered with colourful post-it notes left by thousands of visitors, tourists and digital nomads working in Vietnam. It’s right in the centre of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, this fun and quirky café invites everyone to leave their mark by scribbling notes on the walls.
The notes left on the wall are inspirational, funny, romantic and rude – a lot of fun to read. This is also great for anyone wanting to add some fun photos for the gram because it’s like the inside of my mind – covered in rainbows and random quotes.
I left a few notes of my own, rude, romantic, funny and inspirational. TIP: order a banh mi with your coffee.
Hanoi Social Club
Hanoi Social Club describes themselves as ‘good food, good space, good music and good people‘. Which is fairly accurate, to be fair, which is why it has earned one of the top spots on this list as one of the best cafes in Hanoi.
It’s a trendy café right in the centre of the city on Nguyễn Quang Bích Street, this charming café has a cosy vibe and serves, as they suggest, some good food. Don’t miss their signature Vietnamese coffee, served with sweetened condensed milk – the Vietnamese do like their condensed milk, it’s like a happy married.
Try their yummy brunch while enjoying live music performances, it’s definitely a vibe.
Cafe Dinh
Tucked away on Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Cafe Dinh is peaceful, serene and is a nice respite on a hot day from the loud and, at times, raucous city and definitely earns one of the top spots in Hanoi.
This is a locals’ favourite hangout, particularlhyy popular for their coffee art! Their Vietnamese coffee is pretty strong (just ask for some extra hot water) and take a snap of the panoramic views of Hoan Kiem Lake from their rooftop terrace. The laid-back atmosphere is a good hangout spot for a coffee (or a hot chocolate if you’re like me).
Kone Café
Kone Cafe is located at the Kham Thien – O Cho Dua intersection is one of the best coffee shops in town.
The interior has a minimalistic style design and is a cosy little hideout that you’ll want to visit. It has a limited number of items on their menu which is a good thing, because everything on the menu is brewed to perfection and their unusual coffees are done very well.
Try out their caramel tea macchiato, hazelnut macchiato, yogurt coffee and their peach mojito. Sipping a cup of coffee is well worth the trip to Kone Cafe!
Pho Co Coffee
Tucked away in a hidden alley in the Old Quarter, Pho Co Coffee is a true gem waiting to be discovered and one of the best cafes to try out for sure! To reach this quaint cafe, you must navigate through narrow streets and ancient houses, adding a sense of adventure to your coffee experience.
From the balcony, you can admire the breath taking view of Hoan Kiem Lake while sipping your perfectly brewed Vietnamese coffee.
Cộng Càphê Xofa
For those seeking a secluded courtyard complete with pot plants, hanging branches and fairy lights and a bit of a respite from the city, then I got you covered. This trendy and modern cafe, Cộng Càphê Xofa is a must-visit if you’re visiting Hanoi and looking for a smashing brew. Of course, earning it a spot on the list as one of the best cafes in the area.
Located in the vibrant Ba Dinh district, this cafe has a nice fusion of Vietnamese and Western influences. TIP: try their signature Coffee Trứng (egg coffee) or the refreshing Phú Quốc Coconut Coffee (my personal favourite).
Dui Tri Cafe, Hanoi
Cafe Dui Tri is one of the original Hanoi cafes, having opened over 100 years ago and is definitely worth a visit when visiting Hanoi! It is one of the original Hanoi coffees and it has a fabulous, authentic vibe, making it one of the best cafes you must try.
Tranquil Books & Coffee
Hidden amongst the (at times) chaotic, bustling streets of Hanoi, Tranquil Books & Coffee is a sanctuary for book lovers and coffee lovers, making it one of the best cafes in Hanoi. This cozy cafe boasts a vast collection of books in various languages, creating a peaceful atmosphere for relaxation. Sit back, sip your coffee, and lose yourself in a good book whilst in the vibrant energy of Hanoi.
Cafe Nola
The last stop on this list belongs to Cafe Nola, an unusual, funky cafe located near St. Joseph’s Cathedral, full of colourful umbrellas, mismatching tables and chairs, and comfy cushions. This hidden gem is perfect for a cosy little pick me up while enjoying the view of the cathedral.
Hanoi House Cafe & Cocktail Bar
Another one that shouldn’t be missed! This one has a rocking atmosphere; think live music, retro decor and a buzzing vibe. Listen to live artists playing their favourite song and you’ll be having a great time, whether your drinking cocktails or some spectacular coffee beans.
Hanoi’s cafe culture is a testament to the city’s history; there are so many stories attributable to the old coffee shops, dating back to the Vietnam war and earlier. The traditional Vietnamese drip coffee is super strong for the coffee heads that want to try it, or there’s the very sweet Vietnamese coffee made with condensed milk.
Whichever way you have it, you’ll have a great time visiting the different coffee shops of Hanoi, Vietnam. Please – do let me know if you manage to visit any of these incredible cafes!
You might be interested in some of my other Vietnam guides:
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