Best Coffee in Hanoi – Top 15+ Hanoi Coffee Shops You Can’t Miss

Let’s together with Hanoi Local Tour discover Top 15+ Best coffee in Hanoi with our expert guide to the top 15+ cafés in the city, from hidden gems to trendy spots, explore the best coffee shops in Hanoi.

Best Coffee in Hanoi – Ultimate Guide to the City’s Most Iconic Cafés

Few cities in the world can rival Hanoi when it comes to coffee culture. It’s not just about the drink—it’s about the atmosphere, the ritual, the setting, and the history. From French colonial influence to Vietnamese innovation, Hanoi coffee is a unique blend of old-world charm and modern creativity. Whether you’re sipping robusta on a shady sidewalk or indulging in a frothy egg coffee on a hidden rooftop, exploring cafés in Hanoi is an unmissable experience for every traveler.

This article serves as your complete guide to the best coffee in Hanoi, showcasing both traditional and trendy spots to suit all tastes. We’ve carefully selected each cafe in Hanoi based on quality, local reputation, ambiance, and the unique experience it offers. Let this be your caffeine-powered map through the capital of Vietnam.

Why Hanoi Coffee Culture is So Unique

Hanoi’s coffee heritage is deeply rooted in its French colonial past, but over the years, it has evolved into something distinctly Vietnamese. The use of robusta beans, slow-drip phin filters, condensed milk, and unexpected ingredients like egg yolk or coconut cream has given rise to drinks that are both bold and beautifully different. Beyond the drinks, it’s about the places—timeworn cafés on narrow alleys, lakeside hideaways, hipster art lounges, or rooftops overlooking the Old Quarter.

Experiencing Hanoi coffee means slowing down, watching scooters pass by, and soaking in the poetic chaos of the city.

Top 15+ Best Coffee Shops in Hanoi You Need to Visit

Giang Café – Home of Hanoi Egg Coffee

No guide to the best coffee shop in Hanoi is complete without mentioning Giang Café, the birthplace of the legendary egg coffee (cà phê trứng). Opened in 1946, the café’s signature drink combines strong robusta coffee with a creamy blend of whipped egg yolk and condensed milk, resulting in a rich, dessert-like experience.

Tucked in a narrow alley on Nguyen Huu Huan Street, this cafe is not fancy, but it’s full of character. It’s where tradition lives, and where every sip tells a story.

Address: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem District
Must-try: Egg Coffee (hot or iced)

Café Dinh – The Hidden Gem with a Balcony View

If you want that perfect Instagram shot with your Hanoi coffee, Café Dinh is your spot. Located on the second floor of an old colonial building right across from Hoan Kiem Lake, it’s easy to miss—but once found, it’s unforgettable.

Owned by the daughter of the founder of Giang Café, Café Dinh also serves an excellent egg coffee, but in a setting that’s more vintage bohemian than traditional. The creaky wooden floors, exposed walls, and small lake-view balcony make it a true hidden gem.

Address: 13 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem
Must-try: Egg Coffee, Vietnamese black coffee (cà phê đen)

The Note Coffee – For Coffee Lovers and Romantics

If color, charm, and inspiration are your thing, head straight to The Note Coffee. Just steps from Hoan Kiem Lake, this cozy spot is covered—literally from wall to ceiling—with colorful sticky notes from visitors around the world. Every chair, table, and wall shares a message of love, dreams, or travel stories.

But it’s not just about decor. Their menu features a wide variety of Hanoi coffee drinks, including coconut coffee, cold brew, and salted caramel lattes. Plus, they’re known for eco-conscious service and friendly staff.

Address: 64 Luong Van Can, Hoan Kiem
Must-try: Coconut Coffee, Iced Latte

Tranquil Books & Coffee – Literature Meets Espresso

Bookworms and introverts rejoice: Tranquil Books & Coffee is your peaceful escape in the heart of Hanoi. With multiple branches across the city, this café is known for its quiet ambiance, minimalist decor, and carefully brewed coffee.

Whether you’re catching up on work, journaling, or just enjoying solitude, this is one of the best cafés in Hanoi for a calm and cozy atmosphere.

Address: 5 Nguyen Quang Bich, Hoan Kiem
Must-try: Cold Brew, Americano, Salt Coffee

Loading T Café – Colonial Elegance and Cinnamon-Infused Brews

Tucked away in a beautifully restored French colonial building near St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Loading T Café is where old-world charm meets innovative flavor. The café is bright and airy, with vintage furniture and French windows that open to a quiet courtyard.

What makes this spot truly special is their signature use of cinnamon in Vietnamese drip coffee. It adds warmth and depth to an already robust cup, creating a unique taste that lingers long after the last sip.

Address: 8 Chan Cam, Hoan Kiem
Must-try: Cinnamon Vietnamese Drip Coffee, Iced Coconut Latte

Hanoi House Café – A Cozy Hideaway with Cathedral Views

Another hidden gem located near the iconic cathedral, Hanoi House Café is loved for its narrow stairway, weathered wooden interior, and balcony with postcard-perfect views. The vibe is quiet, local, and deeply nostalgic. It’s the kind of cafe in Hanoi where you sip slowly and reflect.

While the coffee menu is simple, the quality is top-notch, and the view adds extra flavor. It’s one of the best coffee shops in Hanoi for couples, solo travelers, and those in search of atmosphere over hype.

Address: 47A Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem
Must-try: Hot Black Coffee (Cà phê đen nóng), Salt Coffee

Blackbird Coffee – Where Minimalism Meets Craft

With several branches across the city, Blackbird Coffee is a go-to for modern coffee enthusiasts seeking artisanal brewing methods, clean aesthetics, and high-quality beans. Baristas here are passionate about every pour, and their rotating selection of single-origin coffee showcases the best of both Vietnamese and international roasts.

If you’re searching for a contemporary cafe in Hanoi that rivals global standards, this is the place. The vibe is creative, the music mellow, and the coffee—exquisite.

Address: 5 Chan Cam & 63B Lan Ong, Hoan Kiem
Must-try: Pour-over, Flat White, Vietnamese Cold Brew

The Hanoi Social Club – Bohemian Vibes and Brunch Pairings

Set in a crumbling colonial villa and filled with retro décor, The Hanoi Social Club is more than just a café—it’s a creative hub for artists, musicians, and expats. Their coffee is ethically sourced and expertly brewed, and the menu includes both Vietnamese and Western coffee options.

It’s the perfect café to linger in for hours, enjoy live acoustic music, or catch up on your travel journal over avocado toast and cold brew.

Address: 6 Hoi Vu, Hoan Kiem
Must-try: Cold Brew, Soy Cappuccino, Espresso Tonic

Cộng Cà Phê – Vietnam’s Iconic Military-Themed Coffee Chain

While many travelers seek independent cafés, Cong Caphe is a chain that deserves mention for its bold identity and creative drinks. Inspired by the post-war era, the décor mimics a 1970s Communist living room, complete with army-green walls and vintage furniture.

What truly makes Cong special is its coconut coffee—a creamy frozen blend that’s become a national favorite. With branches all over the city, it’s one of the most recognizable names in the Hanoi coffee scene.

Address: Multiple locations across Hanoi (Try 27 Nha Tho or 116 Cau Go)
Must-try: Iced Coconut Coffee, Green Rice Latte

Different Types of Hanoi Coffee You Should Try

Hanoi’s coffee culture is as rich and layered as its history. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee connoisseur or a casual sipper, the capital offers an impressive variety of traditional and modern coffee styles that make it one of the most exciting destinations for coffee lovers in Asia. Here’s a closer look at the essential types of Hanoi coffee you should try when exploring the best coffee shops in Hanoi.

Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng)

No visit to Hanoi is complete without trying its most iconic beverage: egg coffee. Invented in the 1940s during a milk shortage, egg coffee is a rich concoction of whipped egg yolk, sugar, condensed milk, and robusta coffee, typically served in a small cup over a bowl of hot water to keep it warm.

At first glance, it sounds unusual—but one sip and you’ll understand why it’s considered the best coffee in Hanoi by many. The creamy texture and sweet, custard-like foam create a dessert-meets-caffeine experience that’s hard to forget. Whether enjoyed hot or iced, it’s a must-try at cafes like Giang Café or Cafe Dinh.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)

Arguably the most popular coffee style across Vietnam, cà phê sữa đá is a simple yet deeply satisfying drink. Strong, dark roasted robusta coffee is brewed through a traditional metal phin filter and slowly drips into a glass of thick, sweetened condensed milk. It’s then stirred and poured over ice, creating a bold, sweet, and energizing beverage.

This drink is perfect for Hanoi’s humid climate and is available at virtually every cafe in Hanoi, from street-side vendors to specialty roasters. It’s the backbone of Hanoi coffee culture and a perfect introduction for first-timers.

Vietnamese Black Coffee (Cà Phê Đen)

If you’re someone who prefers their coffee pure and powerful, cà phê đen is for you. Made with the same phin brewing method but served without milk or sugar (unless requested), it’s bold, bitter, and packs a serious caffeine punch. In Hanoi, locals often sip this strong brew while sitting on tiny stools, people-watching in the early morning or late afternoon.

Hot or iced, black Vietnamese coffee offers a no-nonsense experience of the country’s robusta beans. It’s one of the simplest yet strongest options among the best coffee in Hanoi.

Coconut Coffee (Cà Phê Cốt Dừa)

Combining tropical indulgence with local tradition, coconut coffee has become a modern classic in the Hanoi café scene. Typically served iced and blended like a frappe, this drink mixes strong black coffee with coconut cream, condensed milk, and crushed ice, resulting in a sweet, creamy, and refreshing treat.

Originally popularized by cafes like Cong Caphe, coconut coffee is now available in many of the best coffee shops in Hanoi. It’s especially popular with younger crowds and visitors looking for a dessert-like drink with a caffeine boost.

Salt Coffee (Cà Phê Muối)

Originating from Hue but rapidly gaining popularity in Hanoi, salt coffee is one of the most unique flavor profiles you’ll find in any cafe in Hanoi. This drink blends condensed milk with a pinch of salt, layered under robusta coffee. The salt enhances the sweetness and softens the bitterness of the coffee, creating a surprisingly balanced taste.

Served hot or iced, it’s a newer addition to Hanoi’s coffee menus but one that’s quickly earning its place among the top coffee experiences in the city.

Yogurt Coffee (Sữa Chua Cà Phê)

Yes, you read that right—coffee with yogurt. This Vietnamese specialty combines the tart creaminess of fermented yogurt with the intensity of strong black coffee. The result is a drink that’s refreshing, slightly sweet, and pleasantly tangy.

While it may sound unconventional, it’s a favorite among adventurous travelers and a staple at traditional cafés like Cafe Cong, The Note Coffee, and neighborhood milk tea shops. It’s an unexpected yet delightful twist for those exploring the diversity of Hanoi coffee.

Bac Xiu (Rich Condensed Milk Coffee)

Bac xiu (short for “bạc sỉu”) is a drink rooted in southern Vietnam but now widely found in Hanoi. Unlike the potent cà phê sữa đá, bac xiu is much milkier and sweeter, with just a touch of coffee added to a generous amount of condensed milk. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy a mild introduction to Vietnamese coffee or want a “kid-friendly” version of the real deal.

You’ll often find bac xiu at both modern and old-school cafes in Hanoi, especially popular in the morning or as a post-meal treat.

Cold Brew and Specialty Espresso-Based Drinks

As Hanoi’s café culture modernizes, so does its coffee offering. Many of the best coffee shops in Hanoi now serve cold brew, nitro coffee, espresso tonics, and Western-style espresso drinks like lattes, flat whites, and cortados—using both Vietnamese and imported beans.

Third-wave cafes like Blackbird Coffee, Simple Coffee, and Reng Reng Café are leading the charge, offering carefully crafted drinks in minimalist settings. These are perfect for digital nomads, coffee purists, and anyone looking for a globally inspired Hanoi coffee experience.

Best Neighborhoods to Enjoy Coffee in Hanoi

Hanoi Old Quarter

Bustling, chaotic, and culturally dense, Hanoi’s Old Quarter is the heart of the city’s café scene. Many of the best coffee shops in Hanoi are hidden down narrow alleys or tucked into historic French buildings. It’s where tradition and tourism blend, making it ideal for first-time visitors.

The French Quarter

Quieter and more refined, the French Quarter offers elegant cafés with high ceilings, balconies, and artful design. You’ll find classy hotel lounges and creative cafes with fusion menus—ideal for a more polished coffee experience.

West Lake (Tay Ho)

Popular with expats and creatives, Tay Ho is home to third-wave roasters, garden cafés, and lakeside coffee spots with sunset views. If you want to explore modern café culture and specialty coffee, this is your zone

Café Etiquette Tips for International Visitors

Exploring the rich world of Hanoi coffee culture isn’t just about finding the best coffee shop in Hanoi—it’s also about understanding and respecting the local customs that make the experience truly authentic. If you’re an international visitor, these café etiquette tips will help you blend in like a local and enjoy every sip to the fullest.

Order First, Then Sit

Unlike cafés in some Western countries where you’re often seated before ordering, most cafes in Hanoi operate on a “counter-first” system. When you walk into a local coffee shop, especially a small or traditional one, it’s customary to approach the bar or cashier, place your order, and then find a seat. In some places, a staff member may bring a menu to your table, but unless it’s a larger or modern café, don’t expect full table service.

This simple habit shows awareness of local norms and also helps keep the flow of service efficient—especially in the busy Old Quarter where tables fill up quickly at the best coffee shops in Hanoi.

Cash Is Preferred Over Cards

While digital payments are becoming more common in Hanoi, cash is still king—especially in small, family-run cafés and local institutions like Giang Café or Cafe Nhan. Many iconic Hanoi coffee spots are set up for fast turnover and don’t accept credit or debit cards. To avoid awkward moments at checkout, always carry enough Vietnamese Dong (VND), ideally in small denominations.

Modern cafés and chains such as Cong Caphe or Blackbird Coffee may accept cards or QR payments, but when exploring the hidden gems of Hanoi’s coffee scene, cash is the safest bet.

Respect Quiet Café Spaces

Many of the most beloved cafes in Hanoi, such as Tranquil Books & Coffee or Hanoi House, are designed to be peaceful havens from the city’s buzz. These places often attract students, freelancers, artists, and readers who value a calm environment.

If you’re taking a call, use headphones or step outside. Speak softly in shared spaces and avoid playing loud videos or music. Observing this etiquette not only shows respect but enhances the experience for everyone around you—especially in cozy cafés where sound travels easily.

Use Local Words When You Can

While many modern café staff in Hanoi speak some English, using a few Vietnamese phrases will always be appreciated. Ordering cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with milk) or cà phê trứng (egg coffee) in Vietnamese shows effort and respect. Even a simple “Cảm ơn” (thank you) can go a long way in building a friendly connection with your barista.

Hanoi locals are warm and welcoming, and showing interest in their language—especially in a best coffee shop in Hanoi where tradition runs deep—makes the experience more meaningful.

Hanoi is not just a destination for sightseeing—it’s a place for savoring. With each cup of coffee comes a story: of resilience, creativity, culture, and time. Whether you’re wandering through a leafy French Quarter street or perched on a hidden balcony above the chaos of the Old Quarter, you’ll find that the best coffee in Hanoi is about far more than caffeine—it’s about connection.

From timeless legends like Giang Café to modern havens like Blackbird, the best coffee shops in Hanoi offer unforgettable experiences for every traveler. Don’t just drink your coffee—explore it, feel it, and remember it.

Ready to taste the most iconic brews in Vietnam? Let our team at Hanoi Local Tour: https://www.hanoilocaltour.com/ guide you through the capital’s café culture.  Tailored experiences, expert local guides, and unforgettable sips await you in every corner of Hanoi!