Vietnamese Coffee | The Best Cafes in Hanoi
What’s so great about Vietnamese coffee?
Vietnam is renowned for its coffee. It’s sweet, delicious, rich and packs a rocket fueled punch. No joke, come prepared for the buzz. Vietnamese coffee is so rich and dark in flavor it has an almost chocolately aroma and taste. Served iced, hot or anyway you like it, I think it’s some of the best in world. I myself being a caffeine addict, absolutely adored this aspect of the Vietnamese lifestyle and avidly partook in the caffeine culture.
Cà Phê Sữa đá
The unique flavor of Vietnamese coffee comes from the slow drip. With sweetened condensed milk sitting at the bottom, the coffee slowly drips into the glass and once finished, you’re left with a rich and decadent treat.
MUST TRY TREATS
Phở (Phở may be the most iconic Vietnamese dish. It’s a traditional bowl of rice vermicelli noodles with a broth thats packed with flavor. You can find chicken, beef or pork.)
Bún chả (A popular lunchtime local dish, native to Hanoi.)
Bánh Mì (The local Vietnamese sandwich. Thanks to the French influence, a sandwich served on a perfectly baked baguette.)
MUST TRY DRINKS
Traditional Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Hot or cold coffee with condensed milk.)
Cà Phê Đen Đá (If you’re not a lover of the sweets, this coffee is just straight up black.)
Cà phê dừa or Coconut Coffee (Served blended, hot or iced- Vietnamese coffee mixed with condensed milk, fresh coconut milk or cream.)
Cà Phê Trứng or Egg Coffee (A unique twist on a cup of joe. Freshly brewed coffee sits at the bottom and on top is a sweet airy whip made of whisked egg and sugar.)
CAFE CHARM
Hanoi’s streets are jam packed full of charming cafes, shops and restaurants. Around every corner you’re bound to stumble upon that next favorite spot. With Hoan Kiem, Westlake and Truc Bach, there are endless options for a quiet little spot on the water’s edge. Actually… this is Hanoi after all, so maybe let's scratch the ‘quiet’ thing. If you don’t already know, Hanoi is known for its chaotic traffic and lively streets. With motorbikes being the number one mode of transportation, there’s a whole lot of ‘beep beep’. Amongst all the commotion, I promise you will find a cafe that provides some small sense of calm and you’ll have a great cup of coffee to go with it.
TAY HO AND THE OLD QUARTER
Tay Ho
When visiting Hanoi, you can expect to find yourself in two main areas of the city. Tay Ho is a district that encompasses Westlake and is just a 10-15 minute drive from the Old Quarter, straight down Au Co Street. Tay Ho is expat central, the majority of all expats living in Hanoi will reside in this area. In Tay Ho, there is a fusion of Vietnamese culture and Western flares. Here you can buy an authentic Bánh Mì from a dodgy looking street vendor and it will rock your world. After that you’ll buy your produce, some fresh avocados and vegetables- always from that same sweet old lady and always on that same piece of sidewalk. Then just a few feet away from all of that vibrant, local culture, you could sit down at a fine dining restaurant. One that’s serving Japanese inspired sushi or another with high quality Argentinian steak and full bodied wine. It’s the best of both worlds, a true blend of old and new, I suspect this is why so many expats who come to Hanoi never leave.
Old Quarter
The Old Quarter is often referred to as the ‘downtown’. This is where the majority of hotels are located and it surrounds Hoan Kiem Lake. A night market is held here every weekend and runs along Hàng Dào Street. If you’re looking to shop, the Old Quarter is where you’ll go. There is a street for every need you may have- suitcase street, backpack street, sunglasses street- you name it, they got it. On the weekend they shut down the street encircling the lake and turn it into a walking street. You can head to Dong Kinh Square to take part in this. Tay Ho is fairly tame compared to the Old Quarter- this is really where all the action is. Here the streets are oozing with shops, cars, motorbikes and best yet, objects being carried on said motorbike that completely defy all physics- 7 people, monkeys, trees, stacks of tires and bricks with no binds- I’ve seen it all. My only piece of advice, when crossing the street don’t wait, just go and move slowly with the flow of traffic. I promise they’ll swerve around you, if you wait, you’ll wait forever.
Both Tay Ho and and the Old Quarter are packed with cafes, restaurants and a night life. In either district the Vietnamese culture that I so love will be loud and spirited.
There’s nothing I love more than sitting by the water, watching the hustle and bustle go by with a delicious coffee in my hand. If you're a foodie or coffee lover like me, you’ll want to save this one. Without further ado, here are some of my personal favorites and the best cafes in Hanoi.
CAFES WITH SUNSET WESTLAKE VIEWS
* Click on the name of each Cafe to save the location on your google maps. *
MALDIVES
If you walk around the perimeter of Westlake, you won’t be starved to find plenty of cafe options. This hidden gem is a little more tucked away than all the rest and you just might pass it without even knowing. Maldives Coffee has a menu of smoothies, coffees and sits right on the edge of the lake. With a beautiful view through hanging branches and trees, this cafe overlooks the lake- it’s a perfect spot for a sunset treat.
ORIBERRY
This cafe is a chain and while it doesn't have the same individual charm I love and seek, it does offer a high up uninterrupted view of Westlake. You won’t be disappointed by a cup of coffee here and they have some naughty little baked goods to go with it. Oriberry is actually quite involved with local farmers in Vietnam and prides itself in promoting non-profit projects and aiding ethnic minorities in the country. Go Oriberry! With a couple of stories, this coffee shop has plenty of room for seating and a nice bar top table that sits open to the air. It’s a great little spot to chat with a friend, do some work or better yet, watch the sun go down.
SANTORINI VIBES
This bright yellow and cheerful little cafe sits on the corner of Nhat Chiêu, right next to the waterpark and amusement park. It’s also just a short walk away from the infamous dragon statues of Westlake. The walls surrounding the cafe are covered in graffiti and as you look out onto Westlake, you’re rewarded with a rare city view. In the water nearby, there are several abandoned house boats and a ferris wheel just opposite the water. This cafe gives that quintessential Hanoi feel- a gritty vibe yet abundant with character and charm.
THE EXPAT FAVORITES
CAFE THOM
Also sitting on the edge of Westlake, Cafe Thom is a busy expat favorite, right on the corner of Xuan Dieu and Tu Hoa. You’ll always see a cluster of bikes parked up on the curbs, expats and locals huddle around the tables at the water’s edge. Here you can find the traditional Vietnamese coffee, Cà Phê Sữa Đá and a classic menu offering delicious smoothies, yogurt bowls and a breakfast Bánh Mì with a western twist… avocado. They even offer beer on the menu and you will often see expats enjoying an afternoon siesta, with a coffee in one hand and a Saigon beer in the other.
O’DOUCEURS FRENCH PASTRY - BAKERY- COFFEE HOUSE
This little cafe has large outdoor seating and a fabulous little menu. Pop in just for a coffee or add a sandwich and pastry to go along with it. O’Douceurs delivers on the more western coffee needs with lattes and mochas. This cafe is located is deeper into Tay Ho and not on the Westlake. It’s a great little place to bring your laptop and book or to sit and enjoy the Hanoi sunshine. You can find this cafe down a lane just off of To Ngoc Van.
MA XO
This small, artsy boho cafe sits on Trúc Bach Lake and offers limited seating outside and by the water. Ma Xo has a really interesting and complete menu with options for every meal. This isn’t just an expat favorite but also a fabulous brunch spot. For breakfast, you can order Shakshuka, at lunch try Pumpkin Haloumi Grains Salad and for dinner, Roast Duck Phõ Cuõn. Don’t stop there though, Ma Xo also offers some really gorgeous cocktail and wine options. My favorite cocktail was the Kombucha Citrus- if it’s got Gin, it’s for me.
BEST EGG COFFEE
CAFE GIẢNG
This cafe has been here since 1946 and to this day, maintains its reputation for the best egg coffee in all of Hanoi. This cafe can be found in the Old Quarter and is a must visit! You might find egg coffees on a menu elsewhere in the country, but it’s definitely a local, northern delicacy and you’ll find the best quality in Hanoi. An egg coffee is just what it sounds like, egg and coffee. With rich Vietnamese coffee at the bottom and a whisked frothy egg mixture on top, this is a surprisingly delicious little treat. At this cafe they even offer beernog which is made with local Vietnamese beer.
Cafe Giang’s website tells a story of the birth of the Cafe and the inspiration behind Mr. Nguyen Giang, who is said to be the godfather of the egg coffee.
LUNCH SPOTS
GÒN- BITES & VEGGIES
I absolutely adore this little cafe. It wasn't uncommon for me to ‘accidentally’ visit 5 days in a row. Their food is absolutely delicious, affordable and always tastes so fresh! They have curries, noodles, Báhn Mì and main dishes like roasted pork. Be sure to order some spring rolls and one of their Bún Mì noodle bowls. I’m not a vegetarian but I always ordered their Fried Tofu Bún Mì noodle bowl, I couldn’t get enough of it. They also have an entire veggie menu, so veggies and vegans welcome. You might be surprised to know that Hanoi is actually loaded with vegan and vegetarian restaurants, ranging from buffets to cute cafes. I’m neither a vegan or vegetarian and I visited the meat free cafes often.
Bites & Veggies also offer a wide beverage menu of beer, juices and of course, coffee. They have some of the best coconut coffee, it’s made with a real scoop of coconut cream and toasted coconut on top. This place is a gem.
WHAT IS BÚN CHẢ ?
This is the signature dish of Hanoi - you can find Phở all over the country, but can only find Bún chả in Hanoi. Bún chả is served in three separate bowls. One is for the sweet and sour fish sauce based broth, filled with grilled pork, patties and vegetables. A second bowl will be your dry cooked vermicelli noodles, you’ll add them to your broth as you’d like. The third bowl will be full of greens that you can add on top. Don’t forget to grab an order of friend spring rolls as well and dunk em in. I love this dish.
Bún chả isn't a meal that's served all hours of the day, usually by 3pm, all Bún chả spots will be shut- so be sure to grab this treat in the early afternoon. It’s different from any other dish I’ve had and so simple yet so addicting- you’ll no doubt end up eating the entire bowl of vermicelli that you at first thought was obscenely ‘way too much’. It could become your new favorite lunchtime dish!
AUTHENTIC BÚN CHẢ
These ‘cafes’ are authentic and so good at what they do, making Bún chả. Now these cafes aren’t dressed up with boho decor and lattes, these are the local experience and they deliver some of the best Bún chả. You’ll be squatting on a tiny plastic chair, eating with plastic chopsticks and tables and I love this- this is Hanoi! Now don’t judge the cement floors or question the hygiene of the cutlery, just squat on down and slurp up the dish of Hanoi.
IN THE OLD QUARTER
IN TAY HO
IN THE OLD QUARTER
THE NOTE COFFEE
This cafe is especially famous for its unique decor, every inch of it, every wall and surface is covered in post-it notes. Visitors are encouraged to write a little note and stick it anywhere they’d please. I’ll admit its pretty cool to how many people from all over the world have sat right where you have. This cute little multi-leveled cafe is located in the Old Quarter, right next to Hoan Kiem Lake. After a stroll around the lake, stop here for a refreshing beverage or coffee.The Note Coffee offers all your favorite iced and hot drinks. They have seats at the windows so you can watch the busy streets of the Old Quarter below. A bit more toursity than my liking, but nevertheless it’s a must visit. Leave your own mark- write a message, sign it and leave it there forever.
HIDDEN GEM COFFEE - Quán Cà Phê Tái Chế
Hidden Gem is an eclectic little place, its design gives off an antique like atmosphere. With art, crafts and objects hanging on the walls and from the ceilings, you come here not just for the drinks but for the vibe. This cafe has many stories and levels serves more than just coffee. Hidden Gem is open late, until 11pm, they serve cocktails, beer and wine- making this cafe a potential evening stop.
BEST BRUNCH SPOTS
LIFTED COFFEE AND BRUNCH
This cafe is located in the Old quarter and features multiple floors for seating and a small terrace. I’ve eaten just about every single thing on the menu and I was never disappointed. Whether you fancy a sweet or savory brunch experience, they can deliver. My favorite dishes included the Chicken Satay bowl and Shakshuka. In addition to the food they serve great quality coffee, Vietnamese classics and more- my favorite was a hazelnut latte. Coffees, smoothies and cocktails for your boozy brunch needs. Lifted is also famous for their mouth watering gourmet donuts, so be sure you save a little room for the end. A post brunch donut and coffee, need I say more?
MAISON DE TET DECOR
Beautiful decor and a boho cozy terrace for eating outside, Maison creates a lovely space to enjoy in. You’ll find a full menu for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. They offer Vietnamese and Western options and the menus is extensive, ranging from juices to gluten free treats and main course meals. Maison promotes sourcing their food ethically and sustainably, they even offer an experience at their own retreat center called Tet Village Dai Lai. Now great food needs a great coffee, right? Maison roasts their beans on site, their coffee is delicious and rich in flavor.
HANOI SOCIAL CLUB
Another beautifully designed and inviting cafe? Yes, another to the list. Hanoi Social Club is one of the more popular brunch spots. Eggy meals, great coffee, cocktails and of course, a cute atmosphere to enjoy in. Hanoi Social Club is in the Old Quarter and houses a lovely small terrace and indoor seating options.
LÁ STUDIO
This little cafe is actually one of the quieter locations, down an alley just off of Xuan Dieu in Tay Ho. Its light and airy atmosphere will lure you in and so will the picture perfect smoothie bowls and bagel sandwiches. Fresh coffee, lattes and home baked treats are for sale at the counter and the biggest shock of all, this place is VEGAN. I’ve said before, I’m not vegan nor am I a veggie, I just enjoy healthy eating and bangin delicious food, and this is what Lá Studio will give you.
Eat and drink your way through Hanoi
In all honesty, it was tough to limit the number of cafes here. I adore this city and all the experiences it has to offer. Explore this list and more, I encourage you to keep your eyes peeled and pop into any cafe that tickles your fancy. I’m not exaggerating when I say Hanoi is FULL of cafes that will charm the socks off of you.
Take a walk, ride a bicycle or motorbike and mosey around the city. At any moment there are hundreds of special little spots just waiting to be discovered.
Madeline
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