11 Mar Dear Coffee Addict: The Ultimate List of Cafes in Hanoi, Vietnam
Are you prepared to drink three cups of coffee everyday? Because if you’re a coffee lover, that’s exactly what you’ll do while visiting Hanoi, Vietnam.
Coffee culture is next level in this country, with cafes on each corner offering everything from high quality espresso and drip brews, to traditional Vietnamese specialty drinks, and creative concoctions evolving everyday.
Here, coffee is a way of life. People gather sitting in tiny chairs often facing the street to sip and chat from early hours to late in the evening.
As a huge coffee addict myself, I was both excited and overwhelmed by the sheer number of cafes in Hanoi. During my month spent based here, I explored nearly thirty of them, saving even more on my Google Maps than I could even visit.
In this blog post, I’ve listed out all of what I think are the best coffee shops—organized by category, depending on your tastes—and have provided a brief description outlining why you should visit and which were my all time favorites.
Whether you’re looking for the best egg coffee, unique cafes, or cozy spaces to work online—I’ve got you covered.
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What's in this blog post
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About Vietnamese Coffee
Artisan and Upscale Cafes
the backstory:
what's so special about vietnamese coffee?
You may have heard that Vietnamese coffee is really strong, that they often use condensed milk or have a drink made with eggs.
All these things are true!
Vietnamese coffee is traditionally made with the bolder robusta beans which contain nearly double the caffeine content compared to arabica beans, which most westerners are accustomed to.
These are ground and brewed using the phin filter, a stainless steel slow drip that sits on the top of a mug for an individual infusion—although there are also bigger versions to brew large quantities at once.
The result is a rich cup of coffee, which has been described as, “bridging the intensity of espresso and the clarity of pour-over.”
This can be sipped on its own, but more frequently includes additions such as the iconic cà phê sữa đá, where the coffee is dripped atop a small pool of condensed milk at the bottom of the glass.
Even more unique are the specialty drinks coined in Vietnam. The most famous of which are egg coffee, salt coffee, and coconut coffee. Each uses the robusta, phin brew and has its own unique cream addition, sourced or flavored from its namesake.
For example, egg coffee. This is a delicious drink that layers a small portion of condensed milk, phin drip coffee, and a creamy foam made of whipped egg yolks. Originating in Hanoi, this drink was born out of necessity in 1946 when a chef named Nguyen Van Giang was experimenting to find an alternative to milk cream. At the time of the French War, supplies were scarce but the demand was still there. Giang whipped egg yolks so intensely he created a smooth custard that perfectly compliments a cup of coffee and is still a favorite to this day.
Egg coffee reminds me of tiramisu in a cup, and what I imagined egg nog would actually taste like when I was a child. It’s nothing short of delicious, and a must try while in Hanoi!
Beyond the traditional brews, coffee culture has expanded so drastically in Vietnam that now you can find an array of artisan and high quality javas to enjoy inside hole-in-the wall establishments and stylish cafes that will fill your camera roll.
Something interesting I noticed...
The default coffee form in Vietnam is usually iced. I realized this because my daily choice is an hot americano and I always had to specify ‘hot’ otherwise it would come to me iced.
I suspect this for a few reasons: #1, the warmer weather. And #2, perhaps because I noticed that traditional coffee brew is usually made in advance and then stored in a fridge. This creates a potent, almost syrup consistency that is best mixed with milk and iced. Outside of cities, when I asked for a hot coffee this was usually pulled out of the fridge and warmed up if I wanted it hot.
→ If anyone else knows another reason, let us know in the comments!
Either way, I think iced has become a default for the Vietnamese coffee, and so all drinks are usually assumed iced unless specified. So if you want a hot coffee, make sure to mention it! ‘Hot’ in Vietnamese is ‘nóng,’ so you’d ask for a ‘cà phê nóng’ if that’s what you’d like.
MY TOP PICKS:
6 OF THE BEST COFFEE SHOPS IN HANOI
Don’t feel like reading this entire post? Your loss 😉
Here’s six of my most recommended places I believe are a must-visit in Hanoi for any coffee lover.
COC Legacy Coffee- my overall top pick for tourists
If you were to visit one place, let it be here. COC Legacy Coffee serves the best egg coffee, coconut coffee, and salt coffee that I had in all of Vietnam. Located in the Old Quarter, you cannot miss this artisan shop serving the most divine drinks.
Cafe Giang
The original place that pioneered egg coffee, created by Nguyen Van Giang. Although this is a popular place amongst tourists that’s often crowded, its legendary story makes it a worthwhile visit nonetheless. The egg coffee is of course delicious, and the atmosphere is nostalgic.
Giao Mua Coffee
Ghibli-inspired, this unique cafe is six stories and feels like stepping into a hobbit hole within the city. Its eccentric, themed style clearly marks it as a photo hotspot, so I was surprised when the egg coffee was also very good. Usually I feel aesthetic places can sacrifice on coffee quality, but that wasn’t the case here. If you’re looking for a fun stop, this is the one!
The Black Market Coffee Space
If you’re looking for a cozy, secluded place to spend a rainy day or catch up on some travel journaling, I’d recommend The Black Market Coffee Space. It mainly serves espresso based coffee and specialty teas, all of which I found to be high quality. Its stylish atmosphere is inviting and there’s plenty of space to relax with diverse seating to choose from, so you can spend a whole afternoon here.
This is not so much a tourist hot spot, but it’s a 10/10 coffee shop in my book and one I wish I could return to daily!
Ca Bop
Far from flashy, you might walk right by this simple, yet adorable shop serving top notch drinks. They boast of their egg coffee, but I admit I ordered an iced americano which was also delicious! This is a wonderful place to stop amidst your sightseeing, enjoying a drink from you little chair out front or above on their balcony.
One Day at a Time
Outside of the Old Quarter, this is more of a personal favorite than a must-visit for any tourist spending a short time in Hanoi. Nevertheless, it’s a top pick if you’re looking for somewhere to slow down, to work online, or even pair with a yoga or aerial class in the studio above. One Day at a Time was my most visited cafe in the city, encouraged by the three dogs who call it home.
That’s just a scrape of the top cafes to visit in Hanoi! Here’s the rest…
BEST VIETNAMESE SPECIALTY DRINKS
The places I recommend most to try Vietnam’s specialty coffee drinks.
COC Legacy Coffee - My Top Pick for best drinks
As already mentioned above, you can’t go wrong here. The egg coffee, salt coffee, and coconut coffee served at COC Legacy were all hands down the best I enjoyed while in all of Vietnam.
Located in the Old Quarter, it’s easy to miss this tiny shop that is labeled only by a small sign above a narrow alley. As you proceed down the corridor and up a spiral staircase, you’ll wonder more than once if you’re in the right place before reaching this cozy nook.
Make sure to visit more than once, bring some friends to try each other’s orders, or come ready to be caffeinated if you’d like to try more than one drink (I recommend you do!).
Gad8
Whether you’re looking for Vietnamese coffee, artisan brews, artistic lattes or matcha—Gad8 serves spectacularly delicious drinks. The only reason this shop didn’t make the top picks list was at the risk of seeming redundant. Otherwise, behind COC Legacy, Gad8 is the real deal serving some of the best quality coffee in the Old Quarter.
Cafe Giang
Aforementioned, a visit to Hanoi would not be complete without visiting the birthplace of egg coffee at least once. Cafe Giang gives you a glimpse into history as you sip on a creamy delicacy that now partially defines Vietnamese cuisine.
Loading T
One of the cutest places on this list, Loading T is a nostalgic cafe hidden inside an old building. They serve only Vietnamese specialty drinks like the ones I’ve listed so far, as well as a few extras like yogurt coffee and lime egg cream coffee.
What I found most lovable about this spot, besides the atmosphere and drink list, was the menu which mimics hand paintings. When served your drink, they provide you a little card that gently instructs how to best enjoy it through illustrations. Loading T has such a wholesome vibe, it’s an overall lovely cafe to visit.
Ca Bop
An adorable yet simple place serving top notch drinks. Ca Bop boasts most highly of their egg coffee and is ideally situated as a stop amidst your touring of the Old Quarter. You can enjoy some people watching from their street seating, or enjoy their lovely balcony up top.
COZY SPACES
Slow-paced, spaces that feel like going to a friend’s house where you can chill.
Dot Coffee
From the outside, you’d never know this place was here. But with some guidance from Google maps and a little trust trotting up the stairs of an old corner building, you’ll find the cutest little retro space decorated with vintage toys and knick knacks.
For the sake of transparency, I have to admit my americano here was a tad disappointing. But I loved this place so much and because it boasts high reviews, I’m convinced it was an outlier and I suspect they’re better equipped making mixed coffee drinks or Vietnamese style beverages. So if Dot Coffee looks like your vibe, I’d still encourage you to visit!
The Black Market Coffee Space - My Top cozy Pick!
As aforementioned, this cafe checks all the boxes for me and I wish it was my local neighborhood cafe to visit daily.
Although it’s not smack in the middle of the action, it’s near the Old Quarter, just across from one of the Michelin Guided restaurants (Quan An Ngon) and to train street.
The Black Market Coffee Space has high quality coffee and diverse seating, making it ideal to do some work online, read, or even catch up on some travel journaling. It’s also super stylish!
Little Plan Cafe
Another old fashioned space, Little Plan Cafe is a peaceful little spot with books, cameras, and games lying around. Not to mention their cat! If you liked Dot Coffee, you’ll enjoy it here as well.
Briefly on earth
A bright space in the Old Quarter with the cutest grumpy cat, boasting of a diverse menu and tasty cookies. I never made it here myself, but it looks like a good space to pop into if you’re looking to plan some travels or do some online work.
URBAN, TRENDY, & RETRO SPOTS
Stylish places with classic drinks + twists for the cool people.
The Coffee Cart - My Top trendy Pick!
On the corner of a really cute neighborhood, The Coffee Cart is the coolest little nook serving perfectly done coffee whether it’s a classic or creative blend. I visited several times, and each order was supreme: the apricot cold brew, americano and matcha latte all receive a 10/10 from me.
Not to mention, this place is super cute, and I adored the floor seating upstairs overlooking the street. If you enjoy this kind of setting, it can be a peaceful place to get some work done if needed.
186 Coffee Roasters
If you’re looking for a rustic style cafe, go to 186 Coffee Roasters. This coffee shop reminds me of some of the corner cafes I saw in Taipei, Taiwan—quaint and relaxing even to look upon.
The pour-over is meant to be especially tasty here!
Better Blues Cafe
Although I never made it here, this cafe caught my eye after finding it on Instagram. The drinks look good quality, with lots of fusion options and the style alone of the place is very cool. It is out of the way from most tourist areas, but if you’re on the hunt for the most stylish cafes, this one might be for you.
Ringo Lingo Cafe
Known for their Ume Coldbrew and other fusion cold blends, Ringo Lingo is a cute little shop to stop by and grab a drink. They’re not the sort of cafe you hang out inside since there’s no indoor seating, rather somewhere to grab something to go or sit out front Vietnamese style.
I ordered their orange cold brew which was a super refreshing citrus blend I’d definitely recommend.
Off street fine coffee
I never made it here and I’m so sad because the vibes of this place look amazing! People in reviews say it’s a great place to chill, drinks are well crafted and the atmosphere looks so welcoming. One person says. “Tucked in an alley off a busy street, the vibe of having a coffee here is like hanging out with your friends. If I lived in Hanoi, I would come here every day.”
ARTISAN & UPSCALE CHIC PLACES
Cafes that have a chic, more upscale setting to them. Let’s just say they have more of a “fancy” vibe.
Pomalo Brew & Bakes
If you’re looking for some of the most elegant, insta-worthy drinks, try this spot. Resembling cocktails, Pomalo Brews are decorated, bubbly and colorful. I usually prefer a simple sip, but I can’t lie these drinks look tempting—especially the matchachito, a matcha latte with pistachio foam.
Fuku Coffee & Matcha
An aesthetic, stylish cafe loved especially by matcha drinkers. They even serve a matcha tiramisu which looks to die for!
MiA Cafe - My Top Upscale Pick
I think this is the only cafe on this list that has a totally 5 star average review on Google.
MiA Cafe is peaceful, stylish and serves carefully created drinks. The interior is especially lovely, with its painted pink walls and flowers adorned on tables. If you’re in the West Lake area, this shop is worth a stop.
Nagocha Matcha Specialty & Tea House
A speciality Japanese tea shop, serving matcha and hojicha—a kind of roasted flavor tea. It is on the more expensive side as far as Vietnamese cafes go (if I remember correctly, nearly $7 for one drink), but if you’re a matcha enthusiast it’s worth checking out.
I cannot claim to be a matcha expert myself, but I certainly noticed the difference in quality here.
UNIQUE, THEMED & INSTAGRAM WORTHY
Cafes whose biggest draw is their decor, inspired by a particular theme and worthy of the instagram feed.
The Note Cafe
This cafe is famous for its walls which are completely covered in sticky notes written by patrons. Note Cafe may be the most recommended coffee shop in Hanoi that I saw on social media, and also one I admittedly never visited… Once I walked by, and true to its reputation, the shop is very cute and I imagine a great place for photos. However, I can’t speak to the quality of coffee personally (although it has good reviews). Nonetheless, I’ve never seen a coffee shop like this anywhere else in the world, and for that alone it might be worth a visit!
Giao Mua Coffee - My Top unique CAFE Pick
As previously listed in the top 6 list, Gia Mua Coffee is both photo worthy and adept in their coffee blends. Although popular, I still found this spot cozy and with six floors, there’s plenty of seating to choose from both indoor and out on the balconies. Before choosing your table, I encourage you to tour each level which has its own unique set up. This is a fun one!
Hidden Gem Coffee
Hidden Gem Coffee is a highly rated cafe with upcycled decor that is honestly a fabulous looking space. Another Instagram favorite, I’ve decided to recommend Hidden Gem Coffee with one tiny disclaimer… I didn’t like my drink. However, I’m not sure if it’s because it was bad or it just wasn’t the drink for me.
I ordered a salt coffee which was way too sweet and milky, I swear it hardly had any coffee in it. Yet, there’s so many versions of these specialty drinks, and as someone who usually prefers an americano, who am I to judge a dessert-like drink? So while it wasn’t my personal favorite spot, I think this place is loved by tourists for a reason, if not purely for the unique space. For that alone, it’s worth a visit!
Cong Cafe
It’s unlike me to recommend a chain, but this vintage war-time themed cafe is definitely unique and worth a mention. Its aesthetic is rustic-military and after seeing them all over you may be like me and curious enough to pop in at least once.
They’re most known for their coconut coffee which is albeit a sugar rush, but tasty.
These are all over the city, I couldn’t say which is the best, although this one seems to have the highest reviews.
COFFEE + GOOD BREAKFAST
Most places I’ve recommended so far focus solely on coffee and have limited food other than sweets. Here’s a few spots that also offer a solid breakfast.
Kuu Coffee
Easily my favorite place for breakfast in Hanoi! The woman who runs this tiny cafe is SO sweet, this place feels like going to the house of an auntie who always feeds you. The soups are nostalgic and heartwarming but different from other Vietnamese broths like pho. If you’re not a soup girlie like me, the owner also offers smoothies and eggs. But no matter what you order, it’s likely she’ll tenderly add a banana for your ‘dessert.’
Truely, I cannot say enough good things about Kuu Coffee, if you have the opportunity, definitely spend a morning here!
Hanoi Coffee Culture
If you’re looking for a standard breakfast of eggs and toast, oatmeal, or a fruit bowl, then Coffee Culture is a good option. I can’t say that their food blew me away, but it’s decent and in a fantastic location if you’re trying to grab a bite to eat before taking a tour or catching a bus.
Pausa Coffee and Brunch
If you’re in the West Lake area and craving something like an eggs Benedict, check out Pausa Coffee and Brunch.
I worked online here for a few hours and ordered their tuna sandwich which was lovely, and noticed they have a large variety of food options—mostly within the western influence sphere (fyi). I was also pleasantly happy with my coffee, so overall I think this is a nice place to grab a bite if you’re looking for brunch kind of food.
BEST CAFES TO WORK FROM
Cafes with ideal seating to comfortably work from your laptop with speedy wifi connection.
Capella Coffee Roaster
A bright and stylish space adorned with wall art that provides ample table seating ideal for working online. The wifi is fast and sufficient for Zoom calls, not to mention they have delicious coffee and tasty banana bread.
If you stay long, the menu offers additional food options, but in my opinion the meals were a bit overpriced and didn’t look to be anything special. Although, I have to admit, one day I ordered the butternut squash soup which I really enjoyed. Either way, there’s plenty around and this is a peaceful space to spend the day working from your laptop.
One Day at a Time - My top cafe to work online from
Probably my most visited cafe in Hanoi, One Day at a Time is a cozy and nostalgic space with a fair amount of seating and fast wifi ideal for working. The coffee is great quality and they have three dogs that lay around making you feel very at home.
But one of my favorite features is their neighboring business. Just next door and above the cafe is a yoga and aerials studio offering group classes. I frequently combined a visit to the cafe with an afternoon class, an enjoyable way to get out while keeping up with your work commitments.
The only thing to keep in mind here, is that it’s not a secret that One Day at a Time is an ideal space for focusing, especially amongst students. I noticed in the late afternoon and evening the place can really fill up with people studying.
Still, worth a visit and can’t recommend enough. They also donate money to dog shelters, so need I say more?
RAAW Coffee
In the heart of the Old Quarter, Raaw Coffee has lots of tasty drinks to choose from and a very large space with ample tables to work from.
Rare for this part of Hanoi (since you’re right in the tourist area), it’s a great place to find some quiet, good wifi, and work online if needed. They’re also open pretty late (I think 11pm) if you have a later work call.
Hermanos cafe
Overlooking Trúc Bạch Lake, hermanos cafe is a bright coffee shop that is a bit basic, yet a reliable option if you’re looking for quality coffee and a decent space to work. I wouldn’t say this place is really special by the look of it, but the baristas were so nice and it offers a great spot to focus.
Simple Pleasures Cafe & Yoga
A simple, bright space ideal for working online. At first, it appears that Simple Pleasures Cafe is quite small, but they have an upstairs with additional tables.
There’s a few other cafes on this street (mentioned in this post) which are great for coffee, but not so much for working. So if you’re in the area and need somewhere to focus, this is a solid option.
Apparently there’s also a yoga studio, per the name, although I never took a class so I can’t vouch for the experience. It might be worth trying out though! Who doesn’t love a coffee and yoga day?
BOOKS & COFFEE
Part bookstore, part coffeeshop. Here’s a few cafes for the bookish souls.
The Wiselands Coffee
A thoughtful and creative bookstore that is several stories and so much fun to explore and relax in.
Now for the honest part…despite reviews stating otherwise, my personal experience was very mehh coffee and horrible wifi. However, it’s still worth a visit if you love a good bookstore because the design of the space is so imaginative and I adore the incorporation of plants.
Tranquil Books & Coffee
A cozy space for the bookish people, Tranquil Books & Coffee is a rustic cafe great for studying and reading. It’s a few floors so there’s ample seating. If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to try their popular waffles!
Bookworm Hanoi
The cutest little bookstore with great coffee and delicious brownies. There’s not a ton of seating, but that’s more so because this is a true bookstore. So if you’re in search of your next read, this is the place to go.
Oleoleo Coffee Books & Cats
If you’re searching for a cat cafe in Hanoi, look no further! This little cafe and bookstore is so cute, and the cats even more so. When I visited, there were at least 20 and some of them even had Christmas sweaters on!!
Admittedly, the coffee here was subpar, but it’s a great place to visit if you love cats and want to read or do crafts.
TRADITIONAL COFFEE HOUSES
Phin coffee, tiny stools and an authentic Vietnamese experience.
Cửa Hàng Cà Phê
If you’re looking for a tasty salt coffee, try this vintage cafe loved by locals and tourists alike.
Cà Phê Lâm
Near to Cafe Giang but much less crowded, Cà Phê Lâm is an old school cafe and good alternative if you’d like to go back in time in a much more peaceful setting compared to its neighboring cafe.
Cafe Phố Cổ
A quaint little cafe serving coffee, as well as pho, bun cha and other Vietnamese dishes. To get here, you’ll go through a shop and up the stairs before reaching the balcony which has good views of the lake.
And there you have it! My cafe recommendations have come to an end. I think that’s more than enough for any coffee lover to work with.
If you haven’t already, make sure to grab the free Google Map of all pinned recommendations so you can easily access them on your trip.
More Resources for Your Trip to Hanoi
🛏️ Where to Stay in Hanoi:
$ Hostel: Buffalo Hostel or Old Quarter View Hostel
$ Homestay: Hanoi Secret Garden or Picturesque Hanoi Homestay
$ Budget Hotel: The Urban Quarter Hanoi or Astoria Hotel
$$ Boutique Hotels: Phen Art House or An Nguyen Boutique Hotel or Evelyn Indochine Chic in Central
$$ Mid-Tier Hotels: El Rina Hotel, Concon House, Casa Dos Príncipes Hotel & Spa, or May De Ville
$$$ Upscale Hotels: Le Chanvre Hanoi Hotel & Spa or JM Marvel Hotel & Spa
🤸 Other Things to Do in Hanoi:
🚕 Transportation to and around Hanoi
Getting around Hanoi is pretty simple! Most places you can walk to in the Old Quarter (just watch your toes!) or you can order a Grab, which is like Uber—there’s motorbikes or cars available.
🍜 Where to eat in Hanoi
There is so much incredible food in Hanoi, but here’s a few favorites to check out:
- Bun Cha Ta
- Don Duck
- Phở Thìn Bờ Hồ
- COC Legacy Coffee
- Phở Sướng
- MẸT Vietnamese Restaurant & Vegetarian Met 2
Read my full Hanoi food guide here.
✈️ Travel Insurance:
Don’t forget you travel insurance! A good one to check out as an adventurous backpacker is World Nomads and for digital nomads, check out Safety Wing for travel medical insurance.
📱 Phone Data:
Getting a Vietnam eSIM is one of the easiest ways to stay connected during your trip, my go-to is Airalo. I used it during my whole trip and the connection passed my test, even hotspotting my laptop to work from buses! Download it here.
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