5 Hanoi Coffee Shops Every Traveller Should Try

Hanoi’s coffee scene is more than just a caffeine fix – it’s an essential part of the city’s rhythm, culture, and charm. From tiny stools on street corners to beautifully designed hidden cafés, each cup tells a story. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned backpacker, discovering the right Hanoi Coffee Shops can turn a quick break into one of your most memorable moments in Vietnam. Here’s a closer look at how coffee shapes life here, and five Hanoi Coffee Shops that stand out for travellers.

Coffee culture in Hanoi

Coffee in Hanoi is less about rushing and more about slowing down. Locals will often spend hours over a single glass, chatting with friends or simply watching life go by. Many cafés still use traditional Vietnamese brewing methods, like the phin filter, which allows the coffee to drip slowly into your cup. The result is a rich, intense flavour that pairs perfectly with condensed milk for the famous cà phê sữa đá, or with egg yolk and sugar for the city’s signature egg coffee.

What makes Hanoi coffee unique

The beans often come from the Central Highlands, where robusta dominates. This gives Hanoi coffee its strong, bold taste that stands out from the lighter, fruitier flavours you might find in other countries. The city has also developed creative coffee twists – from coconut coffee to salted coffee – making it a playground for adventurous drinkers.

How to enjoy coffee like a local

Skip the takeaway cup. Find a stool, preferably outside, and let the city’s sounds become part of your experience. If you’re in the Old Quarter, mornings bring a mix of motorbike hums, the call of street vendors, and the chatter of neighbours. In quieter alleys or rooftop cafés, you’ll get a different mood – slower, calmer, with a view of the city’s tangled rooftops.

5 Hanoi coffee shops worth your time to try

1. Giang Café
The birthplace of egg coffee, Giang Café is where you can taste the drink exactly as it was first made in the 1940s. It’s tucked away down a small alley on Nguyen Huu Huan Street, and the coffee here is rich, creamy, and served in small cups that encourage slow sipping.

2. The Note Coffee
A brightly coloured café covered in thousands of sticky notes left by visitors from around the world. It’s right by Hoan Kiem Lake, making it a great stop after a morning walk. Their menu is extensive, from classics to creative seasonal specials.

3. Loading T
Set in a colonial-style building with vintage décor, this café feels like stepping back in time. Their cinnamon-infused coffee is a highlight, giving the strong brew a warm, spicy twist.

4. Cong Caphe
This popular chain offers a retro Vietnamese war-era theme, complete with military green décor and nostalgic touches. Their coconut coffee is one of the city’s best – thick, sweet, and perfect on a hot day.

5. Hidden Gem Coffee
As the name suggests, it’s slightly tucked away but worth finding. The café is built from recycled materials, and its rustic charm pairs beautifully with its Vietnamese-style iced coffee.

Why travellers love Hanoi’s coffee shops

It’s not just about the drinks for the travellers who come to Vietnam, as it’s also about the atmosphere. In Hanoi, cafés become social hubs, creative spaces, and spots for reflection. Each shop offers its own slice of the city’s identity, from its history to its modern creativity. For many travellers, a coffee shop visit becomes an anchor in their day, a moment to plan the next adventure or just take a breather from the bustle.