5 Best Cafes in Hanoi by Type To Try Out

There’s no better way to explore Hanoi than through its list of Best Cafes in Hanoi, don’t you think? Tucked away in alleys, hidden behind art galleries, or proudly perched on busy street corners, Hanoi’s coffee culture is as rich and layered as the drinks themselves. For backpackers, digital nomads, and curious wanderers, the city’s café scene offers more than just caffeine—as it it’s also a window into local city life.

Here’s a breakdown of the best cafes in Hanoi, based on what you actually came for: the coffee, the vibe, and the local flavor.

Egg Coffee Cafes: Hanoi’s Must-Try Classic

You can’t talk about Best Cafes in Hanoi without mentioning egg coffee. Invented in the 1940s due to a milk shortage, this thick, sweet drink is made with whipped egg yolk and condensed milk floating over hot, strong coffee. The result? Something between dessert and drink.

Cafes like Giang Café (run by the son of the original creator) are the go-to spots for this experience. The atmosphere is typically old-school and a bit hidden—just like Hanoi itself. Expect low stools, a cramped but cozy setting, and a truly local experience.

If you only try one drink in Hanoi, let it be this one.

Traditional Vietnamese Cafes: Low Stools, Phin Filters, Real Local Vibe

These are the heart of the local coffee scene. Found on nearly every corner, traditional Vietnamese cafes are where locals hang out for hours over strong cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with condensed milk) or cà phê đen nóng (hot black coffee).

The coffee is brewed in a phin filter, which drips slowly into your glass. It’s not just about the drink, as it’s about slowing down. Sit on a plastic stool, watch motorbikes fly past, and soak up the city’s rhythm.

No need to search hard at all! Just walk down any street in the Old Quarter and follow the scent.

Modern Specialty Cafes: Where Arabica Meets Aesthetic

Over the last few years, Hanoi’s coffee scene has embraced the third-wave coffee movement. These cafes are designed with minimalist aesthetics, natural lighting, and baristas who know the roast origin and flavor profile of every bean.

Places like Blackbird Coffee or Tranquil Books & Coffee offer a more polished experience with pour-over, cold brew, and flat whites.

They’re ideal for those who appreciate coffee as a craft, and the calm vibe is a break from the city’s chaotic pace.

Tea and Fusion Drink Cafes: Beyond Coffee

Not everyone’s a coffee drinker, as expected, and that’s okay. Hanoi’s fusion drink scene is massive, with cafes serving matcha, kumquat tea, yogurt with fermented sticky rice, or creative blends like coconut coffee (yes, still technically coffee, but worth its own spotlight).

These cafes often cater to a younger crowd and are perfect for something refreshing on a hot afternoon.

Many are Instagram-ready, with colorful drinks, modern decor, and a playlist that leans more indie-pop than traffic horn.

Work-Friendly Cafes: For the Remote Hustlers

Need to catch up on emails, edit travel photos, or just chill somewhere with Wi-Fi? Hanoi has plenty of cafes designed for working travelers.

Look for spots with reliable internet, plenty of plugs, and space between tables. Some even offer all-day breakfast or Western lunch sets to keep you fueled.

It’s not unusual to find yourself seated next to a fellow backpacker-turned-digital-nomad deep in a call with Europe while sipping an Americano.

Work-friendly favorites tend to be in quieter streets near Hoan Kiem Lake or hidden courtyards in Tay Ho—but if you’re staying in the Old Quarter, you’ll still find plenty of solid options.

Where to Base Yourself to Try Them All

If you’re serious about café-hopping in Hanoi, there’s no better place to stay than the Old Quarter—the buzzing heart of the city. From there, you’re just a short walk or bike ride away from every type of café on this list.

And if you’re looking for a base that fits the vibe, Quiri Hostel Hanoi is right in the middle of it all. Located at 25 Hang Luoc, we offer a social yet relaxed atmosphere, free breakfast, welcome beer, and even a rooftop plunge pool with bar views over the city.

Whether you’re mapping out your coffee tour or just trying to survive the heat with a cold brew in hand, Quiri puts you steps from it all.