Hanoi, Vietnam has one of the best coffee cultures in the world. From sunrise to sundown, people of all ages lounge around cafes to enjoy one of the many types of Vietnamese coffee beverages. There are no-frills joints with little plastic chairs and bare walls. Then there are the most aesthetically pleasing coffee shops I’ve ever seen with rustic-chic decor that blends French Colonialism architecture with modern twists. Regardless the vibe, the coffee is always stellar.
During my 8 days in Hanoi, I would go to one or two coffee spots each day, and take my time sipping and enjoying. When each cup is under $2usd, how can you say no?!
But before diving into my favorite Hanoi coffee shops, let’s set the scene.
A Brief History of Vietnamese Coffee…
The story of Vietnamese coffee starts with French Colonialism. French missionaries brought the Arabica bean to Vietnam in 1857, because who doesn’t love coffee? Robusta was introduced soon after in 1908, and they discovered that the crop flourished in the central highlands region due to the tropical climate and red basalt soil. Robusta is cheaper and easier to grow than arabica, and it has twice the caffeine levels. CHA CHING! The Vietnamese coffee industry took off.
French rule ended, but coffee production and consumption remained. Today, Vietnam is the second largest producer of coffee in the world, and it has become ingrained in Vietnamese culture.
Now, let’s dive into my favorite Hanoi coffee shops!
1. The Note Coffee
If you’re in the mood for strong coffee and heart warming vibes, look no further than The Note Coffee. Every inch of wall and table are covered in sticky notes with various messages, words of wisdom, and shout outs from previous customers.
The menu features all types of coffee beverages from egg coffee to lattes. I got a sensible double espresso, which shot a tingle down my spine it was so strong. It was thick, bold, and bitter, and exactly the medicine my body needed to laugh the 12 hour time change to the curb.
Tip: It’s one of the most popular Hanoi coffee shops, so be sure to go early to avoid crowds!
2. Cafe Giảng
Cafe Giảng is the birthplace of one of the most unique coffees in Vietnam: egg coffee. In the 1940s, Vietnam faced a milk shortage. Mr. Nguyen Giang, a prominent bartender for Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel, furiously searched for a replacement for coffee. (Apparently drinking black coffee was simply not an option!) He found that egg yolks whisked with condensed milk, then poured on top of the coffee did the trick.
Sip one, and my taste buds were floored. The egg yolk with condensed milk has a rich, sweet flavor with a mega creamy texture. It pairs perfectly with the ultra bold coffee. It reminded me of egg nog…. only better!
3. Ela Cafe
Ela Cafe serves up exquisite coffee in an exceptional setting. It’s situated in a French colonial building that has old-Hanoi charm with modern-chic renovations.
I wanted an espresso, and to my delight there were 3 different beans I could choose from. I went with the strongest, which had my brain and body buzzing. The cinnamon bun looked too tempting to say no, and it was perfectly gooey with a prominent cinnamon flavor.
A man with a camera showed up, and next thing I know, they are asking if it’s okay if they take pictures. I casually sipped my espresso, trying to look natural. He disappeared for 5 minutes, then came back with the owner and asked, “Could you model for us? Our talent didn’t show up for our shoot….” Obviously I said yes. They ushered me upstairs into a gorgeous seating area and handed me a perfectly presented cocoa latte. I posed for the camera, wishing I had put more effort into my make up.
It was a fun experience, and I walked away completely buzzed off of caffeine and life.
4. Loading T Cafe
Loading T Cafe has cozy lighting, comfy seats, and eclectic decor. There are brick walls and tile floors, and somehow the haphazardness of each unique piece of furniture works together perfectly. I got Ca Phe Nong, which is Vietnamese black coffee. It was strong and thick, but not grainy, and had subtle undertones of spice. Cinnamon perhaps? It’s perhaps my favorite cup of Hanoi coffee on the list, and a must try!
5. Hidden Gem Coffee
Hidden Gem Coffee is a 3 floor oasis tucked away down an alley in the Hanoi Old Quarter. It oozes rustic charm with colorful furniture and quirky details. Plants are strewn every which way, and it’s as if you are in a well kept jungle home.
First we tried the coconut coffee. Coconut coffee is a popular beverage in Hanoi that you can get everywhere. The base is black Vietnamese coffee, and it’s topped with a blended concoction of coconut cream, condensed milk, and ice. This bad boy from Hidden Gem Coffee was excellent. It had a strong coconut flavor that livened up the bitter coffee, and the shaved toasted coconut bits on top were a nice touch. We also tried a sticky rice pandan coffee, which had a good pandan flavor and creamy, ice-cream like texture. It wasn’t quite strong enough for my liking, but it makes a fabulous treat. Both were 50K VDN/$2.05USD.
Needing a little more caffeine to start the day, I also got a black coffee. The cup itself was 10/10, but the coffee itself was far too bitter and a bit burnt.
6. Tenement Coffee Shop
If you’re looking for a quiet coffee shop that’s actually a hidden gem, don’t miss Tenement Coffee Shop. Situated down an alley in the French Quarter, this Hanoi coffee shop has a modern-minimalist aesthetic and you can get fancy pour overs and well-crafted coffee beverages. It’s the type of place that you’d expect to see artists on their laptops editing their latest noir film.
I got a normal black coffee that was served in an espresso cup. One sip and I knew why– this sucker was so thick and strong that I could practically feel the hair growing on my neck. My type of cup!
These 6 Hanoi coffee shops all have charm, ambiance, and damn good coffee for very reasonable prices.
My standards have been raised, and my caffeine-tolerance levels may never be the same….
