Top must-try Hanoi cafe spots for coffee lovers

Hanoi is more than just Vietnam’s historic capital — it is a living café culture that has defined the city for generations. From hidden alleyway shops serving coffee in chipped porcelain cups to stylish modern spaces with global flair, the city has become a true paradise for coffee lovers. What makes the cafe Hanoi unique is the way it blends tradition and creativity: phin-brewed robusta, creamy egg coffee, and coconut coffee are staples, while new wave cafés experiment with sustainability and fine coffee beans. For travelers or diners searching for “cafe in Hanoi”, this is not just about a drink, but a cultural experience that captures the city’s heartbeat.

Giang Café – Birthplace of Hanoi’s legendary egg coffee

  • Address: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 
  • Price: 25,000 – 50,000 VND
  • Opening hours: 07:00 – 23:30

No journey into “cafe Hanoi” is complete without Giang Café, the birthplace of the world-famous egg coffee. Founded in 1946 by Mr. Nguyễn Văn Giảng, this Hanoi coffee was born out of a creative twist — when fresh milk was scarce, he whisked egg yolk with sugar and coffee, creating a velvety drink that has since become iconic.

Today, this Hanoi cafe spot still carries that authentic charm. Locals and tourists alike crowd the small space on Nguyen Huu Huan Street to sip the thick, frothy blend that balances bitterness and sweetness perfectly. Beyond the classic egg coffee, Giang’s menu now features creative spins such as green bean with egg, cocoa egg, rum egg, and even matcha egg coffee.

What keeps Giang Café timeless is not only the flavor but also the feeling — sitting shoulder to shoulder with strangers, cradling a hot cup in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. It is a true living memory of the cafe Hanoi, passed through decades yet still deeply rooted in the city’s spirit.

When in Hanoi, don’t miss the famous egg coffee at Giang Cafe
When in Hanoi, don’t miss the famous egg coffee at Giang Cafe

Cong Ca Phe – A Vietnamese café brand with international acclaim

  • Address: Various locations in Hanoi & beyond, for more information: congcaphe.com
  1. 27 Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
  2. 04 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
  3. 116 Cau Go, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
  • Price: 30,000 – 70,000 VND
  • Opening hours: 07:30 – 23:30

If Giang Café is about history, Cong Ca Phe is about modern identity. Launched in 2007, Cong quickly grew from a small shop to one of Vietnam’s most recognizable coffee chains. Its name, “Cộng”, taken from the national title “Cộng hòa Xã hội Chủ nghĩa Việt Nam” (Socialist Republic of Vietnam), reflects its retro concept — each store is styled with wartime décor, wooden furniture, and nostalgic objects from Vietnam’s past.

But it is not just the look that wins hearts. Cong’s menu is a balance of creativity and comfort, with the signature coconut coffee leading the way. The mix of strong Vietnamese coffee and creamy coconut milk has become one of the most sought-after drinks for anyone exploring the cafes in Hanoi. Other highlights include “cốt dừa cốm xanh”, combining young green rice with coconut cream, as well as traditional favorites like bạc xỉu and passionfruit iced tea.

Cong Ca Phe now reaches beyond Vietnam with branches in Malaysia, South Korea, France, and Canada — bringing the taste of cafe Hanoi to the world.

Coconut coffee is a specialty at Cong Ca Phe
Coconut coffee is a specialty at Cong Ca Phe

Habakuk Fine Coffee & Bistro – A Michelin Bib Gourmand worth trying

  • Address: 04 Phan Huy Chu Alley, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
  • Price: 60,000 – 90,000 VND
  • Opening hours: 08:00 – 23:00

For those who love the intersection of specialty coffee and fine dining, Habakuk is a gem in the cafe Hanoi landscape. Recognized with the Michelin Bib Gourmand, this café-bistro offers a curated experience that pairs high-quality coffee with seasonal cuisine.

Nestled in a quiet alley, Habakuk feels like a retreat from Hanoi’s bustling streets. Guests can choose between the leafy outdoor courtyard or the cozy indoor lounge, both designed for slow moments of enjoyment. Coffee here is sourced with care — Brazilian beans for smooth notes, Ethiopian beans for fruity layers, and beautifully presented Mocha lattes that show artistry in every detail.

What sets Habakuk apart is the complete experience. After savoring a perfectly brewed coffee, guests can stay for dinner, enjoying dishes that blend Vietnamese ingredients with European techniques. It’s not just a café — it’s a culinary journey that elevates the idea of café spot in Hanoi.

Habakuk – a Michelin Bib Gourmand spot – is worth a try for its high-quality handcrafted coffee
Habakuk – a Michelin Bib Gourmand spot – is worth a try for its high-quality handcrafted coffee

Thieu So Tra & Ca Phe – Hanoi Cafe with Northern ethnic colors

  • Address: 08 Huynh Thuc Khang, Dong Da, Hanoi
  • Price: 40,000 – 70,000 VND
  • Opening hours: 07h00 đến 23h00

Among the many cafés in Hanoi, Thieu So stands out for its cultural narrative. This relatively new spot introduces visitors to the traditions of Vietnam’s northern ethnic minorities, particularly the Red Dao people. The space is decorated with handwoven brocade fabrics, wooden furniture, and cultural artifacts directly sourced from mountain villages.

The drinks menu reflects this cultural depth, featuring both coffee and herbal teas inspired by the northern highlands. Sitting here feels like stepping into a different world — yet it remains a living part of the cafe Hanoi experience. On weekends, live performances of ethnic music bring traditional instruments like sáo, khèn, and đàn môi to life, creating a soulful ambiance unlike anywhere else.

This Hanoi cafe spot – Thieu So is not just about coffee; it is about honoring cultural heritage while adding diversity to the city’s café scene.

Not only enjoy coffee, but also experience the cultural space of Vietnam’s Northwest at this unique cafe
Not only enjoy coffee, but also experience the cultural space of Vietnam’s Northwest at this unique cafe

All Day Coffee – A cozy coffee shop in Hanoi

  • Address: 
  1. 37 Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
  2. 55 Hang Bun, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
  • Price: 60,000 – 100,000 VND
  • Opening hours: 07:00 đến 23:00

True to its name, All Day Coffee is a place where you can linger from morning until evening. With its spacious European-style interiors, warm lighting, and inviting atmosphere, it has become a favorite among locals for work, study, or relaxed meetups.

Yet what keeps people returning is the dedication to coffee. All beans are carefully roasted in-house daily, ensuring fresh aromas and robust flavors. The range is wide — espresso, cappuccino, pour-over, cold brew — each crafted with attention to detail. For those exploring coffee in Hanoi, All Day Coffee offers not only quality drinks but also an experience of comfort and consistency.

It is a reminder that a café is not only a place to sip coffee but a space to pause and enjoy Hanoi’s rhythm.

Cafe Hanoi at All Day Coffee is crafted from premium coffee beans
Cafe Hanoi at All Day Coffee is crafted from premium coffee beans

MONO Coffee Lab – A Hanoi sustainable café

  • Address: 
  1. 19 / 101 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Alley, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
  2. 03 Nguyen Huy Tu, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
  3. 03 Ho Xuan Huong, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
  • Price: 50,000 – 85,000 VND
  • Opening hours: 07:30 – 22:30

For the eco-conscious traveler, MONO Coffee Lab represents the future of coffee in Hanoi. This modern space blends specialty coffee with sustainable practices — from recycled décor and biodegradable straws to an open, inclusive design accessible to all.

MONO specializes in hand-brewed coffee, offering an elevated experience for those who enjoy exploring flavor profiles. Its calm, minimal interior makes it a perfect place for working, while the friendly service adds a personal touch.

More than a café, MONO is a community space that encourages mindful living. By making sustainability a natural part of its identity, it reflects the way cafes in Hanoi are evolving to meet the values of a new generation.

MONO Coffee Lab is one of the must-visit Hanoi cafe spots you shouldn’t miss
MONO Coffee Lab is one of the must-visit Hanoi cafe spots you shouldn’t miss

Some tips for exploring Hanoi’s café scene

Best times to visit: Morning cafés buzz with energy, while evenings bring a more intimate charm.

Must-try coffee in Hanoi: Egg coffee, coconut coffee, Bac Xiu (white coffee) are essentials.

Local coffee spots in Hanoi: 

  • Explore the Old Quarter for hidden gems, heritage cafés, and side streets where the aroma of freshly roasted beans lingers in the air
  • Head to West Lake for modern lakeside coffee spots and watch sunset views with your coffee.

From timeless classics like Giang Café to modern sustainable spots like MONO, the cafe in Hanoi is a journey through both culture and creativity. Each café tells a story — of tradition, innovation, or community — and together, they define Hanoi as one of the world’s great coffee destinations. For travelers, this café culture is an invitation: beyond the famous names, seek out the hidden corners, where every cup of coffee becomes a memory of Hanoi itself. Explore the best Cafe Hanoi spots, from iconic egg coffee to modern bistros and sustainable cafés, perfect for every coffee lover.

5/5 - (1 vote)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *