A Mini-Guide to the Best Vietnamese Coffee in Hanoi
From strong drip brews to sweet egg coffee, explore Hanoi's coffee scene with our personal guide to the best Vietnamese coffee spots in town.
If you're on a hunt for the best coffee in Hanoi, you're in for a treat. From hidden cafes tucked down narrow alleyways to buzzing street corners with tiny plastic stools, the city offers more varieties of Vietnamese coffee than you can possibly sample in a single day (though I certainly tried).
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From Egg to Ice: The Best Vietnamese Coffee to Try in Hanoi
During our three-month stay in Vietnam, I drunk my way through countless cups of rich, bold, and indulgent brews - all in the name of research, of course. Here are a few must-try options of you want to experience Hanoi's coffee culture like a local.
Black Vietnamese Coffee - Cà Phê Nóng
Let's start with the classic. Cà phê nóng is strong, black Vietnamese coffee made using the traditional drip filter (phin). No milk, no sugar - just a bold, almost syrupy brew that packs a serious punch. Think espresso, but deeper and more intense.
If you're after a morning jolt that'll keep you going till lunch or beyond, this is the one.
Coffee with Condensed Milk - Cà Phê Sữa Nóng
In the 1980s, when fresh milk was hard to come by in Vietnam, locals turned to condensed milk - and thank goodness they did, because that’s how cà phê sữa nóng was born. It's a dark roast coffee sweetened with creamy, thick condensed milk.
It might seem overly sweet at first, but trust me - it grows on you. Smooth, rich, and comforting, it's the perfect late-morning or post-lunch pick-me-up.
Vietnamese Iced Coffee - Cà Phê Sữa Đá
If there's one coffee drink that truly sums up Hanoi's coffee scene, it's cà phê sữa dá. This iced coffee is a favourite among locals and travellers alike, especially when the weather turns hot and sticky (which is often).
Made with the same strong dark roast coffee and condensed milk, it's poured over a tall glass of ice for a refreshing drink that still tastes indulgent.
It's also hugely popular in southern Vietnam - think Ho Chi Minh City or sun-drenched towns like Hoi An.
Kristina
Egg coffee - Cà Phê Trứng
I'm not sure I'd call cà phê trứng the best coffee in Hanoi - but if you've got sweet tooth, it's definitely one to try. This iconic Vietnamese coffee was first created at Cafe Giang, and it's a bit of a local legend.
Made by whipping egg yolk with condensed milk and pouring it over strong coffee, it's rich, velvety and sweet - like a dessert in a cup. To me it taste a bit like tiramisu (which I adore), others call it a liquid custard. Either way, it's a treat.
You can order it hot or iced, but whatever you do, don’t leave Hanoi without trying it. You're not likely to find it anywhere else in Vietnam - we warned you.
Coconut Iced Coffee - Bạc Xỉu
Bạc xỉu might be the most exotic-sounding coffee on the list - and yes, it really does taste as good as it sounds. Served over frozen coconut milk and topped with coconut shavings, it's creamy, refreshing, and just a little ut indulgent.
It's the best coffee in Hanoi if you're in the mood for something a little different, especially on a hot day when a standard brew won't cut it.
Yoghurt Coffee - Cà Phê Sữa Chua
Speaking of unusual coffees, yoghurt coffee is a must-try while you're in in Hanoi. It's exactly what sounds like - strong Vietnamese coffee mixed with creamy yoghurt. It tastes like a slightly tangy smoothie with a caffeine kick.
It can lean a bit sour, which makes it a refreshing change from all the rich and sweet coffee options you'll find across the city. Definitely one for the adventurous drinker.
Kristina
Where to Find the Best Coffee in Hanoi
Now that you know your way around the world of Vietnamese coffee, it's time to track down the perfect cup. This is the best part - because Hanoi's cafe scene is simply brilliant.
To taste some of the best coffee in Hanoi, start with these six local favourites. Each offers something different, but all are worth a stop on your coffee crawl.
1. Café Lâm - A True Hanoi Classic
Often described as a living piece of history, Café Lâm is one of the oldest and most iconic coffee shops in Hanoi. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee blends with slightly musty scent of the timeworn building - this old Hanoi through and through.
Grab a seat inside to admire the walls, which are lined with an impressive collection of modern Vietnamese art. Or do as the locals do: sit out the front with a class of cà phê sữa dá and watch the city hum around you.
Café Lâm Address: 60 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
2. Cafe Giang - Home of the Original Egg Coffee
Just next next door to Cafe Lâm, you'll find another Hanoi coffee institution - Cafe Giang, the birthplace of Vietnam's famous egg coffee.
Alwyas buzzing with coffee lovers, this little spot is tucked away down a narrow alley that feels like a hidden passage into coffee history.
Once you find your way in, order the legendary cà phê trứng. Since this is where it all began, skipping it would just be just rude. It's one of the most unique - and genuineley delicious - coffee experiences you'll have in Hanoi.
Cafe Giang Address: 39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
3. Café Phố Cổ - Coffee with a View
If you're after stunning views over Hoàn Kiếm Lake, make your way to Café Phố Cổ - a proper hidden gem in the heart of Hanoi. Tucked away behind a silk shop selling souvenirs and T-shirts, it's easy to miss unless you know what you're looking for.
Head through the narrow alleyway and you'll find a small reception area where you place your order. Then, climb the winding staircase to the upper floors, and keep going until you reach the rooftop. The view is well worth the effort.
For an extra treat, pair your coffee with a slice of one of their homemade cakes - ideal for a lazy afternoon overlooking the lake.
Café Phố Cổ Address: 11 Hang Trong Ha Noi, 11 Hàng Gai, Hàng Trống, Hà Nội, Vietnam
4. Cafe Indigenous - A Hidden Gem in the French Quarter
Tucked away in Hanoi's French Quarter, right next to the striking St Joseph Cathedral, Cafe Indigenous is one o those blink-and-you-miss-it spots, so keep your eyes peeled.
This tiny cafe isn't your typical old-school coffeehouse. Instead, it's a modern, welcoming space that proudly serves Oriberry coffee - a local social enterprise, supporting poverty reduction and providing skills training for disadvantaged communities in Vietnam.
It's a great place to pause, sip something strong, and support a good cause while you're at it. A similar initiative is the Reaching Out Tea House in Hoi An, which empowers young women with disabilities. They serve a wide range of coffee there - including chicory - so once you've tried the best voffee in Hanoi, it's another lovely spot to explore.
Cafe Indigenous Address: 36 Ấu Triệu, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
5. The Nation's Favourite - Cộng Cà Phê
Loved by both locals and travellers, Cộng Cà Phê is one of those Vietnamese coffee spots you'll find yourself coming back to again and again.
With branches all over the country, it's known for its cosy, retro vibe, friendly staff, and strong brews. The cafes are always lively without feeling hectic, and many stay open late - perfect for soaking up the city's late afternoon buzz with a cup in hand.
6. Café Đinh - A Hidden Gem Off the Tourist Trail
Café Đinh is one of those places that flies under the radar for most travellers - but it's a firm favourite among locals and anyone lucky enough to stumble upon it.
Tucked away in a slightly worn building with views over Hoàn Kiếm Lake, it's got that Old Hanoi feel - rustic, no-frills, and full of character.
Here you can try some of the best coffee in Hanoi, from cà phê nóng to rich egg coffee and even yoghurt coffee - the perfect final stop on your Vietnamese coffee adventure.
Café Đinh Address: 13 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
The Most Expensive Vietnamese Coffee - Weasel Coffee
Much like Indonesia's famous kopi luwak, Vietnam is known for its own version: weasel coffee also called civet coffee. Here's what happens: Vietnamese coffee beans are sniffed out, eaten, and then - yes - pooped out by the Asian civet. The beans are collected, cleaned, and roasted, supposedly producing one of the finest (and priciest) coffee in the world.
At specialist cafes around the globe, a single cup can set you back around $30, making it the most expensive Vietnamese coffee you'll find in Hanoi - or anywhere in Vietnam, really.
But is the weasel coffee you see for sale on Hanoi's streets the real deal, or just a tourist gimmick. That's hard to say. We recommend doing some research before buying it.
Some fellow travel bloggers shared upsetting photos with us from a coffee plantation in Đà Lạt, where civets are kept in small cages and poor conditions. So if you're planning to sample this type of coffee, try to choose places that priorities ethical treatment of animals.
Vietnamese Coffee Culture in Hanoi
Robusta coffee beans were first introduced to Vietnam by the French in the mid-19th century. But it wasn’t until Đổi Mới (economic renovation) in 1986 that coffee production really took off - eventually making Vietnam the largest producer of robusta coffee in the world.
The bold strength and slight bitterness you taste in Vietnamese coffee comes from these very beans. Compared to arabica, robusta is much more intense - which is why a single cup in Hanoi can feel a caffeine jolt to the soul (in the best way).
Hanoi itself is a city of beautiful chaos - thousands of motorbikes buzzing past in a a seemingly organised mess. But once you settle onto one of those tiny plastic stools, with a coffee in hand, everything slows down. That's when you start to feel the laid-back rhythm of local life.
The longer you stay, the more you'll notice it: the coffee culture here is everywhere. A typical Hanoi street scene often includes people enjoying some of the best coffee in Hanoi, chatting with friends, scrolling on their phones, or simply watching the world go by.
Kristina
What's Different About Vietnamese Coffee?
First of all, Vietnamese coffee is much stronger - and thicker - than your usual French press, americano, or Italian espresso. But it's not just the beans that make it different; it's also how it's brewed.
Traditionally, it's made using a Vietnamese drip filter called a phin, which sits directly on top of your cup -often clear glass so you can watch the magic happen.
The filter is filled strong, dark roast coffee, then a small metal press is used to gently weigh the grounds down. A lid goes on top, which also doubles as a coaster once the brewing is done. The water drips though slowly - painfully slowly, if you're in a rush - but that's the part of the ritual.
At more local, no-frills spots, you might be served a cup where the coffee has already been brewed. In that case, no filter, no fuss - just sit down and sip like the locals do.
Making Vietnamese Coffee at Home
Brewing Vietnamese drip coffee at home is a lovely way to relive your time in Hanoi. All you need is a good-quality coffee Vietnamese coffee and a phin - the traditional Vietnamese coffee filter.
It's simple, affordable, and you get the hang of it, so satisfying. Plus, you're kitchen will smell amazing.
What's the Best Vietnamese Coffee Brand?
If you are looking to buy Vietnamese coffee beans online, try the well-known Vietnamese coffee brand Trung Nguyên. It's widely available, and their S Blend, Gourmet Blend and Premium Blend are all solid choices for brewing rich, bold flavour at home.
Where to Buy a Vietnamese Coffee Filter (Phin)?
You can pick up a phin in most Vietnamese coffee shops, especially in tourist-friendly areas, or at local markets and supermarkets.
Already back home? No worries - you can easily find phin filters online, along with Trung Nguyên coffee and other Vietnamese favourites.
The Secret to Silky Smooth Vietnamese Coffee
While exploring Hanoi's many coffee spots, we got chatting with a lovely Vietnamese lady who ran one of the cafes we visited regularly. Over a cup of our morning mud, she shared a little trick - her secret to making the perfect Vietnamese coffee.
Here it is: the Vietnamese coffee hack of the year.
When adding coffee grounds to the phin, don't rush straight away in with hot water. Instead, pour a little hot water into the filter's lid, and rest the loaded phin inside it. Let the steam rise and gently soak the grounds. This allows them to bloom and expand naturally.
Only after a minute or so should you place the phin on top of your cup and pour the hot water over the coffee as usual. You should now have a silkier, smother and more balanced cup. Subtle difference - big impact.
Hacks for Keeping Your Vietnamese Coffee Hot
In Hanoi's cooler spring months, waiting those 3-4 minutes for your coffee to drip through the filter can be a bit of a test - especially when the air is chilly and your drink cools faster than you'd like.
We found this out the hard way. But luckily, there are a couple of easy hacks to help keep your coffee warm while it brews, as I noticed in a few local coffeehouses.
One option is to place your cup in a shallow dish of hot water, whcih helps maintain the temperature. Another method is using a candle dish, similar to an oil burner, with a tea light underneath. It keeps the coffee warm and adds a cosy little glow to the table. Practical and pretty.