Top 5 Best Coffee Shops in Hanoi

As the 2nd biggest exported commodity, Vietnam coffee is more than a beverage, showing the way of Vietnamese’s life. It is a pity if you forget to crave for the strong taste of the famous coffee. Consider lists of the best coffee shops during your Hanoi eco tour at its best.

Coffee Culture in Hanoi

Introduced to Vietnam by the French colonialists in the 1800s, coffee developed quickly to become the 2nd most exported goods in Vietnam. Contrast to your imagination, Vietnam coffee does not include cappuccinos or soya lattes. Vietnam coffee’s taste is so thicker and more intense than that might be used to. Especially, the Vietnamese typically drink it with a generous serving of sweetened condensed milk as a result of that there was a shortage of fresh milk in the late 19th century. All of the mixed taste will seduce your tongue and throat into trying more.

The Top 5 Coffee Shops in Hanoi

Giang Coffee

The coffee shop is named after its creator Nguyen Van Giang was known as the “father” of the city’s famous egg coffee (café trung). While working as a bartender at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, he invented another kind of coffee in 1946 to alternate cappuccinos due to lack of milk supplies. It is a blend of Vietnam coffee powder, sweetened condensed milk, butter, cheese, and chicken egg yolk. It is for sure that you will feel them so amazing and unforgettable.

Where to try: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street

Dinh Coffee

It is named after Dinh Tien Hoang Street where it is located and owned by Giang’s daughter. The shop offers a narrow space together with balcony seats looking over the Hoan Kiem Lake. In addition to family heritage’s preservation of egg coffee, a simple menu includes coffee, cola drinks, lemon juice, and several herbal summer drink.

The Hanoi episode of NatGeo’s “Street Food Around The World” series, aired in 2012 paid a visit to the shop. Some presenter explored the way to make coffee through a filter, which is extremely different from others all over the world

Where to try: 13 Dinh Tien Hoang Street.

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The shop is situated on the second floor of a former French colonial building in Hanoi Old Quarter. Therefore, its architecture with the retro tiles and red brick walls as well as unique furniture is so worth Instagram moments. The shop also serves some outstanding drinks such as egg coffee, cinnamon coffee.

Where to try: 8 Chan Cam Street

Cong Ca Phe

It is no denying that Cong Ca Phe 16 of which scatter around Hanoi is one of the best coffee shops. Inspired from theme around the 60s and 70’s war era, the shop provides customers with a stylish ancient atmosphere in the middle of a bustling city thanks to army staff attire and decoration of vintage timber furniture set. It is famous for coconut coffee and coffee with coconut frozen yogurt, which attracts to a large number of locals and tourists. Besides, Cong serves a tight option of snacks, beers, cocktails and refreshing seasonal fruit beverages.

Where to try: 8 Thai Ha, 101 Pham Ngoc Thach, 195 Lo Duc, 68 Quan Su, etc

Manzi

According to a New York Times recorded in “36 Hours in Hanoi”, although Hanoi delivers lots of good coffee shops where you can grab, Manzi is the only place in the heart of the city where you can grab some coffee and enjoy some artworks. In addition to the beverage, Manzi hosts a nice exhibition of paintings, photos, sculptures, books, along with talk show and live music. If you are a kind of art lover, Manzi is a must-see place.

Where to try: 14 Phan Huy Ich Street

Tips to Drink Coffe Like a Local in Hanoi

Avoid Hunger When Drinking

Drinking coffee when you are hungry will be harmful to your health. Coffee shops in Hanoi do not normally serve food. The Vietnamese tend to eat first and then head to coffee for relaxation.

Sweet Spot

As condensed milk is so sweet, there is no white coffee without sugar. The coffee connoisseurs should choose black coffee. If you prefer that the cup of coffee is not too sweet, ask for less sugar.

Milky Wa

If you want to try your coffee milk, do as a local by ordering Ca Phe Bac Xiu with lots of extra condensed milk.