Best Coffee in Hanoi: Your Insider Guide to the City’s Top Coffee Spots
Before visiting Hanoi, I wouldn’t have described myself as a coffee person. Years ago, I drank those overly sweet vanilla lattes during night shifts—more sugar than caffeine, really—but they left me with headaches and eventually just weren’t worth it. So I quit. But Hanoi? Sampling what many call the best coffee in Hanoi changed everything.
The coffee here isn’t just something to help you survive your morning—it’s flavorful, full of character, and crafted with care. Even if you don’t consider yourself a coffee enthusiast, the coffee scene in Hanoi will surprise you (in the best way). And if you’re traveling with your kids like we were, don’t worry—there’s a way to enjoy it all, sip by sip.
Why Hanoi’s Coffee Scene is Worth Exploring
What surprised me most about the coffee in Hanoi is just how good it is—like, genuinely flavorful, without needing to load it up with sugar or syrups. My husband and I aren’t regular coffee drinkers (I actually used to be back when I worked night shifts, but those sugary vanilla drinks eventually gave me headaches if I didn’t have one, so I quit). But in Hanoi? The drinks were so flavorful and balanced that we ended up going back for more.
What I really loved is that they don’t try to cover up the coffee. Instead, they enhance it—adding textures, layers, and flavors without masking the actual coffee itself. And you’re not paying $6 or $7 like you would back home at Starbucks. Everything we tried was budget-friendly.
But it’s not just about what’s in the cup. The whole vibe around coffee in Hanoi is something I totally didn’t expect. Coffee isn’t a rushed, grab-it-on-the-way-to-work kind of thing. It’s social. Most people are sitting down—usually with someone else—chatting, sipping slowly, and snacking on sunflower seeds. That was the biggest cultural difference we noticed. People weren’t scrolling their phones or hustling out the door. They were present.
We noticed that most cafés didn’t allow smoking indoors, but outside, it was common to see someone with a cigarette in one hand and their coffee in the other. Either way, the vibe was always laid-back. No one was rushing through their drink or trying to hustle people out of their seats.
So even though we went in thinking, “We’re not really coffee people,” Hanoi kind of changed that for us. The drinks were unique, the experience was relaxing, and the whole thing felt like part of the culture—not just a caffeine fix. It’s one of those unexpected travel moments that made the city feel even more special.
What Makes Vietnamese Coffee Unique
Vietnamese coffee is in a league of its own. It’s bold, intense, and deeply satisfying. Most drinks are made with robusta beans, which have a stronger, slightly more bitter flavor than the arabica beans we’re used to in the U.S. But the real magic comes in the form of how it’s served.
We tried three kinds of coffee you have to experience in Hanoi:
- Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng): This sounds strange at first, but hear me out. It’s made by whipping egg yolks with sweetened condensed milk into a thick, frothy topping, then pouring the coffee underneath. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and rich without being too much. My favorite, hands down.
- Coconut Coffee: Think cold black coffee topped with shaved coconut ice. It’s refreshing and sweet without tasting artificial. We found the best one at Hanoi Coffee Station, and it was worth every dong.
- Weasel Coffee: Yes, this is the one where civet animals partially digest the coffee cherries and… poop them out. Sounds gross, but the beans are thoroughly cleaned, and the flavor? Complex, earthy, and surprisingly good. We made sure ours was ethically sourced before giving it a try at Huangmai Cafe.
- Salted Cream Coffee: This one surprised me. It’s strong Vietnamese coffee topped with a thick, salty-sweet cream that balances out the bitterness in the best way. The texture is velvety, and the flavor is so addictive I instantly wanted another. We had a great version at Giao Mùa Café.
Our kids? They were curious about every cup. We gave them little sips of each, and while I’m not sure they loved it, they were definitely into the experience—which made it fun for all of us.
How to Order Coffee in Hanoi Without Getting Confused
If you’re traveling in Hanoi with kids and worried about ordering coffee in a different language while also trying to keep everyone from wandering off—don’t stress. Ordering coffee was actually way easier than I expected.
Most places had menus with pictures, or at least English translations, so you can usually just point to what you want. That’s what we did most of the time—pointed at the drink on the menu and held up how many we needed with our fingers. No confusion, no awkward language mix-ups.
There were a couple of spots where the staff spoke enough English to help us out, but honestly, even in the places where they didn’t, everyone was really kind and patient. They usually knew exactly what we were trying to order. We never ended up with the wrong thing, which, with kids around, was a win.
If you want a backup plan, we used Airalo for data while we were in Vietnam. It doesn’t give you a phone number, but it gives you data access, which was super helpful for pulling up Google Translate when we needed it. You can just type in what you want to say or even show the translation screen to the person taking your order.
Best Coffee in Hanoi for a Morning Pick-Me-Up
Our favorite place to start the day in Hanoi was Café Đinh, and honestly, it’s worth planning your morning around. It’s this little hidden spot just above a shop near Hoàn Kiếm Lake—you actually have to go up a narrow staircase above a handbag store to find it. The sign is easy to miss, but that kind of adds to the charm. It feels like you’ve stumbled across a local secret (along with a few other people who clearly had the same idea).
We came here specifically for the egg coffee, and let me tell you—it was incredible. It’s rich, sweet, and has this frothy, almost dessert-like layer on top made from whipped egg and condensed milk. I know it sounds unusual, but it works. The coffee itself sits at the bottom, and you kind of eat the top with a spoon before drinking. It’s a whole experience, and it only costs about 30,000 VND (a little over $1), which is such a steal.
What makes it even more special is that the woman who owns Café Đinh is actually the daughter of the man who invented egg coffee. So you’re not just getting a tasty drink—you’re getting it from the original family that created it. That made it feel even more authentic and worth the visit.
The seating is simple—small stools and low tables—and the space isn’t big, so if you want a good spot, especially one out on the balcony overlooking the lake, get there early. We went in the morning, and the view from up there as the city started to wake up was just perfect. It’s not a fancy place by any means, but that’s kind of the point. It’s about the coffee, the view, and the feel of Hanoi all wrapped into one.
Best Coffee in Hanoi for a Slow Afternoon Break
If you’ve been walking around Hanoi’s Old Quarter with your kids (and somehow still have energy), Hanoi Coffee Station is the perfect spot to take a break and cool off. It’s a little tucked away—down an alley and then up a flight of stairs—which makes it feel like you’ve found a hidden gem. Once you’re inside, it’s cozy and has plenty of good seating, which is honestly all I’m looking for after dragging a toddler through busy streets.
This is where we had the coconut coffee, and it was hands down the best one we tried in Hanoi. It’s cold, creamy, and not overly sweet—just super refreshing on a hot afternoon. We went here after specifically researching the best place to try it, and this one didn’t disappoint at all. I also ordered one later on Train Street at a different spot, and it wasn’t even close to as good.
One thing I appreciated was that they had Western-style breakfast options, which is great if your kids aren’t in the mood for anything adventurous. It made it easy to sit down, order something for everyone, and just chill for a bit. The vibe inside feels a bit more modern and relaxed than the cafés right out on the street, so it was easier to linger without feeling rushed.
Iconic Vietnamese Coffee Drinks You Have to Try
Here’s your must-try list for Hanoi coffee:
- Egg Coffee – Sweet, creamy, and unforgettable.
- Coconut Coffee – Cold, refreshing, and unlike anything you’ve had before.
- Weasel Coffee – A unique experience with a bold flavor (just make sure it’s ethically sourced).
- Salted Cream Coffee – A smooth brew topped with rich, salty-sweet cream that somehow makes the coffee even better. Surprisingly addictive.
We didn’t venture too far beyond these, because, well—when something’s that good, why mess with it?
Best Coffee Shops in Hanoi’s Old Quarter
If you’re sticking close to the Old Quarter (which, with kids, is often easiest), these are the spots I’d personally recommend:
- Café Đinh – Hands down, the best view and the most iconic drink. You’re not going for plush seating—it’s low tables and stools—but the egg coffee is amazing, and the view overlooking Hoàn Kiếm Lake is unbeatable. It’s got that old-school, local vibe that makes the whole experience feel super authentic.
- Hanoi Coffee Station – Great coconut coffee, nice interior, and easy ordering with English-speaking staff. It’s a bit more modern and comfortable, which makes it an ideal stop when you’re out with kids and need a slower pace (or just a clean table and something familiar for them to eat).
- Huongmai Café – It’s more of a shop-meets-café setup, and it’s actually a great place to buy ethically sourced weasel coffee to take home. The drinks are good, the service is fast, and it’s not as hidden or packed as some of the other spots we visited.
- Hanoi 1990s Café (South Train Street) – This one’s all about the setting. It doesn’t compare to the other coconut coffee we tried, but sitting right along the train tracks with a drink in hand feels like an experience in itself. If you’re looking for atmosphere and something memorable (especially if you’ve got train-loving kids), this is the spot to be.
- Giao Mùa Café – The design of this café really stands out against the rest of the cityscape. Inside, it’s quiet and quaint, with a calm atmosphere that feels like a break from the busyness of Hanoi. It’s not a large space, and seating is limited, so it’s worth being mindful of timing if you want to sit and enjoy your coffee there. Definitely one of the more peaceful spots we found in the Old Quarter
Can You Get Good Coffee To-Go in Hanoi?
In our experience, coffee in Hanoi is meant to be enjoyed in the moment. Many drinks are served in glass cups, with spoons or foam that would honestly be awkward on the go. We didn’t do takeaway or stroller walks with coffee—it just didn’t match the culture or setup. But that’s okay. It gave us a reason to sit down, take a breath, and enjoy the pause.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Best Coffee in Hanoi as a Family Traveler
If you only have time for one café, go to Café Đinh. It’s authentic, affordable, steeped in history, and serves up one of the best egg coffees in the entire city. Plus, that lake view is something else.
Traveling with kids doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun. We never stayed too long at any café, and most of the time, the kids could grab a juice or snack and be part of the experience with us. It was a beautiful way to slow down and enjoy something unique, together.
So go ahead—try the coffee. Even if you’re not usually a coffee person. Hanoi just might change your mind.