18 Best Coffee Shops in Hanoi (2026 Local Guide)

There’s something magical about sitting on tiny plastic stools, watching the world go by as we sip on rich, dark Vietnamese brew.

After one and a half months of travelling around Vietnam, we stood several times outside coffee places in Hanoi.

The city is booming with cool, hidden and coffee-driven shops. I had a very hard time deciding which was the best. Still, I definitely learned an extensive culture about Vietnamese coffee, Egg Coffee and its variations.

Here’s our personal diary of Hanoi’s most unforgettable coffee shops – from traditional egg coffee hideaways to the most Instagram-worthy corners we discovered.

These places didn’t just serve us coffee; they gave us a taste of Vietnam’s soul. Well, keep reading, as these are truly the best coffee shops in Hanoi.

Things to know about Vietnamese coffee and culture

As I love coffee, when I first arrived in Vietnam, I had a huge list of coffee varieties and recipes to try. Well, also places to go and enjoy a cup. If you don’t know yet, the coffee culture here is insane.

After all, Vietnam is one of the top producers of coffee beans in the world, and consumers too. Quality is extremely high, and mostly produced in the Vietnam Central Highlands.

This region accounts alone for roughly 80% of Vietnam’s coffee production.

Actually, there is a coffee chain with origins in Vietnam and now growing internationally that you should try.

Coffee Highlands is the most representative in Vietnam. We found that red logo even in Laos, next to Cafe Amazon.

If it is your first time in Vietnam, you should try two things. An Egg Coffee and a Coconut coffee. (If you love coconut coffee, Ale will be your BFF)

The first is sacred for locals. The creamy egg, mixed with the power of coffee, is the perfect natural boost. I had at least one a day while in Hanoi. The best place to try it is Cafe Giang.

The second suggestion for coffee lovers is Coconut Coffee. Ale’s favourite. It’s a base coffee flavoured with fresh coconut. They even sell sachets. If you are coming back to the UK from Vietnam, bring some for us, please.

15 Best Coffee Shops in Hanoi

Giang Cafe

We found it! After getting lost twice in the maze-like alleyways, we finally stumbled upon Giang Cafe. It was a priority for me to drink egg coffee when it was officially invented. Looking from the outside, you’ll never assume that this place is so iconic.

Hidden within the other buildings, you must walk through the neon light. Follow the people in this narrow alley in between the buildings. Cafe Giang has been there since 1946, and the interiors reflect the date.

The place was crowded, as it is every day. We had to squeeze into a small wooden chair. The walls of Cafe Giang are a memoir of old Hanoi.

My long-waited egg coffee arrived. The foam on the top looks like yellow custard. It is so creamy. You don’t need sugar for this, the coffee is perfectly balanced with a strong aroma. There is so much tradition in a single, small cup.

Cộng Càphê

If you are around Hanoi and need time to recharge, Cong Caphe is everywhere. Their coffee is very good, and they also prepare other drinks. We have also tried this coffee chain elsewhere, and the quality is consistent. Once, Ale tried a coconut iced coffee, and it was crazy good, too.

One of our favourite Cong Caphe of all time is in Sapa, overlooking the main square. Instead, in Hanoi, there’s one just a short walk from the lake, right in the core of the old town.

You can’t miss it — the shop is finely curated, with a rustic feel that’s hard to pin down. Sit on the balcony and enjoy the coffee and people running around.

Instagrammable Coffee Places in Hanoi

• Note Cafe
• Hidden Gem Cafe Hanoi

Note Cafe

There is no guide about the best coffee places in Hanoi without the Note Cafe. Actually, we have even shared a reel only about it – Check our instagram account.

Note Cafe is right in front of the Hoàn Kiếm Lake, which is the centre of Hanoi’s old quarter. This is one of the most famous and popular cafes in Hanoi for a simple reason. Stepping in you’ll see its walls and ceiling completely covered by post-it notes.

You are free to leave your post-it to the next traveller. To be honest, we weren’t there for the coffee, which is in some way acceptable. It’s more for the atmosphere, unicity, and quirky style. But keep in mind that drinks are pricey compared to other places.

Hidden Gem Cafe Hanoi

It takes some time to find this place. Yep, it is indeed a hidden gem cafe in Hanoi. Thanks to our friend we found it easier, as she was there days before.

Hidden Gem Cafe Hanoi is in a narrow alley, and you have to walk several flights of stairs. It is an old factory building. Most of the rusty walls and appliances create a unique atmosphere.

This is another instagrammable place in Hanoi, as you can stay in a private corner. The floor tiles, cute cushions and yellow pastel walls remind us a lot of some shop designs in Hoi An. They don’t only prepare drinks and coffee but also excellent food.

Best cafes Hanoi Old Quarter

These are the best cafes in Hanoi’s old quarter; don’t forget to pin them on your map. We had these stops while exploring Hanoi Old Quarter.

Between French Colonial Style and the Bougainville facade, with a balcony overlooking daily life, some of these cafes really seem out of a noir book.

Giao Mua Coffee

This coffee shop was only steps away from our hostel in Hanoi. Giao Mua Coffee is simply unique. From the design of the building to the beautiful, stylish rooftop.

It feels like stepping into a garden. Their traditional Vietnamese drip coffee (cà phê phin) is strong, aromatic, and perfectly balanced.

Leva Coffee

On our way from the hostel to the daily market, we saw Leva Coffee every day. This isn’t the prettiest coffee place, but worth a moment of tranquillity.

The mix of flowers and quirky chairs still makes for that nostalgic postcard shot of Vietnam we’ve seen so many times. What we like most is the balcony, where you can watch the street with your slow-brewed coffee.

Phe Day Cafe

Right in front of the Hang Dau Water Tower sits Phe Day Cafe. Again, nothing special about the coffee, but the place has that classic Vietnam street style.

Small low chairs and tables right outside, overlooking the streets and a chaotic roundabout. What doesn’t sound special on paper is the vibe.

Their coffee menu is also relaxed and cheap. For Vietnamese Phin Coffee (black coffee, slow drip), it’s just 35K VND. They also offer cold brew (Coldbrew Chanh Vang) with a variety of lemon and honey, or apricot and sugar. I haven’t tried it, but if you’re up for an experiment, there’s no better place.

Best Coffee Near Hanoi’s West Lake (Tây Hồ)

We based ourselves near West Lake this time round, and it turned out to be a genuinely good pocket of Hanoi for coffee — quieter than the Old Quarter, with a few spots we never see mentioned in other guides.

Bluebird Nest Coffee

Tucked five minutes’ walk from our West Lake apartment, Bluebird Nest is the kind of place a guidebook would never send you to, which is exactly why we loved it. We followed an alley strung with Vietnamese flags, past a lady ladling noodle soup for locals perched on tiny stools, until it opened into a courtyard cluttered with motorbikes and rusty bikes. No sign, just big windows and a white-brick shopfront.

Two other laptops were already open when we walked in. We ordered an egg coffee, and it arrived properly made — a good few minutes of whisking, a light dusting of cocoa on top, the egg separated cleanly from the coffee underneath. At 50,000 VND it’s the same price as everywhere else in Hanoi, just made with more care. The wifi held at 77 Mb/s down and 88 up with ten-plus people connected, which we weren’t expecting from somewhere this local.

Halfway through our session, the owner hopped on her scooter to fetch groceries and left the shop open with us and another customer still inside — which seems to be completely normal here. She came back with bread and pastries balanced on the seat, and Ale had a pain au chocolat she said was great — this one’s likely earned a spot on her list of places to work from.

Thaiyen Café Quan Thanh & Hanoi Shouten Coffee

Two more of our West Lake finds, both worth a stop if you’re staying in Tay Ho rather than the Old Quarter. Thaiyen Café Quan Thanh is right on the lake, with a menu that goes beyond the usual egg and coconut coffee, including Aeropress brews. Hanoi Shouten Coffee, nearby, roasts its own beans in house. Both are worth the detour if you’re already exploring the lake.

Best coffee places in Hanoi train street

Railway Tuan Cafe

We visited many coffee places in Train Street (Le Duan section and Old town), and Railway Tuan Cafe is a very nice spot. We actually didn’t take coffee here, but a refreshing Hanoi Beer.

We waited for the train to pass on the rooftop without the stress of running and squeezing. After all, it wasn’t our first time on the train street. Like many other places in this touristy spot of Hanoi, expect crowds at any time of the day.

I’ll say it isn’t a quiet place for a cup of coffee, but rather a thrilling one.

Hanoi 1990

This is absolutely our favourite place in the Train Street Hanoi Le Duan section. The owner was kind and took photos of us, chatted and welcomed us like no other.

This place is one of the best on the busy street. We both had a nice egg coffee, which made my day. Watched the train passing by inches. By all means, it is on top of my list for the best egg coffee in Hanoi.

Coffee shops in Hanoi Laptop friendly

As slowmads trying to mix daily work tasks with the pleasure of exploring, we are always on the lookout for places to work. Pleasantly, we could test out Hanoi reality.

More and more digital nomads spend time in Vietnam (Da Nang is a thriving Digital Nomads Hub). These are coffee places where we found that slice of tranquillity, sense of community and, of course, good coffee too.

Tranquil Book&Coffee

Tranquil is one of the most hyped work cafes among locals, and it lives up to its name. There are four branches scattered around Hanoi, and this time round we picked the one by West Lake at 18B Nguyễn Biểu, a couple of years after we’d first worked from their old town branch on Nguyễn Quang Bích.

The West Lake branch spreads over three floors with a soaring window that floods the ground level with light. Books and old typewriters set the scene downstairs, with a piano tucked in the corner. We took a table on the second floor, which is really where everyone works, then found a glass-roofed floor up an iron staircase for later. The wifi clocked 200 Mb/s down and 150 up on our test — easily the fastest we found working from Hanoi that week.

Coffee here isn’t cheap for Hanoi — 60,000 VND for a hot latte, plus a pain au chocolat that was good once warmed, if a little short on filling. The wooden chairs aren’t built for a full day at the laptop, but there are plugs everywhere around the library shelves and the balcony. Our one gripe: a building next door was being torn down while we worked, and every hit of the machinery rattled through the floor like a small earthquake — worth knowing if you’re picking a branch for a long session. They have several locations across Hanoi, so if you’re looking for a local one, we recommend this one!

Hip Hub Cafe (Currently closed) 🙁

When we needed to catch up on travel planning and writing our blog, Hip Hub Cafe became our go-to workspace. The bright, airy atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi made it perfect for productive mornings. Actually, we are suggesting Hip Hub for two reasons: Quality coffee and a crazy view from the balcony.

The knowledgeable staff will ask you about the quality of the coffee, its origins and the blend of the beans. Already from that, I was impressed.

When we reached the top, it was all airy and bright. Then, a small door introduces you to the balcony. From there, you can see Hanoi Cathedral from a vantage point.

Black Bird Cafe

Keeping this list of the best coffee shops in Hanoi to work with your laptop, Black Bird Cafe checks the boxes. Neat design, long counter, coffee quality and striking wi-fi.

This is the classic modern coffee shop, though, for Digital Nomads and creatives. Coffee is excellent, and you can stay on the ground floor for a quick one or go upstairs for sessions on your laptop.

Prices aren’t bad like in many other places. A black coffee, traditional Vietnamese style, is only 35K VND, while going for a latte or cappuccino doubles it.

Off Street fine coffee

I’ll be honest — we almost walked right past it, but glad we walked in as the coffee here is one of the best we have ever had. They don’t do the usual egg or coconut coffee but expect to taste the best cold brew of your life.

They have an outside area on the street where you can relax and watch people passing by or say “Hi” to the cute neighbour’s poodle. We spent the morning on the second floor, where they have a big table designed for staying with a laptop.

The wifi is, without question, the best we have ever found anywhere in Hanoi — 900 Mb/s both upload and download. Ale uploaded every outstanding photo and video from our last campaign within minutes. Minutes. It’s the kind of speed that makes you reorganise your entire workflow on the spot.

It feels like a co-working space but costs like a coffee shop. If you work remotely and you’re in Hanoi, this is your base.

All day coffee

We could literally spend all day here. They have THE BEST egg coffee in the city. After being in Hanoi several times, we tried so many different places, and this is so far the best we have ever had. The cream is just perfect!

Connecting the laptops took a while — there’s a splash page, and the general wifi runs at around 20 Mb/s. But one of the team quietly walked over and pointed us to a secondary network. 120 Mb/s. Consider it your insider secret.

We ordered our favourites: egg coffee for me, coconut coffee affogato for Ale. The egg coffee was extraordinary — so thick and creamy, I was eating it almost like gelato.

A little on the pricier side by local standards, but you’re paying for the space, the service, and a coffee that genuinely is the best.

Other coffee places in Hanoi for an egg coffee

Bridge Coffee

This isn’t usually on other guides about the best coffee places in Hanoi. Spotted Bridge Coffee because it was just steps away from our hostel. This unassuming spot offers a perfect vantage point on the 5th floor of a striking building. This cafe is away from the touristy routes. It’s more for a deeper explorer rather than a coffee lover, I have to admit.

If you are in Hanoi to soak up its atmosphere and feel off the beaten path, give it a try. There’s something nostalgic about the view over the bridge. You can also visit at night when the atmosphere is cosy, and you have a nice view of Hanoi. They do prepare egg coffee, so we suggest ordering one.

They also serve Oat Matcha, Tiramisu coffee and Salted Coffee (I’ve tried this and didn’t like it at all).

Ca Bop

Bridge Coffee’s salted coffee didn’t land for us, but salt coffee has its fans, and Ca Bop is Hanoi’s specialist for it — a saltier twist on the classic egg coffee, alongside a solid cold brew. Worth a visit if the standard sweet egg coffee has become your everyday order and you’re curious what the fuss around salt coffee is about.

Tips for Enjoying Hanoi’s Coffee Culture

• Morning is magical: Experience the rhythm of local life by visiting cafes early when Hanoians gather for their morning ritual.
• Try egg coffee: Don’t leave without sampling this Hanoi speciality at least once.
• Look up (and down alleys): Some of the best cafes are hidden on upper floors or down narrow passages.
• Take it slow: Vietnamese coffee is meant to be savoured, not rushed. A single cup might last an hour or more.
• Learn basic terms: “Cà phê đen” (black coffee), “cà phê sữa đá” (iced coffee with condensed milk), and “cà phê trứng” (egg coffee) will help you order like a local.

Some phrases to order coffee and impress locals

Our language skills improved with each cafe visit. “Cà phê đen” (black coffee), “cà phê sữa đá” (iced coffee with condensed milk), and “cà phê trứng” (egg coffee) became the first phrases we mastered.

The Heart of Hanoi’s Coffee Scene

Hanoi’s coffee shops offer more than just caffeine—they provide windows into Vietnamese culture, history, and daily life. From traditional egg coffee served in decades-old establishments to creative new interpretations in design-forward spaces, each cafe tells its own story.

We found that the best way to experience Hanoi’s coffee culture is to embrace variety. Start your day with a traditional drip coffee among locals, discover a hidden rooftop haven in the afternoon, and end your evening with an egg coffee in a cafe filled with history.

What makes Hanoi’s coffee scene truly special isn’t just the quality of the coffee—though that’s consistently excellent—but the environments created around it. These cafes serve as community spaces where conversations flow, ideas develop, and connections form over cups of Vietnam’s beloved brew.

Whether you’re seeking the perfect Instagram backdrop, a quiet corner to read, or simply the best egg coffee in Hanoi, these eighteen cafes represent the diverse and vibrant coffee culture that makes this city a coffee lover’s paradise.