Why you shouldn’t miss to try an egg coffee in Hanoi (and best places to have it!)

We have tried and tested so many coffee places in Hanoi. Most of the time we went out of our apartment with one clear goal, hunt for the best egg coffee in Hanoi.

Literally I found myself trying one, even two per day. It gives you a boost. So more than a hunt was becoming a daily ritual which was hard to interrupt.

The best places to find egg coffee, besides the tourists trail is within the Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Looking behind the sparkling lights, there are hidden coffee spots, which we loved the most. From the iconic Cafe Giang (we’ve been to the traditional location) to less known Ca Bop with their untraditional variation salty.

Within your Hanoi itinerary you can’t miss knowing where to go for an egg coffee. This guide helps you with that. Also, check out where to get a coffee in train street Hanoi, we don’t suggest the touristy side.

Where is the best egg coffee in Hanoi?

While we had many coffees in Hanoi, the best is still at Gian Cafe. The original one, standing there since 1946, when Mr Nguyen Van Giang decided to create a signature drink.

Their creamy version is outstanding, definitely worth waiting in line to sit on your tiny stool for just a few minutes. However, we had good egg coffee also at other places, up to all of them, Note Coffee and Hanoi Egg Coffee. Nonetheless, the view you get from Thaiyen Café Quan Thanh goes over and beyond expectations, accompanying a nice moment with a tasty egg coffee.

Why Egg Coffee in Hanoi became a ritual for us?

Egg coffee isn’t just a quirky menu item—it’s a Hanoi institution. We had Egg coffee elsewhere (and by the way in Da Nang they do it pretty well), but Hanoi takes it to next level.

One sip of that creamy, custard-like foam changed everything. I was addicted. So when in Hanoi, it was sort of natural to go back into the loop. Little I knew, that my surprising new habit, was a local one too.

While I’ve always had the idea that Egg coffee is a shot of espresso in an egg custard, Vietnamese Egg coffee is much more complex. The official recipe is:

• Long or short shot of espresso on a sugar base
• Condensed milk
• Custard of egg yolks

All mixed together. What sounds easy is actually hard to blend into a rich, creamy drink. Essentially, even though it’s intended as custard, it’s still very thick (like the vanilla custard).

Egg coffee Variation – Sweet or Salty

There are two ways to enjoy an egg coffee. The easiest and most common is the sweet version. The less popular among tourists (more for elder locals) is the salty version. The method is the same, and we’ve tried them both.

While I love the sweet version, the salty one has an interesting texture. Besides these two main variations, more and more cafes in Hanoi are pushing fancy egg coffee versions. From chocolate to dedicated matcha shops. There is a variation of egg coffee you can try at Hanoi Shouten Coffee, infused with coconut.

Hanoi Egg Coffee Classics

There are a few coffee places in Hanoi that are really popular, got trendy and viral on social, and are unmissable for everyone.

• Café Giang
• Hanoi Egg Coffee
• Ca Bop

Café Giang – The Original Legend

We have found Cafe Giang, while Google is pretty accurate with the location (check here). Since then, they have placed a giant sign with an open window over the road. Still, you need to delve into a narrow passage between the tapering buildings.

Cafe Giang is the birthplace of Egg Coffee and a mecca for locals. It was the same for us. I was looking for the proper and original one.

While it was plentiful, tasty and definitely one of the best I’ve ever tried, the atmosphere, service and location lacked any appeal. The building is a typical three-story structure with narrow stairs. The café looked more like the rooms of a tea house, with low stools, which was nice if there had been more space between people. While we enjoyed the coffee, the atmosphere pushed us quickly out.

The system is incoherent; they take time to order, you pay before getting out, and there is definitely too much confusion in small rooms with too many tables. Anyway, I will go back for that coffee, but with lower expectations of the place.

Hanoi Egg Coffee

Hanoi Egg Coffee at 8 P. Gia Ngu does egg coffee right—super creamy, perfectly balanced, and always served with a smile. The staff here are genuinely kind, and the menu goes beyond the classic: you’ll find egg coffee with chocolate, Rhum egg coffee, coconut coffee, and even matcha.

At 50K VND, it’s a treat that won’t break the bank. If you only try one egg coffee in Hanoi, make it here.

Ca Bop – Salty Egg Coffee & Cold Brew

We went to Ca Bop to find something different than the classic egg coffee we can sip everywhere. Their egg coffee (which costs 45K) is rich and full of character, however, they are well known for the salty variation, which is a unique twist.

Ca Bop isn’t only in egg coffee, but it’s an experience in itself. We’ll suggest you to get besides the usual and try their cold brew truyen thong, which is bold and full of character.

Hanoi 1990s Café: Egg Coffee on Train Street

This coffee place was the first we visited chasing down Hanoi train street. Of course while waiting for the train we ordered an egg coffee. The egg coffee here is just as good as the atmosphere: thick, sweet, and strong. Owners are very lovely and friendly helping you with the experience planning.

Curious about the Train Street experience? Get our full tips in our Hanoi Train Street guide.

Hidden Gem Café: Quirky, Creative, and Delicious

We walked up the stairs of this hidden cafe in Hanoi, and knew we found something unusual. It was our meeting point with a friend from London visiting Hanoi and sharing the location with us. If you love a side of quirky décor with your egg coffee, you’ll adore Hidden Gem Café. The entrance is tucked away in a narrow alley, not difficult to spot, but enough to pass by and don’t notice. The cafe feels like more a secret garden with vintage stuff. In fact it hides an upcycled art project. We were so happy to contribute to a such high value project.

Their egg coffee is creamy and rich, but what really sets this place apart is the atmosphere. It’s perfect for a slow morning or an afternoon break from the Old Quarter crowds. Plus, the café’s commitment to sustainability makes every sip feel even better.

Note Café: Instagrammable Walls, Egg Coffee with a View

We didn’t take egg coffee at note cafe, so can’t vouch if is good or better than the other, but definitely they do have. We had a cold and hot latte, with caramel. The note cafe isn’t what we call our findings as it’s very popular. Right on the edge of Hoan Kiem Lake, this spot is famous for its walls covered in thousands of colourful post-it notes.

The coffee is decent, but you don’t go there for this, more for the view and make some social media post. We’ve spent many mornings here, reading notes from travellers around the world and leaving our own messages behind.

Want more coffee shop inspiration? Check out our guide to Hanoi’s best coffee shops.

Thaiyen Café Quan Thanh

We spotted this cafe wandering around the west lake. Our intent was to reach Tran Quoc Pagoda. This quickly changed to became a relaxing moment at Thaiyen Café Quan Thanh.

Besides coffee they have a huge range of non-coffee drinks. As coffee connoisseur (to don’t say addict) I was impressed by the Aeropress machine in use. Really for the purists. Take your coffee inside, and got served in the outdoor seating area, the best spots have clear view of the West Lake.

Hanoi Shouten Coffee

Another place we noticed on our walk is Hanoi Shouten Coffee. We returned there later that week for another relaxing momement by the West Lake. It’s more a slow bar than a cafe in it’s pure sense.

They roast their own blend of Vietnamese beans, and the menu covers all the bases: ca phe sua (Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk), coconut coffee, classic egg coffee (just 50K), and a salty variation (45K). They also have a cute souvenir shops attached to the coffee place. In between fabrics, bags and unique things you can’t stand the cute rag dolls.

Egg Coffee Hanoi: Practical Tips if you have never had one!

Let’s call it coffee etiquette in Hanoi. It is a series of good manners we learned trying the best coffee places in Hanoi.  Let’s see how to drink egg coffee in Hanoi:

• Egg coffee is best enjoyed slowly. I used to do all in three sips, now I let the foam settle, and savour each sip.
• Always check for hidden cafés. Some of the best egg coffee shops are away from the old town, and tucked down dark alleys or up narrow staircases.
• Try different styles. Some places serve it hot, others cold—both are worth a try.
• Bring cash. Many smaller cafés don’t accept cards.
• Ask for recommendations. Locals love sharing their favourite spots, and we’ve discovered gems this way.