Hanoi's Coffee - A World on Its Own

It would be remiss not to include Hanoi’s vibrant coffee culture in its travel guide, as coffee is an emblematic feature of Vietnam’s capital. Cafes in Hanoi have transformed significantly over the past decade, in tandem with the city’s ongoing modernization. From the bustling Hanoi Old Quarter to the newly developed district of Ha Dong, and the lively student area of Hai Ba Trung, coffee shops of all sizes and styles are now ubiquitous.

A stroll through the Hanoi Old Quarter reveals the rich diversity of the city’s café scene: global chains like Starbucks now coexist alongside local gems and time-honored establishments. For instance, you can find All Day Coffee and Blackbirds next to traditional favorites like Lam Cafe, Giang Cafe, and Nang Cafe. In the dynamic café landscape, there’s an option for every mood: if you're craving a “nau da,” head to Lam Cafe on Nguyen Huy Huan; if a latte satisfies your palate, Starbucks at Nha Tho Reserve awaits; or for a relaxed afternoon, don’t overlook Blackbird.

Hanoians take immense pride in their culinary traditions: a bowl of pho should be salty, not sweet; comedy must convey meaning beyond mere laughs; and coffee is meant to be strong and bitter, not overwhelmed by ice and milk. While southern influences (such as bac siu and cafe cot dua) and international flavors (like cappuccino and americano) have found their way into Hanoi's coffee culture, stepping into a café here still evokes a unique experience, reflected in how locals savor their sips and enjoy their coffee rituals.

Below are some top coffee spots in central Hanoi that you should explore as part of your café crawl.

The Traditional Coffee Houses:

Lam Cafe

Address: 91 Nguyen Huu Huan

Location: 5-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake

Highlights: Nau da, Den da

Photo: lifeinhanoi.project

Giang Cafe (since 1946)

Address: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan

Location: 5-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake

Highlights: Egg Coffee

Giang Cafe - Legendary Egg Coffee

Nang Cafe

Address: 45 and 92b Nguyen Huu Huan

Location: 5-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake

Highlights: Egg Coffee, Nau Da

Cafe Nang - 45 Nguyen Huu Huan

The New Genre with Character:

Blackbird Coffee

Address: 05 Chan Cam

Location: 3-minute walk from Saint Joseph Cathedral

Highlights: Egg Coffee, Cold Brew

Black Bird Coffee - Photo: Instagram @blackbirdcoffeevn

All Day Coffee

Address: 37 Quang Trung

Location: 7-minute taxi ride from downtown

Highlights: Coconut Egg Coffee, Bac Xiu

All Day Coffee - Photo: Instagram @alldaycoffeevn

Cong Caphe

Address: 27 Nha Tho

Location: In front of Saint Joseph Cathedral (Various locations)

Highlights: Coconut Coffee, Nau Da

Cong Caphe Nha Tho

Prepare to experience one of Hanoi’s greatest treasures today!