18 Best Hanoi Cafes in 2025: Extraordinary Egg Coffee, Cozy Corners & Instagram Gems
If you think Hanoi is just about motorbikes and street food, think again. The city has a thriving café culture, and I’ve spent way too much coffee money discovering it all. From iconic Egg Coffee to cozy hidden corners—you’re in for a treat.
Why Hanoi Cafes Are Special — And Where to Find the Best Hanoi Cafes
Vietnamese coffee is not your average cup. It’s strong. Bold. Sweet. Often served in ways you’ve never seen before. And the ambiance? Every café has its own personality.
Hidden Street Foods in Hanoi That Locals Don’t Want You to Find
I once spent an afternoon at a tiny café near Hoan Kiem, just watching life pass by. Motorbikes everywhere. Street vendors yelling. And me? Sipping egg coffee like a king.
Cafe Giang – Home of the Original Egg Coffee
This place is legendary. Founded in 1946. Old-school vibe. Tiny tables. Walls covered in old photos. And the egg coffee? Divine.
What to Order
- Egg Coffee: Sweet, creamy, caffeinated bliss. Try it hot or iced.
- Yogurt Coffee: Weird at first, but surprisingly good.
- Traditional Vietnamese Coffee: Filtered, strong, black, no nonsense.
My Experience
I got there around 9 AM. Only a few seats left. Ordered an egg coffee. Took a sip. My eyes widened. Pure happiness. The coffee foam literally melts in your mouth. I lingered for over an hour, people-watching and slowly savoring every drop.
Tips for Visiting Cafe Giang
- Go early – seats are limited.
- Cash only – they’re old-school like that.
- Take a few Instagram shots – the old decor is perfect.
No fancy decor here, just the essentials: hot drips of coffee and that signature ca phe trung. I remember my first sip. Creamy and intense.
The egg foam sits on top like a cloud insulating the heat below. It’s not for everyone; some find it too sweet, but in Hanoi, it’s a must-try.
The cafe has expanded a bit now with a second floor but it retains that authentic vibe.
Prices are affordable around 30,000 VND for a cup (about $1.20). They also serve other classics like black coffee or coffee with condensed milk.
What makes it special though is the story. Mr. Giang created egg coffee during wartime when milk was scarce using eggs as a substitute. Genius, right? Today his family runs it, keeping the recipe secret. If you’re in Hanoi, skip the chains and head here first. It’s not hidden anymore but it feels like a gem every time.
Beyond the coffee, the atmosphere buzzes with chatter. Tourists snap photos. And if you visit early morning, you might catch the quiet before the rush.
Hidden Gem Cafe: A Floral Escape in the Old Quarter
Hidden Gem Cafe, 3B Hang Tre Street. Subtle entrance. Almost camouflaged by surrounding shops.
Inside, a burst of greenery and flowers. Like a secret garden in the city. Vines climb the walls. Pastel colors dominate. Small pond with koi fish.
Menu Highlights
- Rose Latte
- Matcha with coconut foam
- Prices hover around 50,000 VND.
- Popular on Instagram.
- Decor screams photogenic with swings and cozy nooks.
- Not overcrowded.
I sat there for hours once, watching rain fall outside while sipping herbal tea. Peaceful. Staff are friendly, often recommending off-menu items like homemade cakes.
What makes it a gem? Location in the bustling Old Quarter yet feels worlds away. No honking horns penetrate the walls. Ideal for reading or light work, though Wi-Fi can be spotty.
In 2025, more cafes pop up, but this one remains under the radar. Go weekday afternoons. Avoid weekends. You’ll thank me.
Tranquil Books & Coffee: Where Words and Brews Meet
- 5 Nguyen Quang Bich Street.
- Shelves with Vietnamese and English books, some rare finds.
- Smells of old paper and coffee.
- Order at the counter.
- Try salted coffee, unique to Hanoi. Or classic iced Vietnamese.
- Seats: communal tables or private corners with lamps, strong Wi-Fi, reliable plugs.
- Perfect for digital nomads.
- Prices around 40,000 VND.
- Occasional readings add cultural depth.
Loading T Cafe: Vintage Vibes
- Chan Cam Street 8.
- Panoramic views of Hanoi.
- Vintage furniture, mismatched chairs.
- Specialties: yogurt coffee, fresh juices.
- Entrance unassuming & has levels of discovery inside.
- Drinks 45,000 VND.
- Good for groups or solo. In 2025 gaining traction but still hidden.
Cafe Dinh: A Nostalgic Nook Overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake
- 13 Dinh Tien Hoang Street. Overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, Since 1980s.
- Run by Cafe Giang’s founder’s sister.
- Small upstairs, steep staircase, Intimate.
- Egg coffee rivals Giang’s.
- Try hot Egg Coffee.
- Views add magic.
- Atmosphere nostalgic: old photos, vinyl records.
- Go early for window seat. Prices 25,000 VND.
Cong Caphe: Chain with a Revolutionary Twist
- Multiple locations, like 32 Dien Bien Phu.
- Military green decor, old radios, propaganda posters.
- Drinks: coconut coffee, weasel coffee.
- Rainy day visit: hot brew, 70s tunes.
- Prices 50,000 VND.
- Not hidden but worth including.
Note Coffee: Walls of Wisdom and Brews
- 41 Hang Be Street. Walls covered with sticky notes, visitors’ messages, dreams.
- Coffee: Note blend, smooth and aromatic.
- Atmosphere is lively and cozy.
- Prices 35,000 VND.
- Personal touch makes it unique.
- Solo travelers love it.
Blackbird Coffee: Modern Minimalism Meets Quality Beans
- Ly Quoc Su Street.
- Minimalist vibe: clean lines, white walls.
- Specialty roasts: pour-overs, cold brews.
- Single-origin, Ethiopian bright and fruity.
- Space small, encourages quick visits or takeaways.
- Hidden from tourist crowd.
- Prices 60,000 VND.
- Expat favorite.
Vui Studio Cafe: Artistic Haven in the Old Town
- Alley off Hang Dao. Cafe + gallery. Local art and live sketching.
- Drinks: lavender lattes, fruit-infused teas.
- Atmosphere is inspiring.
- Hidden place, you can ask locals for exact location.
- Prices 55,000 VND. Gem for creatives.
Drop In Cafe: Casual Spot with Craft Beers Too
- Near Ta Hien Street.
- You can try Coffee in the mornings and craft beer in evenings.
- Brick walls design with comfy sofas.
- Coffee is strong, beers taste is same as regional beers Hanoi have.
- Prices: 40,000 VND.
- Dual purpose makes it unique.
GAD8: Industrial Chic with Strong Wi-Fi
- Nguyen Huu Huan Street.
- Industrial decor, exposed pipes, metal chairs.
- Specialty: nitro cold brews.
- Wi-Fi blazing.
- Prices 50,000 VND.
- Rising gem in 2025.
Socio Coffee: Community-Focused Brews
- Ba Dinh district.
- Community events, coffee workshops.
- Organic options with group tables and it is a less touristy place.
- Prices 45,000 VND.
Hanoi Shouten: Japanese-Inspired Serenity
- Japanese minimalism.
- Matcha lattes and Vietnamese drips.
- Hidden courtyard.
- Calm.
- Precise drinks.
- Peaceful gem.
FUKU Coffee: Lucky Brews with a Smile
- Vietnamese-owned.
- Fun drinks: lucky charms latte.
- Playful atmosphere.
- Hidden fun spot.
AYUP Neighborhood Coffee: Aussie Vibes Down Under Hanoi
- Australian coffee culture: flat whites, avo toast.
- Expat hangout.
- Hidden for locals.
- Melbourne vibe.
Always Cafe: Wizardly Wonders
- Wizard-themed drinks.
- Harry Potter vibes.
- Fun for all ages.
- Hidden magic.
- Whimsical drinks.
Atelier Coffee: Artisanal Roasts
- Workshop-like roasters on site.
- Coffee nerd heaven.
- Hidden passion.
- Educational tasting.
Ca Phe Duy Tri: Vintage Since 1936
- Oldest spot.
- Beans stored in jars.
- Nostalgic, strong coffee.
- Gem for history buffs.
Hanoi’s cafes are more than stops—they’re experiences. From Cafe Giang’s legacy to hidden gems, each offers a slice of the city’s heart. In 2025, with tourism booming, seek them out. You’ll leave caffeinated and enchanted. Explore, Sip, Repeat.
