Egg Coffee and More: Top 5 Hanoi Coffee Shops You Need to Visit 2024
There’s something magical about coffee culture in Hanoi. Known for its unique flavors and rich heritage, this city offers a caffeine experience like no other. Let’s explore why Hanoi is such a coffee lover’s paradise and discover the top coffee shops that you simply can’t miss.
1. History of Vietnamese Coffee
Coffee made its way to Vietnam during the French colonial era in the late 19th century. Over time, the Vietnamese adopted and adapted coffee into their own unique styles, introducing distinctive flavors that define the region’s coffee today.
French Influence on Vietnamese Coffee
The French brought coffee to Vietnam, but limited milk availability led locals to experiment with ingredients. This ingenuity birthed a variety of unique brews like egg coffee, and condensed milk became a staple, transforming each cup into a creamy, sweet delight.
Egg Coffee: Hanoi’s Iconic Brew
Egg coffee is one of Hanoi’s greatest gifts to the coffee world. A frothy, creamy concoction made with whipped egg yolk, sugar, and coffee, it’s an experience that goes beyond taste.
It’s the unusual ingredients and meticulous preparation that make egg coffee so special. With egg yolks whipped to creamy perfection and blended with dark Vietnamese coffee, this drink has a custard-like texture and a rich, unique flavor that’s truly unforgettable.
Where Did Egg Coffee Originate? Egg coffee was invented by Nguyen Van Giang in the 1940s as a solution to milk shortages. His creation became so popular that it’s now a staple in Hanoi’s coffee culture. Cafe Giang, where it all began, remains a top destination for egg coffee lovers.
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2. Top 6 Hanoi Coffee Shops You Need to Visit
Now, let’s uncover some of Hanoi’s best coffee spots where you can try egg coffee and other specialties.
2.1. Cafe Giang – The Birthplace of Egg Coffee
- 📍 Address: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- ⏰ Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
Cafe Giang, founded by Nguyen Van Giang himself, is the birthplace of egg coffee. This cozy, nostalgic spot is perfect for sipping on Hanoi’s original egg coffee and enjoying a taste of history. The cafe’s traditional setting and friendly atmosphere make it a must-visit for any coffee lover.
Additionally, Vietnamese coffee culture is incomplete without the iconic pairing of strong coffee and savory sunflower seeds!! 🤩
🇻🇳 Tips: Order the signature egg coffee, which is made with a unique blend of Vietnamese coffee, egg yolks, condensed milk, and sugar. The cafe is often crowded, so be prepared to wait for a table.
2.2. Cafe Dinh
- 📍 Address: 61 Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- ⏰ Hours: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM daily
Owned by Nguyen Van Giang’s daughter, Cafe Dinh is known for its old-world charm and exceptional egg coffee. Located upstairs in an old French building, this hidden gem offers a rustic, vintage feel that’s perfect for unwinding. The cafe’s intimate atmosphere and delicious coffee make it a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.
🇻🇳 Tips: Order the egg coffee, which is made with a slightly different recipe than Cafe Giang’s. The atmosphere is more intimate than Cafe Giang, making it a great place to relax and chat with friends.
2.3. The Note Coffee
- 📍 Address: 38 Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- ⏰ Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
Located by Hoan Kiem Lake, The Note Coffee is hard to miss with its colorful post-it notes plastered all over the walls. Known for its friendly vibe and delightful beverages, this Instagram-worthy spot is perfect for both coffee lovers and social media enthusiasts. Enjoy a cup of coffee while admiring the unique decor and soaking up the lively atmosphere.
🇻🇳 Tips: This Instagram-worthy cafe is known for its colorful decor and friendly atmosphere. Try their signature egg coffee or coconut iced coffee.
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2.4. Loading T Cafe
- 📍 Address: 12 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- ⏰ Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
Loading T Cafe stands out with its beautiful French-inspired architecture and stylish decor. Nestled in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, this cafe offers a blend of Vietnamese and French coffee that caters to all tastes. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Vietnamese coffee or prefer a more modern twist, Loading T Cafe has something to offer.
🇻🇳 Tips: Share your moment with our iconic chalkboard and join the #LoadingTCafe trend.
2.5. Coffee in Hanoi Train Street
- 📍 Address: Multiple locations throughout Hanoi
- ⏰ Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
Hanoi Train Street is a popular tourist attraction where trains pass through a narrow alleyway. While the practice of serving coffee on the tracks has been discontinued due to safety concerns, several cafes in the area offer a unique experience with train-themed decor and views of the passing trains.
🇻🇳 Tips: This unique experience involves enjoying coffee while trains pass by just a few meters away. Be sure to check the train schedule before you go to avoid getting caught in the middle of a train passing by.
2.6. Cong Caphe
- 📍 Address: Multiple locations throughout Hanoi
- ⏰ Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
Cong Caphe – A Retro Twist on Vietnamese Coffee Culture – brings a retro twist to Vietnamese coffee culture, with decor inspired by the communist era. The cafe’s cozy, nostalgic ambiance, along with signature drinks like coconut coffee, make it a must-visit. Experience a unique and immersive coffee experience at Cong Caphe and discover a different side of Hanoi’s coffee scene.
🇻🇳 Tips: Cong Caphe also offers a variety of other drinks, including smoothies, juices, and tea. Additionally, you should order the Ca Phe Sua Da, which is a Vietnamese iced coffee made with condensed milk.
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3. What to Order at Each Cafe
- Cafe Giang: Classic Egg Coffee
- Cafe Dinh: Egg Coffee or Iced Coffee
- The Note Coffee: Egg Coffee or Coconut Coffee
- Loading T Cafe: Vietnamese Drip Coffee
- Coffee in Hanoi Train Street: Vietnamese iced coffee, Coconut Coffee, or Egg Coffee
- Cong Caphe: Coconut Coffee or Condensed Milk Iced Coffee
Other Must-Try Vietnamese Coffee Types: Aside from egg coffee, Hanoi is home to other interesting coffee variations:
- Salted Coffee: Made with salted cream, this drink has a subtle yet deliciously unique taste.
- Coconut Coffee: A blend of strong Vietnamese coffee with creamy coconut milk.
- Yogurt Coffee: Yes, coffee with yogurt! This refreshing combo is a hit among locals.
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4. How to Enjoy Vietnamese Coffee Like a Local
Embrace the Slow Pace: In Vietnam, coffee isn’t just a beverage; it’s a cultural experience. Take your time, savor each sip, and immerse yourself in the ambiance of the cafe.
Master the Strong Flavors: Vietnamese coffee drinks are often intensely strong, especially the traditional ones. If you’re new to Vietnamese coffee, pace yourself to appreciate the bold flavors without being overwhelmed.
5. FAQs
- What is egg coffee? Egg coffee is a popular Vietnamese drink made with whipped egg yolk, sugar, and Vietnamese coffee, creating a rich, custard-like texture.
- Why is egg coffee famous in Hanoi? Egg coffee originated in Hanoi during a milk shortage in the 1940s, and its unique, creamy taste has made it a staple in the city’s coffee culture.
- Where is the best place to try egg coffee in Hanoi? Cafe Giang, where egg coffee was first created, is considered the best place to try this iconic drink.
- What other coffee drinks should I try in Hanoi? Besides egg coffee, try coconut coffee, condensed milk iced coffee, or Vietnamese drip coffee for a full experience of Hanoi’s coffee culture.
- Are Hanoi’s coffee shops tourist-friendly? Yes, many Hanoi coffee shops, like The Note Coffee and Cong Caphe, are popular with both locals and tourists, offering English menus and friendly atmospheres.
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From egg coffee to coconut coffee, Hanoi’s cafes offer flavors that you won’t find anywhere else. Each spot offers a different slice of Hanoi’s history and culture, making it more than just a coffee experience. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or a traveler looking for an authentic experience, these six coffee shops should be at the top of your itinerary.
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