I’ve only been in this city for about a week yet I can’t go a day without a cafe in Hanoi.
Take a walk down any street, on every block, there’s a cafe. And, these aren’t your cliche, nicotine-infused coffee shops like Starf*cks or Tim’s Addictions. These are genuine, locally born-and-raised coffee shops that brew a quality cup of a pick-me-up in each and every cup.
So, allow me to provide a little guide to finding some of the top-notch cafes in Hanoi.
But first…
Specialty Coffee Drinks in Hanoi
Normally, my drink of choice is the Americano. I’ll enjoy a cappuccino once a month. And, on rare occasions, I’ll feel aristocratic and sip espresso for the jitters.
However, the coffee in Hanoi is brewed in so many imaginative ways. Here are a few of the unique brews I’ve tried and tested so far:
- Bac Xiu (Coconut Coffee) — Subtle, succulent, and sweet, the Bac Xiu is a strong Vietnamese coffee mixed with condensed coconu milk.
- Cà Phê Sữa Nóng (Drip Coffee with Condensed Milk) — This sweet drink would be baby calves dream when suckling its mother’s udders.
- Cà Phê Trứng (Egg Coffee) — Often considered a delicious dessert, this egg-yolk infused coffee would cause the easter bunny to kick Cadbury to the curb.
- Yogurt Coffee — If someone could send me a box of Vector, I think I found the perfect morning breakfast! (By the way, I don’t know the Vietnamese for this, do you?)
- Kopi Luwak (Cat Poop Coffee) — Yup, this is as weird as it gets. A tiny little cat like creature called the Civet chews up the coffee bean, poops it out, then ya drink it. Yum!
Best Cafe in Hanoi
If you’re a coffee connoisseur, like my good ol’ friend, the Nomad Barista, you’re gonna wanna find some cafes in Hanoi to try those drinks.
- Highland Coffee — Unlike the coffee killers I mentioned at the start of this article, this coffee chain is quite alright. You can find a Highland Coffee in almost the same density as you would McDonalds with reasonable priced coffee, free WiFi, and tables to do your work.
- Cafe Hieu — This was the first cafe I went to just to hang out. There was a super cute Vietnamese girl sitting outside who smiles to everyone and waves you in. I’m hooked!
- Cong Cafe — This might be a chain but there’s one particular place in Hanoi I prefer to go. It’s near Hoàn Kiếm Lake, has 4 stories, and the atmosphere is like vintage, post-Vietnam war.
- Xofa cafe — This was the first 24/7 cafe in Hanoi where I could work all night and get a good breakfast. For about buck or more, you can get a quartered, deep fried potato that will introduce your tongue to its first orgasm.
- Puku Cafe & Bar — Personally, this felt like more of a bar than a cafe but it is also a 24/7 spot to work or get drunk for an entire night. It’s also riht next to Xofa, so you’ve got some choices.