What’s the Best Cafe in Hanoi?

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.

What’s your favorite cafe in Hanoi? Let me know in the comments below.