11+ Best Cafes in Hanoi Old Quarter for a Charming Coffee Experience

Hanoi's Old Quarter is a treasure trove of charming cafés, each offering a unique ambiance and a taste of Vietnam's rich coffee culture. Whether you're a coffee aficionado or simply looking for a cozy spot to unwind, here are some must-visit cafés in Hanoi's Old Quarter:

List of XX+ Famous Cafe in Hanoi Old Quarter

1. Giang Cafe - The Birthplace of Hanoi’s Egg Coffee

Established in 1946 by Mr. Nguyen Van Giang, Giang Cafe is famed for inventing Hanoi's iconic egg coffee. Nestled in a narrow alley, the café exudes a rustic charm that attracts both locals and tourists seeking this unique beverage.

• Address: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi​

• Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM​

• Hotline: 091 700 22 99

• Fanpage: Fanpage Giang Cafe

• Website: Website Giang Cafe

• Price Range: Approximately 25,000 – 50,000 VND per item. 

Signature Drinks & Dishes: 

• Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng): A rich blend of robust Vietnamese coffee topped with a creamy, sweet egg yolk foam.

Vice President of Rolls-Royce Power Systems visits Hanoi. He specifically requested to try egg coffee.

​The iconic egg coffee served in a small cup, placed in a bowl of hot water to maintain its temperature.

2. Dinh Cafe - A Hidden Gem with Vintage Charm

Located on the second floor of an old French colonial building, Dinh Cafe offers a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere with views overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. It's renowned for its egg coffee and vintage décor, making it a favorite among those seeking a quiet retreat. 

• Address: 13 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi​

• Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM​

• Hotline: +84 24 3824 2960

• Fanpage: Dinh Cafe

• Price Range: Approximately 30,000 – 70,000 VND per item. ​

Signature Drinks & Dishes:

• Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng): A must-try, similar to Giang Cafe's version but with its own unique twist.​

​The vintage interior of Dinh Cafe, offering a nostalgic ambiance.

3. Nang Cafe - A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

As one of Hanoi's longstanding coffee shops since the 1950s, Nang Cafe combines traditional Vietnamese coffee culture with a modern touch. Its quaint and charming interior provides a relaxing spot for coffee enthusiasts. 

• Address: 45 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi​

• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM​

• Hotline: +84 94 638 8887​

• Fanpage: Nang Cafe

• Price Range: Approximately 30,000 VND per item. ​

Signature Drinks & Dishes:

• Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng): A creamy and flavorful rendition of the classic Hanoi beverage.​

​The welcoming exterior of Nang Cafe on Nguyen Huu Huan Street.

4. Lam Cafe - A Haven for Art and Coffee Lovers

Established in 1952, Lam Cafe is not only known for its strong Vietnamese coffee but also its impressive collection of artworks by famous local artists. The walls adorned with paintings create an artistic ambiance that attracts both art enthusiasts and coffee lovers. 

• Address: 38 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi​

• Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM​

• Hotline: +84 4 3824 5940

• Fanpage: Fanpage Lam Cafe

• Price Range: Approximately 25,000 – 30,000 VND per item. 

Signature Drinks & Dishes:

• Traditional Vietnamese Drip Coffee (Cà Phê Phin): A robust and aromatic brew served in the classic drip style.

​Art-adorned walls inside Lam Cafe, showcasing works from renowned Vietnamese artists.​

5. The Note Coffee - A Café Covered in Love Notes

The Note Coffee is one of the most heartwarming spots in Hanoi. Every inch of the café is covered in colorful sticky notes written by customers from around the world. Visitors come not just for the cozy drinks, but to leave a little love behind - literally.

• Address: 64 Lương Văn Can, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 

• Opening Hours: 8am - 10:30 pm (Monday - Thursday) + 7am - 11:00pm (Friday - Sunday)

• Hotline: +84 96 998 38 83

• Fanpage: The Note Coffee

• Website: thenotecoffee.vn

• Price Range: 35,000 – 70,000 VND

Signature Drinks & Dishes:

• Egg Coffee

• Coconut Latte

• Matcha Latte

Cup of coffee surrounded by sticky notes with heartfelt messages

6. Dream Beans Coffee Roastery - For Specialty Coffee Lovers

Dream Beans is a haven for true coffee aficionados. This roastery-style café is known for its high-quality beans sourced from Vietnam’s finest farms and roasted in-house. The minimal design puts the focus on the coffee experience itself.

• Address: 79 Ly Nam De, Hanoi, Vietnam

• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM

• Hotline: +84 91 588 29 88

• Fanpage: Dream Beans Coffee

• Price Range: 45,000 – 90,000 VND

Signature Drinks & Dishes:

• Cold Brew

• Vietnamese Arabica pour-over

• Espresso Tasting Flight

The minimalist space at Dream Beans allows coffee lovers to fully immerse themselves in the authentic flavors of freshly roasted Vietnamese beans.

7. Cafe Nola - A Hidden Courtyard Café with Artistic Vibes

Tucked away behind an art gallery, Nola Café is a peaceful escape in the heart of the Old Quarter. Its eclectic décor, vintage furniture and open-air rooftop make it a perfect hideaway for creatives and dreamers.

• Address: 89 Mã Mây, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:30 PM

• Hotline: +84 98 354 00 54

• Fanpage: Nola Cafe

• Price Range: 40,000 – 80,000 VND

Signature Drinks & Dishes:

• Iced Black Coffee (Cà phê đá)

• Passionfruit Juice

• Homemade Brownies

A rooftop setup with hanging plants and a chilled iced coffee

8. Hidden Gem Coffee - Eco-Friendly & Artistic Vibes

True to its name, Hidden Gem Coffee is concealed in a small alley and built almost entirely from recycled materials. This eco-conscious café is filled with colorful art pieces, quirky seating and an inspiring sustainability message.

• Address: 3B Hàng Tre, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

• Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM

• Hotline: +84 86 692 92 28

• Fanpage: Hidden Gem Coffee

• Price Range: 40,000 – 75,000 VND

Signature Drinks & Dishes:

• Coconut Egg Coffee

• Salt Coffee

• Vegan smoothie bowls

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium enjoy a local coffee experience during their official visit to Hanoi on April 1, 2025.

9. Cafe Tho - Classic Hanoi coffee flavors, vintage atmosphere

Cafe Thọ is an old-school coffee spot that preserves the charm of Hanoi’s coffee culture from decades ago. Simple wooden chairs, no-frills service and the lingering aroma of drip coffee define its nostalgic vibe.

• Address: 76 P. Thợ Nhuộm, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

• Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

• Hotline: 024 62929 597

• Fanpage: Fanpage Cafe Tho

• Price Range: 25,000 – 50,000 VND

Signature Drinks & Dishes:

• Traditional Drip Coffee (Cà phê phin)

• Egg Coffee

Step into a cozy vintage hideaway where every sip tells a story.

10. Cộng Cafe - Retro-style café famous for its coconut coffee

Cộng Cà Phê is one of Hanoi’s most iconic café chains, themed around post-war Vietnam with vintage army décor. The signature Coconut Coffee here has become a national favorite, blending strong coffee with creamy coconut milk.

• Address: 116 Cầu Gỗ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 

• Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM

• Hotline: +84 96 668 38 69

• Fanpage: Cộng Cà Phê

• Website: congcaphe.com

• Price Range: 35,000 – 70,000 VND

Signature Drinks & Dishes:

• Coconut Coffee (Cà phê cốt dừa)

• Yogurt Coffee

• Green Rice Latte

A nostalgic Hanoi morning at Cộng Cà Phê - where time slows down over a cup of coffee.

11. Hanoi Time Coffee - Stunning Hoan Kiem Lake view, perfect for people-watching.

Located just steps away from Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Time Coffee offers a peaceful balcony view of the bustling streets below. It’s the ideal spot to unwind and watch the world go by, all while enjoying a traditional Vietnamese brew.

• Address: 39 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 

• Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM

• Hotline: +84 96 545 54 51

• Fanpage: Hanoi Time Coffee

• Price Range: 30,000 – 60,000 VND

Signature Drinks & Dishes:

• Vietnamese Iced Milk Coffee

• Egg Coffee

• Fruit Tea

A view from the balcony with a steaming cup of coffee and Hoan Kiem Lake in the background

12. Tips for Foreign Visitors Looking for Cafés in Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Try the Iconic Egg Coffee

Egg coffee, or cà phê trứng, is a must-try for anyone visiting Hanoi. This rich and creamy drink was invented in the 1940s and features whipped egg yolks blended with sweetened condensed milk, gently poured over robust Vietnamese coffee. The result is a velvety, dessert-like beverage that surprises most first-time drinkers with its unique taste and texture.

Where to try:

• Café Giảng (39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hoàn Kiếm): The original creator of egg coffee. Expect a classic, no-frills Hanoi atmosphere and the most authentic experience.

• Đinh Café (13 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hoàn Kiếm): Located in an old building with a view of Hoan Kiem Lake, Đinh Café is famous for its egg coffee served in vintage cups and rustic surroundings.

Look for Hidden Cafés

Some of the most memorable cafés in the Old Quarter are tucked away behind unmarked doors, down narrow alleys, or hidden inside colonial buildings. Don’t hesitate to wander and explore - Hanoi rewards the curious.

Suggested cafés:

• Cafe Nola (89 Mã Mây): Located through a small alley, this artsy café has multiple floors decorated with hanging lanterns, vintage furniture and greenery.

• Hidden Gem Coffee (3B Hàng Tre): True to its name, this spot is filled with upcycled decor and offers a quiet escape from the busy streets outside.

Experience Vietnamese Drip Coffee

Vietnamese drip coffee (cà phê phin) is a slow-brewed method that involves a small metal filter (phin) placed atop a glass. Hot water slowly drips through the coffee grounds, creating a bold and concentrated flavor. You can enjoy it hot or iced, with or without sweetened condensed milk.

Where to try:

• Cộng Cà Phê (various locations): A popular chain with retro military-themed décor and a creative drink menu, including their signature coconut coffee.

• Blackbird Coffee (5 Chân Cầm): A quieter, more minimalistic café serving high-quality Vietnamese and Western-style coffee.

Be Aware of Sugar and Ice Levels

Vietnamese coffee is typically very strong and very sweet. If you're not used to that, it’s helpful to know how to customize your drink.

Useful phrases to order like a local:

• Ít ngọt – Less sweet

• Không đường – No sugar

• Ít đá – Less ice

• Không đá – No ice

Explore Different Coffee Styles

• Besides egg coffee, Vietnam has plenty of other creative coffee drinks you might not find elsewhere:

  • Coconut Coffee (Cà phê cốt dừa) – Try at Hidden Gem Coffee.
  • Salt Coffee (Cà phê muối) – Found at specialty cafés.

Consider Your Location

• Staying in the Old Quarter? Try Café de Paris for a cozy bistro vibe or Creperie Bretonne for authentic crêpes.

• Near West Lake? Head to Maison Vie or Cousins Restaurant for a laid-back dining experience.

• Close to Hoan Kiem Lake? La Badiane offers a refined fusion menu.

Hanoi captivates not only with its rich history and vibrant culture but also with its deeply rooted and ever-evolving coffee traditions. From the creamy indulgence of egg coffee to quiet moments in a hidden alley café, every sip tells a story of the city's charm. Whether you're trying something adventurous like salt coffee or simply enjoying a classic Vietnamese drip, Hanoi offers an unforgettable experience in every cup.

Looking to discover more hidden cafés, local eats, or unique cultural experiences in Hanoi? Let Joytime be your go-to travel companion!