Coffee Shops In Hanoi

Hanoi’s coffee culture has remained through its heritage for over a century. Vietnam was introduced to coffee by the French in the 19th century that became a popular drink among indigenous people. Even today, coffee is still very much part of Hanoi’s culture and you can find cafes everywhere.

What sets Hanoi’s coffee culture apart is how it integrates old with the new. Classical Vietnamese houses continue to exist side by side modern cafés. The city’s history also heavily influences its coffee culture, with many old-fashioned coffeeshops being decorated in such a way as to make one nostalgic.

Hanoi offers different types of cafes ranging from tiny street-side cafés to upscale coffee shops. In this guide we will take you through top-rated Hanoi cafes, hidden jewels, unusual drinks that are made from coffee, background on Hanoi’s Coffee Culture, hints on Café exploration and café manners or etiquette when in Hanoi.

Unique coffee drinks to try in Hanoi

In Hanoi, there are a couple of special coffee drinks that you should give a try. The first one is egg coffee I earlier talked about this. Another drink to go for is coconut coffee which involves blending coconut milk with strong Vietnamese coffee. The product is delicious, smooth and slightly sweetened coffee ideal for summery days.

In addition to this, if you have the guts to explore, you can also taste weasel coffee that is made from beans swallowed and expelled out by civets. Though it sounds unappealing, apparently the resultant brew tastes really nice.

The history of coffee in Hanoi

Coffee was firstly introduced in Vietnam by the French during the late 19th century. Initially, it was mainly consumed by the French and the rich Vietnamese. However, it did not take long for it to become a popular drink among everybody, and thus coffee houses were established all over Hanoi.

In Vietnam War however, coffee shops became popular among activists and intellectuals as meeting points for debate on politics or intellectual discussion.

To date, coffee is still integral part of culture and economy in Hanoi. With regard to world production of coffee, it is ranked second followed Brazil as number one. Coffee exports have also played crucial role in the country’s economy today in Vietnam.

The role of coffee shops in Hanoi's community

A significant portion of Hanoi’s community is coffee shops which are a place where friends, relatives, and workmates meet. In Hanoi as a city with limited space, coffee shops offer areas for entertainment and rest.

Hanoi’s economy heavily relies on its coffee shops that provide numerous employment opportunities and financial resources. Many local farmers supply these establishments with their beans hence helping to maintain the economy.

Coffee shop etiquette in Hanoi

If you go to a coffee shop in Hanoi, it is important to mind your manners. These are some of the things you should remember:

Counter Order: At most coffee shops, you order at the counter and then look for a place to sit.
Tables sharing: In crowded coffee shops, it is usual that people share tables with strangers.
Hush: The peaceable retreats called Hanoi’s coffee shops should not be abused through loudness or any kind of disturbance.

Tips for exploring coffee shops in Hanoi

Exploring coffee shops in Hanoi can be a dizzying experience considering the many options available. Here are a few suggestions to help you get most out of your coffee shop experience in Hanoi:

Conduct research: Before you visit any coffee shop, go online and read some reviews to have an idea of what you should expect.
Try something different: Do not fear trying anything distinctive in the name of coffee or an uncommon location for a café.
Take It Slow: The coffeehouses in Hanoi are designed for slow enjoyment, therefore do not rush them but rather savor them.
Carry cash: Remember that many Hanoi’s coffee shops do not accept credit cards so make sure you always have cash with you.

The best Coffee Shops In Hanoi

For the best coffee shops in Hanoi, look no further than Cong Caphe, Giang Café and Café Pho Co. It is a chain of cafes with fine coffee and distinct interiors. The café has an old-fashioned military-style design with the drinks served in retro enamel mugs.

Giang Café is yet another popular hangout in Hanoi which specializes in egg coffee. This one of a kind beverage is prepared by whisking together egg yolk as well as sugar and then mixing it with coffee. It forms a creamy foamy drink that you will love especially if you have sweet teeth.

Cafe Pho Co is a hidden treasure located within the Old Quarter of Hanoi. To reach this café, you have to go up a narrow stairway to the 2nd floor of an old house. However, all this effort pays off handsomely because the view from there on top over looks Hoan Kiem Lake while at the same time enjoying great tastefulness for their coffees.

While Cong Caphe, Giang Cafe, and Cafe Pho Co are all great coffee shops, there are many more hidden gems to be discovered in Hanoi like Nang Café located in a quiet lane close to St Joseph Cathedral which serves some of the finest coffees available locally.

Another such gem is The Note Coffee found right at the center of Old Quarter in Hanoi; it has colorful post-it notes plastered all around its walls left behind by satisfied customers who have visited before you making your visit memorable. The quality of coffee is high while atmosphere here remains vibrant throughout creating fun moments for visitors.