Vietadvisor
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Hey, everyone! Planning a trip to Hanoi? You absolutely *have* to try the legendary Hanoi egg coffee. I know, the sheer number of cafes can be overwhelming, but I’m here to cut through the noise. I’ve lived in Vietnam and had countless cups of egg coffee, so I'm sharing my top 5 personal favorites – the places I actually go to and recommend to friends and family.
Before diving into the cafes, let’s talk about what makes a great Hanoi egg coffee. The two crucial elements are the strong, dark Vietnamese robusta coffee base and the thick, airy, smooth egg cream. The coffee’s bitterness balances the foam’s sweetness, and the foam should be like a mousse—holding its shape but still light. Avoid anything too sweet or tasting of raw egg. Always try the hot version, served in a bowl of hot water to maintain its temperature.
This is where it all began! Founded in the 1940s by Mr. Nguyen Giang, who used egg yolks when milk was scarce. Finding it is an adventure: look for a tiny alleyway off 39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, then climb steep stairs. Expect a chaotic, authentic local vibe – it's loud, packed, and not fancy. Their egg coffee is famous for its very strong, bitter robusta base and incredibly thick, rich, custard-like egg foam. It’s a perfect sweet-bitter balance, always served hot in a water bath. Don’t expect quiet, just authentic history and delicious coffee (around 35,000 VND).
My personal favorite! Dinh is a true hidden gem located right on Hoàn Kiếm Lake. To find it, walk through a clothing shop at 13 Đinh Tiên Hoàng and find a dark, narrow staircase in the back. Inside, it’s like a time machine with old family photos. The highlight is the small balcony with an incredible view of Hoàn Kiếm Lake. Their egg coffee has a perfect balance of bitter coffee and a slightly sweeter, creamier, lighter egg foam than Giảng’s. It’s peaceful, secret, and an unforgettable experience (around 30,000 VND).
If you need an escape from the crowds, Loading T is your spot. Tucked away in a beautiful old French colonial building at 8 Chân Cầm, it offers a calm, quiet atmosphere with high ceilings, vintage furniture, and plants. The main draw is the peaceful ambiance, perfect for relaxing or working. Their egg coffee is a lighter, airier version with a smooth coffee base, making for a more refined cup. They also offer other excellent traditional Vietnamese coffees (around 50,000 VND).
A classic for its spectacular panoramic views of Hoàn Kiếm Lake. Located in an old building at 11 Hàng Gai, you access it by walking through a silk shop and ascending narrow stairs. The experience here is primarily about the unbeatable scenery from its balconies and upper floors. The egg coffee is consistently good, with a strong, bold coffee base and a smooth, creamy foam. While perhaps not as rich as Giảng’s, the iconic view makes it a must-visit for classic Hanoi vibes and great photos (around 50,000 VND).
This cafe at 64 P. Lương Văn Can is an experience in itself! Every inch of the place is covered in thousands of handwritten post-it notes from travelers worldwide. You get a blank note and a pen with your order to add your own message to the walls. The egg coffee is perfectly good—a solid, well-made drink—but the main attraction is the unique, interactive atmosphere and fantastic photo opportunities. It’s perfect for a fun, memorable visit with friends (around 39,000 VND).
Each of these top 5 Hanoi egg coffee spots offers a distinct experience. Giảng for history and richness, Dinh for a secret view, Loading T for quiet elegance, Cafe Pho Co for iconic lake views, and Note for quirky fun. There’s no single "best," as it depends on your preference. I highly recommend trying at least two to truly appreciate Hanoi's diverse coffee culture. Be spontaneous, embrace the beautiful chaos of Vietnam, and prepare to get addicted to egg coffee!
- Tired of endless lists? We cut through the noise to bring you the only guide you need to find the best Hanoi egg coffee shop. This post shares five cafes I personally frequent, from a quiet colonial hideout to a lively rooftop spot, ensuring you find the perfect vibe and the creamiest coffee for your trip.
What Makes a Good Egg Coffee? The Basics.
Before diving into the cafes, let’s talk about what makes a great Hanoi egg coffee. The two crucial elements are the strong, dark Vietnamese robusta coffee base and the thick, airy, smooth egg cream. The coffee’s bitterness balances the foam’s sweetness, and the foam should be like a mousse—holding its shape but still light. Avoid anything too sweet or tasting of raw egg. Always try the hot version, served in a bowl of hot water to maintain its temperature.
1. Giảng Café: The Original
This is where it all began! Founded in the 1940s by Mr. Nguyen Giang, who used egg yolks when milk was scarce. Finding it is an adventure: look for a tiny alleyway off 39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, then climb steep stairs. Expect a chaotic, authentic local vibe – it's loud, packed, and not fancy. Their egg coffee is famous for its very strong, bitter robusta base and incredibly thick, rich, custard-like egg foam. It’s a perfect sweet-bitter balance, always served hot in a water bath. Don’t expect quiet, just authentic history and delicious coffee (around 35,000 VND).
- Address: 39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hoàn Kiếm.
- Hours: 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
- Price: Around 35,000 VND.
- Tip: Just grab an empty stool; service will come to you.
2. Dinh Café: The Real Hidden Gem
My personal favorite! Dinh is a true hidden gem located right on Hoàn Kiếm Lake. To find it, walk through a clothing shop at 13 Đinh Tiên Hoàng and find a dark, narrow staircase in the back. Inside, it’s like a time machine with old family photos. The highlight is the small balcony with an incredible view of Hoàn Kiếm Lake. Their egg coffee has a perfect balance of bitter coffee and a slightly sweeter, creamier, lighter egg foam than Giảng’s. It’s peaceful, secret, and an unforgettable experience (around 30,000 VND).
- Address: 13 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hoàn Kiếm.
- Hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Price: Around 30,000 VND.
- Tip: Go early for a balcony spot.
3. Loading T Café: The Cool, Artsy Hideout
If you need an escape from the crowds, Loading T is your spot. Tucked away in a beautiful old French colonial building at 8 Chân Cầm, it offers a calm, quiet atmosphere with high ceilings, vintage furniture, and plants. The main draw is the peaceful ambiance, perfect for relaxing or working. Their egg coffee is a lighter, airier version with a smooth coffee base, making for a more refined cup. They also offer other excellent traditional Vietnamese coffees (around 50,000 VND).
- Address: 2nd Floor, 8 Chân Cầm, Hoàn Kiếm.
- Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closes earlier).
- Price: Around 50,000 VND.
- Tip: Great for digital nomads or those seeking quiet.
4. Cafe Pho Co: The Iconic Lake View
A classic for its spectacular panoramic views of Hoàn Kiếm Lake. Located in an old building at 11 Hàng Gai, you access it by walking through a silk shop and ascending narrow stairs. The experience here is primarily about the unbeatable scenery from its balconies and upper floors. The egg coffee is consistently good, with a strong, bold coffee base and a smooth, creamy foam. While perhaps not as rich as Giảng’s, the iconic view makes it a must-visit for classic Hanoi vibes and great photos (around 50,000 VND).
- Address: 11 Hàng Gai, Hoàn Kiếm.
- Hours: 8:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
- Price: Around 50,000 VND.
- Tip: Secure a balcony seat for the best views, especially in the morning.
5. Note Coffee: The Quirky, Fun Choice
This cafe at 64 P. Lương Văn Can is an experience in itself! Every inch of the place is covered in thousands of handwritten post-it notes from travelers worldwide. You get a blank note and a pen with your order to add your own message to the walls. The egg coffee is perfectly good—a solid, well-made drink—but the main attraction is the unique, interactive atmosphere and fantastic photo opportunities. It’s perfect for a fun, memorable visit with friends (around 39,000 VND).
- Address: 64 P. Lương Văn Can, Hoàn Kiếm.
- Hours: 8:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
- Price: Around 39,000 VND.
- Tip: Take your time reading the diverse notes from around the globe.
Final Thoughts
Each of these top 5 Hanoi egg coffee spots offers a distinct experience. Giảng for history and richness, Dinh for a secret view, Loading T for quiet elegance, Cafe Pho Co for iconic lake views, and Note for quirky fun. There’s no single "best," as it depends on your preference. I highly recommend trying at least two to truly appreciate Hanoi's diverse coffee culture. Be spontaneous, embrace the beautiful chaos of Vietnam, and prepare to get addicted to egg coffee!