But first coffee….

Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is a hustling, bustling place with coffee shops lining just about every street and back alley. Whether you need that morning buzz to start off your day of exploring, or you’d like to enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee late into the afternoon, check out these 7 unique spots for a memorable Vietnamese coffee experience.

Cafe Pho Co
This list is not written in any particular order, but if it were, Cafe Pho Co would still be #1. When you enter Cafe Pho Co you feel like you’ve just uncovered the best kept secret in Hanoi with an even better view to match. From the the outside and ground floor you enter through a silk shop (which I may add has very cute clothes and gorgeous hand made cards and journals). Only once you enter do you notice a narrow alley through the shop which opens up into a courtyard where a live rooster is perched and sometimes a very large cat wearing a t shirt hangs out. You can choose from an extensive mix of fresh juices, smoothies, teas, and of course coffees. Try their egg coffee to get a true taste of a Vietnam specialty, or another specialty and personal favorite Ca Phe Sua Da (Vietnamese iced coffee). Once you order you walk up about 4 flights of winding stairs (#legday) until you reach the rooftop which overlooks the beautiful Hoan Kiem lake. (BONUS! Rooftop views with beverages at affordable prices!) Enjoy the peace and quiet hovering above the city life as you sip away!

2. Hidden Gem Coffee

I had been seeing insta worthy snapshots and hearing the buzz about this place for awhile before I finally checked it out for myself and lets just say it is worth the hype! Hidden Gem Coffee is exactly as the name describes- only after entering a narrow alleyway and walk through a warehouse looking area will you find the opening level to this multi level cafe that is best known for its commitment to sustainability. All of their furniture and decor is made from recycled products so you can feel great about drinking your beverage in a cozy place that supports a great cause. With bright colors, outdoor and indoor seating including a rooftop, and a cafe guitar to use if you or your mates are musically inclined, this is a hip and progressive place to spend a few hours! (BONUS! Hidden Gem is directly across from the Harry Potter Bar for those of you HP fanatics!)

3. Giang Cafe (Egg Coffee Lane)

Considered the first place to make coffee with egg in Hanoi, Giang Coffee remains as the oldest egg coffee shop in the Old Quarter of Hanoi and should not be missed for those of you after a bit of history with your coffee! You can feel the vintage vibes in the ancient alleyway entrance, the artwork decorating the walls (which makes you feel like you’re in a European art museum) and the dedication of the staff to creating the perfect cup of Egg Coffee from the original recipe used for decades!

4. Hanoi Coffee Station

If you want a dreamy, cozy place with excellent and healthy bites and drinks THIS IS THE PLACE FOR YOU! This place is relatively new (just a few months old) and so quaint and charming. You will find this little coffee oasis only a few minutes walk away from the lake and through a narrow alley. Though there are loads of coffee shops around Hanoi, but this one is memorable and keeps me coming back for a few reasons. First of all, they have a very affordable and unique menu. They have all of the classics plus beverages like PEANUT BUTTER COFFEE (Yes this is a thing and YES you should order it) as well as healthy bites like yogurt and granola bowls and avocado toast. Kill 2 birds with one stone, brekky and coffee, without breaking the bank and try it all! I always head upstairs to enjoy my drinks on the spacious balcony decorated with a beautiful mural painted on the wall and some cute hanging plants (everyone loves a good plant). A Vietnamese friend of mine brought me here and introduced me to the owner who is also so lovely! (BONUS!!! They have a sister cafe called Phong Nha Coffee Station down in Phong Nha if you are headed south and after more of the yummy drinks and eats. )

5. Hanoi Time (Hanoi Time Cafe)

I was introduced to this lovely, and once again (no surprise here) hidden alleyway entrance that leads to a great view of Hoan Kiem Lake, by a Vietnamese friend of mine- that’s how you know it’s the real deal! You enter (once again) through an alley, up cement stairs, exposed brick on the side, to a brightly painted yellow cafe that’s charming and welcoming and boasts an excellent and inexpensive drinks menu. For those who want to soak up the Hanoi heat grab a seat on the balcony for some excellent people watching and lake views. (BONUS!!! This cafe is oh so conveniently located in view of the famous water puppet theatre if you’re keen to catch a show!)

6. The Note Coffee

Ok there is nothing not to love about The Note. From the staff outside who so warmly welcomes you in with a big smile, to the personal touch of including a hand-written post-it note with your coffee delivery, you can’t help but smile back as you take in this colorful, good vibes oasis. Every inch of the place is lined with vibrant post it notes, as the name suggests, written by people from every corner of the globe. They have blank ones for you to write as well so you can leave your personal touch on the place! In addition to the positive and bright decor, their coffee is amazing. Considering the excellent location and lake views, The Note still maintains extremely affordable prices! My go to is always the hazelnut latte or cappucino. (Bonus! They have croissants or pain au chocolat in case you want an extra sweet start to your day!) Stopping by this place will leave you in a good mood all. day. long.

7. The Shorthair Cafe

Located at 9A Phố Tô Tịch this tiny coffee shop is the bright orange pop of color that’s always playing the perfect coffee shop tunes at the end of the street. Shorthair cafe is a groovy woman-owned coffee shop that is just a few months old and boasts a great menu of fresh smoothies, juices, and coffees. My personal favorite is the CocoBana smoothie….so refreshing! To Tich Street itself is worth a visit. It is just a short walk from the lake and gives visitors a look into local life as this street fills up with people on tiny yellow plastic stools enjoying a Hanoi specialty of fresh fruit with crushed ice and condensed milk (or yogurt, or icecream). YUM! Do yourself a favor and pop by Shorthair for a refreshing treat or pick me up!