17 BEST Cafes in Hanoi, Vietnam (DN-Friendly Too!)

Writing up a list of the best cafes in Hanoi, Vietnam, is no easy task. In fact, I was anxious writing this article! (Wait, maybe it’s all the coffee I’ve been drinking?)

Cafe culture in Vietnam is SERIOUS, my friends!

While this list is far from exhaustive, it’s a good start. There’s a cafe every ten steps you take while walking around Hanoi.

I tried to give you a great mix of cafes—whimsical spots, cafes that are digital nomad friendly, classic cafes, hauts, and hole-in-the-walls.

Get ready. You’re about to be jacked up on caffeine after this list!

Best Cafes in Hanoi:

Before we start—just a few notes…

• I lived here for about three months and drank LOTS OF COFFEE while I was here! (it was hard work but someone had to do it…)
• To get a really good understanding of the coffee culture in Hanoi, I recommend taking an affordable and quick coffee tour!
• I marked which cafes below are digital nomad-friendly, but keep in mind that you should always be respectful. Pack it up when it gets busy, and buy lots of stuff to make it worth you taking up a table.
• There are also a bunch of coworking spots around Hanoi if you really want a stable and easy spot to work without having to worry about paying for a coffee every hour!
• The cafes are mostly around Old Town, which is where you’ll likely be based during your visit.
• I did offer a few of my favorite cafes in Tay Ho, which is where I lived, in case you wander up north or if you’re thinking of being a digital nomad in Hanoi, as this is the popular area to base.

1. Vui Studio Cafe in Hanoi Old Town

If you’re on the hunt for a spot where your laptop and latte can be besties, Vui Studio Cafe is the spot.

This place is like that cool friend’s house where you can always get some work done—comfy, with a vibe that’s just right. Not to mention, they are serving up some good coffee and pastries.

It’s a modern place, not too big, and right along Hanoi’s charming Tong Duy Tan Street, which is a great foodie street.

2. Drop In Cafe

Ever wanted to sip on an iced Americano while a train whooshes by and you can watch daily life in Hanoi go by? Drop In Cafe is where it’s at—without the drama of actual Train Street (more on this later).

Snuggled in the heart of Old Town, this little cafe is more about sipping on the good stuff and moving on with your day than hanging out.

It’s perfect for a coffee pit stop, with just a few tables along a bustling street.

3. Blackbird Coffee

Craving a croissant and caffeine while you crack on with work? Blackbird Coffee offers two floors of prime table real estate, complete with enough power points to keep your gadgets juiced up.

The vibe is just right here; everyone was busy typing away when I walked in, which made me actually get some work done! There’s a small balcony, but the work and chilling tables are inside.

They also have a few courtyard tables if you want to sit in the sun for a bit. The Pain de Chocolat was on point here!

4. GAD8

GAD8 is cozy enough for a work day, assuming you beat the rush as it’s a bit small. If you manage to snag a spot, you’re in for a treat with their coffee.

They have super passionate and knowledgeable baristas who have a deep knowledge of the coffee. This is also the spot to go if you want a selection of milk, like oat milk (not as easy to find!)

It’s just the right mix of chill and charm for when you need a caffeine high or to send an email.

5. Hidden Gem Cafe Hanoi

Talk about a treasure trove of cuteness! Hidden Gem Cafe is a masterclass in quirky charm, with decor that’s a mix of antique-y, reclaimed stuff, and downright inventive (tires as seats and motorcycles as tables?!).

It’s spread out over several levels, including a sunroom-esque upper deck and a courtyard vibe that’s all kinds of cool, topped off with beautiful murals on the wall. This might be one of my fav spots!

The coconut coffee is supreme, the smoothies are perfect for a hot day, and they have a full menu, too, with some damn good tasty bites.

6. Cafe Giảng—Classic Egg Coffee in Hanoi

Filled with tiny tables and chairs—like they are for a freaking five-year-old and a buzz that’s unmistakably local—welcome to Cafe Giảng. This place is as unassuming as it gets, so why come here?

It’s the OG spot among a sea of wannabes, packing in folks eager for their egg coffee fix. This is THE egg coffee stop. I obviously wanted the original but I had to get it iced since it was a hot, hot, day!

They have some other interesting options too like Oreo, Matcha, Cinnamon, you name it. It’s a bustling spot all about that egg coffee. A perfect pit stop for a taste of Hanoi’s cafe culture.

7. Hatchin Coffee

Nestled in the old French Quarter, Hatchin Coffee is as cute as they come.

This place is all about the vibes, set in a fancy part of town that feels just a tad more special. Creamy lattes, yummy matcha, and a selection of some cakes to boot.

A quick coffee in their indoor or outdoor area will help you explore more of Hanoi’s offerings.

8. HipHub Café

Four floors, each with its own flavor, and a bubble tea that’ll have you coming back for seconds.

HipHub Café is the sort of place where work meets play, all with a view of the impressive St. Joseph Cathedral to boot.

Snag a spot next to the window, pop open your laptop, and let the lychee bubble tea work its magic. It’s like a little sanctuary for digital nomads and coffee and tea lovers alike.

I was able to put my head down and get some work done, but just upstairs, there was an adorable group of girls celebrating a birthday (with a cake made to look like a fried chicken leg btw). Check out their rooftop for a great view too!

9. Hidden Alley Cafe in Hanoi Old Town

This place is the definition of “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Tucked away down a dark and dingy alley, and then up some stairs, Hidden Alley slings out vibes that are a tad dark, a bit grunge, but all kinds of cool.

With desserts to die for (the cheesecake was bomb!) and a drink menu that doubles as a bar list, it’s got a little something for everyone. Their indoor spot is dim and cozy but they have a light and airy outdoor seating area upstairs too.

There were a bunch of people with their laptops out getting some work done here, but I personally wouldn’t recommend it as a spot to do work. Dim lighting and uncomfy (for work) seats make this spot a sip and munch spot only!

10. Cộng Cà Phê

Step into a time warp back to ‘Nam in the ’60s and ’70s at Cộng Cà Phê. This place is famous for its unique vibe, blending a bit of history with a whole lot of coffee culture.

With decor that feels like a cozy bunker meets vintage chic, it’s the perfect spot to chill, people-watch, or dive into a good book. Their signature coconut coffee is a must-try—a creamy, dreamy concoction that’ll have you wondering why you ever settled for regular iced coffee.

Cộng Cà Phê, with its famous military green exterior, has several locations sprinkled around Hanoi. There’s a nice location just across from St. Joseph Cathedral or another overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.

11. L’etage Cafe

Roughly translating to “upstairs coffee.” This cafe is exactly that: a second-story cafe with a cozy interior complete with exposed brick walls and some Frenchy vibes. But the highlight is their outside second-story balcony overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.

Grab a coconut or egg caco coffee, pet the owner’s cat that walks around monitoring visitors, and enjoy some prime people-watching from your vantage point!

12. The Note Coffee

Another multiple-level coffee shop, I absolutely love it! You will get some great coffee and pastries here, but don’t bring a book.

You’ll be too busy reading the notes on the wall. When I say this place is covered, it’s truly COVERED in notes.

Sip on your drink, nosh on a cake, and leave a note yourself before you take off for the day. This one is always busy, too, since it’s located along Hoan Kiem Lake.

13. Hanoi’s Train Cafes

Just a quick note here—These cafes in Hanoi have a whole vibe by themselves. I’m not going even to mention a specific one here, but just imagine sipping your coffee as a train chugs along right beside you.

Each cafe has its own thing, but they’re all about that up-close-and-personal train experience. Don’t get so lost in your cuppa that you miss the train!

Before you head to any of these, you have to read my guide to Hanoi’s Train Street first, though, as you can’t just rock up to these spots.

14. PingPong Café & Décor—Tay Ho

Banana coffee that tastes like you’re biting into a banana cream pie? Coconut coffee that’s like a tropical caffeine crunch in a cup?

I’m honestly usually not a dessert coffee person but holy sh*t—PingPong Café converted me. The drinks were so well done.

This is was my go-to spot for a lakeside sip-and-chill session. With two floors to choose from, you can’t go wrong with either if you’re looking to lounge around and enjoy a superb coffee.

15. Capella Specialty Coffee Roaster Hanoi—Tay Ho

Capella Specialty Coffee Roaster is the kind of place that makes you want to ditch your plans just to linger a little longer. It’s spacious, welcoming, and the kind of spot where you can really spread out and get to work.

With an adorable outdoor garden for those needing a breath of air and a selection of sweet treats to keep your energy up, it’s a haven for coffee lovers and laptop warriors alike.

We loved the coffee, and cookies and while I didn’t bust out the laptop here during my visit, there was plenty of room to do so.

16. Lá Studio—Tay Ho

Lá Studio isn’t just about the coffee; it’s about the experience of enjoying freshly baked bread, homemade yogurt, and a damn good sandwich.

OK, I’m a bit biased since I literally lived maybe ten steps from this coffee shop, but it’s SO good. If you’re in Tay Ho, grab yourself a cup of coffee, sit down if there’s any open space (it’s small and gets busy!), and eat the mushroom sandwich.

I’ve seen some people work from here but it’s far too small and busy, so I wouldn’t recommend it.

17. Oriberry—Tay Ho

Did I save the best for last? Well, it may be the best in terms of people who are out in the Tay Ho area. Oriberry was our cafe in Hanoi for some damn good beans.

We fell in love with their roasts and ordered beans by the pounds to keep us fueled at home! But we also love their coffee shops too. There are numerous locations out in the Tay Ho area and in south Old Town.

If you’re living here for a bit, this is where you need to get your coffee from. Trust me, we did the homework already!

I hope this list helped you choose some of the best cafes in Hanoi to visit!

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