Visiting Hanoi? Everyone will tell you to try Hanoi egg coffee, and they're absolutely right. It's a quintessential local experience.

The sheer number of cafes in Hanoi can be overwhelming, with every other corner boasting the "best" egg coffee. Having lived in Vietnam for a while and sampled countless cups, I've curated a list of my top 5 favorite spots – the ones I genuinely frequent and recommend to friends and family.

The Essence of a Great Egg Coffee

A truly excellent Hanoi egg coffee hinges on two crucial elements. First, the base: a strong, dark Vietnamese robusta coffee is essential. It provides the necessary bitter contrast to the sweet egg foam, preventing the drink from becoming overly dessert-like. Second, the egg cream: it should be airy and smooth, not stiff, resembling a light mousse. The best foams are a balanced blend of sweet and savory, never tasting of raw egg.

Temperature is also key. The hot version is traditionally served in a bowl of hot water to maintain its warmth, as the egg cream's texture can change if it cools too much. While the iced version is also delicious, the hot cup is the classic experience.

1. Giảng Café: The Historical Origin

Begin your egg coffee journey at Giảng Café, the birthplace of this iconic drink. Founded in the 1940s by Mr. Nguyen Giang, who ingeniously substituted scarce milk with egg yolks, it's a testament to Hanoi's culinary innovation.

Finding Giảng is part of the adventure. Look for a discreet alleyway off the busy Nguyen Huu Huan street, leading to a small courtyard and steep stairs to the bustling interior. Don't expect a quiet retreat; this is a lively, authentic local spot always packed with both locals and tourists.

The egg coffee here is exceptional. A robust, bitter robusta coffee is crowned with an incredibly thick, custard-like egg foam. Served hot in a small cup nestled in warm water, it's a perfect blend of sweet and bitter. For the adventurous, they even offer an intriguing egg beer.

2. Dinh Café: The True Hidden Gem with a View

Dinh Café is my personal favorite, a less-known but equally impressive spot right by Hoàn Kiếm Lake. Its unassuming entrance, a small door above a clothing shop at 13 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, leads to a dark, narrow staircase, making it a delightful discovery.

Inside, Dinh feels like a step back in time, adorned with vintage family photos. The highlight is undoubtedly its tiny balcony offering an incredible, sweeping view of the lake and the bustling street life below.

Their egg coffee is fantastic, featuring a slightly sweeter, creamier, and lighter egg foam than Giảng's, perfectly balancing the bitter coffee base. Savoring a hot cup on that balcony, watching the city's rhythm, is an unforgettable experience.

3. Loading T Café: The Colonial Escape

For a break from the city's hustle, Loading T is an ideal sanctuary. Tucked away in a beautiful old French colonial building at 8 Chân Cầm, this cafe offers high ceilings, vintage furniture, and a tranquil atmosphere that feels worlds away from the streets outside.

The peaceful ambiance is the main draw here, perfect for reading or quiet conversation. Their egg coffee is a more refined experience, with a lighter, airier egg foam and a smooth coffee base. Beyond egg coffee, they also offer excellent traditional Vietnamese drip coffee and teas.

  • Address: 2nd Floor, 8 Chân Cầm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam. Located on the edge of the elegant French Quarter.
  • Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Note the earlier closing time.
  • Price: Around 50,000 VND.
  • Tip: An excellent spot for digital nomads or anyone seeking a quiet workspace. This cafe sits between the Old Quarter and the beautiful Hanoi French Quarter, perfect for exploring colonial architecture.

4. Cafe Pho Co: Iconic Lake Views

Cafe Pho Co is a Hanoi classic, renowned for its spectacular panoramic views of Hoàn Kiếm Lake. You access this cafe through a silk shop at 11 Hàng Gai, ascending winding stairs into a charmingly aged building.

The experience here is all about the breathtaking scenery from its balconies and upper floors. It’s an ideal spot for a sunny afternoon, simply watching the city unfold below.

The egg coffee is consistently good, offering a strong, bold coffee base and a smooth, creamy foam. While perhaps not as rich as Giảng's, the unparalleled view more than compensates. This cafe is a must-visit for classic Hanoi moments and stunning photo opportunities.

5. Note Coffee: The Interactive & Quirky Choice

Note Coffee offers a unique, interactive experience. Every surface of this multi-level cafe at 64 P. Lương Văn Can is adorned with thousands of handwritten notes from travelers worldwide, creating a vibrant tapestry of shared thoughts.