Coffee, or as it's often referred to as 'cà phê' among those who grew up in Hanoi, is characterized by weathered walls carrying the whispers of the past, tucked away in the modest alleys and corners of the humble Old Quarter.
Explore 6 cafés in Hanoi that exude the classic atmosphere of the city, where you can relax and get lost in time.
Cà phê Thái - A White Coffee Journey
Established in 1926, Cà phê Thái is a beloved and frequented spot for many generations of Hanoians. With a space that has witnessed more than 95 years of history, Cà phê Thái is renowned for its walls that breathe the essence of time and colorful plastic stools on the sidewalk.
Always lively and never cramped, Thái has recently added a mural that reads "Đến Hà Nội làm cốc nâu" - a popular backdrop for photos among the youth. Special experience: Sit back on the sidewalk of Trieu Viet Vuong Street and observe the fall foliage in Hanoi over a cup of white coffee.
Thái is one of the few remaining cafes in Hanoi that still manually roast coffee over an open fire, just like in the old days. The menu offers a traditional selection with various coffee types, lemonade, and kudzu powder drink.
The coffee flavors hail from three different regions of Vietnam: the boldness of the North, the richness of the Central, and the enchantment of the Highlands. Thái remains one of the few cafes in Hanoi still manually roasting coffee over an open fire, providing depth and intensity to the aroma and flavor of the drink. Must-try item: Thái's famous white coffee (cà phê nâu)
- Address: 27 Trieu Viet Vuong, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi.
- Opening hours: 7 am - 11 pm.
- Price: $0.8 - $2.
- Parking: At the storefront.
Vintage 1976 – A Classic Gem in the Heart of Hanoi
Vintage 1976 is one of the vintage-style cafes in Hanoi, known for its popularity among diverse patrons. The cafe is adorned with a vintage color palette, creating a cozy space filled with nostalgic vibes.
Stepping into Vintage 1976, you'll encounter pristine white walls, yellow cream sofas, and wooden furnishings, all combining to create a rustic and warm atmosphere. It's not just a place to enjoy coffee; it's a space to immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance of the past.
In addition to the unique decor, Vintage 1976 attracts patrons with its diverse and rich menu. With numerous choices from coffee to sweet treats, the cafe offers an excellent culinary experience for visitors. The ambiance is ideal for savoring coffee and indulging in your favorite dessert right by the window.
The service quality at Vintage 1976 is also a strong point, highly praised by customers. The professionalism and friendliness of the staff ensure that every customer has the best experience. Moreover, the cafe is an ideal venue for hosting events and celebrations, creating a unique and impressive decorative atmosphere.
Addresses:
- 10B Doan Tran Nghiep, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi.
- 19 Dinh Le, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
- 10 Doan Tran Nghiep, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi.
- Opening hours: 7 am - 11 pm.
- Price: $1 - $4.
Nola Cafe - Memories from a Small Corner
Nola is a hidden gem tucked away in an alley and another narrow hallway. But beyond all that, you'll find yourself in a space preserving memories from the hustle and bustle of the noisy city, right in the heart of the Old Quarter. Lost in an atmosphere that can only be described as truly classic Hanoian, with large French-Indochina style windows overlooking greenery outside.
With three floors, each with its own characteristics, complementing each other like parts of a painting. The best time to visit Nola is in the afternoon, and the best seats are by the window or on the rooftop. Nola's highlight is the colorful umbrella collection on the rooftop.
Menu: Diverse selection with coffee, tea, juice, and smoothies. Must-try item: Fresh fruit smoothie.
- Address: 89 Ma May, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
- Opening hours: 10 am - 11 pm.
- Price: $2.
- Parking: Outdoor, surveilled.
Loading T - Memories from a Historical Mansion
Loading T is nestled in a charming 20th-century French-Indochina style mansion built in 1930. Stepping through their door, you might feel like this coffee house transcends time, with its interior and atmosphere being a beauty of the past that pays homage to Hanoi's millennium-long history.
Menu: Diverse selection with coffee, tea, juice, and smoothies. Must-try item: Aromatic egg coffee that's just the right note of sweetness and decadence. The smooth and silky cream is masterfully blended to conceal any overpowering raw egg flavor. This order comes with a guide to enjoying egg coffee the local way.
- Address: 8 Chan Cam Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
- Opening hours: 8 am - 10 pm.
- Price: $2.
- Parking: On the left side of the building.
Feel free to ask the enthusiastic nearby vendors for directions.
Chốn Cafe - Memories from an Old Collective Living Complex
Chốn occupies a space in an old collective living complex in Hanoi, where an open common drying area is simultaneously used for bike parking, perhaps a peculiar sight for many.
A serene and inviting setting with furniture sourced from all parts of the country, creating a space for people from all walks of life.
Menu: Featuring tea, coffee, and baked goods. Must-try item: Koi Cafe with handmade milk foam and condensed milk. Cacao harvested in Dalat and processed with Japanese technology at Chốn.
- Address: 36 Xom Ha Hoi, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
- Opening hours: 8 am - 6 pm.
- Price: $1.5 - $2.5.
- Parking: At the mentioned drying area.
Cà phê Hai Bốn - Memories of Hanoian Warmth
Cà phê Hai Bốn isn't spacious, so be cautious, or you might miss it, lying humbly on Hang Manh Street. Although its layout is impressive given the size with an open floor plan concept on both storeys. Don't miss out on their craft coffee.
Menu: Coffee is the star drink at Hai Bốn, but there are also options of tea and juice. Special experience: Craft coffee that will highlight the different distinct aroma and flavors of the beans - sweet, sour, salty, bitter. Must-try item: Peach Americano - the best of both worlds, traditional bitterness combined with peach's mild sourness and fruity fragrance. Cà phê Hai Bốn also serves some fine wine.
- Address: 3 Hang Manh Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
- Opening hours: 7 am - 11 pm.
- Price: $1 - $3.
- Parking: At the storefront.
Enjoy the refined coffees and soak in the distinctive atmosphere of Hanoi at these vintage cafes, where you can travel through time and savor the unique experience this city offers.
