Welcome to the world of Vietnamese coffee; a world where strong brews are paired with… interesting extra flavors, to create an unforgettable coffee experience.
If you're a caffeine addict exploring North Vietnam, you’re in for a treat! You might already know that Vietnam is the second largest producer of coffee in the world, but what you may not know is just how integral coffee is to the local culture, especially in the north.
At Bong Hostel, we believe that diving into the coffee culture is a must for anyone visiting this region of Vietnam—that’s probably because we’re part coffee (if you’ve ever met Ann, then you know what we mean!).
Vietnamese coffee isn't just a drink; it's an adventure, a ritual, and sometimes, a shock to the system! So, whether you're a coffee lover like us or just curious, here's our list of the 13 best coffees to try in North Vietnam.
1. Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng)
Coffee Details
Egg Coffee is a Hanoi specialty that dates back to the 1940s. It was created by Nguyen Van Giang, a local bartender, during a time when milk was scarce.
The egg yolk acts as a substitute for milk, whipped with sugar and coffee to create a creamy, meringue-like froth that sits on top of the strong black coffee—emphasis on strong!
This delightful concoction tastes like a rich, coffee-flavored custard.
Where to Try Egg Coffee in Hanoi
Cafe Giang: The birthplace of Egg Coffee, located at 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Personally, we love the Egg Mocha here!
Cafe Dinh: Another popular spot run by the creator's daughter, at 13 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
2. Yogurt Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Chua)
Coffee Details
While it sounds a little unconventional, we’re actually big advocates of Yogurt Coffee here at Bong Hostel. The unique combination of creamy yogurt and strong Vietnamese coffee is not to be snubbed—the tangy yogurt complements the bold coffee, making for a refreshing and slightly tart drink.
Where to Try Yogurt Coffee
Cafe Duy Tri: Famous for its yogurt coffee, located at 43A Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Hanoi.
3. Iced Milk Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)
Coffee Details
Iced Milk Coffee is a beloved Vietnamese classic that combines robusta coffee with sweetened condensed milk and ice. The strong, bitter coffee blends perfectly with the sweetness of the condensed milk, creating a refreshing and balanced drink.
Where to Try Iced Milk Coffee
Cong Caphe: A popular chain with locations throughout Hanoi, known for its cozy, vintage atmosphere.
4. Salt Coffee (Cà Phê Muối)
Coffee Details
Yes you heard us correctly—Salt Coffee is a unique creation from Hue, a city in Central Vietnam, but it’s gaining popularity in the north as well.
The addition of salt enhances the coffee's sweetness and reduces its bitterness, creating a rich and flavorful experience.
Where to Try Salt Coffee
Salt.Mate Coffee Shop: Located at 5 Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, this place specializes in this intriguing coffee.
Loading T Cafe: We keep coming back to this coffee shop, firstly for its hidden-gem peaceful quality but most importantly—for its incredibly presented and strong coffee!
5. Coconut Coffee (Cà Phê Cốt Dừa)
Coffee Details
Coconut Coffee is a refreshing blend of strong Vietnamese coffee and coconut milk. The coffee is mixed with ice and coconut milk to create a frothy, tropical treat that's perfect for those hot spring days in the capital city!
Where to Try Coconut Coffee
Dream Beans Coffee: Just around the corner from Bong Hanoi Hostel, we love their Coconut Coffee, they also have a second location near the Hoan Kiem Lake.
Hidden Gem Coffee: A quirky cafe with recycled decor, located at 3B Hang Tre, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
6. Brown Coffee (Cà Phê Nâu)
Coffee Details
Brown Coffee is a simple yet delicious combination of black coffee and sweetened condensed milk. It’s similar to Iced Milk Coffee but served hot.
Where to Try Brown Coffee
Cafe Kinh Do: Known for its traditional Vietnamese coffees, located at 252 Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Cafe Nhan: Another great spot to enjoy Brown Coffee, located at 39 Hang Hanh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
7. Black Coffee (Cà Phê Đen)
Coffee Details
Black Coffee is the purest and perhaps strongest form of Vietnamese coffee, brewed using a phin filter. It’s known for its strong, bold flavor, often served hot or iced.
At Bong Hostel we make lots of these coffee’s that you can try during your stay, or while you wait for your bus to Ha Giang!
Where to Try Vietnamese Black Coffee
Cafe Pho Co: Located at 11 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, this hidden gem offers a rooftop view of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Ca Phe Muoi: Known for its simple and strong black coffee, located at 51 Le Hong Phong, Ba Dinh, Hanoi.
8. Honey Coffee (Cà Phê Mật Ong)
Coffee Details
Honey Coffee combines the richness of Vietnamese coffee with the natural sweetness of honey. It’s a soothing and invigorating drink, perfect for those who enjoy a hint of sweetness without the heaviness of condensed milk.
Where to Try Honey Coffee
Xofa Cafe & Bistro: Known for its comfortable ambiance and great honey coffee, located at 14 Tong Duy Tan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
9. Drip Coffee (Cà Phê Phin)
Coffee Details
Drip Coffee is made using a small metal drip filter known as a phin. The coffee slowly drips through the filter, resulting in a strong, aromatic brew. It can be enjoyed black or with condensed milk.
Where to Try Drip Coffee
Bong Hostel Hanoi: Our super friendly and welcoming reception staff are also pretty good coffee baristas, why not enjoy a drip coffee with us?
10. Lemon Tea Coffee (Cà Phê Chanh)
Coffee Details
Lemon Tea Coffee is a refreshing drink that combines the boldness of Vietnamese coffee with the zesty flavor of lemon tea. It’s a unique and invigorating blend, perfect for hot days or if you’re feeling under the weather.
Where to Try Lemon Tea Coffee
Tranquil Books & Coffee: A cozy spot for enjoying Lemon Tea Coffee, located at 18B Nguyen Bieu, Ba Dinh, Hanoi.
11. Passion Fruit Coffee (Cà Phê Chanh Leo)
Coffee Details
Now we know you must be thinking we’re crazy, right? But like we said Vietnamese coffee is a pairing of some truly interesting flavours you’d never put together. But like Chiang Mai’s Thai iced coffee and orange juice combo, the Vietnamese Passion Fruit Coffee is a fruity and exotic coffee that you must try!
This blend combines the richness of coffee with the tangy sweetness of passion fruit. It’s a delightful and refreshing drink.
Where to Try Passion Fruit Coffee
The Note Coffee: Famous for its sticky notes and great coffee, located at 64 Luong Van Can, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
12. Mocha Coffee (Cà Phê Mocha)
Coffee Details
If you’ve ever wondered what that long drink topped with whipped cream is, it's likely the chocolate and coffee combination of a Mocha Coffee. It’s a perfect drink for those who enjoy a sweet and indulgent coffee experience.
Where to Try Mocha Coffee
Hoa 10 Gio Floral & Book Cafe: A charming cafe that also serves yogurt coffee, located at 26 Hang Voi, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
13. Cinnamon Coffee (Cà Phê Quế)
Coffee Details
Cinnamon Coffee is a spiced coffee blend that combines the bold flavor of Vietnamese coffee with the warm, aromatic spice of cinnamon. It’s a comforting and flavorful drink, which might remind some of us of our Christmas hot chocolates.
Where to Try Cinnamon Coffee
The Coffee House: A popular chain known for its creative coffee blends, with locations throughout Hanoi.
Must Read: The Best Coffee Shops in Hanoi.
Our Thoughts on Coffees to Try in North Vietnam
And there you have it, coffee enthusiasts and curious travelers—a caffeine-fueled journey through the diverse and delicious world of North Vietnamese coffee! From the rich and creamy Egg Coffee to the refreshing zing of Lemon Tea Coffee, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
At Bong Hostel, we believe that these unique coffee experiences are an essential part of your adventure in Vietnam. So, why not make your stay with us even more memorable by trying these incredible coffees?
Whether you're gearing up for our famous Ha Giang Loop tour or just chilling in our cozy common areas, there's always time for a coffee break. Share your favorite finds with fellow travelers, swap stories over a drip coffee, or kickstart your day with a bold Black Coffee before hitting the road.
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