When wandering through the charming streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, one experience you simply cannot miss is savoring a cup of traditional Vietnamese egg coffee. Rich, creamy, and delightfully unique, this iconic beverage perfectly captures the essence of Hanoi’s vibrant coffee culture.
What is Egg Coffee?
Egg coffee, or “cà phê trứng” in Vietnamese, is a delicious blend of strong Vietnamese coffee and a frothy mixture of egg yolk, sugar, and condensed milk. Whipped to a custard-like consistency and layered over robust black coffee, it’s both a drink and a dessert in one cup. Served hot or iced, egg coffee offers a silky-smooth texture with a surprisingly balanced flavor — not too sweet, not too bitter.
The History Behind the Brew
This signature drink dates back to the 1940s, when milk was scarce in Vietnam. A resourceful bartender at Hanoi’s famed Café Giảng substituted milk with whisked egg yolks — and a legend was born. Today, egg coffee is more than a creative invention; it’s a symbol of Hanoi’s ingenuity and hospitality.
Where to Try Egg Coffee in the Old Quarter
The Old Quarter is home to some of the best egg coffee spots in the city, from hidden alleyway cafés to iconic establishments that have been serving generations of locals and tourists alike. Whether you choose the original Café Giảng, a cozy rooftop café, or a modern twist on the classic drink, you’ll find that each place adds its own charm and flavor.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
Egg coffee isn’t just a drink — it’s a cultural experience. Sitting on a tiny stool in a narrow Hanoi alley, sipping on a warm cup of egg coffee as motorbikes pass and street life buzzes around you, is one of those unforgettable moments that make Hanoi so special.
So when you visit Hanoi’s Old Quarter, make sure to add egg coffee to your culinary bucket list. One sip, and you’ll understand why travelers from around the world fall in love with this creamy Vietnamese treasure.
Your guide to the best egg coffee spots in Hanoi Old Quarter:
You can generally expect to pay around 30,000 to 60,000 Vietnamese Dong ($1.30 to $2.60 USD) for a cup of the signature egg coffee in the Old Quarter. Here are some of the top cafes which are a must-visit for any tourists to Hanoi.
1. Café Giang – The original
- Address: 39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân Street, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm
- Opening Hours: 7:00 – 22:30
As the legendary birthplace of egg coffee, a visit to Café Giang is a pilgrimage for any egg coffee enthusiast. They have been serving their authentic and creamy egg coffee since the 1940s, but the original recipe remains a closely guarded secret.
The velvety smooth texture and the perfect harmony of flavors are simply irresistible. The hot egg coffee is traditionally served in a small cup placed inside a bowl of hot water to maintain its temperature. Be prepared for a bustling atmosphere, especially during peak hours, as this iconic establishment is a favorite among both locals and tourists.
2. Café Dinh – A cozy hidden gem
- Address: 13 Dinh Liet Street (See map) (No. 13 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hanoi
- Opening Hours: 7:00 – 21:30
The egg coffee at Café Dinh in Hanoi is unique for its deep ties to the drink’s origins and its authentic, time-honored preparation. Owned by the daughter of Nguyen Van Giang, who invented egg coffee in 1946, Café Dinh carries a legacy of tradition.
Unlike modern variations, Egg coffee in Café Dinh stays true to its roots, often incorporating subtle hints of butter or condensed milk, though the exact blend remains a family secret. Served in a modest, nostalgic setting overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, the experience feels like a step back in time, blending flavor with history in a way few places can replicate.
3. Do Coffee & Art – A creative blend
- Address: 25B, Ly Quoc Su Street, Hanoi
- Opening Hours: 9:00 – 14h (Tuesday closed)
Do Coffee & Art offers a unique experience by combining art and coffee, with a vast collection of paintings adorning its walls. Their delicious and rich egg coffee is a must-try, along with their popular hot chocolate. Yet, it’s the cafe’s artistic soul that truly captivates: walls adorned with striking paintings, each brushstroke infusing the space with creativity.
This gallery-like setting, enhanced by a cozy mezzanine, elevates every sip into an immersive experience, where art and taste intertwine harmoniously.
4. Oriberry Coffee – Balanced flavors and social responsibility
- Address: 36, Au Trieu Street, Hanoi Note: This address is within the Old Quarter.
- Opening Hours: 7:00 to 22:00
Unlike typical cafes, Oriberry is deeply committed to fair trade and sustainability, working directly with local and indigenous farmers across Vietnam’s coffee-growing regions, such as Quảng Trị and Đà Lạt. This direct-trade model ensures high-quality, single-origin beans, primarily Arabica.
Beyond the brew, Oriberry showcases handmade pottery from Bat Trang village. Picture elegant celadon-green vases alongside striking blue-and-white pour-over filters, lending the space a distinctive artisanal charm. Other than that, the cafe collaborates with farmers’ cooperatives to enhance working conditions and boost incomes for underprivileged farmers.
5. Hanoi Time Coffee – Vintage charm with lake views
- Address: No. 39, Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hanoi
- Opening Hours: 08:00 – 23:00
The cozy space here unfolds with warm yellow walls, vintage wooden furniture, and black-and-white sketches of Hanoi’s 36 Old Quarter streets, evoking a bygone era. Unlike the bustling cafes below, it remains a quiet retreat, drawing those who seek peace over crowds.
Also known for its egg coffee, it pairs this iconic drink with stunning lake views, creating a serene, timeless escape that feels distinctly Hanoian.
6. Cong Caphe – Cozy and authentic
- Address: No. 27 Nha Tho Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Opening Hours: 7:30 – 23:30
Cong Caphe at 27 Nha Tho captivates with its retro Vietnamese flair, perched opposite St. Joseph’s Cathedral in the Old Quarter. Its military-chic decor with vintage furniture, propaganda posters, and chipped tiles echoes the “Bao Cap” era, crafting a nostalgic vibe.
From the third-floor balcony, you can savor a velvety sip of egg coffee. Meanwhile, just gaze at the majestic cathedral framed against Hanoi’s skyline, the lively street buzz humming below. The rich, frothy brew in your hand perfectly complements the vibrant tapestry of sounds and sights, making it an unforgettable moment in the Old Quarter.
7. The Note Coffee Hanoi – An instagrammable experience
- Address: 64 Lương Văn Can, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
- Opening Hours: 6:30 – 23:00
The Note Coffee in Hanoi stands out with its whimsical charm. Every inch of its multi-story interior is blanketed in colorful sticky notes left by global visitors, sharing quotes, jokes, and dreams.
The egg coffee here is a velvety masterpiece. It is the perfect combination of robust Vietnamese coffee with a thick, creamy topping of whipped egg yolk and sugar that melts into a rich, dessert-like layer. Served in charming cups with a personal handwritten note from the staff, it elevates the traditional recipe into a warm, indulgent ritual.
