Sai Gon has coffee on high floor, and under ground, etc., whereas Hanoi has street coffee and traditional cafeteria. The competition between Trung Nguyen coffee system, modern Cappuccino coffee and traditional coffee is still equal. This reveals that the Hanoians retain some uniqueness of their ancient lifestyle. Coffee and the Hanoians The Hanoians drink a lot of the dark, caffeinated beverage and prefer sipping their stronger blends outside in front of a small shop with some sweet milk and a spoonful of sugar. Every morning, on hot days of summer and cold and dull days of winter, you can easily see some here with a cup of coffee in one hand and a newspaper in the other. For many Hanoians, the most important factor of a café is not its luxuriousness but the quality of the product. Old people love cafés which have been around a long time, located on old streets or inside deep alleys. Office workers like cafes with romantic and quiet styles like those in Hanoi Old Quarter. Young people prefer the noisy and busy atmosphere of modern and luxury or pavement cafés. Photo:travelhanoi.com.vn Street Coffee in Hanoi Near the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, street coffee provides the perfect respite after long working hours. Vietnamese coffee culture represents a beautiful fusion of French colonial influence and local traditions, creating something uniquely Hanoian. When the afternoon sun softens and vehicle noise diminishes, the city transforms into a paradise for cultural experiences. The city boasts numerous renowned coffee establishments, including: Nang Cafe (6 Hang Bac)) Nhan (39D1 Hang Hanh) Quat (Quan Thanh) Quynh (Bat Dan) Giang (Hang Gai) Lam (60, 91 Nguyen Huu Huan) These charming venues feature characteristic small chairs, often made of blue plastic or painted wood, with tables serving ca phe den (black coffee) or ca phe sua da (iced coffee) in traditional drip-style preparation. These spaces serve not just coffee connoisseurs but also provide perfect settings for catching up with old friends, sharing gossip, or stolen romantic moments. Follow a Coffee Connoisseur Hang Hanh Street exemplifies authentic Hanoi cafe culture, with its narrow passage branching off from Hoan Kiem Lake. In the afternoon, visitors find themselves drawn to its wall-to-wall cafes sheltered by leafy trees. Young Vietnamese gather here to observe city life unfold before them. As the last rays of sunshine paint the sky, the street comes alive with energy, particularly on weekends when couples and youth groups fill the spaces. For those seeking a more subdued atmosphere, Giang Cafe offers a perfect alternative. Though located in a busy tourist shopping street, this intimate establishment attracts serious coffee enthusiasts and soccer fans alike, maintaining its authentic character despite its central location. Lam Cafe serves as a creative haven for artists, poets, and performers seeking inspiration. Its shaded street location, simple yet artistic bamboo furniture, vibrant oil paintings, and vintage ceiling fans create an atmosphere conducive to creativity and relaxation. The wooden tables adorned with tiny china teapots add to its distinctive charm. Quynh Cafe stands out as a particularly special destination. Hidden down a quiet side street, its entrance marked by a simple red lantern and ornate ironwork doors, this cafe offers a unique experience. Inside, bamboo furniture rests on tiled floors while small plants decorate wooden-shuttered windows. The damp-streaked walls display an eclectic collection of wooden arrows, trumpets, farming implements, and ancient hunting pistols. The gentle whir of antiquated table fans and soft French background music creates an ambiance that invites visitors to linger. >>> Explore more traditional food in Hanoi with us Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour 0.5 day Start from: $51 /person Hanoi Motorbike Night Street Food Tour: Nightlife & Night… 0.5 day Start from: $79 /person Coffee Drinking from Another Approach The resurgence of tourism to these fragrant shores has led to the resurrection of the wonderful old ambience of former colonial times in many Hanoi cafés. Delightful cafés are now housed in elegant French-style villas with exquisite silk prints, meticulously polished wooden floors and pot-planted courtyards or serve delicious food all day and evening. Street cafés like the La Terrasse du Metropole on Ngo Quyen and Le Phung Hieu or Highlands Café, 84 Nguyen Du are the typical examples! Share: Most Popular Vietnamese Silk Painting Vietnamese Wedding Ceremony Tradition “Banh Chung” (Chung Cake) – The Soul of Vietnamese New Year! Mid-autumn Festival in Vietnam (Full Moon Festive) Vietnamese Traditional Family Values!
