Although these coffees are not entirely new, they abound with distinctive features, from the ambiance to the flavor, that captivate international travelers.
Vietnamese coffee is more than just a beverage, it’s an intrinsic cultural aspect of local life. A Vietnamese adaptation of a “western” drink has sparked a “trend” that enchants tourists with every visit to this country.
In Hanoi, charming places to savor coffee are plentiful, but some particularly stand out for their ambiance and flavor, prompting foreign tourists to rush to the capital to experience it.
The Note Coffee
Located on Luong Van Can Street, Hoan Kiem, just a few steps from Sword Lake, The Note Coffee is also known as the ‘Km 0 coffee of Hanoi’ due to its prime location, right in the ‘heart’ of the capital. Appearing more than 10 years ago, this place still attracts many visitors today thanks to its unique decoration, especially Westerners.
From the outside, this coffee may seem nothing special, but as soon as you step through the coffee door, visitors’ eyes will be filled with colorful sticky notes everywhere. A particularity lies in the notes left here by tourists who have been here.
At each table of the cofee, pens and colorful notes are displayed. Visitors only need to write their greetings, confessions, or other messages, and post them anywhere in the shop.
Initially, the notes were simply stuck to the wall. But over the years, they have filled all the walls, even the tables and chairs, the windows and ceilings… Every flat surface is covered with post-its, even stacked on top of each other. There are no rules to adhere to.
Serein Coffee & Lounge
Besides Sword Lake and the cathedral, Long Bien Bridge is perhaps one of the destinations many tourists visit when they travel to Hanoi. This bridge over the Red River has an ancient beauty.
Many foreigners share that looking at the bridge gives the impression of going back in time hundreds of years, which is a very interesting sensation, like traveling through the world. That’s why coffees with views of Long Bien Bridge are very popular, one of them being the Serein Coffee & Lounge.
Located on the 3rd and 4th floors of an old French villa in the Long Bien train station complex, Serein coffee is the only place offering an ideal view of all the lifestyle around Long Bien Bridge. From the outside, the restaurant stands out with its luxurious white tones, while the inside is covered in classic dark brown tones.
The tables and chairs as well as the layout also have a Western atmosphere from the 60s and 70s. Drinking coffee, looking at Long Bien Bridge, witnessing the history of the capital, it has become one of the most popular places in Hanoi. A particularity that international visitors appreciate when they sit in this coffee.
The hot spot shared by foreign travel blogs is the large arched door on the 4th floor of the restaurant. In the distance, the image of the old Long Bien Bridge appears, creating a very particular beauty.
Giang Coffee
When we talk about coffee in Hanoi, we undoubtedly immediately think of Giang Coffee, a name that has appeared many times in international media, especially with egg coffee – a drink that has become a characteristic of the true capital’s cuisine. That’s why when they come to Hanoi, all tourists want to enjoy it, and Giang Coffee is a must-visit place.
Having existed in Hanoi for nearly 80 years, Giang Coffee has served countless customers in the capital, including many foreigners. Coming to Giang, visitors will certainly discover the rich flavors of Vietnamese coffee. Although this brand has so far many new, more spacious facilities, when it comes to Giang coffee, the Nguyen Huu Huan store stands out the most.
With the entrance located at the end of a small alley, creating a very interesting and new element for foreign tourists, the inside of the two floors of the restaurant is filled with nostalgic colors, a small loft with small tables and chairs, always filled with guests.
Many international tourists who have come to discover Hanoi’s cuisine share that tasting egg coffee is an interesting experience. The combined taste of coffee and eggs is truly unforgettable, and they can taste this dish every day in Hanoi.