5 Best Egg Coffee in Hanoi For The Original Taste

I often immerse myself in the local culture and enjoy the flavors in my own way as a solo traveler that makes the destination truly special. Just like my trip to Hanoi a few weeks ago, I probably couldn’t help but be curious when I heard about the sensational and unique egg coffee, right after landing in this vibrant city. In this article, I’ll share my top recommendations for egg coffee in Hanoi, ensuring that your trip to the vibrant capital of Vietnam becomes an unforgettable egg-perience!

Egg Coffee: A Brief Introduction

Egg coffee, also known as ca phe trung in Vietnam, is a traditional beverage that originated in Hanoi during the 1940s. To make it, egg yolks are whisked together with sugar and condensed milk until a thick and creamy custard-like layer forms. This delicious concoction is then poured over a cup of strong black coffee, resulting in a truly delightful and flavorful beverage that almost tastes like a dessert.

The story of egg coffee in Hanoi is closely connected to Nguyen Van Giang, the founder of Giang Cafe, who is widely credited as its inventor. Mr. Giang used to work as a bartender at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel and learned the art of making cappuccinos from the French. However, during the First Indochina War, there was a shortage of fresh milk in Vietnam. In a stroke of genius, he decided to substitute egg yolks instead. Through lots of trial and error with different ingredient ratios, he eventually nailed down his own special recipe for egg coffee, and it became an instant hit among his customers.

5 Best Egg Coffee in Hanoi For The Original Taste

Giang Cafe – The Birthplace of Egg Coffee

No quest for the best egg coffee in Hanoi would be complete without a visit to the legendary Giang Cafe. This establishment, founded by Mr. Nguyen Van Giang himself, is considered the birthplace of egg coffee. Located on Nguyen Huu Huan Street, but it is not easy to find. I had to walk through a narrow alleyway and climb up a steep staircase to reach the second floor, where I found a small and dimly lit room with wooden tables and chairs.

Giang Cafe retains its rustic charm and serves its egg coffee in a unique fashion. The coffee arrives at your table in a small dish of hot water to maintain its temperature.

The egg coffee here is smooth and balanced, with a strong coffee flavor and a sweet and creamy egg layer. You can also try other variations of egg coffee, such as egg cocoa, egg rum, or egg matcha

Address: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Opening times: 7am-10pm, daily.

Dinh Café

A short stroll away from Giang Cafe, I stumbled upon Dinh Cafe, a hidden gem nestled on Dinh Tien Hoang Street. To locate Cafe Dinh, just take a stroll along Đinh Tiên Hoàng and look for number 13. Don’t worry if you can’t spot the actual number, because you’ll come across a little sign that says Cafe Dinh Tang 2. That means it’s situated on the second floor.

This café is renowned for its quiet ambience and the way it has preserved the art of making egg coffee. The quality here is top-notch, and you can enjoy your coffee on the balcony overlooking the Hoan Kiem Lake, making it perfect for moments of solitude and reflection.

The egg coffee here costs 25,000 VND (about $1.08) and has a similar taste to Giang’s version, but with more artistic presentation.

Address: 13 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Opening times: 7am-9.30pm daily

Cafe Pho Co

This cafe in Hanoi is one of my absolute favorites when it comes to enjoying egg coffee. I simply adore it because of the stunning location and the wonderful atmosphere it offers. You’ll find the cafe tucked away behind an old house on Hang Gai Street. To reach it, you’ll need to stroll through a courtyard with a lovely lotus pond and a peaceful temple. As soon as you make it to the rooftop terrace, get ready to be mesmerized by the breathtaking view of Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter.

Inside, the cafe is beautifully decorated with colorful lanterns, bamboo furniture, and lush green plants. It creates such a delightful ambiance. The egg coffee here costs 30,000 VND (about $1.30) and has a deliciously rich and creamy texture with a hint of vanilla.

Address: 11 Hang Gai, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Opening times: 8am-11pm

Lam Café

This is an old-fashioned and nostalgic cafe that serves classic egg coffee in Hanoi since the 1950s. The cafe is located on Nguyen Huu Huan Street, next to Giang Cafe.

What makes this cafe even more special is its historical importance; renowned Vietnamese writers like Vu Trong Phung, Nguyen Tuan, Nam Cao, and others used to frequent this place.

Address: 60 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Opening times: 7am-10pm daily.

Loading T Cafe

Loading T Cafe is a rooftop cafe in Hanoi that provides excellent city views and serves delicious egg coffee. It is situated on Chan Cam Street, close to St Joseph’s Cathedral. To access the top floor, you need to climb four flights of stairs. Once you reach the top, you’ll discover a bright and spacious room adorned with wooden floors, white walls, and vibrant paintings.

If you’re looking for a fantastic cup of egg coffee in Hanoi Old Quarter, this place is hard to beat. Instead of sticking to the usual recipe, they add a hint of cinnamon to their egg coffee. This extra touch of sweetness pairs wonderfully with the bold and slightly bitter Robusta coffee underneath.

Address: 8 Chan Cam Ward, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Opening times: 8am-10pm daily.

These are the 5 best cafes to try egg coffee in Hanoi that I have personally visited and enjoyed. I hope this article will help you find your favorite place to taste this unique drink in the city of Hanoi. Egg coffee in Hanoi is not only a beverage but also an experience that you should not miss when you travel to Vietnam.