Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a mesmerizing labyrinth of narrow streets brimming with life, offers a sensory feast for every traveler. Amid the bustle, one delicacy stands out with its unique blend of richness and sweetness: the captivating scent and taste of egg coffee (cà phê trứng). Sipping egg coffee in the Old Quarter isn’t merely about drinking coffee—it’s a cultural experience you simply cannot miss during your Hanoi adventure.
Tasting Egg Coffee in Hanoi Old Quarter: A Sip of History
Vietnam, now the world’s second-largest coffee producer, is renowned for its bold robusta beans and thriving café culture. Yet among countless brews, egg coffee stands apart as a local specialty—a creamy, decadent drink born from ingenuity during hard times.
Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or a curious traveler, egg coffee promises something unforgettable. It’s not just the taste—rich, velvety, and layered with sweet, custard-like notes—but also the fascinating story behind it. A clever invention turned national icon, egg coffee has become an essential “taste of Hanoi.”
Enjoying this unique drink in the heart of the Old Quarter, surrounded by colonial architecture and local chatter, transforms a simple coffee break into a dive into Vietnam’s soul. Indeed, sipping egg coffee here feels like sipping a piece of history.
A Taste of History: The Origins of Egg Coffee
Egg coffee’s story is as rich as the drink itself. Its creator, Mr. Nguyễn Văn Giảng, worked as a bartender at the prestigious Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel during the French colonial era (1930–1945). When milk became scarce after the war, he innovated by whisking egg yolks with sugar to replace milk, creating a luscious, frothy topping for strong Vietnamese coffee.
This brilliant solution gave birth to a new drink in 1946—one that quickly captured the hearts of locals. Thus, Giang Café was born, becoming the original home of egg coffee and securing its place as one of Hanoi’s must-try delicacies.
The Best Places to Try Egg Coffee in Hanoi Old Quarter
If you’re exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter, here are the top cafés where you can savor authentic egg coffee. Prices typically range from 30,000 to 60,000 VND ($1.30–$2.60 USD).
1. Café Giang – The Original
📍 Address: 39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân Street, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm
🕗 Opening Hours: 7:00 – 22:30
Visiting Café Giang is a pilgrimage for egg coffee lovers. This is the birthplace of the drink, and despite decades of popularity, the original recipe remains a closely guarded family secret.
Expect a velvety texture and a perfect balance of sweet, creamy egg foam over robust coffee. Traditionally, hot egg coffee is served in a small cup set in a bowl of hot water to keep it warm. Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak hours, as locals and tourists alike flock to this iconic spot.
2. Café Đinh – A Cozy Hidden Gem
📍 Address: 13 Đinh Tiên Hoàng Street, Hoàn Kiếm (entrance on Đinh Liệt Street)
🕗 Opening Hours: 7:00 – 21:30
Café Đinh is owned by Mr. Giảng’s daughter, carrying on the family legacy. Unlike modern interpretations, their egg coffee stays true to its roots, sometimes with subtle hints of butter or condensed milk. The cozy, nostalgic space overlooks Hoàn Kiếm Lake, giving you a taste of Hanoi’s past as you sip this historic drink.
3. Do Coffee & Art – Where Coffee Meets Creativity
📍 Address: 25B Lý Quốc Sư Street, Hoàn Kiếm
🕗 Opening Hours: 9:00 – 14:00 (Closed Tuesdays)
At Do Coffee & Art, you can sip rich egg coffee surrounded by an eclectic collection of paintings. The café’s artistic ambiance, complete with a cozy mezzanine, makes every visit feel like an immersive blend of taste and creativity.
4. Oriberry Coffee – Balanced Flavors & Social Responsibility
📍 Address: 36 Ấu Triệu Street, Hoàn Kiếm
🕗 Opening Hours: 7:00 – 22:00
Oriberry stands out for its commitment to fair trade and sustainability. They source single-origin Arabica beans directly from farmers in Quảng Trị and Đà Lạt. Beyond coffee, the café displays beautiful handmade pottery from Bát Tràng village, adding a touch of local craftsmanship to your experience.
5. Hanoi Time Coffee – Vintage Charm with Lake Views
📍 Address: 39 Đinh Tiên Hoàng Street, Hoàn Kiếm
🕗 Opening Hours: 8:00 – 23:00
Hanoi Time Coffee offers a tranquil escape from the Old Quarter’s bustle. Vintage décor, warm yellow walls, and sketches of Hanoi’s 36 streets create an old-world charm. Pair your egg coffee with stunning views of Hoàn Kiếm Lake for a peaceful, distinctly Hanoian experience.
6. Cộng Cà Phê – Cozy and Authentic
📍 Address: 27 Nhà Thờ Street, Hoàn Kiếm District
🕗 Opening Hours: 7:30 – 23:30
Cộng Cà Phê enchants visitors with its retro “bao cấp” (subsidy-era) style, featuring propaganda posters and vintage furniture. From the third-floor balcony, you can sip your creamy egg coffee while gazing at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, perfectly blending rich flavors with Hanoi’s vibrant street scenes.
7. The Note Coffee – Instagrammable & Heartwarming
📍 Address: 64 Lương Văn Can, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm
🕗 Opening Hours: 6:30 – 23:00
Every inch of The Note Coffee’s walls is covered in colorful sticky notes left by travelers from around the world. The egg coffee here is a velvety delight, served in charming cups, often with a handwritten message from the staff. It’s the perfect combination of robust coffee, creamy egg topping, and cheerful atmosphere—ideal for both coffee lovers and Instagram enthusiasts.
Why You Should Try Egg Coffee in Hanoi Old Quarter
Egg coffee is more than a drink—it’s a piece of Hanoi’s cultural tapestry. Its unique flavor, born of resilience and creativity, is best experienced amid the Old Quarter’s energy and charm.
So next time you’re in Hanoi, take a moment to sit down in one of these beloved cafés. Let the rich aroma, velvety texture, and warm local hospitality turn your coffee break into an unforgettable memory of Vietnam.
