Trying a famous egg coffee at Cafe Giang in Hanoi, Vietnam.
So sweet, but so tasty… Egg coffee is a delightful surprise.
And Cafe Giang might just serve the best one in Hanoi.
If you’re visiting the city and wondering where to find Hanoi’s most iconic cup of coffee, you’re in the right place.
I had the same question when I first arrived…
And like many curious travellers, I kept hearing about one place: Cafe Giang, the legendary birthplace of Vietnamese egg coffee.
Scrolling through reviews of Hanoi’s many cafes quickly became overwhelming. But this one kept jumping out at me, so I decided to see what all the fuss was about.
In this post, I’ll share my personal experience at Cafe Giang, what makes it stand out, and everything you need to know before you go, from timing your visit to what’s on the menu.
If you’re keen to explore Hanoi’s rich cafe culture (like I was), this guide is for you.
An iconic location.
Why is Café Giang famous?
It’s a Hanoi institution….
Café Giang is one of those places that feels like it’s been around forever — and in many ways, it has.
Faded yellow walls are covered in old photos and vintage calendars…
Wooden stools sit low to the ground, ceiling fans squeak as they turn lazily overhead. Nothing feels polished or modern, and that’s exactly why it’s so charming.
This is the authentic Vietnam I was looking for!
As I found anywhere in Hanoi… Finding the place is half the adventure.
Tucked down a narrow alley, it almost feels like you’re discovering a secret.
However, as soon as I stepped inside, I saw everyone was there for the same reason: to try a cup of egg coffee that’s become a true Hanoi legend.
Inside the famous spot.
So how does the egg coffee actually taste?
I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. It arrived looking almost too pretty to touch, with a thick, creamy foam on top.
One spoonful in, though, and I totally got why everyone raves about it.
Tiramisu… That was my first impression… but with a strong kick to it.
The sweetness hits you first, rich and velvety, almost like a custard. Then the bold, slightly bitter Vietnamese coffee comes through and balances everything out.
Tiramisu texture.
I found it to be very indulgent, but also very addictive!
Honestly, by the time I got halfway through, I was already planning when I could come back for another. It’s one of those things that sounds odd on paper, but just works!
My delicious egg coffe.
If you’re into Hanoi’s cafe culture, it’s worth pairing this stop with a visit to Hanoi Train Street.
The cafes along the tracks are totally different… Louder, busier, and fun in their own way. But Cafe Giang is where I found the real, old-school experience.
👉 Also, if you're planning your trip, check out my Hanoi itinerary for more ideas on what to see and do around the city.
Heading back downstairs to pay.
A little history: Hanoi’s original egg coffee.
Café Giang isn’t just another one of Hanoi’s coffee shops — it’s literally where egg coffee was invented.
Back in 1946, Nguyen Van Giang was working as a bartender at the Metropole Hotel, and milk was hard to come by.
So he started whipping up egg yolks with sugar and coffee instead, and somehow stumbled onto this sweet, velvety drink that’s become a Hanoi icon.
I found it pretty cool standing outside and seeing that old sign with “Since 1946” stamped on it…
In a city that’s constantly buzzing and changing, this little café has been serving the same recipe for nearly 80 years.
The iconic ‘1946’ stamp.
Fast, no-fuss service.
Despite being packed with both locals and curious tourists, Café Giang runs like clockwork…
Which I actually found in many spots during my Vietnam trip.
One of my favorite moments was watching the staff zigzag through the narrow rows of stools, balancing trays stacked with tiny cups in bowls of hot water.
They move quickly, always with a half-smile, somehow managing to keep the chaos feeling organised and friendly
My egg coffee arrived in just a few minutes, even though every table was full.
It’s that kind of efficient, practiced service you only see at places that have truly mastered what they do, which seems to be true in many places in Hanoi.
The service is very effiicent.
Practical info for visiting Café Giang.
🕰 Opening times:
Café Giang is open daily from around 7am to 10pm, so you can pop in for an early morning coffee or an evening treat.
It does get busiest mid-morning and late afternoon, so if you want a quieter experience, try coming just after opening or later in the evening.
📍 Location:
It’s right in the Old Quarter at 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Be prepared: it’s easy to miss!
Look for a small sign pointing down a narrow alley. Once you spot the café’s faded yellow walls and wooden sign, you’ll know you’re in the right place.
💸 Prices:
Egg coffee here is super affordable. Expect to pay around 30,000–35,000 VND (roughly £1–£1.50 GBP). Other drinks like coconut coffee or traditional drip coffee are similar.
An abundance of Vietnamese coffee options to try.
It’s not just egg coffee — Café Giang has plenty of other local favorites worth trying.
A few highlights from the menu:
Cà phê trứng (egg coffee): The original — rich, creamy, sweet, and iconic.
Cà phê sữa đá: Classic Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk. Strong, sweet, and perfect for hot days.
Plenty of choice.
Cà phê dừa: Coconut coffee — smooth coffee blended with coconut cream, almost like a tropical milkshake.
Egg cacao: For something less caffeinated, this swaps coffee for rich cocoa under that same silky egg foam.
If you’ve got time (or company to share), it’s fun to order a couple and sample your way through the list.
Rustic menu fits in perfectly.
Some awesome cakes available.
My honest experience at Cafe Giang in Hanoi.
I love the cafe culture in Hanoi…
Nothing beats just chilling in a nice ambiance, enjoying the local delicacies, especially before an awesome day trip….
And Cafe Giang ticks every box!
Authenticity, delicious coffee, and some fascinating history to go with it.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Cafe Giang and recommend it to you 100%.
This cafe stands out in a city which is famous for epic coffee.
Authentic decor.
Other Hanoi cafés to check out.
Egg coffee at Café Giang is a must, but Hanoi’s café culture is way too rich to stop there. Here are a few more spots I loved (or that kept popping up in local recommendations):
Note Café.
Right by Hoan Kiem Lake, Note Café is covered floor-to-ceiling (literally) in thousands of colourful sticky notes from travellers around the world.
Grab a coconut coffee, leave your own little message on the wall, and take in the view of the busy streets below. It’s quirky, cheerful, and perfect for a quick caffeine stop while exploring the Old Quarter.
The Hanoi Social Club.
If you’re craving a slower morning, this is the place. Down a quiet lane away from the horns and scooters, The Hanoi Social Club has a leafy courtyard, rustic interiors, and one of the best brunch menus in the city.
They often have live music in the evenings, too. It’s the sort of café you’ll want to hang around for hours, maybe with a book or just soaking in the mellow vibe.
Loading T Café.
Tucked inside a beautiful old French colonial villa, Loading T is all about old-world charm. Their cinnamon-infused Vietnamese coffee is a local favorite, and the soft jazz soundtrack makes it easy to lose track of time.
It’s quiet, warm, and feels a bit like Hanoi from another era. If you need a break from the crowds, this is your spot. I visited here after an epic day at Ha Long Bay.
Watching the world go by.
A very quirky cafe.
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