Hanoi is a city of layers — of centuries-old architecture, soul-soothing lakes, and culinary treasures passed down through generations. Among these treasures, few are as iconic or intriguing as Vietnamese egg coffee (cà phê trứng). If you are looking for the best egg coffee in Hanoi, two names stand out: Cafe Giang and Cafe Dinh.
1. What Is Vietnamese Egg Coffee?
Invented in the 1940s by Mr. Nguyen Van Giang, a bartender at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, egg coffee was born out of scarcity. Milk was expensive and rare, so he whipped egg yolks with sweetened condensed milk to create a creamy, frothy topping — which, when poured over strong Vietnamese coffee, made a velvety, rich drink that resembles a tiramisu in a cup.
Today, this unique creation is a must-try for any traveler who comes to Hanoi. And there is no better place to try it than at the two cafés that carry the original legacy - Cafe Giang and Cafe Dinh.
2. Cafe Giang – Where It All Began
Address: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Cafe Giang is the birthplace of egg coffee. Opened by Mr. Giang himself in 1946, the café is still run by his family and continues to use the original recipe. The café’s location may be tucked away down a narrow alley, but it is always buzzing with locals, tourists, and food lovers eager to taste the original.
Inside, the space is cozy and eclectic, filled with low wooden stools and decades-old memorabilia. The signature drink is served in a small cup nestled in a warm bowl of hot water to maintain the perfect temperature. Each sip is a comforting blend of bold coffee and velvety, sweet foam — rich without being heavy.
Today, Cafe Giang has received multiple awards and recognitions from Vietnamese tourism authorities and international food publications, cementing its status as a must-visit destination for culinary tourists. Travel magazines and food bloggers frequently feature Cafe Giang as the definitive egg coffee experience, with many describing it as an essential Hanoi cultural landmark.
Why visit Cafe Giang?
- It is the origin of egg coffee
- Family-run, with over 75 years of tradition
- Cozy and authentic atmosphere
- Wide selection of egg-based drinks (including egg cocoa, matcha egg coffee, egg beer!)
3. Cafe Dinh – The Hidden Gem with a View
Address: 13 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
A few minutes’ walk from Cafe Giang, hidden behind an old staircase above a travel agency, lies Cafe Dinh. Opened in 1987 by Mr. Giang’s daughter, Mrs. Bich, Cafe Dinh is the lesser-known sister of Cafe Giang — but for many Hanoians, it is the favorite.
Despite its modest size, the atmosphere is rich with nostalgia. Faded yellow walls, a vintage clock, black-and-white family photos — everything here whispers stories of old Hanoi. The best seats? On the narrow balcony, where you can enjoy your egg coffee with a view of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Why visit Cafe Dinh?
- Original egg coffee recipe, passed down in the family
- Quieter and more intimate than Giang
- Beautiful lake views
- A favorite among students and creatives for decades
4. Which One Has the Best Egg Coffee?
Honestly, the best answer is: both.
If you are looking to sip egg coffee at its original birthplace, there is no place more iconic than Cafe Giang. This is where tradition began, and each cup served today still follows the original family recipe passed down through generations.
On the other hand, Cafe Dinh offers a more intimate, hidden-away experience. Tucked into a quiet second-floor space overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, it feels like stepping into a piece of Hanoi’s old soul.
Both cafés serve their egg coffee with the same passion, care, and history. To truly understand the story — and taste — of this beloved Hanoi specialty, many locals and travelers agree: you should try both.
>>> You may also like: What is egg coffee?
Top 5 egg coffee in Hanoi
5. Make It Part of Your Hanoi Experience
Whether you are a coffee enthusiast or just curious about Hanoi’s culture, visiting Cafe Giang and Cafe Dinh is more than a tasting — it is a journey into the soul of the city.
If you want to stay close to both cafés and explore Hanoi’s rich cultural core, we recommend JM Marvel Hotel — located just a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake, it is perfect for travelers who want comfort, style, and proximity to Hanoi's food scene. After all, nothing beats stepping out of your hotel and sipping egg coffee within minutes.
6. Looking for a Guided Food Experience?
Join our private Hanoi food tour with a local expert! We will take you beyond egg coffee to discover street food stalls, hidden noodle shops, desserts,... only locals know. Small groups, big flavors!
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