3.5 Hours
Join-in tour
Min 1 pax
Max 12 pax
Tour start: 9:15 AM
Tour end: 12:45 PM
Experience the rich coffee culture of Vietnam with our dynamic coffee tour. As you buzz around the vibrant streets of Hanoi, you’ll uncover hidden gems and iconic cafes, each offering their unique take on the perfect cup of coffee. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Vietnamese brews or modern coffee concoctions, this tour has something to delight every palate.
Introduced by the French in the 19th century, Hanoi’s coffee culture has grown to feature unique flavors and brewing techniques found nowhere else. If you’re eager to explore them firsthand, joining a coffee tour Hanoi would be a great start!
Coffee was first introduced to Vietnam by French missionaries in 1857, and its cultivation gained momentum during the late 19th century.
Early plantations, established in provinces like Ninh Bình and Quảng Bình, primarily focused on the Arabica variety. By the early 20th century, coffee production shifted towards commercial-scale plantations, with Đắk Lắk Province in the Central Highlands becoming the focal point of the industry.
In Hanoi, coffee culture began as a reflection of French colonial influence. The French introduced the habit of drinking coffee in cafes, a tradition that Hanoians soon adopted. Small, locally run cafes began to spring up, becoming a crowd’s favorite for intellectuals, artists, and political discussions during the early 20th century.
Nowadays, coffee in Hanoi has become a way of life in every setting, from sidewalk cafes with low plastic stools to vintage-style establishments tucked in narrow alleys. These spaces cater to everyone, including students, workers, retirees, and more, turning coffee into a unifying element of the city’s culture.
We have Egg Coffee, born out of necessity at Giảng Café in the 1940s, which combines whipped egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk. Coconut Coffee blends robust Vietnamese coffee with creamy coconut milk. Meanwhile, classics like Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk (Cà Phê Sữa Đá) and Black Coffee (Cà Phê Đen) highlight the bold, earthy flavors of Vietnamese Robusta beans.
As Hanoi’s most iconic and unique coffee creation, Egg Coffee is often compared to a liquid tiramisu due to its rich, creamy texture.
This specialty originated in the 1940s at Giảng Café, when fresh milk was scarce, and egg yolk was used as a substitute. The bartenders whipped egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk to form a frothy, custard-like topping that floats atop a strong cup of Vietnamese coffee.
You will find it traditionally served hot in a small cup nestled in a bowl of warm water to maintain its temperature (though an iced version is also popular). All in all, egg coffee is a must-try for any visitor seeking a taste of Hanoi’s culinary charm during the coffee tour Hanoi, and Giảng Café is among the best spots to savor it!
Next is coconut coffee, which offers a tropical twist on the traditional Vietnamese brew. It blends the robust flavor of Vietnamese coffee with the creamy sweetness of coconut milk and condensed milk.
Typically served over crushed ice, this drink is both refreshing and indulgent, which explains its surging popularity during Hanoi’s sweltering summers. Some variations even involve blending the ingredients into a smooth, icy frappé that brings quite a dessert-like experience. We highly recommend it for those seeking a rarely-seen combination of bold and tropical flavors.
Another cornerstone of Vietnamese coffee culture, iced coffee with condensed milk, is a simple yet perfectly balanced drink. The recipe features dark, slow-dripped coffee brewed using a traditional phin filter, combined with thick, sweet condensed milk.
The mixture is stirred together and poured over ice, resulting in a drink that is simultaneously strong, sweet, and refreshing, perfect for cooling down on hot days! Unsurprisingly, cà phê sữa đá is widely available at roadside cafes, upscale establishments, and even in Hanoi’s bustling street markets.
Yogurt coffee truly reflects Hanoian’s creativity, standing out for a surprising twist of yogurt’s tangy creaminess mixed with the boldness of Vietnamese coffee.
As unconventional and unlikely as that might seem, it creates a harmonious yet energizing fusion you can not find in other regions! You can even request an extra layer of condensed milk or sweetened yogurt for added richness before enjoying it chilled during Hanoi’s warmer months.
Lastly, black coffee is the purest way to experience the bold, earthy notes of Vietnamese Robusta beans, which have been globally recognized for their high caffeine content and intense flavor profile.
The drink is brewed using the traditional phin filter (which allows for a slow extraction process) before getting served either hot in a small cup or iced over a tall glass filled with ice cubes. Without any added sweetness or cream, it showcases the robust and slightly bitter essence of Vietnamese coffee in full force, a favorite among purists and those seeking a no-frills caffeine kick. Enjoy a cup at a roadside stall or a stylish cafe on a coffee tour Hanoi; it’s your choice.
You’ll learn to craft iconic egg coffee through a hands-on workshop and visit historic cafes to explore the evolution of Hanoi’s coffee culture. Along the way, connect with fellow enthusiasts and locals in an intimate group setting. Plus, with an English-speaking guide and a structured itinerary, you can fully enjoy Hanoi’s bustling coffee scene 100% worry-free.
One of the best highlights of the Hanoi Coffee tour is our egg coffee workshop. You will get hands-on experience learning how to craft this beloved Vietnamese beverage and unveil the secrets behind the frothy, custard-like topping. By the end, you’ll have not only tasted but also mastered the art of making authentic egg coffee.
The tour takes you to some of Hanoi’s oldest and most renowned cafes, some dating back decades. You’ll enjoy a cup of traditionally brewed Vietnamese coffee in these storied settings while learning about the role coffee has played in Hanoi’s daily life and its evolution from French colonial times to the present day.
Here’s your chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts and locals who share a passion for this beloved beverage! Given the small group size (of up to 12 participants), you can enjoy intimate conversations with both your groupmates and locals; the guide also introduces you to some of the friendly faces behind each cafe.
Like with other Vietnam Backpacker Hostels tours, this one provides everything you need, including a structured itinerary and an English-speaking guide to translate and explain local customs and coffee-making techniques. You can focus entirely on enjoying the experience without worrying about logistics!
It’s time to reserve a spot on the Coffee Tour Hanoi by Vietnam Backpacker Hostels. Don’t miss out — spaces are filling up fast!
For more information or assistance, reach out to us via:
English Speaking Local Guide
Coffee at Train Street and Hanoi's coffee shop
Egg Coffee Workshop
Pick-up and Drop-off Service
Tips & Gratuity
Personal Expenses
Now, it’s time to get hands-on! Head to an Egg coffee workshop where you’ll learn how to make Hanoi’s legendary egg coffee (cà phê trứng)—a frothy, creamy, and sweet delight made with egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk, and robusta coffee.
End the tour just in time for lunch.
Enter your info and we'll send you a voucher code. Excited to have you with us soon!
