Enjoying the Coffee Shops of Hanoi

[Nguyen Ngoc diep]

French influence in Hanoi has left its mark in many ways; in the city’s architecture, its parks and gardens, and in its cuisine. Café culture has been embraced whole-heartedly and is now an inherent part of daily life, fuelled by a love of coffee (café) and burgeoning domestic production.

Hanoi Imperial Hotel would like to recommend you some popular coffee shops in Hanoi:

1. Café Pho Co: 11 Hang Gai str-Tel:[phone]; 7am-10pm

Tucked away at the back of 11 Hang gai Street, this multi-tiered café was once Hanoi’s best-kept secret. With tables and seating nooks scattered along mul-tiple floors, the atmosphere is quite and serene. From the top floor, the views of Hoan Kiem lake are the best in the city. Try the speciality egg coffee (café trung)

1. Hapro Café: 38-40 Le Thai To Street, tel: [phone]; daily 7am-10pm

Hapro Café is a small alfresco café with a prime location on the banks of Hoan kiem lake under leafy boughs. The light menu offers coffes, juices, ice creams, plus sandwiches and breakfast.Am biance is the main draw.

1. 3.       La Place: 4 Au Trieu Street; tel [phone], daily 7:30am -10.30pm

This cosy little café, popular with locals and tourists alike, is nestled in the shadow of St Joseph’s Cathedral, and the second-floor seating area has great views over the church courtyard. Enjoy the great coffees, snacks and blended fruit drinks.

1. 4.       Little Hanoi: 21 Hang Gai street; tel [phone]; daily 7am-11pm

Decked out in wood,bam-boo and pastels. This small corner café/restaurant serves up delicious comfort foods (burgers, sandwiches, pasta) as well as good coffees, drinks and cocktails. Bright and airy, it’s just steps from Hoan Kiem Lake.

1. 5.       Moca Café: 16 Nha Tho Str. Tel:[phone]; daily 7am -10pm

This large, airy café and restaurant, just a few steps from St Joseph’s Cathedral, has an extensive menu with something for just about anyone. Wide front glass windows make it the perfect place to people-watch, and the signature Café Moca is delicious, and so are the desserts.

1. 6.       Five: 5 hang be Street; tel [phone]; daily 7am-10pm

This little bistro/café right on bustling hang Be street has a small but refined menu of drinks and snacks, with amazing desserts and excellent coffee. The large glass windows make it great place for people-watching.

1. 7.       Thuy Ta Café :01 Le thai To Street; tel [phone]

Located right on the northern bank of Hoan kiem lake, this popular little café/ice cream parlour has indoor and outdoor seating, and is tucked away from traffic by a hedge of green trees. Order an ice-cream sundae, sit right on the edge of the lake and keep your eyes peeled for turles.

1. 8.       Café Goethe: 58 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, tel [phone], daily 9am-9pm

This pretty little café is located on the grounds of the Goethe Insitute in a beautiful colonial-era building. The outdoor seating area in the flower-filled courtyard is quite a treat,and the coffees and drinks on offer are pretty good. Great desserts.

1. 9.       The Matchbox: 119/12 Nui Truc Street; tel [phone]; daily 9am-midnight

This excellent little Aussie and kiwi-run café/bristro serves great coffee and healthy, well-prepared snacks for those on the go. Kid-friendly, the staff are warm and helpful. Try the spicy pear dessert.

1. 10.   Highlands Coffee: 34 Thanh Nien street; tel [phone]; daily 7am-11pm

Moored on a boat on West Lake on the north side of Thanh Nien street, this Highlands Coffee outlets is part of the national chain established in 2000.Occasionally beset by fish flies, this outlet is the city’s most charming, and is a great place to watch the sun set over West Lake. Excellent coffees and tasty desserts.