The town of Hanoi, Vietnam is completely, utterly obsessive about espresso. That is nothing new; the interwoven story of espresso and Hanoi dates again to the center of the nineteenth century, throughout the French colonial interval, when the primary arabica timber have been planted within the nation’s north, and French cafe tradition was launched to the cities. Within the a long time since a distinctly Vietnamese appreciation to espresso has blossomed, impacting each facet of how espresso is loved right here, from rising to brewing to distinctive recipes and flavors for the completed cup. And Hanoi’s espresso love affair reveals no indicators of stopping. Simply stroll across the metropolis now, or tour by bike, or take the bus, and also you’ll see younger folks spilling out of the numerous cafes and occasional bars, having fun with the slowness, depth, and leisure of espresso tradition in a metropolis that bustles and hustles all hours of the day.
In 2025 Sprudge revealed a sprawling information to cafes in Hanoi, a should for anybody visiting the town and desirous to expertise espresso tradition. However at present I wish to take a more in-depth have a look at the function of quality-focused espresso roasters, and the impression they’ve had on the town’s scene. Hanoi is a spot the place traditions meet transformation, and you’ll expertise this now inside its glorious espresso roasting scene, on main streets and in quiet alleys. These roasting firms are largely owned by younger individuals who themselves really feel impressed and captivated with Hanoi’s conventional espresso tradition, whereas additionally needing to develop and modernize it. Alongside the best way these roasters are bringing Vietnamese espresso nearer to the world, and changing into recognized increasingly by espresso lovers from across the globe.
Every of the excellent espresso roasters featured on this information are very a lot value your time in Hanoi. Even if you’re a espresso connoisseur, a espresso skilled, or simply solely an individual who’s interested in Hanoi’s espresso, there’s one thing right here for everybody.
Donkey Espresso Roastery
Donkey Espresso Roastery is owned by a former graphic designer, who now operates a small roastery and occasional store with the purpose of offering a high-quality artisan espresso expertise. Situated in a small alley on the banks of the Pink River, it has a stunning and quiet house with a shady outside backyard. The cafe’s industrial type mixes with classic—together with DIY ornament particulars—brings a comfortable and intimate feeling. This is a perfect place to flee the noisy metropolis and loosen up with a cup of espresso.
Donkey is legendary for roasting many kinds of specialty espresso, sourcing from Vietnamese espresso growers in addition to producers from elsewhere around the globe. Right here you would possibly discover a pure processed Gesha grown in close by Laos, ready by hand utilizing a pour-over technique. In summer season months, the cafe’s orange chilly brew is particularly widespread, and common public cupping classes assist unfold information about espresso to the broader neighborhood.
Capella Espresso Roaster
Hanoi’s West Lake is legendary for sightseeing in Hanoi, and plenty of romantic cafes may be discovered closeby. That is house Capella Espresso Roaster, whose cafe house is like an artwork gallery, with work hanging on the partitions and comfy picket furnishings. Massive glass home windows overlook their inexperienced gardens, and the house is bathed in pure gentle, convey a calming feeling whether or not you come right here to work, learn a ebook or spend time with associates.
Capella is well-regarded right here for the standard of their roasted espresso. Begin by ordering Capella’s Phin Mix—a medium-dark roasted mix of arabica and robusta—which delivers on wealthy taste, echoing the traditions of espresso in Vietnam however with a recent twist. The cà phê muối (salt espresso) can also be excellent right here, and pairs fantastically with considered one of Capella’s home made muffins (my favourite is lemon cheesecake).
3C Roastery
“3C” stands for “Espresso–Connection–Artistic,” represents the philosophy of bringing high quality espresso to everybody, connecting espresso lovers and inspiring creativity in the best way of having fun with. The type of 3C Roastery combines between modernity and industrial type, unfold over many flooring, ethereal and has plenty of pure lights. One of many retailers additionally has a DIY pour-over counter, the place clients expertise to make their very own espresso.
Espresso choices right here embody pour-over, chilly brew, filter, and espresso. The 2 best-sellers embody Whiskey Drops—which has taste of spirits like whiskey, honey, chocolate, vanilla, melon, and Peachy Seaside—which is nice and juicy with taste from peach, strawberry, mango, bergamot. Apart from conventional drinks, in addition they have some coffee-based inventive ones like pandan jelly espresso—appropriate for cooling down in the summertime. Additionally they arrange workshops reminiscent of “The Artwork of Latte Artwork” or chilly brew instruction classes.
Refined
Refined (stylized refined.) was born with the purpose of redefining Vietnamese filter espresso and eliminating prejudices about robusta. Their house makes sturdy impression when utilizing black shade for all element, from furnishings to machines, serving to clients focus their consideration to cups of espresso and brewing course of.
This cafe’s method to robusta has drawn many associates, and specifically for his or her variations of conventional Vietnamese espresso drinks improved drastically by a considerate and artisan method to robusta’s potential. As well as, the cafe has additionally developed their very own espresso making instruments and merchandise, that are presently attracting consideration each domestically and internationally. Amongst them, probably the most particular is ceramic filter—a crystallization of their ardour in creating espresso making instruments with a daring Vietnamese imprint and skillful strategies of Hanoi’s well-known Bat Trang Pottery Village.
RAAW Espresso
Established in 2019 in Hanoi, RAAW Espresso has been decided from the start to raise Vietnamese specialty espresso. They serve espresso solely from Vietnam, with a robusta espresso referred to as Lam Ha being their most excellent product, that includes a wealthy physique, creamy, darkish chocolate shade, aromatic chestnut aroma, and candy caramel aftertaste. Home Mix is the preferred espresso mix at RAAW—it has the style of milk chocolate, creamy buttermilk, and sweetness from caramel and almonds. Along with widespread coffees, in addition they take you to find different new espresso varieties reminiscent of liberica (referred to as “jackfruit espresso” in Vietnam).
The “Phượt Set” contains 4 kinds of espresso from 4 totally different areas in Vietnam, every with a special style and aroma. It is a good choice to attempt many kinds of espresso on the similar time.
There are variations in design and magnificence between their two areas. The shop on Cling Buom Road was renovated from an outdated French colonial home, and has a excessive ceiling, cement partitions, balcony on the second flooring, ivory tones and tender yellow gentle. Their second cafe is extra in a contemporary Scandinavian type with tough concrete partitions, massive glass panels and white-grey interiors. Every house brings totally different feelings in having fun with espresso.
Gạo Roastery
Nestled within the coronary heart of Hanoi’s Previous Quarter, Gạo Roastery CAFE is pleasant and comfy with easy interiors and a mild vibe. Their identify comes from the standard rice cake gao, which may be very acquainted Vietnamese folks. In summer season, the bougainvillea trellis exterior blooms brilliantly, including romance for a small balcony on the second flooring.
The roasting and brewing strategies right here mix conventional Vietnamese strategies with fashionable strategies. Their workshop names “Vietnamese Espresso Expertise at Gạo—The Artwork of Egg Espresso and Conventional Brews” is extensively beloved, particularly worldwide vacationers who wish to be taught the standard brewing technique of Hanoi’s well-known egg espresso.
Brown rice espresso can also be an choice for individuals who wish to attempt one thing totally different. The sturdy and wealthy taste of espresso is softened by the flavour of roasted brown rice, making a easy mouthfeel. Roasted rice tea can also be engaging with its heat, aroma and lightness—an ideal match with their chocolate cookies. All of the coffees listed below are roasted by the workforce at Gao.
30S Coffea Roastery
The founding father of 30S Coffea Roastery is a barista and roaster with greater than 10 years of expertise in espresso business. She has held administration roles at main espresso manufacturers reminiscent of Highlands Espresso and Coffilia. The house of 30S Coffea give attention to the roasting workshop. The brewing and serving counter are additionally organized round this space, appropriate for purchasers to take pleasure in their espresso whereas observing all course of.
Coffees right here come from Vietnam, however not simply: you’ll additionally be capable of drink coffees from Ethiopia, Brazil, Colombia, and Costa Rica at 30S. Tremendous Robusta Prime 1 Vietnam Superb Cup 2025 is a notable product for his or her seasonal espresso strains—produced from high-quality robusta beans come from Vietnam with the flavour of wine, tropical fruits, nuts, brown sugar, and lengthy candy aftertaste.
30S Coffea can also be a good handle in skilled barista coaching and imparting espresso information to neighborhood.
Ta Cà Phê
This model’s house goals to mix the expertise of a espresso store and a roastery, with a number of shops positioned in Hanoi’s Previous Quarter. The roasting right here is well-considered, with choices inclduing each high-end arabica and Tremendous Robusta.
Vietnamese conventional espresso drinks are widespread right here, however a easy black espresso can also be out there, and beneficial by the workers for sure choices. If you need one thing gentle, you possibly can select from their flower teas and fruit teas.
Huyen Nguyen is a contract journalist primarily based in Hanoi. That is Huyen Nguyen’s first function for Sprudge.
