Hanoi Cafe: Top Cafes Near Hoan Kiem Lake with Best View, Design and Tastes

Hoan Kiem Lake is the heart of Hanoi. You can easily discover this lake on foot. Apart from various outdoor activities around the Hoan Kiem, the surrounding foods and drinks are appealing. Several options might confuse you. Which is the best coffee shop that meets your expectations? This article shows you the best cafes in Hoan Kiem: the best view cafes, local taste cafes and unique architecture cafes. The list below is voted by many tourists with the hope of satisfying your preference: for good pics, a good view or delicious taste. 

Cafes with great views near Hoan Kiem Lake

Let's Check out the top cafes with awesome views near Hoan Kiem Lake. 

Ham Ca Map Cafes

• Address: 7 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Ham Ca Map is the name of a building near Hoan Kiem Lake. The building looks like the head of a shark. In this building, there are some coffee brands you can choose such as Highland Coffee, Laika Coffee, Avalon Café Lounge, City View Cafe,...

The higher the floor you are, the better the view you can see. If you visit the restaurant early in the morning, when there's fog over Hoan Kiem Lake, it's wonderful. Otherwise, come in the evening, especially on weekends, to enjoy the walking street atmosphere by the lake.

Coffee Club Cafe

• Address: 3B Le Thai To, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Coffee Club is the most beloved cafe with stunning views in Hanoi among the list of cafes around Hoan Kiem Lake. The space here is spacious and airy, with a setting that exudes the essence of Hanoi. The windows in the café directly overlook the Ham Ca Map building, a popular check-in spot that produces profoundly deep photographs. 

The cafe's drink menu is also of high quality and diverse, ranging from cappuccinos and milk coffees to egg coffees. 

Luc Thuy Restaurant & Lounge

• Address: 16 Le Thai To Street, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Luc Thuy is more than just a cafe. It's a service complex offering food, coffee, and events. Situated near the pedestrian street and overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, it's a popular spot for coffee lovers. On weekends, you can sip your coffee while watching people stroll around the lake.

Unlike the other cafes mentioned, Luc Thuy has an open garden-like space. With lush greenery outdoors and a layout reminiscent of European street cafes, it offers a unique ambience.

Cafes with unique designs near Hoan Kiem Lake

The Note Coffee

• Address: Luong Van Can, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem

Note Coffee is a popular cafe located near Hoan Kiem Lake. It's known for its unique concept where customers can leave messages or notes on colourful sticky notes that cover the walls, tables, and even the ceiling of the café. This quirky feature has made it a favourite spot among locals and tourists alike.

The cafe offers a cosy and relaxed atmosphere. You can enjoy a variety of drinks, including Vietnamese coffee specialities like egg coffee or coconut coffee, along with a selection of snacks and desserts.

Hanoi Time Coffee

• Address: 2nd floor of a building at 39 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem Lake.

Hanoi Time Coffee is a quaint cafe known for its vintage Hanoi style and picturesque view of Hoan Kiem Lake. It is decorated with antique items like radios, typewriters, and wooden furniture, it evokes a nostalgic atmosphere of old Hanoi. Besides, the open seating on the balcony offers a beautiful view of the lake and the surrounding area. The cafe is relatively small and can get crowded, especially on weekends.

Cafes with the best tastes near Hoan Kiem Lake

Cộng Cafe

• Address: 116 Cau Go, Hoan Kiem District

It's known for its "Cà phê cốt dừa" (Coconut Coffee), a rich and creamy concoction served in a glass mug. About the atmosphere, Cộng cafe has a military-themed decor with vintage posters, reflecting its inspiration from Vietnam's subsidy period. While it doesn't have direct Hoan Kiem Lake views, the lively atmosphere and great drinks make it a popular choice.

You can find other branches of Cong Cafe near the Cathedral or some other streets in the Hanoi Old Quarter. 

Giang Coffee: Hanoi's Iconic Egg Coffee

• Address:  39 P. Nguyen Huu Huan, Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem

If you're looking for a taste of Hanoi's coffee culture, then Giang Coffee is a must-visit. Established in 1946 by Nguyen Van Giang, Giang Cafe is renowned for its signature egg coffee. Egg coffee, invented by Mr. Giang due to the lack of milk during wartime, combines strong Vietnamese coffee with whipped egg yolk, creating a rich, creamy, and surprisingly light beverage. The secret lies in the special whipping technique that creates a thick, frothy layer on top, contrasting beautifully with the dark coffee below. Served hot or cold, it's a must-try for any coffee enthusiast.

Tips to find the best cafes in Hanoi Old Quarter

From the list above, the best way to find the cafe near you is to search for it on Google Maps and then scan the reviews from previous customers. Moreover, Tripadvisor also suggests a list of cafes you can check out to find your favourite one. 

The price for cafes in Vietnam ranges from 25,000 VND - to 80,000 VND (around 1 USD - 4 USD). In the centre or famous coffee shop, it might cost more than in other places. 

Overall, there are many Instagram-able cafes in Hanoi. You can combine a visit around Hoan Kiem Lake and stop at a cafe near the lake to enjoy the atmosphere and try local tastes. 

If you plan to stay more in Hanoi, take a look at: 

Top Attractions in Hanoi: Key places, ticket price, open time, things to do - updated 2024

Hanoi Night Activities: Top Bars, Clubs, and Night Markets

or read the guide of Top 9 day tours from Hanoi - One day to discover local life