Cafe Giang Hanoi: Original Egg Coffee Experience (2026)

It was my first morning in Hanoi, and I was eager to dive into the city's unique culinary scene.

Wondering what to try for breakfast, I heard whispers of the original egg coffee spot near my accommodation and practically sprinted over.

The name on the sign read Cafe Giang. Having opened its doors in 1946, this legendary cafe boasts 80 years of history as of 2026, making it a true Hanoi institution.

Cafe Giang

Café Giảng

39 P. Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Old Quarter, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam

Operating Hours

Daily 7:00 AM - 10:30 PM

Cafe Giang Location

Cafe Giang is conveniently located, just a 5-minute walk from Ta Hien Beer Street and Hoan Kiem Lake.

One of the best things about Vietnam is how many cafes and eateries open early. I arrived around 8:30 AM, having woken up at 8:00 AM, and the place was already bustling, almost completely full!

The alleyway leading to the cafe is quite narrow. If two people pass by, you'll need to squeeze past sideways, and it can be a bit dim at night.

While there's seating for over 10 people on the first floor, guests aren't usually directed there. The tables turn over quickly, with a constant stream of customers.

Inside

The first floor primarily serves as the counter for ordering, so you'll need to head upstairs to the second floor for seating.

I was genuinely surprised to find it packed! If it's this busy in the morning, I can only imagine the queues during lunch and afternoon hours. Seeing a mix of Vietnamese locals and international visitors confirmed its reputation as a must-visit spot.

There isn't a formal seating system; you simply find any open spot, and a server will bring you a menu.

The Menu

Let's take a look at the Cafe Giang menu. Unsurprisingly, egg coffee is the first item listed. I didn't even bother looking at anything else and ordered it right away. At 45,000 VND, which is about ~$2, the price is incredibly reasonable.

I did, however, ponder whether to go for hot or iced. Looking around, I noticed a slight preference for the hot version among other patrons. But I was craving something refreshing, so I opted for iced!

While they offer regular coffee options, if you're visiting the birthplace of egg coffee, you absolutely have to try the original.

The menu didn't feature any desserts, though I did spot some bread and snack options posted on the wall (which, to be fair, no one seemed to be ordering).

Whether you're a solo traveler like me or visiting with a group, it's a great spot. The staff are constantly busy, and with so many customers, it's not the kind of place for a long, lingering visit. It's perfect for a quick 30-minute coffee break.

My Hanoi 'welcome drink' – my very first egg coffee – arrived!

Despite having visited Vietnam so many times, I realized I had never actually tried egg coffee before. I wasn't sure if it was just famous in Hanoi or what, but I was definitely curious about the taste of this slightly yellowish coffee.

With ice, the portion is a bit smaller. The espresso sits at the bottom, and if you only sip the creamy top layer, it can get bitter later on. The trick is to enjoy the top half, then stir it all together for a perfectly balanced, sweet coffee.

I admit, I was a little worried that an 'egg coffee' might taste fishy or not blend well with coffee, but there was absolutely no odd taste or sensation.

Ever had an Einspänner? If you just spoon the top cream, it's so smooth you'd be hard-pressed to tell if it's egg or regular cream. The sweetness level is somewhere between a latte and a vanilla latte, making it an approachable drink for anyone.

So there you have it, my introduction to Cafe Giang, the renowned egg coffee spot near Hanoi's Hoan Kiem Lake. If you've never tried egg coffee, this is absolutely the perfect place to start your journey.