XLIII Specialty Coffee Hanoi Review 2026: Hoan Kiem's Hidden Gem
Discover XLIII Specialty Coffee in Hanoi, a unique Hoan Kiem cafe changing perceptions with premium beans and a serene botanical vibe. Perfect for an authentic coffee experience.
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Discover XLIII Specialty Coffee in Hanoi, a unique Hoan Kiem cafe changing perceptions with premium beans and a serene botanical vibe. Perfect for an authentic coffee experience.
If you thought all Vietnamese coffee was strong and sweet,
prepare to have your expectations redefined.
In Hanoi, there are generally three ways to experience coffee.
Local cafes with their iconic plastic chairs lining the streets,
popular chains like Highlands Coffee or Cong Caphe,
and finally, the exciting world of specialty coffee roasteries.
While I've explored the first two types before,
I haven't quite done justice to the third.
XLIII Specialty Coffee falls into that third category.
It's a brand that changed its name from 43 Factory Coffee Roaster, which started in Da Nang,
and the Hoan Kiem branch in Hanoi is its fifth location, opened in October 2025.
If you look at the price list,
a cup of coffee ranges from 125,000 VND to 750,000 VND.
For anyone accustomed to grabbing a delicious coffee at a local spot for just 30,000 VND,
these prices might make you do a double-take, right?
But my curiosity was piqued, so I just had to go see for myself!
Where to Find XLIII Coffee in Hanoi
A hidden gem only for those who know where to look... shh!
You'll find it southwest of Hoan Kiem Lake,
right at the start of Quang Trung Street.
📍 XLIII Specialty Coffee
Tầng 2, 2D P. Quang Trung, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 11000 Vietnam
📍 St. Joseph's Cathedral
1 P. Nhà Thờ, Phường, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000 Vietnam
📍XLIII Specialty Coffee
Address: Tầng 2, 2D P. Quang Trung, Hoàn Kiếm
Opening Hours: Daily 06:30 ~ 22:30
Phone: +84 799 343 943
Google Rating: 4.9 (1,400+ reviews)
Card Payment Available (Visa, Mastercard, JCB)
It's about a 4-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake,
and a 3-minute walk from the Cathedral (Nhà Thờ Lớn).
It's a little bit off the main hustle and bustle of the Old Quarter.
The real adventure starts with finding it!
Even with Google Maps guiding you,
you might do a little double-take in front of the building.
But keep your eyes peeled for the white sign,
then simply head into the passage just beneath it.
Opening bright and early at 6:30 AM – that's quite uncommon for Hanoi cafes!
So, if you're staying in the Old Quarter, you can easily pop over and enjoy some peaceful coffee time before the city truly wakes up.
The cafe tends to get busier as the afternoon rolls on.
If you're lucky enough to snag a hotel near Hoan Kiem, you're just a 5-minute stroll away!
I've even written a whole post about the fantastic hotels I've personally stayed in around this area.
🔍My 3-Night Stay Review at Splendid Secret Hotel, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Stepping Inside XLIII, Hanoi's Specialty Cafe,
What Awaits Beyond the Second-Floor Door?
Is it a good spot to bring your laptop and get some work done?
As I ascended the staircase,
I had absolutely no idea what kind of enchanting space awaited me.
Push open the door, and you're instantly enveloped by an abundance of vibrant green potted plants.
They aren't just tucked away along the walls;
instead, they're artfully scattered throughout the entire space,
creating little pockets of nature. From every seat, you'll find a leaf or two playfully framing your view.
It honestly felt like wandering into a tranquil botanical garden.
The overall tone is a white background with oak wood accents and green sofas.
With a space of about 140㎡ and ample distance between tables, it felt incredibly spacious and never cramped.
What was unique was that they don't play any music.
It felt a bit unfamiliar at first, but as I sat there,
I started to understand that this was part of their concept.
Only the quiet sounds of coffee being brewed and hushed conversations from neighboring tables fill the air.
Considering the constant honking of motorbikes outside, the contrast in atmosphere is quite striking.
There's one thing that's good to know in advance.
It's not really suited for opening your laptop and working for several hours.
You might think it's good because it's quiet, but it's actually the opposite.
Because there's no background noise, the sound of your keyboard becomes noticeably loud.
It's kind of like being the only one typing on a mechanical keyboard in a quiet study room... haha.
Even in reviews from local Vietnamese,
"This isn't a place to come and work, but a place to savor coffee."
is a sentiment that often comes up.
-> If your goal is to work on your laptop,
cafes closer to West Lake (Ho Tay) or Hoan Kiem Lake are better options.
This place is for enjoying coffee.
🔍Hanoi Quiet Cafe: The Folders, a great spot for laptop work
Some reviews from local Vietnamese mention that
it's pet-friendly, but
it would be safer to confirm by phone before you visit.
XLIII Coffee Menu Prices
Why Do They Range from 120,000 VND to 750,000 VND?
This is probably the most confusing part of this cafe.
When you open the menu, you won't find specific drink names.
Instead of 'Americano costs this much' or 'Latte costs that much',
they list bean grades first.
From Roman numerals I to V,
and then a '#' symbol at the very end.
So, how is the coffee price determined?
The price of the bean you choose directly becomes the price of your drink.
Even on the menu,
"The price is determined by the type of coffee selected."
it states,
📍XLIII Cafe Bean Prices by Grade
(August 2026, 1,000 VND ≈ ~$0.04)
Grade | Label | Price (VND) | USD | Description |
I | Specialty Coffee I | 125,000 | ~$5 | Basic specialty. Standard for first-time visitors. |
II | Competition Coffee II | 250,000 | ~$9 | Competition-grade beans. |
III | Competition Coffee III | 375,000 | ~$14 | High-tier competition grade. |
IV | Outstanding Coffee IV | 500,000 | ~$19 | Rare lot. |
V | Outstanding Coffee V | 750,000 | ~$28 | Top-tier line. |
# | The Rarest Coffee # | 750,000 | ~$28 | Extremely rare. Not always available. |
Just looking at the numbers might seem intimidating,
but in reality, most people stick with Grade I.
Even when I visited this time,
I chose the lowest grade, the 125,000 VND option,
and enjoyed it as a cold brew and an iced americano, respectively, and it was perfectly delightful.
In fact, it was surprising that such quality could come at this price point.
Grade II and above beans are rare in themselves,
so consider the higher price to reflect that rarity.
These grades are meaningful for true coffee connoisseurs,
or for those specifically seeking out a particular type of bean.
-> If it's your first visit, starting with Grade I is more than enough.
I recommend confirming if you like the taste here first, and then trying a higher grade next time!
One more thing: the bean lineup changes according to the season and supply.
Even if it's the same Grade I, the coffee beans change from month to month.
So, rather than fixating on a specific bean name before you go,
it's always best to ask what's available for that day once you're there.
📍How to Decipher Coffee Bean Names📍
(straight from the barista!)
When I found myself a bit lost, wondering what to order,
the barista at the counter, clearly used to such indecision, patiently explained each option to me in fluent English.
Along the order bar, you'll find a series of cards showcasing the coffee beans available that day.
Their names look a little something like this:
XLIII . XV . COMP . PEW
In order, they are the Brand Name, Archive Number, Grade, and Origin Code.
The good news? You only need to know the 'Grade' to instantly figure out the price on the menu!
SPEC = Specialty (Grade I, 125,000동)
COMP = Competition (Grades II·III, 250,000~375,000동)
OUTS = Outstanding (Grades IV·V, 500,000~750,000동)
RARE = The Rarest (#, 750,000동)
-> If you see 'COMP' on a card, it means the price starts from 250,000동.
Just knowing this, you can quickly browse the cards and choose something within your budget.
On the day we visited, the displayed cards alone featured exciting options like
Peruvian Gesha, Ecuadorian Gesha, Colombian Sudan Rume, Indian Catuai, and Sucot Racemosa.
The origins were quite diverse, offering a great selection!
There was also a separate decaf option, processed using the Swiss Water method.
If anyone in your group needs to skip the caffeine, no problem at all!
So, you've picked your bean grade, what's next?
Once you've decided on the grade, the next step is the brewing method.
It's generally divided into three main methods.
📍Comparing the 3 Brewing Methods📍
Method | Name on Menu | Flavor Profile | Recommended for |
Shot | Cà phê đen | Intense concentration, rich, compressed aroma | Fans of espresso-style coffee |
Filter | Cà phê giấy lọc | Bright, clean, with distinct acidity and aroma | Those who want to experience the pure characteristics of the bean |
Milkbase | Cà phê sữa | Milk mellows the acidity, creating a smooth taste | Those who prefer less acidity, or coffee beginners in your group |
For Milkbase, you can choose between regular milk and oat milk.
The roasting here leans towards an extremely light roast.
This method maximizes the natural acidity and aroma of the beans,
which is the complete opposite direction of the strong, bitter taste often associated with Vietnamese coffee.
This means it's definitely a matter of taste!
If you're used to rich, dark roasts,
you might initially find the coffee taste 'light'.
If acidity isn't your favorite, playing it safe with a Milkbase option is a great idea.
📍Craving It Iced? Here's What To Do!📍
While the menu clearly lists the three brewing methods above,
you won't find specific iced options explicitly noted.
The day we visited was incredibly hot!
Even though we knew the best way to truly appreciate the coffee's nuances is to drink it warm,
we just couldn't resist the heat, so we ordered a cold brew and an iced Americano.
On the order slip, both were marked as Cà phê đen I (Specialty Shot I).
It's not that there's a separate 'iced' menu; rather,
they simply prepare your chosen beans as a cold brew.
The aftertaste was incredibly clean and crisp, with absolutely no lingering bitterness or residue.
-> If you're visiting Hanoi in the summer, just ask for it cold. Don't worry if 'iced' isn't explicitly on the menu – they can make it for you!
What about the XLIII Coffee Pasta, Bread, and Desserts?
It's not just a coffee shop.
They have their own kitchen and bake their own sourdough.
📍Food Menu Prices (1,000 VND ≈ 54 KRW)
Category | Menu Item | Price (VND) | USD |
Pasta | Lasagna, Pesto Pappardelle, Raviolini, Bolognese, Carbonara | 250,000 | ~$9 |
Toast | Scrambled Eggs & Salmon, Poached Eggs & Tuna, Parma Ham | 190,000 | ~$7 |
Panini | Caprese, Grilled Chicken | 190,000 | ~$7 |
Salad | Chicken, Caprese | 190,000 | ~$7 |
Bread | Sourdough Croissant, Cardamom, Cinnamon Roll, Banana, Brownie, etc. | 95,000 | ~$4 |
Dessert | Arabica Gelato, Arabica Tiramisu | 95,000 | ~$4 |
Coffee Bean Information Card with Your Coffee
After you order and sit down, they give you a card along with your coffee.
At first, I thought it was a receipt.
When I read it, I realized it was a description of the beans I chose, and it was much more detailed than I expected.
The top part contains farm information.
Farm name, region, altitude, variety, processing method, harvest year.
For example, on the Peru Gesha card, it said...
...Cajamarca region, 1,700~1,900m above sea level, washed process, 2024 harvest.
The interesting part is the bottom section. It describes the aroma broken down like this.
📍Coffee Bean Card Aroma Descriptors
Item | Meaning |
Reminiscent of | In a word, what this bean evokes |
Aroma | When smelled with the nose |
Hot | When hot |
Warm | When lukewarm |
Cold | When cooled |
Aftertaste | Lingering taste |
Acidity / Sweetness / Mouthfeel | Acidity, sweetness, texture |
The key is that "Hot," "Warm," and "Cold" are listed separately.
It's like they're telling you in advance how the aroma changes as the temperature drops,
so you end up comparing it by taking sips with the card next to you.
It's clearly designed by a serious coffee enthusiast...
Looking at the Ecuador Gesha card, it said jasmine, apricot, and lime when hot,
and lime, black tea, and apricot when cooled.
It's surprisingly fun to check if it actually transitions that way.
You definitely end up staying longer than if you were just drinking it normally.
The barista's English was also impeccably clear and fluid.
They laid out several beans, explained their unique characteristics, asked about my preferences, and helped me choose.
I've rarely received this level of service at a cafe in Vietnam.
It's rare to find a cafe with staff who can discuss coffee in such detail.
Price of Ordered Items and Overall Review
How much would it cost if two people go?
Honestly, the flavor was far superior to what I expected.
We ordered the 125,000 Dong coffee,
which was the lowest grade, but the aftertaste was incredibly clean.
It had that vibe of quality that wouldn't fall behind anywhere else in the world..!
Living in Hanoi, I've had my share of coffee, but it's rare to find such a well-balanced flavor.
📍Actual Cost (for 2 people)
Order | Quantity | Amount (Dong) |
Cà phê đen I (Specialty Shot I) | 2 | 250,000 |
Canelé | 1 | 95,000 |
Sourdough Cinnamon Roll | 1 | 95,000 |
Total | 440,000 |
Roughly ~$16 in USD. That's the price for two coffees and two pastries for two people.
By Hanoi local cafe standards, it's definitely on the pricier side.
However, if you go to a specialty cafe in Seoul
and order coffee and dessert for two, this amount is pretty standard.
So, it's really a matter of perspective, depending on your benchmark.
🔍Vietnam Highlands Coffee Hanoi Da Nang Nha Trang Local Cafe Review
Pros & Cons & Conclusion
👍 What We Loved
Even the lowest grade had undeniable quality.
No need to upgrade your beans; it's perfectly satisfying as is.
The bean card details the aroma profile for hot, lukewarm, and cold coffee.
The barista's explanations aren't just boilerplate.
They actually asked about our preferences and helped us choose.
The space is spacious with lots of green plants, making it great for photos.
Opens at 6:30 AM.
Making it easy for travelers to plan their day.
Decaf coffee is also available.
🤔 Things to Consider
At 125,000 Dong, it's definitely pricey by Hanoi's cost of living standards.
That's the cost of three or four cups at a local cafe.
The roasting is extremely light,
so it might not suit those who prefer a strong coffee.
It's on the second floor, so you might get a little lost looking for the entrance the first time.
It's not ideal for laptop work,
but if you're someone who truly wants to enjoy delicious coffee,
it's definitely worth a visit at least once.
If you're planning a trip to Vietnam,
Check out essential Vietnam eSIM information you need to pack
If you're planning to include this in your Hoan Kiem itinerary, checking out these other posts will make planning your route much easier.
🔍Hanoi 3-Night, 4-Day Free Travel Itinerary & Expense Summary Post
🔍Hanoi Travel Souvenirs Hoan Kiem Goods Shop Goigem Concept Store Post
🔍A post about Hanoi's famous egg coffee spot, Cafe Giang Main Branch, in Hoan Kiem
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The Hanoi Hoan Kiem branch, which opened in October 2025, is the 5th branch. This branch belongs to the XLIII Specialty Coffee brand, which was rebranded from 43 Factory Coffee Roaster, originally started in Da Nang.
Coffee prices at this cafe vary from 125,000 VND to 750,000 VND, depending on the bean grade (I to V, #). The article recommends that first-time visitors can still experience excellent quality even by choosing the lowest grade, Grade I (125,000 VND).
This cafe is not suitable for laptop work. Since no music is played, it's very quiet, so keyboard sounds can be quite noticeable. It is introduced as a place "to savor coffee."
Yes, you can order iced coffee. Although iced options are not separately listed on the menu, you can choose your desired beans and request them to be brewed cold. The article mentions instances where cold brew and iced Americano were ordered.
The bean card provided upon order contains farm information such as the farm name, region, altitude, variety, processing method, and harvest year. Notably, it also indicates the aroma when hot, lukewarm, and cold, preemptively informing customers how the aroma changes as the temperature decreases.
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