Everything Random

There are so many cafes in Hanoi, that’s a fact. So how do you choose?

I go to the one nearest me, to be honest, as I stroll around the city to just wander aimlessly. I use google maps to locate a couple or two, take a look at the reviews, and anything above 4.5 can be potentially good.

I went to 4 over a span of 4 days in my most recent visit, and I review them here:

1: Blackbird Coffee – 9/10

Blackbird has several spots across the city. I went to the one close to the other coffee shop (number 2 below) that I also would like to try – in Hoan Kiem. I opted for the new summer drink they just introduced – the Coco Bird – an eclectic mix of espresso, coconut milk, and cream, topped with ice.

I like the smooth taste, the nuttiness of the arabica beans, plus the right amount of creaminess. This is a good one. The Hoan Kiem place is a bit cramped but homey. Good for conversations and just a few minutes of stay, but not for long-term writing streak.

2: Eggyolk – 9/10

Right beside Blackbird is Eggyolk, which prides itself of its delicious egg coffee. The place has better space than its neighbour, with three floors of seating area, and AC and non-AC options. There are a few seats in the second floor verandah that fronts the not-so-busy street.

This time around, I opted for the egg-chocolate hot drink, as I don’t have the space for another coffee at 7pm. The eggyolk and cream was served separately from the chocolate. You can temper the chocolate flavour on your own, which is kind of ingenious, if you have to think about it. This one I also recommend. The bright space, the drink, and the crew deserves a 9/10.

3: Soul Specialty Coffee – 7/10

This one had good reviews so I went to check it out with my friend First. The place is a little bit cramped but there are a lot of good options from coldbrew to hot drinks plus a few select pastries. I got an iced salted caramel latte while First ordered a matcha latte. The place also sells coffee beans, more on the robusta side. I bought one of their arabica blends and will give it to another friend, Yui. I will ask her how it tastes after she has tried it.

The service crew is cold and condescending (talking me down as if I haven’t drunk salted caramel my whole life) and the coffee is sub-optimal. I will give it a 6 but First said the matcha latte was good, so a 7 for this one for now.

4: Vintage 1976: 9/10

This cafe wins in terms of location and view. The cafe sits just right in front of the historical Truc Bach lake, just a stone throw away from the Tran Quoc Pagoda. The coffee is quite good and the cafe reminds me of Bangkok’s Chinatown repurposed buildings. I got the iced coconut coffee with a plain croissant topped with chocolate drizzle.

I don’t mind spending the whole afternoon here. The second floor does not have AC but it has ample space for working and writing. Plus the view. The view! It’s all that matters. Well, the coffee too, and they have an extensive menu.

I went to a couple or two more but they are not very interesting. In a city where coffee shops sit beside each other, it is not a surprise that the hyped sits in the same lane as the real ones.

Do I want to go back to these places again? I will. But Hanoi does not run out of coffee shops, so probably, I will try the others that remain unchecked on my long list.