In addition to being a well-known beverage, coffee has a cultural beauty that is associated with Vietnamese people’s daily lives. If you leave out the Vietnamese coffee experience from your Hanoi tour, it will be a mistake. Come learn some fascinating coffee-related facts and find some addresses to savor delicious Vietnamese coffee!
The story about the origin of coffee in the world
The origin of coffee
There are a lot of hypotheses surrounding the origin of the coffee plant, but the most popular legend is the story about Kaldi, a goat herder in Kaffa (modern-day Ethiopia). By chance, Kaldi discovered that some goats in the herd, after eating branches with white flowers and red fruits, became very enthusiastic and ran tirelessly until late at night. Then he told local monks about his discovery. After reviewing the grazing area, the monks detected a plant with dark green leaves and red fruits. They drank the juice from those fruits and stayed awake until late at night. From there, the information about the fruit that helps people stay alert and full of energy spread swiftly.
The other hypotheses about coffee
A certain number of people think that the origins of the coffee plant were in present-day Ethiopia. Coffee plants were brought to Arabia by slave traders from Ethiopia in the 14th century, and Arabia became the exclusive region to plant coffee trees, with Mocha Port City (also referred to as Mokka) serving as the transaction hub. Today, Mokka is also known as Al Mukha City in Yemen.
In addition, Ludolphus (1681) noted in Historia Ethiopica that coffee plants were originally introduced to Ethiopia by Abyssinians, who were originally from Arabia. Thus, even if the coffee plant was later found in Ethiopia and carried to Yemen from there, the Arabs should be given credit for being the ones who spread it initially.
Another theory is that the first cultivation of coffee in Yemen dates back to the 6th century AD, when the Persian invasion ended Ethiopian rule over the black Caleb people, who conquered this country in 525 AD.
The coffee’s journey to Vietnam
Coffee journey to Vietnam
Vietnamese coffee history is closely linked to the nation’s ups and downs. French missionaries brought the Arabica coffee variety to Vietnam for the first time in 1857. Several Northern provinces were the first to try planting coffee trees in churches, and then provinces in the Center. Finally, the provinces of the Southeast and Southern Central Highlands saw a slow development of coffee plants. Since then, people have started to discover that the Central Highlands is the place where all the benefits of an ecosystem come together with ideal terrain for coffee trees to grow and thrive.
After Arabica, the French continued to import two more coffee varieties, Robusta and Excelsa, to grow in the Central Highlands. Robusta coffee trees are well adapted to the climate and soil of the Central Highlands. The coffee growing area is constantly expanding, and coffee export output has increased, making Vietnam one of the largest coffee exporting countries in the world.
The repercussions of conflict have complicated coffee production and cultivation. But because of the innovation strategy, advancements in science and technology, and sensible growth plans, the Vietnamese coffee industry has sharply recovered, its quality is continuously rising, and it has progressively cemented its place in the global market.
Address to savor Vietnamese coffee in Hanoi
La Capo Cafe
Egg coffee
La Capo Cafe has an eye-catching decoration style and a homey space. The beverages here have affordable prices, and the staff is so friendly and ready to bring you the highest quality service. The coffee here has a rich and fragrant taste. You can try drinks such as salted coffee, egg coffee, milk coffee, etc. to experience different variations of Vietnamese coffee. In addition, the restaurant serves other refreshing drinks and some pastries. Come to La Capo Cafe to have great experiences during your visit to Hanoi!
Contact information:
Address: No.36, Au Trieu Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone number: +84 378 861 296
Opening hours: 7.00 AM – 10.00 PM (Monday to Sunday)
Hanoi Coffee Culture
Milk coffee
Hanoi Coffee Culture recreates an old Hanoi street corner with yellow walls, moss-covered tile roofs, artistic paintings, and rustic tables and chairs. This address serves a variety of coffees, such as egg coffee, black coffee, milk coffee, etc., and other drinks, such as tea, smoothies, juices, etc. With a nostalgic atmosphere and cozy and dedicated service from the staff, Hanoi Coffee Culture is the ideal choice to enjoy Vietnamese coffee that you should not miss when coming to Hanoi.
Contact information:
Address: No.45, Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone number: +84 985 635 645
Opening hours: 6.30 AM – 9.00 PM (Monday to Sunday)
Lifted Coffee & Brunch Ma May Store
Brunch
Lifted Coffee & Brunch Ma May Store serves a variety of Vietnamese coffee made from pure coffee beans, roasted and ground by hand. Besides, the coffeehouse also has delicious brunch dishes such as French toast, burgers, salads, etc. The rustic brick walls and white color scheme of the Lifted Coffee & Brunch Ma May Store give it a modern feel. In addition, the restaurant also has an outdoor area where you can enjoy drinks and watch the streets of Hanoi.
Contact information:
Address: No.30, Ma May Street, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone number: +84 906 262 107
Opening hours: 8.30 AM – 8.00 PM (Monday to Sunday)
Cafe Minh
Coconut coffee
Cafe Minh is highly appreciated for its service quality, friendly and funny staff, and good mixing skills, providing delicious cups of coffee that meet customers’ requirements. This coffeehouse serves Vietnamese coffee at affordable prices, such as black coffee, milk coffee, egg coffee, coconut coffee, etc. In addition, Cafe Minh is also loved for its eye-catching decoration and relaxing space suitable for enjoying cups of coffee in a quiet space, studying and working, meeting friends to chat, and taking beautiful photos.
Contact information:
Address: No.53B, Luong Ngoc Quyen Street, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone number: +84 912 513 894
Opening hours: 7.00 AM – 11.00 PM (Monday to Sunday)
Timeline Cafe & Restaurants
Timeline Cafe & Restaurants serves drinks such as coffee, tea, smoothies, fruit juices, etc., and some snacks such as bread, salad, etc., suitable for light meals or snacks. With the unique design style of each branch, from classic and luxurious to cozy and youthful, Timeline Cafe & Restaurants is the ideal place for studying and working, going on dates, unwinding, or just hanging out with friends.
Contact information:
Address:
- No.7, Dinh Liet Street, Hang Bac Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
- No.79, Lane 260, Cau Giay Street, Quan Hoa Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Vietnam
- No.8, Alley 495/1/30, Nguyen Trai Street, Thanh Xuan Nam Ward, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone number:
+84 911 805 999
+84 908 261 992
Opening hours: 7.30 AM – 10.30 PM (Monday to Sunday)
Hidden Gem Cafe Hanoi
Black coffee
Hidden Gem Cafe Hanoi, a Vietnamese coffee diner, is like a hidden gem in a quiet and rustic space in the heart of Hanoi. This cafe impresses with its unique and creative decoration style made from recycled materials, contributing to limiting pollution and protecting the environment. What’s interesting is that Hidden Gem offers take-away service only when customers bring their own cups. In addition, you can also help by bringing discarded items and plastic bottles to the shop for effective reuse.
Contact information:
Address: No.1, Hang Mam Street, Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone number: +84 962 011 540
Opening hours: 7.00 AM – 10.00 PM (Monday to Sunday)
Giang Cafe
Giang Coffee
Giang Cafe is a name not to be missed when mentioning Hanoi egg coffee. This place is known as the cradle of the famous egg coffee with a unique flavor, preserved for nearly 80 years since the shop was born and developed. The shop has a rustic, simple space with wooden tables and chairs, old photos, and warm yellow lights, creating a feeling of nostalgia and closeness. Coming to Giang Cafe will bring you unique experiences and a more nostalgic space than is currently available.
Address: No.39, Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Ly Thai To Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone number: +84 917 00 22 99
Opening hours: 8.00 AM – 10.00 PM (Monday to Sunday)
Summary
Whether you want to enjoy rich traditional Vietnamese coffee or a fresh modern one, no matter what space you love, Hanoi has coffeehouses that suit your requirements and preferences. From beautiful small cafes nestled in ancient alleys to luxurious cafes located on busy streets or rooftop cafes with spacious views, you can find them all in Hanoi. Vietnamese coffee is an indispensable part of Hanoian culture, and cups of Vietnamese coffee will help you become excited and full of energy to continue your exciting journey of exploring Hanoi.
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