by Bảo Ngọc

Many of Hà Nội's best cafés are so well-hidden that only coffee lovers know they're there. Finding these shops might be a mystery as they are sometimes tucked away in the attic of a historic building or in the middle of busy businesses that obscure them.

These coffee shops may be difficult to spot for first-timers, but are great for gatherings.

Cà Phê Phố Cổ

Address: 11 Hàng Gai Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hà Nội

Nestled deep inside a small alley on Hàng Gai Street, Cà Phê Phố Cổ (Old Quarter Café) is a strange place for first-timers.

Many regulars, however, keep coming back not just for the drinks but also for the unique atmosphere created by plenty of trees and exotic antiques and woodwork spread throughout the building.

The courtyard inside is spacious, originally the yard of an old villa with many details such as stairs, columns, and ancient mossy porches.

CREAMY: Cà Phê Phố Cổ is well-known for its egg coffee. — Photos courtesy of the cafe

According to staff, the café is owned by the family of painter Nguyễn Tuấn and was built nearly 100 years ago.

While the first floor is an open space for people to admire the owners' ancient statues, paintings and ceramics, the second floor is a closed space with wooden tables and chairs for those who love the cosy atmosphere. The ancient family shrine on the second floor is a highlight where visitors like to pose for photos.

As a place to have coffee and other drinks, the shop is well-known for its drip and egg coffee, a Hanoian speciality.

Drinks range from VNĐ45,000 to 60,000.

Là Việt

Address: Alley 45 Hàng Bún Street, Ba Đình District, Hà Nội

Là Việt coffee shop, located on quiet Hàng Bún Street in Ba Đình District, features both indoor and outdoor settings, with its second floor balcony being a client favourite and affording sweeping views of the street, which was once famed for manufacturing noodles.

LOW-KEY: Peaceful ambience at Là Việt cafe. — Photos courtesy of the cafe

The interior of the shop is created in the same style as the same-brand stores in Đà Lạt and HCM City, featuring a bar lounge, big tables and seats.

It not only serves coffee but also cold-brewed drinks, juices, tea, and some snacks with costs ranging from VNĐ30,000 to 55,000.

Tiny Post

Address: No. 30 Alley 181 Trường Chinh Street, Thanh Xuân District, Hà Nội

Unlike the bustling Trường Chinh Street, this coffee shop is tucked away in a quiet, green, and airy area. Visitors can escape the summer heat in the entrance's cobblestone courtyard, which is shaded by leafy green trees.

VINTAGE VIBES: Tiny Post's retro-styled interior. — Photos courtesy of the cafe

There are several enormous shelves spread out over the store's three floors. The second and third floor balconies offer excellent views of the lively activity on the street below.

The price of a drink ranges from VNĐ30,000 to 60,000.

ACID8 Specialty Coffee

Address: 34 Hà Hồi Hamlet, Hòan Kiếm, Hà Nội

ACID8 is located in Hoàn Kiếm District in an alleyway that connects Trần Quốc Toản and Trần Hưng Đạo streets. Its red brick façade and black interior stands out from the outside, giving guests the impression that time has stopped.

However, given the limited space available for parking, patrons are strongly recommended to use the available public transport options. The café is open from 7am until 9pm.

You may choose items such as black coffee, iced coffee with condensed milk, tea, and cupcakes, with prices ranging from VNĐ40,000 to 65,000. VNS