On 8/4, the nearly 50-year-old US food magazine Food & Wine announced that Hanoi ranked second among the world's top 10 coffee cities.

To identify the best food and beverage experiences for travelers, Food & Wine surveyed over 400 chefs, travel experts, food and travel writers, and wine professionals globally about their experiences. The results were then submitted to a Global Advisory Board to rank top contenders in each category.

Beyond honoring Hanoi as the runner-up in the "best coffee city" category, Food & Wine's experts also suggested seven coffee shops for visitors to try here.

Refined

This coffee shop, owned by Tu Vu, exemplifies Hanoi's new wave of coffee culture. It utilizes traditional Robusta beans, elevating the coffee through a careful selection process.

On the menu, visitors will find traditional black coffee and condensed milk coffee brewed with a phin, alongside creative variations featuring fruit. Customers can also purchase a phin designed by the owner to brew coffee at home. Photo: Refined

C.O.C Legacy Specialty Coffee

This shop showcases Hanoi's growing specialty coffee market. Despite being tucked away down a narrow alley, visitors seek it out for a tranquil coffee experience, isolated from the capital's bustle.

The team focuses on carefully selected Vietnamese beans and precise brewing methods. The menu features original coffees and light roasts, ideal for a delicate pour-over. Photo: Kimberly

Giang

This establishment is recognized as the "birthplace" of Vietnamese egg coffee, created in 1946 when milk was scarce. Whipped egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk were used as a substitute.

Visitors should try this drink, which features a rich, custard-like cream layer atop strong coffee. Served in a cup like a dessert, it offers a memorable experience for first-time visitors to Hanoi. Photo: Indochina Voyages

Blackbird Coffee

This shop is an ideal choice for those interested in Vietnamese specialty coffee without unnecessary frills. It emphasizes manual brewing methods and offers cupping classes for those wishing to learn more about the process. On a hot day in Hanoi, visitors should try Blackbird's cold brew. Photo: Blackbird

Loading T Cafe

Hidden within a French colonial villa in the Old Quarter, Loading T offers a diverse selection of beverages.

Egg coffee and yogurt coffee are prominent features, served to guests relaxing on comfortable chairs. This shop is popular with tourists, so be prepared for a wait to get a table. Photo: Tripadvisor

Aramour

The shop's interior features mid-20th century furniture, while coffee is brewed using precisely measured methods.

Visitors can expect light roasts and a menu that utilizes sustainably grown coffee beans. Photo: Aramour

La Viet Coffee

This roaster has gained popularity in both Hanoi and TP HCM, with multiple branches. La Viet's distinction lies in its focus on Arabica beans from the Central Highlands, offering coffees with fruity notes—a contrast to the city's traditional strong, bitter Robusta. Photo: La Viet

Hoai Anh (According to Food & Wine)