The Hanoi Cafe You Have to Visit

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In Vietnam, coffee is King. I had never liked coffee in my 37 years until I got to Vietnam. I had tried it many times, attempted to like the bitter tasting, potent drink beloved by billions. But I couldn’t do it without looking like a kid trying Brussels sprouts for the first time. But here’s the Hanoi cafe that changed that. Surrounded by coffee shops with everyone telling me how amazing coffee is there, and I just had to give it a go. And you know what? I actually liked it. Loved it in fact. I had a coffee every day of my trip. Haven’t touched a drop since, but I really enjoyed Vietnamese coffee.

Coffee in Vietnam

Vietnamese coffee is served differently than I’ve ever seen over here in North America. For one, I don’t think many people even know what condensed milk is, let alone use it in their daily caffeine fix. But strong Vietnamese coffee with a helping of sweet, thick condensed milk is heaven in a cup over there. Then there’s the coconut coffee. Coconut milk, shaved coconut, and cream make this spectacularly delicious beverage. There are hot coffees, iced coffees and everything in between. The list of drinks on coffee shop menus often surpass the food items in regular restaurants. It’s insane. But amazing.

Hanoi Cafe – The Note Coffee

Right in the middle of the bustling old quarter is The Note Coffee, a really unique drink place. I’d seen this cafe online while looking for places to visit in Hanoi, and knew we had to visit while there. The cafe is in a seemingly small building, until you realize there are multiple floors. It’s a popular place, but not so popular that we couldn’t find a seat. In fact, there was plenty of space to relax and get out of the midday heat. Check out the location here:

So what makes this place special?

Well, when you order your drink it comes served with a post it note to you with a nice little message on it. That’s not all. There are other post it notes on all the tables. You can write a message and stick it on the wall, or the table, or the chair or the ceiling. Basically anywhere you like. It’s kind of organized graffiti, but with a South East Asian kick. Oh yeah, and the coffee is pretty good too. Well I obviously think so since it’s the first place I ever actually enjoyed a coffee in my whole life up until that point.

The drinks at this Hanoi cafe

Sure The Note Coffee is an Instagram-worthy place (we’ll get to that), but still you probably won’t go here unless there’s something good on the menu you would want. So what do they have to offer? Well they have all the classics: Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte or Mocha. Then there are iced espresso or blended coffee drinks. Or if you really want to try something different (you are in Vietnam after all) then try one of the local specialties. A Vietnamese Coffee with condensed milk, a coconut latte, or and egg coffee (that’s right, with real eggs).

If coffee isn’t your thing there are other fun drinks to try. I went back and forth with whether I should commit to a coffee or not, and really glad I did. But I also know not everyone will want coffee. For those non-coffee nuts, there are hot chocolates, fruit smoothies, juices or tea. I recommend a passion fruit smoothie, my new favorite thing after being to Vietnam. Read more about my top Vietnamese drinks to try on your next trip.

But are the drinks really expensive?

The drinks are not cheap by Vietnamese standards, but are still cheaper than your average Starbucks back home. The prices were typical of most of the nicer cafes in the city we found, although I’m sure as you get further out and away from the more tourist filled areas you would also find cheaper options. Most drinks at The Note Coffee will run you 40k-55k VND per beverage ($1.70-$2.50 USD).

Remember to take a reusable water bottle with you on your travels, like this one from FastTech

What is The Note Coffee like inside?

Well that’s the fun part. On the main floor as you walk into this Hanoi cafe you’ll see the counter where you can order your drinks and a snack if you wish. Then head upstairs to find a seat and they will bring your drinks to you when ready. The narrow winding staircase leads you to the second then third floor of the building and you begin to see really quickly why it’s called The Note Coffee.

The second level is a little darker, but keep going further up if it’s open and sit in the larger, brighter room covered top to floor in sticky notes. We opted for a window seat to watch the world below, and get a nice breeze. But there are a couple of comfy couches also if you want to relax a bit more. Your eyes will be drawn to the messages all over the wall and you’ll soon start writing your own.

So what can you write?

Basically anything. Some people opt for an inspirational quote or message like these ones.

Or there are lots with travel themes which makes sense given where you are in the world and how popular this place is with travelers.

Others give shout outs to friends the author is with or ones back home. And of course it wouldn’t be a Hanoi cafe without an ode to coffee.

Coffee culture in Hanoi

Hanoi was one of my favorite places in Vietnam, and I loved the Hanoi cafe culture there. So many places to go and sit no matter the time of day. The variety of drinks on sale was always incredible. The Note Coffee was one of my favorite places, not just because of how quirky it was, but also the quality of the drinks. And of course because it was where I had my very first full cup of coffee. So if you like coffee, or if you don’t, there will be something for you at The Note Coffee. Escape the craziness of Hanoi traffic and get yourself a coffee with a nice little note.

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Have you been to the Note Coffee Hanoi cafe? Or a similarly quirky cafe around the world?