Top 5 Things to Do in Hanoi for Drink Lovers
There are many things to do in Hanoi, experiencing drinks is a vital option. From drinks to tranquilizers to drinks that hyping up the atmosphere, every drink harbors a story behind it.
1. Vietnamese Egg Coffee – Hanoi’s Sweet Classic
Vietnamese egg coffee first appeared in Hanoi in the 1940s, when fresh milk in Vietnam was rare and really expensive due to the Anti-French Resistance war. At that time, Nguyen Van Giang, a former bartender at Sofitel Metropole was invented egg coffee by whipping egg yolks with sugar to replace milk, blending it with strong Vietnamese coffee and creating a creamy, custard-like drink that soon became a Hanoi signature.
Today, the recipe stays original when it was first invented, with the strong mix of robusta coffee, whisked egg yolk, condensed milk, and a touch of vanilla. The unique and delightful egg coffee will linger in your heart, perfect to start an energized day with many things to do in Hanoi.
Where to try the best Vietnamese egg coffee in Hanoi:
- Giảng Café: This is the birthplace of egg coffee, whose first owner is Nguyen Van Giang, who has now passed the tradition to his son
- Đinh Café: This place has the vibe of Old Quarter Hanoi, which retains original tables and chairs for many years
- Old Quarter cafés: The coffee shop has the original taste of egg coffee and has been perfected for generations in the center of Hanoi
Artful egg coffee: creamy, floral, uniquely Hanoi
You may also like: Salt Coffee in Vietnam: The Hue Original
2. Craft Beer and Local Brews
Hanoi’s craft beer culture has flourished in recent years, blending global brewing styles with Vietnamese creativity. Unlike Saigon’s bold, hop-forward profiles or central Vietnam’s maltier, Hanoi’s craft beers often lean toward lighter, tropical, and have a delight flavors, which is perfect for the city’s cool evenings and lively sidewalks. Street-side taprooms and open-air bars add to the charm, giving visitors a front-row seat to Hanoi’s rhymes.
While “bia hơi” (fresh beer) took 7 to 10 days to undergo fermentation, “bia tươi” (craft beer) took more than that to ferment. However, because of a longer period of fermentation, “bia tươi” has a higher amount of alcohol and stronger flavors than “bia hơi”.
Cold beers, loud laughs, where Hà Nội nights begin
Pairing beer with local bites is a cultural experience of its own. Fresh “bia hơi” goes well with simple street snacks, while craft beers shine alongside richer, grilled dishes. It’s easy to find a local beer spot in Hanoi, where draft beer is kept chilled in large metal kegs and served fresh in sturdy glass mugs. Don’t forget to cheer “một hai ba dô!” when drinking with friends.
Some of the recommended perfect pairings:
- Nem rán (fried spring rolls)
- Grilled skewers (thịt xiên nướng)
- Roasted peanuts, dried squid (mực khô)
- Bánh mì with pâté or grilled pork
While eating and drinking beers, find your favorite spot in a crowded place such as Ta Hien Street to experience the gathering atmosphere and hospitality of Hanoi locals, while “nhậu” means to go out for a booze session.
Read More: Vietnamese Beer Culture: Drink Like a Local
3. Pho Cocktails – Creative Hanoi Twist
Hanoi’s mixologists have transformed iconic Vietnamese spices into inventive cocktails that feel both familiar and thrillingly new. The cocktail was first performed at the Diageo World Class competition in 2012, bringing wild ingredients with wizardry, concocting sensory potions that enchant the palate.
Few drinks embody the city’s creativity like the Phở Cocktail — a bold blend of gin, orange liqueur, lime, and aromatic spices. It’s street food nostalgia elevated into a refined sip, capturing Hanoi’s spirit of tradition in a breeze seems new but familiar.
Some spots are suitable for special drinks at night, where the night is a paid actor for the tranquil atmosphere:
- Nê Cocktail Bar: Trendy lounges in the Old Quarter
- Bee’Znees: Hidden speakeasies with craft mixology menus
- Terraço Sky Bar: Rooftop bars offering signature Vietnamese-inspired cocktails
Phở cocktail, a Vietnam’s bold new twist in a glass
Find more interesting facts at What the Pho !?
4. Sip Along Hanoi Train Street
Cafés lining the famous Train Street offer front-row views of the trains rushing past just meters away. It’s a thrilling spot to enjoy coffee or a cold drink while snapping unforgettable photos.
Hanoi’s iconic Train Street offers a one-of-a-kind experience, where cafés sit just steps from the railway, and every drink comes with a rush of adrenaline. As the train thunders past, the street comes alive with energy, hustling noises, blending everyday life with unforgettable moments.
Sipping coffee by the passing train in Hanoi
While the experience is thrilling, always follow safety rules: stay behind marked lines, listen to café staff or railway guides, and never stand too close to the track when a train is approaching. Your caution keeps you and everyone around you safe.
Read for more information at Hanoi Train Street 2025: Safety Updates & Local Tips
5. Tips for Experiencing Hanoi’s Drink Culture
The deeper you understand Hanoi’s culture, the more meaningful your journey becomes, especially when you explore it through its drinks. There are some suggestions for you before get ready to explore another side of Hanoi.
- Best times to drink: early morning for coffee, late afternoon to evening for bars and craft beer
- Local etiquette: order at the counter in small cafés, and don’t rush, as Hanoi’s drink culture is not rushed
- Pairings: try Vietnamese egg coffee with pastries, craft beer with local snacks, and cocktails with Hanoi street bites such as “nem chua rán” or “bánh mì.”
- Laws: When you have enjoyed alcoholic drinks, please do not drive any vehicles, as it might cause catastrophic accidents or result in DUI (driving under the influence) penalties
Cold beer with the perfect bites for a true Hanoi moment
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