Where is the best coffee in Hai Phong?
Best coffee in Hai Phong: traditional phin filters at local cafés (20,000–35,000 VND), egg coffee (cà phê trứng) at specialized shops (35,000–50,000 VND), and modern specialty roasters (40,000–70,000 VND). Look for sidewalk cafés with plastic stools for authentic northern-style cà phê sữa đá. Avoid tourist-oriented chains — the best coffee is at family-run spots in residential neighborhoods.
Hai Phong’s coffee culture is northern Vietnamese in character — less sweet, more bitter, more focused on the coffee itself than on Instagram-worthy presentations.
Traditional phin filter cafés
These are the backbone of Hai Phong’s coffee scene. Plastic stools, sidewalk locations, and cà phê sữa đá made the old-fashioned way.
- Style: Dark-roasted Robusta or Robusta-Arabica blend, brewed in a phin filter, served over ice with condensed milk.
- Price: 20,000–35,000 VND
- Atmosphere: Street-level, ceiling fans, people-watching
- Best for: Morning coffee, afternoon breaks, authentic experience
Where to find them
Sidewalk cafés on Nguyen Duc Canh Street, Le Loi Street, and residential alleys. Look for low plastic stools and older men reading newspapers.
Egg coffee (cà phê trứng)
A Hanoi invention that made its way to Hai Phong. The egg foam is rich, custard-like, and sits atop strong black coffee.
- Style: Whisked egg yolk and condensed milk foam over hot or iced coffee.
- Price: 35,000–50,000 VND
- Atmosphere: Cozy cafés, often with vintage decor
- Best for: Dessert-like treat, cooler weather, afternoon indulgence
Where to find them
Specialized egg coffee shops in the French Quarter, some modern cafés near the Opera House.
Modern specialty roasters
A newer addition to Hai Phong’s scene — third-wave coffee shops that roast their own beans and offer pour-over options.
- Style: Single-origin Vietnamese beans (Da Lat, Son La), pour-over, Aeropress, sometimes espresso.
- Price: 40,000–70,000 VND
- Atmosphere: Modern, air-conditioned, laptop-friendly
- Best for: Work sessions, specialty coffee seekers, air-con refuge
Where to find them
Near universities, modern shopping areas, and expat neighborhoods.
The short version
Traditional: Sidewalk phin filter cafés — 20,000–35,000 VND, authentic northern style. Egg coffee: Specialized shops — 35,000–50,000 VND, dessert-like treat. Specialty: Modern roasters — 40,000–70,000 VND, single-origin beans. Avoid: Tourist chains — the best coffee is at family-run spots.