Discover Cà Phê Sữa Đá, Hanoi’s iconic Vietnamese iced coffee! Explore top cafes, prices, eco-friendly practices, and Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours. Book now!
Capture the bold flavor of Hanoi’s coffee gem (Source: Internet)Cà Phê Sữa Đá, Hanoi’s legendary Vietnamese iced coffee, is a cultural treasure that captivates travelers with its bold, creamy sweetness, served over ice in bustling cafes and sidewalk stalls. Pronounced “cah-fay soo-ah dah,” this drink is a staple across Hoan Kiem Ward’s vibrant Old Quarter and Ba Đình Ward’s tranquil corners, priced at $0.80–$2 (20,000–50,000 VND) per glass. Brewed with robusta beans from Vietnam’s Central Highlands using a phin filter, it drips slowly into a layer of sweetened condensed milk, then poured over ice, creating a rich, intense coffee with a velvety finish. Its bittersweet balance makes it a must-try for coffee lovers exploring Hanoi’s lively streets.
Born during French colonial times in the 19th century, Cà Phê Sữa Đá emerged in the 1940s when milk shortages led to condensed milk’s use, becoming a Hanoian ritual by the mid-20th century. Vendors source beans sustainably, often using reusable cups, aligning with Hanoi’s “Green Capital” initiative. Perfect for Hanoi’s tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 15–28°C or 59–82.4°F; rainy season: May–October, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F), its icy refreshment energizes any time of day. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly tours guide travelers to savor Cà Phê Sữa Đá sustainably, ensuring an authentic, unforgettable experience. Book via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has reclassified Hanoi’s districts as wards or communes, with former Hoan Kiem District now Hoan Kiem Ward under Hanoi City’s administration. This streamlines navigation to Cà Phê Sữa Đá spots using ward-based maps.
Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering guided eco-friendly coffee and food tours across Hanoi, tailored for travelers seeking authentic experiences. Our tours use low-impact transport like cyclos, led by English-speaking guides who share Cà Phê Sữa Đá’s history, brewing secrets, and sustainable practices, ensuring a safe, enriching journey. Supporting local vendors, we align with Hanoi’s green initiatives. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we make planning effortless. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and sip Cà Phê Sữa Đá responsibly!
Photograph the creamy allure of Hanoi’s coffee scene (Source: Internet)Cà Phê Sữa Đá, or Vietnamese iced coffee, is a cultural icon that reflects Hanoi’s resourcefulness and love for bold flavors. Introduced by French colonists in the 1850s, coffee became a Vietnamese staple when condensed milk replaced scarce fresh milk during wartime shortages, creating a creamy, sweet drink that’s now synonymous with Hanoi’s coffee culture. The preparation is a meditative ritual: medium-coarse robusta grounds are packed into a phin filter, a metal drip device, and hot water is poured slowly, dripping over 3–5 minutes into a glass with 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk. Stirred vigorously and poured over ice, the result is a strong, bittersweet coffee with a velvety texture, distinct from weaker Western iced coffees.
Vendors source beans from Đắk Lắk and Lâm Đồng, often certified for sustainable practices, and use reusable cups or biodegradable straws to reduce waste (Web ID 5). Priced at $0.80–$2, Cà Phê Sữa Đá is enjoyed on low stools at street stalls or in modern cafes, fostering community among locals and travelers. Its global popularity, boosted by social media, has made it a must-try, with Hanoi’s cafes offering the most authentic experience.
Recreate Hanoi’s iconic drink with this simple recipe:
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons medium-coarse robusta coffee, 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk), 1 cup boiled water, ice cubes.
Equipment: Vietnamese phin filter, glass, spoon.
Steps:
Add 2 tablespoons condensed milk to a glass.
Place 2 tablespoons coffee in the phin’s base, wet with a splash of hot water, and screw the press tightly.
Pour 1 cup boiled water into the phin, cover, and let drip for 3–5 minutes (adjust press if too fast/slow).
Stir coffee and milk thoroughly, pour over a tall glass of ice, and enjoy.
Eco-Friendly Tip: Use ethically sourced beans and reusable straws to mimic Hanoi’s sustainable practices.
Experience Hanoi Tours with sustainable sipping (Source: Internet)Hanoi’s cafes and stalls, priced at $0.80–$2 (20,000–50,000 VND) per glass, serve authentic Cà Phê Sữa Đá. Below are five top spots, selected for quality, eco-friendly practices, and recent reviews, with ward-based addresses:
The birthplace of cà phê trứng, offering a stellar Cà Phê Sữa Đá, best at 8:00 AM. Reusable cups and local robusta, with a cozy alley vibe (Web ID 20).
Cost: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); sunflower seeds $0.20 (5,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable straws; local sourcing.
Tip: Stir well for creamy texture; try egg coffee too.
A modern cafe with bold Cà Phê Sữa Đá, best at 9:00 AM. Sustainable beans and reusable trays, near Hoan Kiem Lake’s historic charm.
Cost: $1–$2.50 (25,000–62,500 VND); pastries $0.40 (10,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 7:30 AM–10:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local ingredients; minimal plastic.
Tip: Order with bánh mì ($1 or 25,000 VND); enjoy balcony views.
A retro-chic spot with smooth Cà Phê Sữa Đá, best at 8:00 AM. Reusable cups and ethically sourced beans, near St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
Cost: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); trà đá $0.20 (5,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–11:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local sourcing; biodegradable straws.
Tip: Try coconut coffee variation; check out Soviet decor.
A classic sidewalk stall for authentic Cà Phê Sữa Đá, best at 7:00 AM. Local beans and reusable glasses, in the Old Quarter’s heart.
Cost: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND); sunflower seeds $0.20 (5,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local sourcing; minimal waste.
Tip: Sit on low stools; pair with bia hơi ($0.20 or 5,000 VND).
A hidden gem with scenic Cà Phê Sữa Đá, best at 10:00 AM. Biodegradable straws and sustainable beans, offering rooftop views in the Old Quarter.
Cost: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); pastries $0.40 (10,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local sourcing; eco-friendly packaging.
Tip: Sit upstairs; order bạc xỉu for a milkier version.
To savor Cà Phê Sữa Đá authentically, follow these Hanoian practices:
Stir Vigorously: Mix the coffee and condensed milk thoroughly for a creamy, uniform flavor.
Sip Slowly: Enjoy the slow-drip ritual and icy refreshment, savoring each sip on a sidewalk stool or cafe table.
Customize Your Drink: Adjust milk or ice to taste; try bạc xỉu (more milk, less coffee) for a milder option.
Pair with Snacks: Nibble sunflower seeds ($0.20 or 5,000 VND) or bánh mì ($1 or 25,000 VND) for a classic combo.
Eco-Friendly Tip: Bring a reusable straw; request reusable cups to reduce waste, supporting Hanoi’s green ethos.
Start your Hanoi Travel with a refreshing sip (Source: Internet)Enhance your Cà Phê Sữa Đá adventure with these sustainable activities in Hanoi:
Join a 2–3-hour eco-friendly cyclo tour, sipping Cà Phê Sữa Đá at Café Giảng at 8:00 AM, learning phin brewing.
Cost: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND) per person.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–10:00 AM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Low-impact transport; supports local cafes.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Explore Hanoi’s largest market (500 m from Nguyễn Hữu Huân) for coffee beans at 10:00 AM, a 1–2-hour sustainable activity.
Cost: Free entry; purchases $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local sourcing; reusable bags.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake (200 m from Hàng Gai) post-coffee at 9:00 AM, a 30–60-minute low-impact activity.
Cost: Free; Ngoc Son Temple entry $1.20 (30,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Pedestrian-friendly; supports local culture.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Learn phin brewing in a 2-hour eco-friendly class at 11:00 AM, using sustainable beans.
Cost: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND) per person.
Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Sustainable sourcing; minimal waste.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Cultural Food Tour ($100–$150).
Visit the Weekend Night Market (500 m from Chân Cầm) at 7:00 PM, a 1–2-hour sustainable activity for souvenirs and snacks.
Cost: Free entry; purchases $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Hours: Friday–Sunday, 6:00 PM–11:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Supports local vendors; walkable.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Cultural Food Tour ($100–$150).
Cà Phê Sữa Đá spots, like 39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân in Hoan Kiem Ward, are accessible in 5–20 minutes from central Hanoi:
By Bus: Routes 01, 09, or 14 to Hoan Kiem Lake (5–10 min, $0.30–$0.50 or 7,000–12,000 VND); transfer to Ba Đình via Route 33 (10 min). Walk 5 minutes. Every 10–20 minutes, 5:00 AM–9:00 PM.
By Cyclo or Electric Cart: From central Hanoi (5–15 min, $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).
By Bicycle or Walking: Bicycle rental ($1–$3/day or 25,000–75,000 VND); walk 5–10 minutes in Hoan Kiem Ward or cycle to Ba Đình (15 min).
By Taxi or Grab: To Nguyễn Hữu Huân, $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND) one-way; round-trip $4–$12 (100,000–300,000 VND). Mai Linh (0438,222,666), Hanoi Taxi (0438,535,353).
By Private Car (Legend Travel Group): $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND round-trip for up to 4 people).
By Air (to Hanoi): Noi Bai Airport (HAN), 25 km. Flights: Ho Chi Minh City ($80–$150 or 2,000,000–3,750,000 VND), Da Nang ($60–$120 or 1,500,000–3,000,000 VND), Bangkok ($200–$600). Airport Bus No. 86 ($1.40 or 35,000 VND); taxi/Grab ($12–$15 or 300,000–375,000 VND).
Navigation Tip: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with addresses (e.g., “39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hoan Kiem Ward”).
Learn Hanoi’s coffee heritage with expert insights (Source: Internet)Pack these essentials for a sustainable Hanoi visit:
Clothing: Lightweight, casual outfits; comfortable shoes for walking. Waterproof jackets for rainy season.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat.
Travel Essentials: Mosquito repellent, reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with offline maps (Maps.me), portable charger.
Documents: Passport, travel insurance, tour confirmations, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable straw, cup, tote bag to minimize waste.
Extras: Notebook for coffee notes; cash for stalls.
Tip: Carry small VND notes; request reusable cups to reduce waste.
Food and Drink Fees
Cà Phê Sữa Đá: $0.80–$2 (20,000–50,000 VND per glass) (Web ID 5).
Sides (sunflower seeds, pastries, bánh mì): $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND).
Guided Coffee Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Market Purchases (coffee beans): $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Night Market Snacks: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Ngoc Son Temple Entry: $1.20 (30,000 VND).
Transportation (Round-Trip, from Central Hanoi)
Bus: $0.60–$1 (14,000–24,000 VND).
Cyclo/Electric Cart: $4–$10 (100,000–250,000 VND).
Bicycle: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Walking: Free (Hoan Kiem Ward).
Taxi/Grab: $4–$12 (100,000–300,000 VND)
Private Car: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND).
Airport Bus No. 86 + Taxi: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND) (Web ID 10).
Accommodation (Per Night, Double Occupancy)
Homestays: $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND).
Hotels: $30–$80 (750,000–2,000,000 VND)
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $10–$25 (bus, coffee, homestay).
Mid-range: $35–$55 (cyclo, coffee tour, hotel).
Luxury: $75–$110 (private car, premium hotel).
Tip: Budget for 1–2 glasses per person; inquire about prices to avoid overcharges.
Timing: Dry season (November–April) for outdoor sipping; rainy season (May–October) for indoor cafes. Morning (7:00–10:00 AM) for fresh brews; afternoon (2:00–5:00 PM) for a cool break.
Booking: Reserve tours 3–5 weeks ahead for peak seasons; no reservations needed for cafes, but arrive early at Café Giảng or Quán Cà Phê Cô Hằng.
Sustainability: Walk or cycle ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND); use reusable straws. Buy local beans ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND) at markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps with addresses like “39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hoan Kiem Ward.”
Safety: Watch for pickpockets in crowded Old Quarter; secure valuables. Carry a first-aid kit.
Weather: Dry season for sidewalk seating; rainy season needs waterproof gear ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn”; tip vendors $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND). Share stools respectfully.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); avoid tap water ice. Apply mosquito repellent.
Our sustainable tours showcase Hanoi’s Cà Phê Sữa Đá culture:
Hanoi Coffee Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Cyclo ride to Café Giảng at 8:00 AM, sipping Cà Phê Sữa Đá, visiting Đồng Xuân Market. Includes guide, cyclo.
Hanoi Cultural Coffee Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Trung Nguyên Legend, Old Quarter Night Market, brewing workshop, homestay ($20–$50/night). Includes meals, guide.
Hanoi & Ninh Binh Coffee Immersion ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Quán Cà Phê Cô Hằng, Trang An Grottoes, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Cà Phê Sữa Đá, Hanoi’s iconic Vietnamese iced coffee, is a must-try cultural delight, priced at $0.80–$2 at top spots like Café Giảng, Trung Nguyên Legend, and Quán Cà Phê Cô Hằng across Hoan Kiem and Ba Đình wards. With its bold robusta, creamy condensed milk, and eco-friendly practices like reusable cups, it embodies Hanoi’s coffee heritage and sustainable ethos. Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Tours guide you to this refreshing ritual, ensuring a sustainable Hanoi Travel experience blending flavor, tradition, and green travel. Whether sipping on a bustling Old Quarter sidewalk or a serene Hoan Kiem Lake cafe, Cà Phê Sữa Đá promises an unforgettable Hanoi adventure. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your coffee journey today!
Ready to savor Hanoi’s iconic Cà Phê Sữa Đá? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable adventure!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Source: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group.
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