If you find yourself strolling through the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City and looking for the best coffee shops in Saigon, you absolutely can’t miss a visit to Little Hanoi Egg Coffee. It’s one of my go-to places in the city.
Conveniently located for most visitors at 167 Ky Con Street in District 1, this cozy café offers an authentic Vietnamese experience you’ll likely never forget.
Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or simply looking to try something new, Little Hanoi’s specialty egg coffee is a must-try. Here’s everything you need to know before your visit!
What is Egg Coffee?
Egg coffee, or “Cà Phê Trứng” in Vietnamese, might sound unusual if you’ve never encountered it before. The drink originated in Hanoi, and it’s become a beloved Vietnamese coffee tradition over the years.
At its core, egg coffee is a frothy blend of strong Vietnamese coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and a creamy egg mixture that results in a velvety, indulgent cup of coffee unlike anything you’ve ever tasted.
At Little Hanoi Egg Coffee, the recipe was developed with care. The café uses fresh eggs and quality coffee beans, ensuring that each cup has the right balance of smoothness, sweetness, and a rich coffee kick.
A Brief History of Little Hanoi Egg Coffee
Nestled in the bustling streets of District 1, Little Hanoi Egg Coffee at 137 Ky Con brings the spirit of Hanoi’s culinary traditions to Ho Chi Minh City. The menu is Inspired by the iconic egg coffee, which is a creation first developed in Hanoi in the 1940s.
Still today, the café aims to preserve the authenticity of this beloved beverage while introducing a broader audience to northern Vietnamese culture.
The café was founded with a vision to recreate the warmth and charm of Hanoi’s coffee houses, where the art of brewing egg coffee began during a time of milk shortages. This innovation, combining egg yolk, sugar, and robust Vietnamese coffee, became a symbol of ingenuity and resilience.
Little Hanoi Egg Coffee is a tribute to the culinary heritage of Vietnam’s capital. The menu, ambiance, and even the décor reflect the traditional values of Hanoi, creating an immersive experience for patrons in the heart of Saigon.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, Little Hanoi offers a taste of history and culture with every cup and dish served.
The Atmosphere: Warm, Inviting, and Cozy
From the moment you step inside Little Hanoi Egg Coffee, you’ll immediately feel at home. The café exudes a welcoming, no-frills charm with its simple yet cozy decor. It’s a place where you can unwind, sip on your coffee, and watch the world go by.
Unlike some of the more touristy spots in Ho Chi Minh City, Little Hanoi Egg Coffee retains a distinctly local vibe, yet very welcoming to travelers, and you’ll find that the staff makes you feel like a friend rather than a customer.
It’s also the perfect spot for both individuals and small groups, whether you’re catching up with a friend or having a quiet moment to yourself. The café isn’t large, but its warm atmosphere is part of its appeal.
The walls of Little Hanoi Egg Coffee are adorned with a captivating collection of photographs that tell a story of Vietnam’s rich history and culture.
From vintage black-and-white images of Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter to colorful snapshots of iconic Vietnamese landmarks, each photo offers a glimpse into the country’s vibrant past and present.
These carefully chosen visuals not only enhance the café’s warm and nostalgic ambiance but also provide an immersive experience for visitors, making every visit feel like a journey through Vietnam’s heritage.
There’s something special about enjoying your coffee here, far from the hustle and bustle, yet perfectly connected to the heart of the city.
The Coffee: The Star of the Show
Of course, the real highlight at Little Hanoi Egg Coffee is the egg coffee itself. The preparation is an art form. When you order an egg coffee, you’ll receive a cup of coffee topped with a creamy, thick egg foam.
The foam is made from egg yolks, sugar, and sweetened condensed milk, which creates a luscious texture that contrasts beautifully with the boldness of the coffee.
The coffee base is made from Vietnam’s signature robusta beans, which gives it a strong, full-bodied flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet, silky egg foam. The result is a warm, comforting drink that’s rich, smooth, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a tribute to the creativity and resourcefulness of Vietnamese coffee culture.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try their iced egg coffee for a refreshing twist. The chilled version offers a different experience, with the cold, frothy mixture making for a deliciously refreshing treat on a hot day.
Other Beverage Offerings at Little Hanoi Egg Coffee
While egg coffee is certainly the star of the show, Little Hanoi Egg Coffee also offers a range of other traditional Vietnamese coffee drinks. From the classic “Cà Phê Sữa Đá” (Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk) to the more unique coconut coffee, there’s something here for every coffee lover.
If you’re not in the mood for coffee, they also offer a selection of teas, juices, and other beverages. And for those with a sweet tooth, the café occasionally features traditional Vietnamese pastries and snacks, which pair wonderfully with your drink.
Meal Options
Little Hanoi Egg Coffee offers a delightful selection of Vietnamese dishes that perfectly complement its famous egg coffee. The café caters to both locals and tourists seeking an authentic taste of Hanoi’s culinary heritage in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Here’s what you can expect on their menu:
Breakfast Specials
Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese breakfast featuring options like banh mi op la (baguette with fried eggs) and pho bo (beef noodle soup). These dishes pair wonderfully with their creamy egg coffee or a hot cup of traditional Vietnamese tea.
Light Meals and Appetizers
Enjoy classic Vietnamese snacks such as nem ran (fried spring rolls) or goi cuon (fresh summer rolls). These light and refreshing options are ideal for a quick snack or a prelude to your meal.
Main Courses
For lunch or dinner, Little Hanoi Egg Coffee serves hearty dishes like bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli), com tam (broken rice with grilled pork), and flavorful bun thang (Hanoian-style vermicelli soup). Each dish is created to bring out the unique flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.
Vegetarian Options
The café also offers vegetarian-friendly choices, including vegetarian pho and tofu banh mi, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Desserts
Indulge in traditional Vietnamese sweets such as che (sweet dessert soup) or banh flan (Vietnamese caramel flan). For a fusion twist, try their coconut coffee, which combines the richness of Vietnamese coffee with a tropical flair.
The menu reflects the café’s commitment to serving authentic, flavorful meals in a cozy and welcoming setting. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick snack or a full meal, Little Hanoi Egg Coffee offers a taste of Hanoi’s culinary traditions in a charming Saigon location.
Location: A Convenient Spot in District 1
Located on Ky Con Street in District 1, Little Hanoi Egg Coffee is situated in a prime area that’s accessible yet still retains a bit of local charm. While it’s not located in the heart of the tourist districts, it’s just a short walk or taxi ride away from many of Ho Chi Minh City’s key landmarks.
This makes it an ideal stop whether you’re on your way to the famous Ben Thanh Market, taking a break from sightseeing, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the local scene.
The street itself has a quieter, more laid-back feel compared to the hustle and bustle of Nguyen Hue or Dong Khoi Streets, so you can enjoy a peaceful coffee break without the noise and crowds that typically define the city’s busiest spots.
What Makes Little Hanoi Egg Coffee Special?
Little Hanoi Egg Coffee stands out not only for its egg coffee but also for its authenticity. While many coffee shops in Ho Chi Minh City might offer similar drinks, few capture the true essence of Hanoi’s egg coffee like this place does. It’s a hidden gem that allows you to experience a piece of Northern Vietnam in the heart of Southern Vietnam.
The staff here are friendly, and you’ll feel like you’re part of a local community rather than just a tourist passing through. The café’s unpretentious ambiance and dedication to quality make it a standout destination for anyone who appreciates the art of Vietnamese coffee.
Whether you’re a seasoned coffee lover or a first-time visitor to Vietnam, Little Hanoi Egg Coffee is a spot you’ll want to visit. The egg coffee alone is worth the trip, but the warm, inviting atmosphere and local charm make it an experience that goes beyond just the drink.
Next time you’re in Ho Chi Minh City, make sure to swing by 167 Ky Con Street to enjoy this delicious and authentic Vietnamese coffee experience.
You’ll leave with a new appreciation for the rich flavors of Vietnam, and maybe even a few new favorite coffee recipes. Trust us, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.