Ga Hanoi Cafe — Restaurant in Hà Nội

Your coffee will only be as good as your beans.

This is the first thing that I learned when I was starting my journey as a coffee enthusiast, perhaps all of us self-acclaimed coffee connoisseurs.

We were taught about cupping and how to distinguish notes of flavor from the type of beans to the roast to the origin. We were taught how to hold the best kind of heat to calibrate espresso machines. We were taught to measure time in the makeshift hourglass trickle of a pour over or a phin filter. And we were taught patience for the 18-hour cold brew for the best things come to those to painstakingly and persistently wait.

We were taught to appreciate the result, but not the process - never the hands that ground the beans and held the portafilter. I found myself in a corner street in Hanoi, in search of coffee and reprieve from the 16°C wintry air - oppressive for my tropical senses. Here, I was met with people, very young ones, who are very enthusiastic about how they make their coffee. More than the warm welcome, these people also gave me the tourist treatment - recommending more foods to try, more places to visit, and more memories to make.

I am too old and too introverted for this energy, but it was magnetic, contagious, warm. And perhaps that's all I needed for the final, freezing March night. Thank you, Hung, Nas, Kylie, Han, Thanh for keeping me company for a short while. And thank you for letting me try your secret menu.

Your coffee will only be as good as your beans. Correct, but I also beg to differ. You coffee can also be as good as the people who make it.

Ga Hanoi Cafe, I...

We stumbled upon Ga Hao Cafe while walking to a nearby jewelry shop and were pleasantly surprised by this hidden gem. The unique train-themed decor immediately sets a different vibe, creating a cozy and quirky atmosphere that makes the cafe stand out. The staff, especially “Nas,” was incredibly friendly, helpful, and charming, he made our visit even more enjoyable. One of the highlights was watching Nas prepare traditional egg coffee right in front of us. He walked us through the process with a smile, carefully whisking the egg mixture until it was creamy and pouring it over rich Vietnamese coffee. It was fascinating to see how this iconic Hanoi drink is made—it added a personal and memorable touch to the experience. The cafe offers a wide range of Vietnamese coffee options and an all-day breakfast menu with plenty to choose from. The quality of the food and drinks was impressive, and everything was served with attention to detail. Whether you’re looking for a quick caffeine fix, a relaxing brunch spot, or just a unique place to unwind, Ga Hao Cafe is definitely...

I honestly didn’t expect much when I walked in, but this place turned out to be a hidden gem. The banh mi is on another level – the bread has that perfect crunch when you bite into it, yet it stays soft and airy inside. The fillings are generous, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. Hands down one of the best banh mi I’ve had in a long time.

And the cafe latte? Absolutely beautiful. The aroma hits you before the first sip, the espresso is rich without being harsh, and the milk is silky smooth. It’s the kind of latte that feels like it was made with care, not just served.

What really made the experience unforgettable, though, was the service. The staff member named Hải was simply outstanding – friendly, attentive, and genuinely warm. You can tell he cares about the little details and about making guests feel welcome. That kind of energy transforms a good café visit into something memorable.

If you’re looking for amazing food, great coffee, and service that makes you feel at home, this is the spot. I’ll definitely be coming back, and I’d recommend it to anyone in...