Hanoi: Coffee Workshop Tasting 5 Local Brews & Snacks

Summary

Vietnamese coffee class in Hanoi with hands-on tasting and stories

You’ll taste five iconic Hanoi coffees side by side—egg coffee, coconut brew, salted blend, condensed milk filter, maybe even chocolate or orange—guided by a local in a historic café. You’ll get your hands messy grinding beans and brewing each style yourself, plus enjoy Vietnamese snacks along the way. You might leave craving more than just caffeine.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell — not just coffee, but something deeper, almost like toasted rice and old wood. We ducked into this tiny Hanoi café, the kind you’d miss if you blinked, and our guide Linh handed us little cups of hot tea before we even sat down. She smiled and said something about “warming up your stomach.” It felt like being let in on a family ritual.

I’ll admit, I thought I knew Vietnamese coffee (just the condensed milk stuff, right?) but Linh laid out these bowls of beans — some glossy, some rough — and had us touch and sniff each one. There was this moment where I tried to pronounce “cà phê trứng” (egg coffee) and she laughed so hard she nearly spilled her own cup. The egg coffee itself was warm and thick, almost dessert-like; honestly, I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. We also made coconut coffee (my favorite), salted coffee that surprised me with its gentle sweetness, plus the classic drip with condensed milk. Each one had its own story — Linh told us how her grandfather used to drink his with salt when sugar was scarce.

Between sips we nibbled on tiny snacks — sweet rice crackers and some chewy sesame thing I still can’t name. The café felt like it had seen decades of stories: faded photos on the wall, fans creaking overhead. At one point it started raining outside; the sound mixed with the clink of spoons and soft chatter from another table. Time slowed down for a bit. If you’re looking for a day trip in Hanoi that’s not just sightseeing but actually sitting with locals over real cups of coffee… well, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Learn and taste famous Hanoi coffees

• Welcome with Vietnamese tea and snack
• Learn about Vietnamese coffee history
• Roast coffee beans yourself
• Grind and brew coffee
• Make five different coffee drinks
• Enjoy coffee with snacks

Top questions

What types of coffee will I make during the class?

You’ll prepare five drinks: egg coffee (cà phê trứng), coconut coffee, salted coffee, condensed milk filter coffee, plus chocolate or orange variations depending on the day.

Is this Hanoi coffee class wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both the location and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Are snacks included during the workshop?

Yes, traditional Vietnamese snacks are served throughout the session alongside your coffees.

Do I need any experience to join this Vietnamese coffee class?

No experience needed—your local guide will walk you through every step from roasting to brewing.

How long does this Hanoi coffee workshop last?

The session typically lasts around 2–3 hours depending on group size and questions.

Is public transport available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the café for easy access.

Will I learn about Vietnamese coffee history too?

Yes—the guide shares stories about Vietnam’s unique coffee culture throughout the class.

Can service animals come along?

Yes—service animals are allowed at this activity.

What’s included

Your day includes all five signature Hanoi coffees prepared together with your local guide in a historic café setting; hands-on use of filters, grinders and roasters; plenty of Vietnamese snacks; tea on arrival; plus full accessibility for wheelchairs or service animals if needed.