Cong Caphe, Hanoi

Cong Caphe started modestly, with a couple of outlets sporting military chic decor and serving its own brand of Vietnamese coffee. There was edginess too - with menus scratched in texta across copies of the works of Lenin - one of the revered figures of revolutionary communism and a man that still enjoys official affection in Vietnam.

After getting into trouble a few years back over those menus, Cong Caphe has wound back the provocation and massively expanded its presence across the Hanoi. These days they’re everywhere. And a good many of them are located close by places you’re likely to be wandering in your Hanoi travels.

I don’t drink coffee but Cong Caphe coffee gets mixed reviews. There are plenty of other drinks on the menu though - juices, tea and more. They’re not a bad spot for a beer at the end of a day of travel as well.

It’s definitely worth checking out at least one Cong Caphe - even for people watching. And if you like the experience, you can stop by these outlets, located nearby major places of interest to travellers.

Each outlet is a franchise so service and style varies quite a bit. Toilet hygiene seems to as well.

Our favourite three Cong Caphe outlets are at:

Cong Caphe - 32 Dien Bien Phu St, Ba Dinh, Hanoi

This one was the second to open and is right by the Army Museum and Ba Dinh Square (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum etc).

Cong Caphe - 46 Trang Tien St, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Close by Hoan Kiem Lake and looking over what was the city’s centre of style in colonial times. Also close to Opera House and Metropole Hotel.

Cong Caphe - 27 Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Right by St Joseph’s Cathedral in one of Hanoi’s most picturesque locations.

Cong Caphe has recently expanded south to Danang and Ho Chi Minh City too.


Disclosure
Rusty Compass recommendations are always independent. We list the stuff we think you should know about. We’ve always paid our way at Cong Caphe and no money changed hands for this recommendation.