How to find the best coffee in Hoi An
Vietnam is a destination for coffee lovers wanting to find some of the worlds best coffee. As the second largest coffee producer in the world, sitting proudly behind Brazil, Vietnam is the ideal location for those wanting to submerge themselves in the search & discovery of great coffee. Luckily Vietnam makes it easy to search for the best coffee. It is fuel for the bustling country, but also an essential ritual in daily life. One can easily find humble ma’and’pa coffee shops serving simple, rich & aromatic cups. Or on the other end of the scale, ultra trendy coffeeshops devoted to the art of brewing & the provenance of the beans. You won’t have to search far to find great coffee. It’s particularly easy to find the best coffee in Hoi An!
Why is Vietnamese coffee different?
Espresso based coffee drinkers will find the coffee served in Vietnam dramatically different than expected. Specifically this is because they use Robusta beans, rather than the Arabica beans that are prominent in Western coffees. The difference is that Robusta commonly will produce a coffee with higher caffeine content and a more intense flavour palette. This explains why the nickname of it as ‘rocket fuel’ is common.
The brew method is another key difference. Traditionally Vietnamese coffee is brewed in a phin. A thin metal container with tiny holes in the base. It is filled with coursely ground coffee beans and topped with boilied water. The liquid will very slowly permeate through the grounds. Finally the liquid drips through to the cup below, so that a strong dark brew is produced. Commonly served with condensed milk- ‘ca phe sua’ – for a luscious sweet cup.
I discovered the growing trend of Italian coffee machines making beautifully espresso style coffee. That was the most common way that hot coffees were made. With iced options more often using the drip filter systems.
The price of coffee will also surprise because it can vary dramatically! Higher end boutique roasteries tend to have a higher price point often rivalling Australian coffee prices.
In Hoi A the devotion to coffee is paramount and there are an endless collection of excellent coffee shops. From tiny holes in the wall, to roof top terraces, hooks down hidden alleys or with picture perfect view – you are sure to find the ideal spot.
Having spent almost a month based in Hoi A this year – here are a few suggestions for the best coffee shops in Hoi An.
MIA Coffee
20 Đường Phan Bội Châu, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
Located just outside of the Main Old Town this is an ideal spot to relax for an afternoon. With a gorgeous wrap around veranda/balcony on two sides of the facade you can enjoy watching life in Hoi A bustle by whilst you enjoy a fantastic cup of coffee. Dessert options are available including cheesecake, cookies & tarts. This is an example of a place that focuses on a few food items and does them well. Mia is a base for the expat community in Hoi An.
Cost – Ca Phe Sua – 35K
Faifo Coffee
130 Trần Phú, Old Town, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
I’ll confess that I went to this coffee shop simply because I’d seen it on instagram. Yet despite having limited expectations for the coffee, I was delighted to find that it does live up to the beautiful view. Located in the centre of Old Town this multi level shop house is famed for its third story rooftop. Overlooking the skyline of Hoi A the area is used as a backdrop for taking pictures. There are a few nooks where you can enjoy the view with coffee in hand. On the lower second level you’ll find more comfortable seating options. The seats near the front windows are always popular. At ground level you’ll find the heart of the operation- multiple coffee machines pumping out liquid gold and shelves of coffee beans for you to take away. The space smells amazing with all that coffee!
Cost – Ca Phe Sua – 55K
Rivia Coffee
116 Huyền Trân Công Chúa, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, Quảng Nam 56000, Vietnam
There are some days where you just need to find a quiet spot away from the chaos of the old town. Somewhere you can unwind, sip on a cup of excellent coffee, look out over the flowing Thu Bon River and watch boats & the occasional lotus root float on by. Rivia coffee is that ideal spot. Located on the eastern side of the city it’s a comfortable 10/15 minute walk from the centre. Hidden down an inconspicuous alleyway this riverfront cafe is a true gem. The menu is focused on coffee, delicious refreshing juices & an all day breakfast menu. It has both indoor and outdoor seating options and a steady wifi signal, so this a perfect remote workplace spot.
Cost – Ca Phe Sua – 25K
BRO CAFE
3A Phan Đình Phùng, Cẩm Sơn, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
Found in the northern part of the city this chic coffee shops serves up a mean brew. Ideally positioned near some of Hoi Ans best hotels (Hotels Sincerity and Anio) and on the edge of a local playgroup this is a perfect spot of a quick refill. With a drinks only menu and a focus on coffee, fresh juices & smoothies this is a great spot to refuel. The staff are wonderfully sweet and the coffee is always reliably excellent. This became my go-to coffee shop. I’m still day dreaming about their coconut coffee. Made in an afogato style – cold brew coffee poured over small balls of firm coconut ice cream. It is a unique take on the local classic.
Cost – Ca Phe Sua – 20K
Rio Garden Coffee
106 Lý Thái Tổ, Sơn Phong, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
This was a recommendation from the bellboy at my hotel who noted that this was his favourite weekend hangout. Enter this cafe and you are immediately struck by the tropical plants & rainforest decor. With a central coy fish pond, lush ferns, pebbled walk ways & misting machines the ambience is off the charts. Continue through to the back of the cafe and you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view over the rice paddy fields. The menu is drinks only (with packaged snacks & fruit available at the counter) and you’ll be spoilt for choice with delicious iced teas, smoothies & all your expected coffee hits. Overall the Saigon coffee (more milk/ less coffee than a ca phe sua) and the Pink Guava Pineapple Tea were excellent.
Cost – Ca Phe Sua – 25K
Thomas Sourdough
91 Nguyễn Phan Vinh, Khối An Bàng, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
Thomas Sourdough is a small chain of bakery cafes in Hoi An – with two beachside locations and one near the old town. This is the smaller location at Ann Bang beach and it is delighted to see the pride they take in their baked goods. Their sourdough breads looks *and smells* delicious. We enjoyed a vegetarian toasted sandwich for lunch – creamy avocado, fried tofu, a cashew passionfruit sauce, onions, peppers, rocket & cabbage. Satisfying both my bread and vegetable craving! Furthermore their drinks menu also features all your typical suspects. The coffee was a perfect accompaniment to our lunch.
Cost – Ca Phe Sua – 55K
Sounds Of Silence
40 Nguyễn Phan Vinh, Cẩm An, Hội An, Quảng Nam 560000, Vietnam
Who wouldn’t love the combination of fantastic coffee and beach front location? Sounds of Silence ticks many boxes! I spent a leisurely afternoon under a beach umbrella sprawled out on a beach chair whilst enjoying a perfectly brewed strong iced coffee. Climb up the steps to the hilltop and enjoy the sweeping views across An Bang. An ambience of chilled backpacker vibes – with cosy seating, plenty of umbrellas, the odd hammock and a small play area for kiddos – this is a perfect spot for those wanting a venue to relax in for an entire afternoon.
Cost – Ca Phe Sua – 40K
Hoi An Roastery
135 Trần Phú, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
In the past Hoi A did not have any major coffee chains represented in its city. Now there is a single Starbucks and a handful of the Vietnamese chain Highlands. Hoi An Roastery was previously considered the local franchise. Sourcing their beans from Da Lat and then roasting fresh in Hoi An they highlight the quality of Vietnamese grown coffee. Now with multiple convenient locations throughout the city this is a convenient spot to enjoy an afternoon breather (or escape a bout of rain)- with aircon, wifi & decent coffee.
Cost – Ca Phe Sua – 59K
Gogo cafe
35 Lý Thường Kiệt, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, Quảng Nam 51300, Vietnam
This is a favourite with the locals and is a well known spot for people to gather. It is located opposite the rice paddy fields. The open aired space is focused on a central fish pond & fountain. Find an empty table, refocus one of the many fans on your table, order a cold drink and enjoy a perfect spot to people-watch. You’ll find families having birthday lunches, coworkers gathering before the start of a shift, groups of older folks having a gossip session, young students working on their laptops, etc. The coffee here is typical Vietnamese- dark and strong. One refreshing Ca Phe Sua with ice had me fuelled for the day.
Cost – Ca Phe Sua – 19K
Rice Paddy House
23 Lý Thường Kiệt, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, Quảng Nam 560000, Vietnam
This chic cafe is part of the Paddy House Boutique Hotel and over looks the rice paddy fields. Take advantage of their ‘no working’ signs and disconnect from your screens whilst enjoying a delicious brunch menu. We enjoyed a classic mango smoothie & top notch hot Ca Phe Sua whilst enviously looking at the brunch meals coming out of the kitchen & wishing we hadn’t just eaten. The smoothie bowls & cooked western style breakfasts (smashed avocado on toast, shajshuka & bruschettas) all looked very satisfying.
Cost – Ca Phe Sua – 35K
Hoi An coffee hub
Hẻm 11 Nguyễn Thái Học, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam 56000, Vietnam
At the end of an unmarked alleyway in the heart of the Old Town lies the Hoi A Coffee Hub. Stroll past local artisans selling macrame and a pop up cocktail bar to find this hidden gem. This open aired cafe feels like you’re in a secret pocket of the city. ith moss stained walls and plenty of seating-so it is an ideal place to refuel & catch your breath before exploring more.
Phe la
10 Đ. Phan Chu Trinh, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, Quảng Nam 51000, Vietnam
After a long day exploring the Ancient Town of Hoi A sometimes you really need to find a spot to sit down, enjoy a cold beverage and observe the people & mopeds of the city. Phe La is that place. With a bunch of small fold out tables & mini chairs on the pathway and located on a busy intersection, this is a fun spot to recover your energy. Their ice tea with oolong & peach was a great refresher against the heat.
Cost – Ca Phe Sua – 39K
96 Coffee Hoi An Riverside
96 Nguyễn Du, Phường Cẩm Phổ, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
Picture sitting on the bank of the river looking out over the vista – boats put-putting past, a herd of cows grazing on the opposite bank and fishermen throwing out their nets for the daily catch. There is childrens play equipment dotting the area. Sit on a small plastic chair in an opening cut out of the local vegetation. It feels like you are in a secluded spot in Hoi An. A hot, strong, rocket fuelled cup of coffee will be served. It doesn’t get much better than this.
Cost – Ca Phe Sua – 18K
Chin Coffee & Juice
2/26, Lê Lợi, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
Hidden down one of Hoi Ans many picture perfect alleyways is Chin coffee & Juice. We stumbled upon this place one afternoon whilst exploring. We were desperate for some shade, a spot in front of an aircondlting unit and a cold drink. Greeted warmly by the team working at the coffee bar set up in the alleyway and ushered into the back room. The team were happy for our toddler to run wild and delighted at showing her the fresh coconut as they prepared it for her. The Orange Lemongrass Peach tea quickly revived my spirits and energy levels.
Cost – Ca Phe Sua – 20K
Cam coffee
45 Đào Duy Từ, Phường Cẩm Phổ, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
This coffee shop is the result of when great design meets great coffee. Nustled in the western part of the city -only a few minutes walk into old town is one of my new favourites. This light, bright and airy space is visually stunning and worthy of a few snaps. The in-house roasted coffee served in a classic phin is the highlight. Whilst your coffee brews you can check out the pottery & giftware available for purchase, or take a closer look at the coffee roasting machine.
Cost – Ca Phe Sua – 25K
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Lagom Bakery
409B Cửa Đại, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
Part coffeeshop, part bookstore, part giftware store, this is a gem on the eastern side of Hoi An. Parouse the display of fresh baked goods- bagels, cakes, biscuits, – before dwindling time away looking at the books and art prints in the back of the store. The coffee here is top notch – strong and delicious.
Cost – Ca Phe Sua – 45K
Want to explore more of Vietnam’s coffee culture- read our guide to coffee in Ho Chi Minh City here.