Top 5 Famous Hanoi "Bet" Cafes

1. What is “Cà phê bệt” (Floor-Seating Coffee)?

“Cà phê bệt” refers to a style of enjoying coffee where customers sit directly on the ground, low steps, grassy lawns, or low stools outdoors instead of using traditional tall tables and chairs. The atmosphere is often casual, friendly, and perfect for easy conversation, creating a sense of freedom and relaxation.

In Vietnam, “cà phê bệt” is more than just a way to drink coffee – it’s part of street culture. It’s where you can sip your drink slowly while soaking in the unhurried rhythm of the city around you.

2. What Makes Hanoi’s Floor-Seating Coffee Special Compared to Saigon

Space & Climate: Floor-seating coffee spots in Hanoi often exude a nostalgic charm, tucked away in small streets or old corners, shaded by lush trees or set in front of French colonial houses. In winter, the city’s chilly air makes sitting outdoors with a warm coffee even more delightful. By contrast, in Saigon, floor-seating coffee is associated with wide public parks, open sidewalks, and year-round sunshine.

Style of Enjoyment: In Hanoi, this coffee culture is often tied to local specialties like egg coffee, traditional drip coffee, hand-crafted cold brew, and gentle conversations over hot tea. In Saigon, the preference leans toward iced milk coffee, peach tea, and refreshing fruit juices.

Surroundings: Hanoi’s floor-seating cafés often have views of the Old Quarter, railway tracks, lakes, or are hidden in narrow alleys. In Saigon, they’re more commonly found in lively public spots such as Notre Dame Cathedral or 30/4 Park.

3. Popular Floor-Seating Cafés in Hanoi

3.1. Ringo Lingo Café – Under the Apple Tree

Address: 65 Tran Quoc Toan Street, Tran Hung Dao Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
A small, red café standing out beneath a lush apple tree, with a charming French colonial house behind it. The tree trunk sits right by the coffee counter, and a few chairs out front add to the Hanoi street vibe. Signature drinks include a refreshing cold brew with orange and lemon, and a creamy cheesecake for only 35,000 VND. The café overlooks a street-front art shop with a Hoi An feel, next to a lively neighborhood grocery stall.

3.2. Bốt Café – The Tranquil Hanoi of Yesteryear

Address: 18B, Alley 18, Vo Van Dung Street, Cho Dua Ward, Hanoi.
Open daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
This vintage-style café, with wooden interiors and warm yellow lighting, has been serving coffee lovers since 2016 on a peaceful street. It offers a cozy space for those who appreciate slow living. The menu ranges from pure coffee to teas, fresh juices, and pastries, priced between 20,000 and 50,000 VND.

3.3. No.10 Café – A Quiet Street Corner

Address: 10 Tang Bat Ho Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi.
Open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Spacious and airy with an air-conditioned room, this café serves carefully crafted coffee, smoothies, and fresh juices, making it an ideal spot to relax or work.

3.4. Đinh Café – Egg Coffee in the Old Quarter

Address: 13 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Located on the second floor of a small alleyway, Đinh Café is one of Hanoi’s oldest rock-style cafés. The building, a French colonial structure from the 1940s, retains its cozy, timeworn charm. The star here is the rich, velvety egg coffee, a true Hanoi specialty.

3.5. 11 Present – Unique Train-Track View

Address: 16D Phung Hung Street, Hang Ma Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Open daily from 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM.
A small, studio-style café in minimalist black-and-white tones, offering both sidewalk seating and indoor tables by a large window overlooking the train tracks. Creative drinks include Alice in Brewland (cold brew with kumquat and orange syrup) and Oni (coffee with rich cream, vanilla, and milk). Prices average around 50,000 VND.

4. Tips for Enjoying Floor-Seating Coffee in Hanoi

Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the harsh midday sun. Bring a light jacket in winter for comfort outdoors. For great photos, choose a spot with natural light and a street view. And don’t miss trying each café’s signature drink – it’s the best way to appreciate the variety of Hanoi’s coffee culture.