Coffee 31 — Review by Davidsbeenhere
Hanoi, Vietnam — Vietnamese
This video showcases multiple iconic Hanoi food establishments, with Coffee 31 being the standout for its legendary 80-year-old egg coffee tradition. The reviewer explores the city's breakfast culture through sticky rice dishes, grilled meats, and other traditional Vietnamese specialties, expressing deep appreciation for the flavors, craftsmanship, and cultural significance of each dish.
What was great: Unique sticky rice dishes with multiple textures and flavors, iconic egg coffee with creamy whipped egg topping, charcoal grilled meats with smoky flavor, traditional Vietnamese breakfast culture, friendly service and atmosphere
What could improve: Spermatic cord was too chewy and difficult to eat
The Dishes
The reviewer experienced multiple signature Hanoi dishes across different establishments. At the sticky rice vendor, they enjoyed the house specialty called Dong, which featured fried egg, pork cake, and tender pork mixed with plain sticky rice and crispy shallots. The combination created multiple textures and flavors that worked beautifully together. Another standout was a rice cake wrapped in banana leaf with mushroom and pork filling, served with soy sauce and chili. The reviewer noted the exceptional quality of the pork and the subtle banana leaf flavor permeating the dish.
At the charcoal grill restaurant, they sampled various meats including beef ribs that were tender, juicy, and perfectly smoky from the charcoal. They also tried more adventurous items like bull penis and spermatic cord, with the former being surprisingly tender and the latter being too chewy for their preference. The meal concluded with green papaya salad for refreshment.
The most memorable dish was undoubtedly the egg coffee at Coffee 31. The cafe, which has been operating for approximately 80 years, prepares this iconic Hanoi specialty by whipping egg yolk with sugar until creamy, then pouring hot coffee over it. The result is a thick, creamy beverage that tastes like a luxurious cappuccino but entirely unique. The owner shared that this was their family's invention in 1946, making it exclusive to this establishment. They also sampled traditional Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk and other variations like coconut coffee.
The Experience
The atmosphere across these establishments perfectly captured authentic Hanoi food culture. The sticky rice vendor featured high ceilings with tiny wooden stools and an energetic environment where staff screamed orders and customers enthusiastically ordered food. The charcoal grill restaurant had an outdoor setup with multiple fans, allowing diners to grill their own meat over charcoal while enjoying the evening. The coffee shop felt like an indoor-outdoor garden with incredible architecture and artisanal touches, including hand-drawn coffee art and handmade ceramics from Bachan village.
Service was friendly and engaging at all locations. Staff at Coffee 31 took time to explain their preparation methods and family history, adding educational value to the experience. The reviewers noted how locals and tourists mixed at these establishments, creating vibrant community spaces centered around food tradition.
Value and Pricing
While specific prices weren't mentioned in the transcript, the reviewer emphasized how filling and substantial all dishes were. A single sticky rice dish could sustain someone for the entire day, and locals often purchased items to go due to their portability and nutrition density. The egg coffee, despite its prestigious 80-year history and reputation, appeared reasonably priced given the craftsmanship and exclusivity.
Notable Moments
This place is not about the dish. This place is about the experience. You know, seeing everybody here ordering food.
Vietnamese coffee is a thing. When it comes to egg coffee, people, you have to try it in Hanoi. Like it's nowhere else in Vietnam.
It's orgasmic. You know what it is? Is that I thought it was just a piece of meat, but it's so juicy and tender.
A particularly memorable moment involved the owner of the coffee shop drawing an artistic portrait of a temple, an iconic Hanoi symbol, directly on the surface of the coffee before serving.
The Verdict
After five days in Hanoi, the reviewer concluded that the city is fundamentally about food and culture. These establishments represent the living history of Vietnamese cuisine, with some family businesses spanning three generations. Coffee 31 stands out as a must-visit destination for its unique egg coffee invention and welcoming atmosphere. The reviewer highly recommends experiencing Hanoi's breakfast culture, which emphasizes substantial, flavorful meals to provide energy throughout the day. This city offers an unparalleled authentic food experience where tradition, community, and exceptional flavors converge. Best for food enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and anyone seeking to understand Vietnamese culinary heritage.