Month: April 2025

Here in Vancouver, that spirit lives on through the perfect pairing of Hanoi Drip and Ba Le Banh Mi — two local spots bringing Vietnamese coffee and bánh mì to life, one cup and sandwich at a time.

If you’ve ever been to Vietnam — or just dream of going — you know there’s something magical about grabbing a warm bánh mì and a bold cup of phin-brewed coffee from a street-side vendor.

It’s not fancy. Not complicated. Just honest, satisfying, and full of flavour.

Street Food, Elevated

Vietnamese food culture has always been about balance — hot and cold, sweet and savoury, bold and bright. That’s what makes bánh mì and Vietnamese coffee such an iconic duo. One’s crisp, fresh, and filling. The other’s strong, sweet, and meant to be sipped slowly.

At Ba Le Banh Mi, they’ve been making bánh mì the traditional way since 1987 — with fresh-baked baguettes, crisp pickled vegetables, savoury fillings, and house-made sauces. Every sandwich is made to order, packed with texture and flavour.

At Hanoi Drip, we focus on slow-brewed phin coffee — the way it’s done in Hanoi. No machines, no shortcuts. Just bold robusta beans, sweetened condensed milk, and time to let it drip.

Together, we bring that street food soul to Vancouver — without losing the roots.

What Makes Bánh Mì and Vietnamese Coffee the Perfect Pair

Ask anyone who’s had the combo in Vietnam, and they’ll tell you: it just works.

Here’s why:

• Texture meets intensity. The crunch of the baguette and crisp veg meets the depth of the coffee.
• Savory + Sweet. Fatty meats or umami-rich fillings in bánh mì balance beautifully with the creamy sweetness of condensed milk coffee.
• Pace. Grab-and-go food, but made to be savoured. The sandwich fills you up. The coffee makes you slow down.

It’s a combo that fits any time of day — breakfast, lunch, late afternoon. And it’s uniquely Vietnamese. Learn more about why Banh Mi and Vietnamese Coffee are the perfect pair here.

Where to Find It in Vancouver

You don’t need to fly to Hanoi to get the real thing. Just head to:

Ba Le Banh Mi

A Vancouver staple, Ba Le serves a wide range of bánh mì — from classic Cold Cut to Lemongrass Pork, Vegan Steak, and Meatball Special. Their bread is baked fresh daily, and everything is made with local ingredients.

Hanoi Drip

Right around the corner, or a quick walk away, you’ll find Hanoi Drip. We serve traditional Vietnamese coffee made with phin filters — hot or iced, sweetened or black. From Cà Phê Sữa Đá to Ube Coconut Coffee or our house Famous Egg Coffee, it’s a menu built for coffee lovers and cultural explorers.

Together, our shops make the perfect one-two punch for a casual Vietnamese-style lunch that’s anything but ordinary.

A Shared Mission for Vietnamese Coffee and Banh Mi in Vancouver

What ties Hanoi Drip and Ba Le Banh Mi together isn’t just location — it’s purpose.

We both believe in doing things the traditional way, in letting flavour take time, and in creating everyday food and drink that feels anything but routine. Whether you grew up with these flavours or you’re discovering them for the first time, you’ll find something familiar — and something new — in every cup and bite.

It’s More Than a Meal

Vietnamese coffee and bánh mì in Vancouver isn’t just about eating and drinking. It’s about connection — to culture, to tradition, and to the small moments that matter.

So next time you’re nearby, treat yourself to the pairing that defines Vietnamese street food. Get a sandwich. Grab a coffee. And take it slow.

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Frequently Asked Questions

In Vietnam, food and drink are more than sustenance—they’re a harmonious blend of flavors and experiences. One iconic pairing that captures this harmony is the combination of a fresh banh mi with Vietnamese coffee. This duo offers a balance of savory, sweet, and robust flavors that delight the senses.​

At Hanoi Drip, we’ve partnered with Ba Le Banh Mi, a renowned Vietnamese deli and bakery, to bring this authentic experience to Vancouver. Together, we offer a taste of Vietnam’s rich culinary tradition.

The Art of Banh Mi

The banh mi (bánh mì) is a testament to Vietnam’s culinary ingenuity. Combining French baguettes with Vietnamese fillings, it creates a sandwich that’s both crispy and flavorful.​

Ba Le Banh Mi has been crafting these sandwiches since 1987, using locally sourced meats and baking their baguettes fresh daily. Their commitment to authenticity ensures every bite is a true representation of Vietnamese street food.

Some popular choices include:​

• Lemon Grass Pork Banh Mi: Succulent lemongrass-infused pork, generously drizzled with sweet hoisin sauce and beautifully garnished with a medley of fresh pickled carrot and daikon mix, crisp cucumber slices, fragrant cilantro, and a hint of jalapenos for that extra kick.
• Vegan Steak Banh Mi: Delectable fusion features premium soy protein, creating a vegan steak paired with an irresistible sweet hoisin sauce, all nestled within a freshly baked baguette.
• Meatball Special Banh Mi: Extraordinary sandwich combines classic cold cuts, luscious pate, and creamy mayo, all crowned with delectable meatballs.

Each sandwich offers a unique flavor profile, making them perfect companions to various coffee selections.

Vietnamese Coffee – A Bold Companion

Vietnamese coffee is known for its strong, robust flavor, often brewed using a phin filter. This method allows hot water to slowly drip through finely ground coffee, resulting in a concentrated brew.​

At Hanoi Drip, we take pride in serving authentic Vietnamese coffee. Our offerings include:​

• Cà Phê Sữa Đá: Iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk.
• Egg Coffee: A creamy blend of egg yolk, sugar, and coffee.
• Coconut Cloud: Coffee infused with coconut flavors.​

These beverages not only provide a caffeine kick but also complement the savory notes of a bánh mì.

Meatball Special Banh Mi × Salted Cream Coffee (Cà Phê Muối)

The hearty meatball sandwich, with its savory and spicy profile, is elevated by the savory and smooth characteristics of the Salted Cream Coffee. The salted cream adds a unique twist, balancing the richness of the meatballs.​

Experience It Yourself

We invite you to visit Hanoi Drip and Ba Le Banh Mi to experience this iconic pairing of banh mi with Vietnamese coffee. Whether you’re new to Vietnamese cuisine or a longtime fan, this combination offers a delightful taste of Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage.​

Explore our menu and find your perfect match:

• Hanoi Drip Coffee Menu
• Ba Le Banh Mi Menu

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Frequently Asked Questions

Vietnam is known for bold coffee, slow rituals, and strong brews — but nothing surprises visitors quite like egg coffee.

Yes, egg coffee. Known locally as cà phê trứng, this creamy, foamy, sweet drink is one of Hanoi’s most iconic coffee creations. Made with strong phin-brewed coffee and a whipped blend of egg yolk, sugar, and sweetened condensed milk, it’s rich, smooth, and unlike anything you’ve ever tasted.

Let’s explore where egg coffee in Vietnam comes from, how it’s made, and why it’s a must-try on any coffee lover’s list.

From Shortage to Signature: The Surprising History of a Hanoi Classic

Egg coffee was born in Hanoi in the 1940s, during a time when milk was scarce. A resourceful barista named Nguyễn Văn Giảng, working at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, whisked up a replacement using egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk.

The final result? A drink that didn’t just substitute for milk — it elevated the coffee experience.

Over time, egg coffee became a local legend. Giảng went on to open Café Giảng, which still serves the original recipe today. But now, you can find egg coffee all over Vietnam, especially in Hanoi, where it remains a proud cultural staple.

How Is Vietnamese Egg Coffee Made?

There are variations, but here’s the basic method behind every great cà phê trứng:

Ingredients:

• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
• And finally 1 strong shot of phin-brewed Vietnamese coffee

Steps:

1. Brew the coffee using a phin — strong and concentrated is best.
2. Whip the egg yolk, condensed milk, and sugar until thick and fluffy.
3. Pour the whipped mixture over the coffee in a small cup.
4. As a result, serve hot — often in a small bowl of warm water to keep the temperature steady.

At Hanoi Drip, we make our own version with a smooth, golden foam layered carefully over robusta coffee. It’s made to order and best enjoyed slowly.

Where to Try Egg Coffee in Hanoi

You’ll find egg coffee in many Vietnamese coffee shops today, but the best versions are still brewed with care and served in cosy, thoughtful spaces.

At Hanoi Drip, we serve a Famous Egg Coffee — a mandatory classic. It blends the tradition of whipped egg foam with the depth of robusta, creating a drink that’s comforting, nostalgic, and just a little bit indulgent.

Pair it with a quiet seat and time to savour. That’s how it was meant to be enjoyed.

Is Egg Coffee Safe to Drink?

Yes — egg coffee is made with fresh egg yolks and served immediately after preparation. The eggs are whipped, not cooked, but the sugar and condensed milk help stabilise the foam and cut any raw texture.

If you’re still unsure, try it at a trusted café like Hanoi Drip, where quality and food safety come first.

Try Egg Coffee the Right Way

If you’re new to egg coffee in Vietnam, don’t let the name stop you. It’s one of the most surprising — and rewarding — drinks in the world of coffee.

It’s warm, rich, layered, and completely unique. There’s history in a cup. And it’s another example of how Vietnamese coffee culture isn’t afraid to take the unexpected path.

Whether you’re visiting a Hanoi Drip Cafe or sipping from a café abroad, take the time to try cà phê trứng — the drink that turns coffee into comfort food.

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Vietnamese coffee is known for its bold flavour, smooth texture, and slow-drip ritual. If you’ve ever wondered how to brew Vietnamese coffee at home, the key lies in a simple but powerful tool — the phin filter.

At the heart of every cup is patience, tradition, and a brewing method that invites you to slow down and savour.

What You’ll Need to Brew Vietnamese Coffee

Before you get started, gather your essentials:

• Vietnamese coffee (traditionally robusta, medium to dark roast)
• Phin filter (6 oz size is common)
• Hot water (just off boil, around 90–95°C)
• Sweetened condensed milk (optional, but classic)
• Glass or cup (heat-safe, wide enough to hold the phin)

Optional: a kettle with a narrow spout for more control when pouring.

How to Brew Vietnamese Coffee Step-by-Step

Here’s a no-fuss guide for how to brew Vietnamese coffee using the phin method:

Tips for the Perfect Cup

Want to take your phin coffee to the next level? Here are a few simple tips to help you brew a bold, balanced cup every time.

• Start with quality beans. Vietnamese coffee is known for its strength and depth, so use freshly ground beans from Hanoi Drip for the best flavour.
• Grind it right. Aim for a medium-coarse grind — too fine and the phin may clog, too coarse and the brew will be weak.
• Don’t skip the bloom. Letting the coffee bloom (pre-wet) for 30 seconds before filling the phin helps release gas and improves extraction.
• Use water just off the boil. Around 90–95°C is ideal. Too hot and the coffee can taste bitter, too cool and it won’t extract properly.
• Warm your cup first. Pour hot water into your glass or mug and discard it before brewing. This keeps your coffee hotter, longer.
• Adjust to taste. Like it stronger? Add more coffee or slow the drip by tamping slightly firmer. Prefer it lighter? Use less coffee or a coarser grind.

At Hanoi Drip, we believe every cup should feel intentional. A little attention goes a long way.

Why Brewing Vietnamese Coffee with a Phin Works Best

Besides the flavour, the phin brewing ritual is calming. It slows you down, forces you to be present, and delivers a cup that’s deeply satisfying. Brewing with a phin isn’t just about coffee — it’s about intention.

At Hanoi Drip, we believe this slow process reflects the best parts of Vietnamese coffee culture: bold, honest, and unhurried.

Final Drip: Why Learning How to Brew Vietnamese Coffee Matters

Learning how to brew Vietnamese coffee with a phin opens the door to more than just a caffeine fix. It’s a chance to connect with culture, slow down your morning, and enjoy a cup that’s rich in both flavour and tradition.

So take your time. Let it drip. And enjoy the moment, one cup at a time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

In a world that rarely pauses, Vietnamese coffee invites you to slow down. It’s bold, it’s sweet, it’s unapologetically strong—and it tells a story in every cup. At Hanoi Drip, this isn’t just a drink. It’s a cultural ritual. Vietnamese coffee isn’t just strong—it’s meaningful. But what makes Vietnamese coffee so unique? It’s a mix of bold flavour, slow brewing, and cultural depth.

Let’s break it down: the beans, the brew, the ingredients, and most of all—the soul.

Why Robusta Beans Make Vietnamese Coffee So Bold

Most of the world drinks arabica. Vietnam? It proudly champions robusta. And that changes everything.

Robusta beans are higher in caffeine, lower in sugar, and bring a deeper, earthier kick to the cup. It’s why Vietnamese coffee hits harder. It’s not just strong—it’s intentionally bold. You’re not sipping a delicate brew here. You’re waking up, fully.

Vietnam is the second-largest coffee producer in the world, and number one in robusta. That’s not by accident. The climate, soil, and generations of farmers have all shaped a bean with serious personality.

Think: less floral, more fire. And a flavour that doesn’t get lost in milk, ice, or sweetness.

Sweetened Condensed Milk: Not a Gimmick—A Tradition

The classic condensed milk coffee (cà phê sữa đá) is a staple. You’ve seen it on Instagram. Thick, rich, creamy layers swirling under a bold dark brew.

But don’t call it trendy—it’s historical.

Fresh milk wasn’t widely available in Vietnam during the French colonial era, so people turned to sweetened condensed milk. It stuck. And thank goodness it did. The contrast of bitter and sweet is what gives Vietnamese coffee its signature edge.

Cold or hot, stirred or layered, condensed milk coffee is where texture meets tradition.

Coffee as Culture, Not Just Caffeine

What really sets Vietnamese coffee apart? It’s not just the taste. It’s the experience.

In Vietnam, coffee isn’t a rush job. It’s a daily ritual. A moment to drip into the moment, whether you’re alone with your thoughts or catching up with friends. Sidewalk cafés buzz with life, phin filters brew tableside, and every sip feels like home.

While many coffee cultures have their staples, what makes Vietnamese coffee so unique is the way it balances strong tradition with local creativity.

At Hanoi Drip, we’ve brought that vibe to Vancouver. It’s more than a café. It’s a sanctuary. You come for the coffee, sure—but you stay for the moment.

It’s Instagram-Worthy—but That’s Just the Icing

It’s visually striking—layered, glowing, and photogenic from every angle.

However, what makes it share-worthy isn’t just the aesthetics—it’s the feeling. People don’t come to Hanoi Drip just for a caffeine fix. Instead, they come to slow down, share a table, study in peace, or simply get a break from the noise.

Vietnamese coffee fits that mood perfectly.

Final Drip: What Makes Vietnamese Coffee So Unique—And Why It Matters

Vietnamese coffee isn’t here to be a trend. It’s been bold since day one.

At Hanoi Drip, we’re not just brewing drinks—we’re telling stories. Stories of culture, care, and craft. Of a place where every drop is intentional and every moment matters.

Whether you’re new to phin brewing or already hooked on condensed milk coffee, one thing’s clear: Vietnamese coffee is different. It’s bolder. Slower. Realer.

Now that you’ve seen what makes Vietnamese coffee so unique, it’s clear this isn’t just a drink—it’s a mindset. A ritual. A moment of presence in every cup.

It’s not just coffee. It’s a way of being.

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Frequently Asked Questions