Nestled just steps from Hoàn Kiếm Lake in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, The Note Coffee isn’t just a café, it’s a love letter to human connection. You’ll spot it easily thanks to its bright facade, but nothing really prepares you for what’s inside.
From the moment we walked in, we were surrounded by thousands of sticky notes covering every surface imaginable. Walls, tables, ceilings, even the staircase railings. Each note carries its own voice. Messages from travelers, doodles, motivational quotes, confessions, and well wishes. It’s like stepping into a warm, living journal of global emotions, and you can’t help but smile reading through them.
We found a cozy corner upstairs with views of Hoàn Kiếm Lake and ordered a coconut coffee and a salted cream coffee. The coconut coffee was smooth and lightly sweet, almost like a dessert in a glass with a subtle tropical flavor. The salted cream coffee surprised me. It was bold and rich, with the cream adding just enough savory depth to balance the bitterness. While it was delicious, it wasn't the best I have had in Hanoi.
We also shared a slice of strawberry cheesecake, which was light, creamy, and just sweet enough. It paired perfectly with the coffee, and made for the ideal mid-afternoon break after wandering the streets of Hanoi.
What really sets The Note Coffee apart is how interactive and heartfelt the experience is. When you get your drink, you’re encouraged to write your own note and stick it anywhere you like. It feels like you’re contributing to a global patchwork of stories and memories. I left one too, a little message for the next curious traveler who might sit in that same corner.
The vibe was calm and cozy, and the staff were incredibly friendly, even taking time to chat and help us find a good table. It’s the kind of place you don’t just visit. You feel it, and it stays with you long after you’ve left.
If you find yourself in Hanoi, don’t miss this spot. It’s a small café with a big heart, and a great reminder that even a cup of coffee can connect us in the most unexpected ways.
Address: 64 P. Lương Văn Can, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Store hours: Monday – Thursday, 8:00 am to 10:30 pm | Friday, 8:00 am to 11:00 pm | Saturday to Sunday, 7:00 am to 11:00 pm
Price range: USD 1.35-2.51 (VND 35,000-65,000
