Hội An’s Most Talked-About Cafes Right Now: Hidden Gems, Classes, and Serious Coffee

Hội An’s Most Talked-About Cafes Right Now: Hidden Gems, Classes, and Serious Coffee

From lantern-lit alleys to cutting-edge brews, these are the Hội An cafes locals and travelers are buzzing about in 2025.

Hội An’s cafe scene is shifting fast. Classic riverside spots still charm, but the real excitement is in new coffee experiences, bakery hybrids, and specialty bars hidden in the Old Town’s side streets. This guide highlights the places that are trending right now based on recent reviews, local word of mouth, and that hard-to-define vibe that makes you want to linger.

Old Town Coffee Making Class - Hands-on coffee in a heritage house

Old Town Coffee Making Class is the newest name on this list and the one rising fastest. Tucked inside a traditional shophouse near Hội An Ancient Town, it blends cafe culture with a workshop-style experience.

Why it is trending:

• New business energy with a perfect 5-star rating and early buzz from curious travelers
• Small-group classes that walk you through Vietnamese phin coffee, egg coffee, coconut coffee, and latte-style drinks
• A relaxed, homey setting that feels more like being in a local kitchen than a touristy class

What to expect:

• A short intro to Vietnamese coffee culture and beans, often including robusta vs arabica tasting
• Step-by-step brewing guidance so you can recreate cà phê sữa đá when you get home
• Time to sit, sip, and chat in a quiet corner of the Old Town instead of a busy streetfront

Best for:

• Travelers who want an experience, not just a cup
• First-timers to Vietnam looking to understand why local coffee tastes so intense
• Morning or late afternoon activity before the lanterns light up

Insider tip: Book ahead for late afternoon sessions, then walk straight into the golden hour in the Ancient Town for photos and a river stroll.

Thom's Sourdough Bakery & Coffee - Old town - Cult bakery with serious coffee

Thom's Sourdough Bakery & Coffee - Old town has become a quiet obsession among digital nomads and bread lovers. While it is not brand new, its momentum keeps growing thanks to word of mouth and a steady stream of glowing reviews.

Why it is trending:

• One of the first spots in Hội An to really nail naturally leavened sourdough and European-style loaves
• A balanced focus on both bakery and coffee, so it works as a breakfast base, work cafe, or quick snack stop
• Located in or near the Old Town, making it easy to pair with sightseeing

What to try:

• Sourdough toast with eggs or avocado for a break from rice and noodles
• Cinnamon rolls or pastries with a flat white or cappuccino
• Takeaway loaves if you are staying in a villa or homestay with a kitchen

Vibe:

• Simple, bright, and comfortable rather than overly styled
• A mix of long-stay expats, remote workers, and travelers craving bread that actually tastes like home

Insider tip: Go early if you want the full pastry selection. Popular items often sell out by late morning in high season.

The Inner Hoian by Àla - Design-led cafe for slow coffee and photos

The Inner Hoian by Àla is a cafe for people who notice details. Every corner feels curated, from ceramics and glassware to the way natural light falls through the windows, which makes it a favorite for design-minded travelers.

Why it is trending:

• Strong review score with steady recent growth, driven by Instagram and TikTok shares
• A modern yet warm interior that contrasts beautifully with the Old Town’s historic architecture
• Elevated coffee and drinks menu that goes beyond basic lattes

What to expect:

• Specialty-style espresso drinks and carefully prepared pour overs
• Signature drinks with local twists, like coconut or salted cream toppings
• Artful plating and glassware that make everything feel a bit special

Vibe:

• Calm, airy, and slightly upscale without being stiff
• A natural choice for couples, friends catching up, or solo travelers who enjoy reading or journaling in a beautiful space

Insider tip: Visit mid-morning for the best light if you care about photos. Late afternoon can be busier as people escape the heat.

Ellie's Cafe Hoi An - Healthy Breakfast- Brunch- Lunch - Brunch favorite with wellness vibes

Ellie's Cafe Hoi An - Healthy Breakfast- Brunch- Lunch has quietly become one of Hội An’s go-to brunch hubs. It is not the newest cafe, but it continues to trend thanks to health-conscious menus and consistently high reviews.

Why it is trending:

• Strong reputation for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-friendly options in a town still dominated by noodles and banh mi
• Big portions and all-day breakfast appeal to both backpackers and long-stay visitors
• Steady stream of social media mentions from travelers sharing colorful plates and smoothie bowls

What to try:

• Smoothie bowls, fresh juices, and coffee for a light start before cycling around town
• Hearty brunch plates if you need a Western-style reset breakfast
• Lunch salads or wraps to balance out heavier Vietnamese dinners

Vibe:

• Casual, bright, and friendly, with a mix of locals, expats, and travelers
• Comfortable for solo diners and laptop users, though it is more brunch cafe than dedicated coworking space

Insider tip: If you are planning a beach day at An Bang or Cua Dai, fuel up here first and grab a takeaway iced coffee for the ride.

XLIII Specialty Coffee - Destination cafe for coffee purists

XLIII Specialty Coffee is the place coffee nerds whisper about and then cannot stop recommending. With an impressive review count and a perfect 5-star rating, it is firmly on the map as Hội An’s most serious specialty coffee bar.

Why it is trending:

• Precision-driven approach to coffee, from bean sourcing to extraction
• Reputation that spans beyond Hội An, drawing coffee lovers from Da Nang and further
• A minimalist, almost laboratory-like setup that highlights the brewing process

What to expect:

• Carefully calibrated espresso shots that showcase single-origin beans
• Filter coffee options like V60 or other manual brew methods with tasting notes explained
• Baristas who are happy to talk roast profiles, origins, and brew ratios if you are curious

Vibe:

• Clean and modern, with a focus on the bar and the coffee itself
• Less about lounging for hours and more about savoring an excellent cup

Insider tip: Visit earlier in the day when your palate is fresh and you can fully appreciate the flavor clarity. If you are sensitive to caffeine, consider starting with a filter coffee rather than a double espresso.

How to plan your cafe-hopping day in Hội An

• Start with a class: Begin at Old Town Coffee Making Class to learn the basics of Vietnamese coffee.
• Move to brunch: Head to Ellie's Cafe Hoi An - Healthy Breakfast- Brunch- Lunch for a late breakfast or early lunch.
• Afternoon bread and pastry: Refuel at Thom's Sourdough Bakery & Coffee - Old town.
• Golden hour design stop: Drop into The Inner Hoian by Àla for a slow coffee and photos.
• End with a coffee highlight: Finish at XLIII Specialty Coffee for a standout espresso or filter.

You can walk or cycle between most of these spots, especially if you are staying near the Ancient Town.

Why these Hội An cafes are trending now

• Experience-first: Travelers want more than a seat and Wi-Fi. Classes, design, and storytelling matter.
• Quality-focused: From sourdough to single-origin beans, quality is catching up with bigger Vietnam cafe cities like Saigon and Hanoi.
• Shareable spaces: Thoughtful interiors and colorful plates make these cafes perfect for social media and digital travel journals.

MapsBuddy tracks rising review scores, local chatter, and neighborhood shifts so you can find the spots that feel fresh but not yet overcrowded. Use this guide as your shortlist, then wander a little. In Hội An, the best cafe moments often start with a side street you almost walked past.