My recent trip to Hanoi was absolutely brilliant, filled with exciting discoveries that reminded me why this city remains one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations. From attending the GM Vietnam conference to stumbling upon fresh cafes and sampling the robust flavours of northwestern Vietnamese cuisine, every day brought something new to explore.

GM Vietnam at the National Convention Centre

The GM Vietnam conference took me to Hanoi’s impressive National Convention Centre, a sleek modern venue that’s become quite the landmark in the city’s evolving skyline. I attended this event as part of the Tech Ops Asia Web3 Development Team, where we’ve been working on innovative blockchain security solutions including our new XK Sentinel project.

Location: National Convention Centre

What struck me most wasn’t just the excellent conference facilities, but how this area represents Hanoi’s growth into a major business hub. The centre itself is architecturally striking, with its contemporary design standing in beautiful contrast to the traditional Vietnamese elements woven throughout the interior.

Attending GM Vietnam as part of Tech Ops Asia’s blockchain development initiatives was particularly exciting, as we had the opportunity to showcase our work on smart contract security and discuss our XK Sentinel project with industry leaders. It was refreshing to see such a well-organised international event in this stunning new location, and it gave me a different perspective on Hanoi beyond the usual tourist haunts - seeing it as a growing tech and business hub in Southeast Asia.

Two Must-Try Cafes for 2025

Hermano’s Cafe: Lakeside Serenity in Ba Dinh

Hermano’s Cafe quickly became my favourite discovery of the trip. Tucked away in Ba Dinh district, this gorgeous cafe offers stunning views over one of Hanoi’s tranquil lakes.

Location: Hermano’s Cafe The atmosphere is absolutely magical, especially during the golden hour when the light dances across the water. With Hanoi’s cafe scene continuing to flourish in 2025, places like this represent the perfect blend of scenic beauty and quality coffee that locals and visitors are seeking.

The coffee here is exceptional, and the lakeside setting makes it ideal for those long conversations or quiet moments of reflection that travel often brings. I spent a lovely afternoon here, watching local life unfold around the lake whilst sipping what might have been the best Vietnamese coffee of my entire trip.

Nook Inside Book & Coffee: Student Vibes Near the University

Venturing further out of the city centre, I discovered Nook Inside Book & Coffee near the University of Culture. This cozy little spot has become a haven for students, particularly those studying fashion who seem to have claimed it as their weekend study sanctuary.

Location: Nook Inside Book & Coffee The atmosphere reminded me of those wonderful local bookseller cafes, with the peaceful, book-scented environment providing the perfect escape from Hanoi’s bustling streets.

What I loved most was the authentic student energy. Young creatives hunched over laptops, sketchbooks scattered across wooden tables, and the gentle hum of focused work creating the most productive atmosphere imaginable. It’s the sort of place that makes you want to pull out a notebook and start planning your next adventure.

Northwestern Vietnamese Flavours at Quán 1989

One of my most memorable meals was at Quán 1989, where I delved into the hearty, robust cuisine of northwestern Vietnam. This region’s food is quite different from the more familiar dishes of Hanoi and the south, characterising itself through bold, earthy flavours and ingredients that reflect the mountainous terrain and ethnic diversity of places like Sapa and Dien Bien Phu.

Location: Quán 1989

The dishes here tell the story of Vietnam’s highland communities, with influences from the Hmong, Thai, and other ethnic groups. I was particularly impressed by the grilled meats, which had been marinated with local herbs and spices I’d never encountered before. The sticky rice dishes were incredible too, often incorporating ingredients like purple rice and various mountain vegetables.

What struck me most was how different this cuisine feels from typical Vietnamese food. It’s heartier, more substantial, perfect for the cooler mountain climate it originates from. The restaurant itself has a lovely rustic feel that complements the food perfectly.

Sweet Discoveries: Hidden Sushi and Coconut Ice Cream

A Hidden Japanese Gem

Down a narrow alleyway at 38 Ng. Tạm Thương in the Old Quarter, I stumbled upon an absolutely delightful Japanese restaurant that wasn’t even on Google Maps. Sometimes the best discoveries happen when you’re willing to wander down those intriguing Hanoi alleyways. The sushi was remarkably fresh, and their udon was comforting perfection after a long day of exploring. It’s exactly the sort of hidden gem that makes Hanoi so special.

Address: 38 Ng. Tạm Thương, Hàng Gai, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Location: Google Maps

West Lake Coconut Ice Cream

No trip to Hanoi feels complete without a stroll around West Lake (Tay Ho), and I was delighted to find a fantastic coconut ice cream vendor there. There’s something magical about enjoying creamy, tropical ice cream whilst watching the lake life unfold. Families cycling past, couples sharing quiet moments, and the gentle lapping of water created the perfect backdrop for this simple pleasure.

A Touch of History: Hanoi Cathedral

Of course, no Hanoi adventure would be complete without visiting the iconic St. Joseph’s Cathedral. This magnificent neo-Gothic structure continues to be one of the city’s most photographed landmarks, and rightfully so. The way it anchors the Old Quarter whilst reaching skyward creates such a beautiful juxtaposition of spiritual and urban energy.

Location: St. Joseph’s Cathedral

Wandering through the Old Quarter streets never gets old, with each narrow alleyway offering glimpses into daily Vietnamese life.

Final Thoughts

What I love most about Hanoi is how it continues to evolve whilst maintaining its essential character. The city’s culinary scene is experiencing remarkable growth, with everything from traditional family restaurants to innovative new establishments gaining international recognition. Whether you’re attending business conferences, hunting for the perfect coffee spot, or exploring regional Vietnamese cuisines you’ve never tried before, Hanoi delivers experiences that linger in your memory long after you’ve returned home.

The combination of historic charm, culinary adventure, and warm hospitality makes every visit feel like a new discovery. I’m already planning my return trip, with a list of new alleyways to explore and more northwestern dishes to sample. That’s the magic of Hanoi - there’s always another layer to uncover.

*Have you discovered any fresh places in Hanoi recently? I’d love to hear about your favourite spots in the comments below!