The French are globally renowned for their mouth-watering cakes, delicate pastries, and sweet culinary delights. If you’ve ever traveled to France, you know that eating is a visual experience – you eat with your eyes first, captivated by the intricate details and vibrant colors applied to every single treat. I know from first-hand experience!
Yet, you might be surprised to learn that you don’t need to book a flight to Paris to satisfy those cravings. If you’re exploring Vietnam, you have many opportunities to sample incredible French classics fused with local charm. The Vietnamese have masterfully transformed the baking techniques learnt from the French. And, in their own right – have been successfully making sweet and savory treats to delight locals and tourists alike for decades.
As a result, some of the most common local comfort foods you will encounter trace their roots straight back to France – from rich crème caramel to the iconic Vietnamese crispy baguette, the banh mi.
On a trip to the capital, it would have been a crime to miss out on the city’s flourishing bakery scene… especially when it comes to the pastries. So, here is a guide on the places to visit in Hanoi, Vietnam, for French pastries, buttery croissants, and cozy cafe vibes.
O’Douceurs – Cozy Bakery for Traditional French Pastries in Hanoi
From the outside, the storefront signage for O’Douceurs proudly displays its identity as a French pastry shop, bakery, and coffee house. Once you step inside, the aromatic scent of baking immediately welcomes you.
One of the first things I did notice on my visit… is a large wooden center table featuring a display cabinet packed with a mouth-watering range of French pastries. Naturally, they had fresh croissants ready to go, which shot straight to the top of my list. I also ordered a traditional cà phê sữa đá – a sweet, Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk, to balance out the rich pastry.
I instantly fell in love with the decor at O’Douceurs. Featuring sleek wooden floorboards and a dominant, warm maroon interior. And, it feels like a cute European cafe where you could easily spend hours catching up with friends over wine, coffee, and sweets.
When my order arrived, the plain croissant was impressively large and golden, while the coffee was bold and refreshing. Prices start at around 35,000 VND, making it surprisingly affordable given the high quality premise. Beyond pastries, they also serve savory sandwiches and hearty meals if you are looking for something more substantial. Check it out if you’re in the area if you’re on the hunt to find the best French pastries in Hanoi.
Save on Activities for Your Next Trip
Trying the many French pastries in Hanoi is one of the many things you can experience here. But what else can you do? Michelin-Guide street food tours, explore hidden alleyways on bicycle, witness the iconic Train Street Hanoi… through to local food cooking classes, exciting trips to Ha Long Bay, and more. CLICK HERE or below to find your adventure!
Tous les Jours – Popular Chain of French Bakeries in Hanoi for Wide Variety
Tous les Jours has multiple locations scattered across Vietnam, and Hanoi is no exception. After stepping into one of their bustling cafes, I quickly understood why the brand is so beloved.
So feast your eyes on some of these treats…
However, timing is everything if you want the absolute freshest goods. On my first visit around 9:00 AM, the pastry selection was surprisingly limited. But when I returned another day closer to 11:00 AM, the staff was wheeling out fresh trays of warm, baked goods and the cabinets were full of goodies. Plus, the aroma was heavenly.
On this trip I decided to dine in this time. So, I grabbed a freshly baked croissant, which I thought was a decent size. While it’s a major international French-Asian bakery chain, the quality and flavor earned a massive thumbs up from me. Best of all, they bake fresh every single day. There is nothing worse than wandering into a bakery only to realize they are serving stale, day-old stock without telling you. Tous les Jours delivers reliable quality and a comfortable, spacious environment to escape the city heat… or come in from the coolness in Winter.
Saint Honore – One of the Top French Bakery Cafes in Hanoi
Saint Honoré operates several stores across Vietnam, with most of them anchored right here in Hanoi. My first stop to test their French pastry selection was at their location in the scenic West Lake (Tây Hồ) district.
Though not a massive space, the sheer range of baked goods they pack into this cozy café is staggering. With so many tempting options in front of me, choosing was a tough challenge. I ultimately stuck to my tradition of ordering a classic croissant, alongside a rich, decadent cinnamon roll.
Despite being super busy during peak hours, the service was polite, efficient, and welcoming. If you want a substantial meal alongside your treats, you are in luck – they also serve full breakfasts, artisanal soups, and healthy brunch options. You could easily spend a rainy afternoon here, or escape the blistering heat and humidity for a while.
Prices are affordable for any budget, especially considering the high quality.
Plan Smarter, Travel For Less
Now that you have your trip inspiration, it’s time to start planning the logistics. To help you cut down on costs and stress, we’ve put together our top-tier travel tools in one convenient place. You can easily compare accommodation rates, secure reliable airport transfers, grab convenient eSIMs, and lock in peace-of-mind travel insurance. Head over to our curated travel resources to map out your perfect itinerary and keep your budget in check.
Dacia Tea and Bakery – A Cozy Bakery & Hidden Cafe in Hanoi Old Quarter
If you want to escape the chaos of motorbikes and fumes in Hanoi’s Old Quarter… tucked away down an alley lies Dacia Tea and Bakery.
Following the alley signs might feel like you are walking into a residential courtyard, but trust the path – what waits at the end is a peaceful, homey oasis. The interior is real cozy and intimate – it feels less like a commercial coffee shop and more like an inviting living room. And, you can easily spend an hour or two escaping and relaxing.
Dacia not only focuses on producing delightful bakes and treats – their attention on producing finely crafted beverages is admirable too. Their pastry case is packed with homemade temptations like decadent cheesecakes, tiramisu, and rotating seasonal treats that often sell out early. Pair your sweets with a fragrant teas or a flavorful lattes, to rest your legs and take time out from sightseeing.
From croffles, croissants through to cakes, it’s one of the top places to visit in Hanoi, Vietnam, for French pastries and more! A wonderful hidden-gem in the heart of the Old Quarter.
Need Accommodation in Hanoi?
To make your booking process easier, here are popular accommodations categorized by budget and location:
Luxury
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi – A renowned, French colonial-era landmark established in 1901, situated just steps from Hoan Kiem Lake and popular tourist attractions. Offering historic grandeur, world-class dining, an upscale spa, and luxurious suites with modern comforts.
Mid-Range
La Siesta Classic Ma May – A charming 4-star boutique favorite set right on vibrant Ma May street. Features warm Vietnamese hospitality, elegantly appointed wooden-accented rooms, a top-tier onsite spa, and easy walking access to night markets and local food stalls.
Boutique
Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel – A 5-star sanctuary on Duong Thanh Street blending classic Indochine architecture with modern luxury. Features a tranquil rooftop infinity pool, bespoke wellness treatments, and sophisticated interiors inspired by Hanoi’s rich cultural history.
Budget / Backpackers
Nexy Hostel – A modern, high-end social hub located near the edge of the Old Quarter, tailored for independent travelers and backpackers. Offers super comfy beds in dorms and private rooms, and a vibrant rooftop bar overlooking the city. Enjoy the outdoor terrace, co-working spaces, and daily social activities.
Families
Hanoi Nostalgia Hotel & Spa – A charming, budget-friendly hotel well-suited for families looking for a cozy, authentic stay. Featuring dedicated multi-room connecting family layouts, an enclosed courtyard and pool that is a huge hit with kids. Offering a breakfast buffet, and convenient location close to tourist atttractions.
Below are a couple of French bakeries in Hanoi, which were in my original blog. Sadly, they are closed. Yet, I left them in so you could see a “slice” of history for French pastries in Hanoi.
C’est Bon – Sadly, Permanently Closed.
5 Tây Hồ, Quảng An, Tây Hồ
Immediately after I walked into C’est Bon, I was a little surprised at how small the range of pastries was in the display cabinet…
But I guess the main thing was they had traditional croissants. So I tried a plain one which was big and looked appetizing…
The price for this croissant was 25,000 VND (about USD $1.10), and on the higher end of the price scale, compared to other places I’ve been.
I was told that C’est Bon Café is owned by a Frenchman. And at C’est Bon, they not only have French pastries… they have teas and chocolates with ingredients imported from France.
Plus inside, they have a separate room for showcasing the chocolates and teas. And my goodness, the chocolates looks elegant! The chocolates start from 18,000 VND per piece.
Plus, they offer chocolate making sessions too that you can buy and take part in.
La Salsa – Sadly, Permanently Closed
OK, wait… Before you think I’ve gone a little crazy mentioning a Spanish restaurant, keep reading…
As I was walking past and took a closer look through the windows, and I knew I had to make a pit stop here.
So when I opened the door to go in… a big display cabinet of sweet treats, breads, even deli items and more greeted me.
And yes, they had croissants too… big and small sizes. So I thought, it was a case of go BIG or go home! Ha ha ha. Plus, I got a chocolate éclair on top of the big croissant.
So the plain croissant cost me only 15,000 VND, and the chocolate éclair was a measly 25,000 VND.
There are plenty more places in Hanoi to get French pastries and sweet treats. Yet, this will give you a taste of what’s on offer. So on my travels, it was a successful trip of France meets Vietnam in the world of French pastries.
So do you have a favorite place to get pastries, cakes or sweet treats in Vietnam?
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