Hanoi’s Hidden Cafes: Coffee and Culture Tours

Coffee has long been associated with the spiritual lives of Hanoi people. Coffeehouses, especially hidden cafes, where people meet, chat, and share everyday life, are a familiar image that you can see every day on the large and small streets of the capital. Please accompany us as we study the fascinating characteristics of coffee from Hanoi! 

Explore the cultural beauty of Hanoi’s hidden cafes

Cafe in Hanoi

Leisurely with the newspaper or playing chess

Read the newspaper

When the rays of dawn creep into the ancient streets of Hanoi, in the homey hidden cafes, it will not be difficult for you to see images of guests sipping a steaming cup of fragrant black coffee with a newspaper in hand. Reading newspapers helps them update the latest news about the world around them, while the passionate flavor of coffee energizes them, dispels early morning fatigue, awakens all senses, and helps them start the new day in an exciting way. 

Besides those who are passionate about reading newspapers, middle-aged people or the elderly also often enjoy coffee combined with playing chess. The coffee shop becomes an ideal space for them to meet friends, discuss current affairs, or simply play a few games of chess together. All of these things have created a special atmosphere and a very unique beauty in hidden cafes in Hanoi. 

The way to enjoy coffee of Hanoi people 

Cafe in Hanoi

For Hanoi people, coffee is an indispensable part of life. Even though life is always busy, Hanoi people still always give themselves some quiet time every morning to enjoy delicious cups of coffee. This is the ideal time of the day because coffee gives people alertness, creates new energy, and helps them be more productive at work. 

Their way of enjoying coffee is also very special. Perhaps most Hanoi people love simple, traditional-style cafes, where they can sit for hours sipping a cup of coffee. While enjoying coffee, they can also relax in many different ways, such as by reading newspapers, chatting with friends, watching the rain fall, or watching life take place through the flow of people, vehicles, or street vendors, and let their thoughts flow with the busy flow of people on the street. 

It can be said that the way Hanoi people enjoy coffee is not too hasty or picky. All they need is a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the passionate flavor of coffee, be it sidewalk cafes or hidden cafes in small alleys. The ancient space of coffee shops becomes a quiet note amidst the bustle and excitement of the capital. 

Hanoi coffee in modern life 

Cafe in Hanoi

The way that people in Hanoi have been enjoying coffee has evolved throughout time as well. Coffee varieties like egg coffee, honey coffee, coconut coffee, etc. bring creativity and variance to the ways that coffee is prepared and enjoyed. Coffee shops that cater to a wide range of consumer interests and demands are increasingly being seen in a variety of formats and styles. They visit cafes not only to explore and unwind but also to snap photos or work with their laptops and tablets. In addition, a lot of young people nowadays still choose to have sit-down coffee, which is a way to enjoy coffee without a table or chairs. All they need to do is find a comfortable spot to sit in a cool area with a good view, and then they can just sit down to enjoy their coffee without going to a coffeehouse. This demonstrates the spirit of diversity and flexibility in the way young people experience the world of coffee. 

Hidden cafes in Hanoi that you should try once 

Cafe in Hanoi

In the heart of the vibrant capital, there are small hidden cafes nestled in small alleys that bring you extremely unique experiences. Away from the bustle of the city, these cafes will immerse you in an extremely cozy space and help you forget all the worries in life. The special feature of these hidden cafes is that the design is not too sophisticated or ornate but mainly focuses on intimacy and warmth. Every little corner inside is meticulously cared for, giving you a sense of familiarity and peace in your soul and helping you slow down a bit amid the hustle and bustle of life outside. 

Chon Cafe

Chon Cafe

On bustling Bui Thi Xuan Street, Chon Cafe is like a gentle note, bringing you a peaceful space in the middle of a busy city. Located on the 2nd floor of an old dormitory, Chon is decorated in a gentle vintage style with many small relaxing corners, suitable for those who need a place to focus on work, those who love quiet, or simply want to have peaceful moments with a delicious cup of coffee after stressful working hours. 

Chon’s menu is also quite diverse, with drinks and cakes. The coffee here is hand-brewed, so you need to be patient and wait for the barista. It can be said that Chon is one of the ideal hidden cafes in Hanoi, where you can enjoy gentle, relaxing moments with friends or your loved one. 

Contact information:

Address: + No.130, Bui Thi Xuan Street, Bui Thi Xuan Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Phone number: +84 799 049 703

Opening hours: 9.00 AM – 10.00 PM (Monday to Sunday) 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/choncoffeehouse/?locale=vi_VN

Room 501 Coffee Roastery 

Room501 Coffee Roasters

Situated on the second level of an apartment building, Room 501 Coffee Roastery dazzles with its small, cozy space revolving around the bar and large glass doors. Here, you may sip beverages and watch talented baristas in action as they showcase their deft bartending techniques. The coffee at Room 501 Coffee Roastery is made in a variety of ways, including filter brew, hand brew, machine brew, and traditional coffee. It can have as much sweetness, richness, or passion as you desire.

If you are looking for a unique coffee shop where you can both enjoy a drink and admire the skillful bartending art in a simple space of hidden cafes nestled in small corners in the middle of the bustling city, Room 501 Coffee Roastery is the ideal place for you. 

Contact information:

Address: No.6A, Ly Nam De Street, Hang Ma Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Phone number: +84 559 021 501

Opening hours: 8.00 AM – 7.00 PM (Monday to Sunday)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/room501coffeeroasters/ 

Cu Xa Cafe

Cu Xa Cafe

As a favorite place for nostalgic souls, Cu Xa Cafe brings you a quiet space where you can return to old values. Cu Xa’s space bears the mark of time with old, rustic tables, chairs, and lamps. Coming to Cu Xa, you will not only enjoy delicious coffee but also return to beautiful childhood memories with familiar snacks such as apricot, soy sauce, instant noodles, chocolate, etc., and many old game sets such as seahorses, push-button electronic machines, fishing sets, etc., which help you temporarily forget the worries of life and rediscover the innocent joy of childhood.

Cu Xa Cafe is not simply one of the hidden cafes in the heart of Hanoi but also a place that preserves beautiful memories of childhood. This is the ideal destination for those who are nostalgic and love peace amidst the hustle and bustle of life out there. 

Contact information:

Address: The 2nd Floor, A11, Ton That Tung Street, Kim Lien Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Phone number: +84 984 69 69 93

Opening hours: 9.00 AM – 10.30 PM (Monday to Sunday)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cuxaspace/ 

Ngo Coffee and Bakery

Ngo Coffee and Bakery

Ngo Coffee and Bakery is a four-story coffee shop featuring distinct design elements on each level. On the first floor of Ngo, there’s a distinctively designed mixing area with low tables and chairs set out on the pavement. There are rows of chairs outdoors on the balcony on the second floor, which has a Rustic design. The duplex on the third floor is decorated in a variety of styles, and the bold Bohemian style on the fourth floor completes the design. 

A wide variety of tea, coffee, juice, and pastries are available on the menu at the coffee shop in Ngo, catering to a wide range of consumer demographics at reasonable pricing. Aside from that, Ngo has a group of really committed servers, and the catchy tunes draw a lot of customers in. If you want to find a peaceful spot to unwind after a long day and sip a great cup of coffee, this is undoubtedly one of the hidden cafes worth checking out. 

Contact information: 

Address: No.1, Lane 18, Huynh Thuc Khang Street, Thanh Cong Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam 

Phone number: +84 333 811 914

Opening hours: 7.30 AM – 11.30 PM (Monday to Sunday)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ngocoffee18/

Summary

Visiting hidden cafes is an experience you should not miss when coming to Hanoi. Each cafehouses here has a different beauty, from classic to modern, from luxury to popular. If you love the beauty of peace or simply want to experience the coffee culture of Hanoi, come to hidden cafes, where quality coffee cups pamper your taste buds. The gentle and homey atmosphere in hidden cafes will also help comfort your soul after the worries of life.

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