Buzz
An Nhiên Cafe, a hidden gem, boasts an inviting space worth exploring for a breath of fresh air, ideal for anyone seeking a spacious, serene cafe with elegant decor.
Step into An Nhiên Cafe, a serene oasis tucked away in the heart of Hanoi, where the tranquil atmosphere and spacious layout offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.
Location
An Nhiên Cafe resides at 10B Khúc Hạo, Ba Đình. If you've ever ventured through Villa Des Fleurs adorned with trees and flowers, Khúc Hạo Alley is just a few hundred meters down Tran Phu Street.
Khúc Hạo Alley holds a distinct charm, situated near several solemn government institutions, boasting three cafes clustered together at its entrance: An Nhiên, Tầng Trệt Cosmo, and Jouri Dessert & Tea. Arranged in sequence, An Nhiên Cafe stands as the outermost, immediately catching one's eye upon turning into the alley.
Tầng Trệt Cosmo and Jouri are two well-known cafes in Ba Đình district, familiar among the capital's youth. Unfortunately, An Nhiên hasn't been as fortunate in gaining similar recognition. Various factors may contribute to this disparity, which will be discussed in detail in subsequent sections.
Ambience
Overall Impression
In reality, I stumbled upon An Nhiên Cafe while... on my way to Jouri Dessert & Tea for a review after missing it several times.
Despite being just a few steps away from Jouri, I decided to turn towards An Nhiên because the scenery here appeared untouched, yet strangely deserted.
The interior scenery of the café is quite tidy and pleasing to the eye.
Apart from the three cafes, there are no residential houses on Khúc Hạo Street, only government offices, so the street is very deserted. Therefore, the sidewalk is utilized as a shared parking space. Parking is free if you are a customer of the café.
The first impression of An Nhiên is its diverse style: spacious area, adorned with flowers and plants, neon lights, and a subdued brown color scheme. The arrangement of tables and chairs is also modern and far from bland.
However, the clientele at An Nhiên Cafe is quite distinct from its two neighbors, Tầng Trệt Cosmo and Jouri. Few young friend groups are seen here; instead, the majority consists of middle-aged individuals, mostly office workers and civil servants.
Perhaps the reason lies in the café's lack of investment in branding and image marketing. Or it could be that the café owner is quite laid-back and doesn't intend to cater to younger customers (!?)
Decoration & Furniture
The outdoor space of An Nhiên Cafe is quite spacious, with a wall of hanging plants interspersed with neon lights, a glass roof with water flowing above. The atmosphere is suitable for both serious conversations and relaxed chilling sessions.
The area separating the indoor and outdoor spaces is a small section equipped with a TV and sound system. The café may want to cater to both the coffee and soccer-watching or spontaneous karaoke needs – which is probably why young people aren't keen on coming here.
The café owner is currently adjusting the sound system.
The indoor seating arrangement is quite practical, making use of every corner of the café. Low tables are paired with sofa chairs and comfortable cushions. High tables are simply for drinking, not for work or study purposes.
The main walkway area leads directly to the barista counter.
The lighting system, color coordination of paint, furniture, and accessories – the decor style has a certain aesthetic taste, not overly flashy like many other traditional cafes.
Service Quality
Beverages
An Nhiên's menu mainly consists of typical tea options like many other traditional coffee shops. However, three foreign coffee options, Espresso, Latte, and Cappuccino, are still available, which surprised me.
But the joy didn't last long because the presentation and quality of the Latte were nothing remarkable, if not to say bland, lacking in aroma compared to the general standard. The latte art also lacked the expected finesse.
Regarding the fruit yogurt cup, there isn't much to comment on. This choice is just a casual indulgence, and I won't dwell on its expertise whether at An Nhiên or elsewhere.
The average price here ranges from 50,000đ to 100,000đ. Considering the location and ambiance, it may be suitable, but in terms of beverage quality, it might deter many patrons.
Music & Wi-Fi
An Nhiên Cafe doesn't prioritize loud music in the premises. In fact, I can't even recall if there was background music... The Wi-Fi is fast and stable, without any annoying issues.
Service
I visited in the evening, with only one bartender, plus the café owner and a waitress. The bartender was friendly and enthusiastic. The café owner, middle-aged, was cheerful and occasionally asked a few questions upon seeing me here for the first time.
Overall, there's nothing to complain about, I even felt more comfortable than with some staff at other large coffee shops.
It cannot be denied that the emptiness is a sadness for the owner but also a joy for some café-goers. An Nhiên Cafe is such a place, perfect for avoiding crowds, noise, and relaxing in a corner sofa without worrying about the hustle and bustle of customers coming and going.
If you're not quite intrigued by An Nhiên, then why not introduce the café to your grandparents or parents? Surely adults, including the café owner, will find it much more enjoyable and to their taste!
Posted by: Cường Lý
Keywords: An Nhiên Cafe - 10B Khúc Hạo, Ba Đình, Hanoi
