Discover the charm of Tiny Post Cafe at 30, Alley 181 Truong Chinh, Dong Da, Hanoi

Rooted in the book cafe model with branches in Lang Ha and Nguyen Tri Phuong, Tiny Cafe has become a familiar name among Hanoi's youth over the years.

Although the Truong Chinh branch is relatively new, it has quickly captured much attention. Taking advantage of the sudden cold breeze in Hanoi, TopListCafe visited Tiny Post Cafe on Truong Chinh Street.

The courtyard of the cafe seen from the entrance gate.

Location

When mentioning Truong Chinh Street, many people shudder at the perennial traffic jam nightmare. However, that's just the past scenario, as redevelopment efforts have brought about significantly positive results.

Located at number 30, alley 181 Truong Chinh, although tucked away in an alley, Tiny Post Cafe is quite easy to find, just one turn from the main road. If coming from the direction of Lang - Truong Chinh, alley 181 is located near the Artemis building.

To bring a glimmer of solace, though, there's hardly anything noteworthy about the location anymore. No picturesque view, no proximity to a lake, and certainly no lush greenery like the grand streets.

The biggest advantage is the fairly spacious and level alley, with a gentle and amiable neighborhood, allowing ample parking on the opposite side of the street.

Ambiance

Overall Impression

Despite its slightly submerged location, the ambiance of the cafe boasts distinctive highlights.

This area, with a high population density and numerous office buildings, might seem intimidating. However, the cafe's location is quite strategic.

Alley 181 Truong Chinh lacks many shops and services. The distance of the cafe is just far enough from the main road to provide a separation from the noise. Upon entering Tiny Post, you will immediately sense a uniquely serene atmosphere.

If you are a regular customer or have visited many other branches, you will be familiar with the Tiny Cafe vibe. Quiet, gentle, steering clear of all hustle and bustle.

The café currently operates on 3 floors. The 4th floor is designated as a warehouse or not yet put into use. The land area is quite spacious, featuring a clean pebble garden and a small loft above the entrance.

Decor & Furniture

Since its inception, Tiny Cafe has been synonymous with book cafe design. On the other hand, the brand owner also creatively incorporates a vintage post office style for specific branches like Trường Chinh and Nguyễn Khang, reflecting in slight name changes to Tiny Post Cafe.

At first glance, Tiny Post Cafe maintains its signature with numerous bookshelves and high tables and chairs for studying or working. A new addition here is the red phone booths, reminiscent of a classic post office.

The interior of the café exudes simplicity and charm, with predominantly yellow walls and tiled floors. Decor includes a jukebox and a vintage radio, echoing the culture of bygone eras.

Some of the windows remain unsealed, giving a glimpse of the raw brickwork, perhaps a deliberate touch by the café. Despite appearances, cleanliness is always a priority here, so there's no need to worry about dust.

Tiny Post boasts a collection of old cameras and vintage newspapers—a departure from what Tiny Cafe typically displays. This arrangement evokes the ambiance of an old-fashioned newsroom, a reminder of a time when post offices were the primary source of news delivery.

In pursuit of antiquity, many cafes opt for wooden chairs, often overlooking their uncomfortable nature. Within just 30 minutes, discomfort sets in, making prolonged seating intolerable.

At Tiny Cafe, if it's a low wooden seat not meant for work, almost all come with comfy cushions for leaning. This is a significant plus showcasing the sophistication of the establishment, enhancing the overall experience for guests.

Service Excellence

Beverages

Tiny Cafe often serves simple drinks and snacks, suitable for customers of all ages. Machine-brewed coffees like Espresso still find a place on the menu, although I used to think that Tiny Cafe only focused on traditional coffee.

In general, Tiny Cafe's beverage segment bears a striking resemblance to Cộng Cà Phê and other chains with a vintage touch. Affordable prices ranging from 25,000đ to 50,000đ.

Hot silver needle tea is a quite sensible choice for a beautiful morning with a hint of lingering March chill. The preparation time might be a bit long, but it's well worth the wait, as the quality of silver needle tea lives up to expectations.

In many other places, silver needle tea is sometimes underestimated in its preparation. The consequence is often overly sweet or imbalanced proportions of fresh milk, resulting in a half-creamy, half-fatty taste that neither resembles silver needle tea nor coffee.

Tiny Post Trường Chinh, however, stands out. The temperature is just right, the froth is expertly crafted, the coffee/milk ratio is spot-on, and it's remarkably smooth compared to expectations.

The ambiance and style resemble that of Silver Bullet Coffee, but the quality surpasses by leaps and bounds, not an exaggeration.

Music & Wi-Fi

The playlist at Tiny Post Cafe on Truong Chinh primarily consists of classical or acoustic music from abroad. The volume is just right, not echoing or ear-piercing, perfect for studying or chilling with friends.

The establishment doesn't restrict noise or playful activities, yet the groups of patrons here remain very courteous, always engaging in conversation at a reasonable volume and behaving appropriately, avoiding any disturbance to the communal space.

The Wi-Fi system is intelligently divided into multiple signals for each floor, ensuring fast and stable speeds without network congestion even during peak usage.

Service

During the morning shift, only two dedicated staff members were present at the counter. Despite their limited numbers, they displayed remarkable dedication, efficiently managing both serving customers and diligently cleaning and maintaining hygiene across all three floors.

Both staff members exuded a gentle and amiable demeanor. The male employee, while reserved, exhibited proficiency in his tasks and even took the initiative to neatly organize guests' vehicles. If you visit, don't hesitate to tip and encourage these two outstanding employees!

The Tiny Post Cafe branch on Truong Chinh Street is an ideal spot for those living nearby or looking for a refreshing change from the usual Instagrammable cafes.

Middle-aged patrons also appreciate the cafe's style, becoming regulars across multiple branches. If you're craving a serene atmosphere, away from the daily hustle and bustle, make sure to visit Tiny Cafe's branches.

Posted by: Duong Thuy

Keywords: Tiny Post Cafe - 30, Alley 181 Truong Chinh, Dong Da, Hanoi