Buzz
The ancient house on Tran Phu Street is imbued with winter sunlight.
It's been a while since I had iced tea by Hoan Kiem Lake.
Early, the cold clings to me from home to the street, creeping through every gap in my fingers, strands of hair. The sun has not risen yet, but the mist still lingers, blending with breath to create bright streaks under the streetlights. In a few minutes, the bell will chime, marking the rhythm of life, and the city will dim its lights.
The misty veil veils the scenery.
Unlike the usual hustle and bustle of a famous tourist spot in Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake looks bewildered like a just-awakened young man. We only hear scattered laughter, voices of elders, gentlemen, and ladies echoing from nearby or afar, clearly audible. No need to wait until they look at each other knowingly; beside warm tea cups, amidst the whispering cigarettes, they have already awakened the city. Early in the winter, I sit with iced tea on Dinh Tien Hoang sidewalk!
A lively story by the hot tea cup.
The enthusiasm in the story of 'self-cultivation, family harmony, governing the nation, and bringing peace to the world' of the elders.
A steaming hot tea cup in rough, calloused hands.
Drinking tea on the sidewalk is the joy of every morning for the people of the old quarter.
The venerable old man is avidly listening to the story told by his companion beside him.
And you, do you remember iced tea by West Lake?
Once again, it's a unique beauty of one of Hanoi's beloved tourist spots. West Lake is where you and I once had morning dates. If Hoan Kiem Lake is the handsome young man, adored by everyone, then West Lake would be the elegant, charming yet sweet lady.
The culture of iced tea is a characteristic feature of Hanoians, yet it also carries many different colors. West Lake iced tea is like the pace of life around West Lake, not hurried but serene, slow. Isn't it the winter that makes us feel 'everyone walks a bit slower to feel more steady, more certain in this life'?
One misty winter morning, the tea stall is emptier than usual.
'Early in the morning, there must be a cup of tea to keep you alert for work!'
The contemplation of the elderly beside the tea cup.
The stories have just begun, yet the sun has already surpassed the boundary of convergence, shining diagonally through layers of leaves, even through the iced tea glasses resting on weathered brown hands. Laughter and sometimes the colloquialisms of the elders intermingle, but they sound so familiar, so endearing.
The winter sun or the sunshine of simple smiles.
Life just gently flows by the tea cup.
Despite the mist fogging up the glasses, covering the stone benches, jumping through the leaf gaps, the spirit of exercise and health of the elderly is always prioritized.
The habit of exercising every morning by West Lake regardless of the season.
Chit-chat after the early morning bike ride.
Lost in the midst of the early morning market.
Running uphill to reverse memories. Just like those early winter mornings, the makeshift markets open very early. Whether it's the market on Bao Khanh Street next to Hoan Kiem Lake or the market at the beginning of Truc Bach Street, just a few steps and the market is already over.
Trucks loaded with fresh oranges on the first day of the month.
The fruit stall is always crowded with customers.
The radiant smile dispels the cold winter chill of the orange seller.
The market mainly for old Hanoians, those who never forget the era of rationing and buying goods with coupons. The corner of the early market evokes nostalgia, engraving the simple old features amidst modern life. The market doesn't last long; when the streets start bustling, it's time for the rusty metal boxes to be neatly placed behind trucks for transportation back.
Clothing is always the best-selling item.
The truck carrying goods back after the early West Lake market.
Elders and ladies carefully try on clothes.
Eyeglasses and watches neatly arranged in a wooden box.
The vegetable seller by West Lake.
The coffee shop - a rendezvous every morning.
When you return to Hanoi, we'll visit those familiar old cafes again. You once said, 'Hanoi winter has a unique beauty, always with the lingering scent of coffee in those affectionate corners.' It's true, anyone who comes and goes will remember Hanoi winter through those affectionate coffee cups.Coffee 39 - Tạ Hiện imbued with the 'Hanoi aroma'
A coffee cup accompanied by a glass of water is placed in an aluminum tray.
When talking about an affordable coffee shop with the 'Hanoi aroma', we cannot forget the coffee shop at 39 Tạ Hiện. The shop utilizes sidewalk space, devoid of any decoration, without fancy tables and chairs, just small, old plastic chairs, but always crowded due to the lively atmosphere on bustling Tạ Hiện street and the quality of drinks here.
The 'table' is stacked high for coffee from two small plastic chairs.
The guests are mainly elderly people, they don't care about grandeur, they just need a space to sit, to enjoy each sip, to slow down these precious moments.
The hand holding the pipe ponders something deeply.
Reading the morning newspaper by a cup of milk coffee.
Early Hanoi winter tends to make people more contemplative...
Nhi Coffee - 2 Hang Ca Street
People often wonder, why is the old quarter coffee so crowded? The answer lies in the cozy, uncomplicated space of the shop, suitable for everyone. Nhi Coffee at 2 Hang Ca Street has been around for 6-7 years, initially priced at 7,000 VND / cup, now it's 20,000 VND - 30,000 VND / cup.
Coffee and cigarettes are like a pair of friends.
Unlike big cities, Hanoians prefer to sit close to each other to chat, regardless of whether the next table can overhear or not. Then big matters, small matters, even 'world-shaking' matters are all brought to the coffee shop to be discussed. Perhaps it's because of these simple things that both you and I can't stop missing Hanoi?
Warming up my hands with a hot cup of coffee.
Runam Cafe - Early Christmas
Not following any religion, but I also consider it a privilege to return to Runam Cafe when you're not around. Located on Nha Tho Street, Runam carries a Christian vibe. It's a symphony between East and West, between classical and modern. I have to call it by a name I don't really want to, but it truly is a 'fancy' coffee shop. There's nothing better than setting foot in Runam on an early Christmas morning.
The flowers are soaked in water.
The cafe is decorated with a strong Christmas atmosphere.
Newspaper racks are placed next to the staircase for those who want to read the morning paper.
Nuoi Coffee - 34 Luong Van Can
I returned to the cafe on a drizzly morning. Still the same simple space, nothing fancy, Nuoi Coffee gently leaves its mark in the hearts of Hanoians. Even travelers coming to Hanoi must stop by Nuoi for a sip of coffee.
The coffee here is impeccable, not too strong, but enough to make you feel nostalgic.
The cafe is beautiful from its supposedly prime location, with a view of the street, to its lightning-fast service. Open from 6 am to 9 pm, prices range from 10,000 VND to 20,000 VND. The colder the rain penetrates, the more beautiful this corner of Hanoi becomes, beautiful to the core.
Rain dances on the streets in winter.
The early winter chill seeps through every street, gradually soaking into the nooks and crannies of the soul, as I gather the fragments of memories long forgotten. In the early mornings of winter, Hanoi echoes with longing...
Author: Dương Hải Ly
*Article submitted to Mytour Golocal program.
Mytour Golocal is a blogging program showcasing beautiful destinations across Vietnam. It's a fantastic opportunity to promote local tourism to everyone. For each qualifying article, you'll receive 800,000 VND and the chance to become a contributor with Mytour. For more details about the program, visit: https://www.Mytour/en-gb/golocal
