Mystique Brews - 31 Hàm Long, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi

I've strolled past Mystique Brews a few times, and though my first glimpse was probably about... a year ago, it's only now that I've had the chance to step inside. If you're the kind who appreciates a snug space but craves a touch of excitement, then Mystique is undoubtedly a worthy contender in the Hoàn Kiếm district!

Location

31 Hàm Long is a breeze to locate, with its wide, cool, and easily navigable streets. Just turn off Phố Huế a bit, and Mystique Coffee is right there in plain sight. Despite being near the central lakefront, Hàm Long street is rarely congested, so you don't have to worry about the hustle and bustle.

The sidewalk is spacious, although the frontage of the shop is somewhat narrow. Nevertheless, there's still plenty of room if arranged intelligently. Another advantage of this location is the abundance of nearby eateries—whether you fancy a casual sidewalk spot or a more formal setting, you're spoilt for choice, making it incredibly convenient for a day of settling in without the fear of running out of bites.

Ambiance

Overall Impression

From the outside, it appears as a quaint little corner, but step inside, and Mystique Coffee unfolds into a significantly spacious surprise.

Mystique's operational space includes the outer area right by the entrance, inside there's another section housing the bar counter, a loft, and towards the back, a pathway leading to a separate upper floor. Overall, the design is a bit eclectic, perhaps owing to the clever adaptation of the original residential space.

Decor & Interior

Each section of Mystique Coffee boasts a distinctive decor style, setting it apart from many other cafes. The variety in arrangement is so extensive that even after placing my order, I found myself hesitating to choose a spot because every corner looked beautiful and inviting.

Externally, it's a blend of vintage elements with monochromatic artworks and a youthful touch featuring eye-catching shades of orange and pink, accentuated by a refreshing green wall. A slight drawback is that some tables are placed a bit close together, making it slightly uncomfortable when the place is crowded.

This corner provides a relaxed seating vibe, only drawback being the proximity to adjacent tables.

The venue is adorned with an abundance of greenery, including meticulously decorated Christmas pines.

Venturing inside reveals the mixology space, exuding a hint of enigmatic nightlife akin to a pub. The predominant style here is more minimalistic, with chalkboard-textured walls and a few stone shelves displaying small accessories. However, the standout feature is the loft above, complete with a cozy sofa set and a decor style that perfectly complements the overall ambiance, catering to the aesthetic preferences of social media enthusiasts.

Mystique's mixology counter.

The loft above the mixology area.

But wait, there's more! Sneak around the side of the house, and you'll discover another pathway leading to an upper floor with more spacious seating, including a small outdoor area surrounded by lush greenery. That's why I say you'll be pleasantly surprised, Mystique Coffee expands multiple times beyond its initial appearance 😂

As I arrived at the venue a bit early, and the main space on the second floor wasn't lit up or tidied yet, I couldn't capture any photos. You can check the fan page album for some available pictures. If the decor remains the same as in the photos, Mystique Coffee's second floor will undoubtedly be an excellent spot for work or group study.

Service Quality

Beverages

Mystique's menu predominantly focuses on coffee (both traditional and exotic) and tea, featuring some enticingly labeled signature and must-try options. Originally planning to order Rice Coffee, I switched to trying the intriguing Nâu Rose instead.

The exterior presentation doesn't boast many distinctive features, as at its core, this is still a traditional brown coffee. However, the bartender mentioned that Nâu Rose includes an element extracted from roses (whether it's distilled water or syrup remains unclear). The coffee's aftertaste is more tangy than bitter, with a hint of sweetness from the rose, making it a delightful and unique taste experience 😋

Music & Wi-Fi

For those who fancy Vietnamese music, especially the era dominated by Pop Ballads or recent chill-out vibes from artists like Soobin Hoàng Sơn or Bích Phương, make your way to Mystique. The music is easy on the ears, no worries about overwhelming beats or erratic rhythms.

The Wi-Fi speed gets a bit of a three-star rating. I experienced some connectivity issues while streaming YouTube and engaging in voice chats. Not sure if it was a one-time glitch, but hoping Mystique conducts a thorough test for timely resolution.

Service

At 9 AM on a Sunday when the entire town is still lost in slumber or dragging themselves out for breakfast, I found solace at Mystique. Besides the bartender and a friend, probably in training, there wasn't a soul around. The atmosphere is comfortably friendly; if you fancy, sit by the counter, eavesdrop on the banter, and join the conversation.

Surprisingly stable considering my friends around Hoàn Kiếm haven't heard of Mystique Coffee yet. Hoping the place gains more regulars and continues to maintain its impressive style for a long time. I'm sure I'll be dropping by many more times.

Posted by: Trấn Thành Showbiz

Keywords: Mystique Coffee - 31 Hàm Long, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi