Buzz
In Hanoi, there are places not meant for the hurried traveler, where one can linger for hours, even the entire day, as long as they enjoy the peace and patience. Amidst the rush of daily life, where you are constantly hurrying out into the streets to breathe in the dust and carry unspoken worries, why not gift yourself a day off in the calm, old-fashioned, and serene spaces that have yet to be tainted by commercialism, right in the heart of Hanoi? What I am referring to are the old cafes, deeply rooted in the Vietnamese post-war era, where you can relax and immerse yourself in the nostalgic ambiance, sipping tea and enjoying traditional snacks in a delightfully retro style.
Reliving childhood with old-fashioned cafes in the heart of Hanoi
Cư Xá Cafe
Cư Xá is a charming little cafe located on the second floor of a residential building in Khương Thượng. Known among vintage lovers and those with a nostalgic soul, Cư Xá is a familiar spot for those who adore the unique post-war style that defines its ambiance.
Cư Xá Cafe - Illustrative photo
One of the things that makes Cư Xá especially beloved by domestic travelers is its abundant offerings of food and drinks, with prices ranging from just 10,000 to 35,000 VND. The menu features a variety of nostalgic snacks, including children's noodles, worm pickled plum, peach blossom pickled plum, Thai C candy... and hearty dishes like mixed vermicelli, mixed rice noodles, dry beef salad, lemon instant noodles, homemade sausages, and fried fermented pork rolls.
The atmosphere at Cư Xá is another major draw. The cafe's vintage wooden furniture, set in a sun-drenched space, gives the feeling of a quiet porch bathed in summer light. Old televisions, ceramic pots, and vintage bowls are preserved as mementos of the past.
Warehouse 247
Located in the Văn Quán area of Hà Đông, Warehouse 247 can be a bit tricky to find for first-time visitors. However, after the effort spent searching, you’ll surely be pleased with the unique atmosphere of this charming spot.
A corner of Warehouse 247 cafe - Illustrative photo
The first impression of the cafe comes from its simple brown wooden door and the 90s-inspired decor, featuring nostalgic items. The space is peaceful, cozy, yet remarkably airy, offering a perfect ambiance for relaxation.
The cafe offers a spacious environment, allowing you to relax freely with cool drinks or take photos without disturbing others. The cafe opens early, so if you're looking for a peaceful day of relaxation, Warehouse 247 is definitely a great choice.
Subsidy Cafe
The name of the cafe itself hints at the primary style of this establishment. Subsidy Cafe embodies the quiet and nostalgic spirit of Hanoi during the tough subsidy period from 1954 to 1975.
Subsidy Cafe Counter - Illustrative photo
In the heart of the bustling city, Subsidy Cafe offers the perfect retreat where you can escape from the world and enjoy a unique space for a whole day. What makes it even more special is that, apart from its excellent coffee, you'll find items you thought you'd never see again, suddenly appearing in this place.
Canteen 109
While not a glamorous, fancy cafe, Canteen 109 is an absolutely charming spot, perfect for customers who enjoy a quiet, modest experience. It’s situated in a residential building, which makes it ideal for those who appreciate peace and subtlety.
Canteen 109 Cafe - Illustrative photo
A special feature of Canteen 109 is that visitors traveling to Hanoi can rediscover a whole world of childhood nostalgia. Here, you’ll find snacks that were once rare and only available in the past, such as children's instant noodles, pickled plum with worms, heart-shaped candy boxes, and old comic books carefully arranged in a small corner of the cafe.
Childhood candy corner at Canteen 109 - Illustrative photo
Canteen 109 continues to exist in the heart of the capital. Though small, the cafe offers a delightful charm, taking you back to a time when a 200 or 500 VND bill could bring happiness, a luxury not often found these days.
Coffee Shop Ki-ot 174
Located in a house numbered 174 on Quán Thánh Street, Ki-ốt 174 is a popular café among young visitors, especially on weekends. Unlike many other nostalgic cafés in Hanoi, which can be difficult to find, Ki-ốt 174 is relatively easy to spot. It offers a cozy retreat for those with simple, humble tastes, with its small yet charming space nestled among the French-era villas.
Café Ki-ốt 174 Store - Illustrative Image
Visitors to Ki-ốt 174, especially those on a budget-friendly travel journey, may notice something special: the absence of framed pictures on the walls, no music playing, and the place is not entirely in an old-fashioned style. However, all the furnishings here are made from bamboo, a material that, while easy to find in Vietnam, gives the café a rustic and down-to-earth feel.
