by Bảo Ngọc
Hà Nội has established itself as one of Việt Nam's top coffee-drinking destinations, and the city's many cafes serve up a wide variety of beverages that are sure to leave you impressed with their robust flavours and aromas.
As coffee shops begin to appear in every corner of the city, the options can be bewildering for first-time visitors. To assist you, Việt Nam News has compiled a list of hidden coffee shops that offer a more private, calming atmosphere and delectable meals.
Don't forget to jot down these three coffee shops if you're looking for some quiet time in the middle of Hà Nội.
SOL Arch Space
Address: Alley 54 Quán Sứ, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hà Nội
Opening hours: 8.30am - 22.00pm
Phone: 090 813 78 88
When you enter SOL Arch, it's almost like reaching another world. You'll find the shop if you make your way down the narrow alleyway from the main street.
The restaurant's interior is gorgeous, decorated in a rustic style with contrasting colours and designs. Wood, rattan and bamboo are used to make ornamental pieces of furniture. The fact that it is constructed entirely of rammed earth makes it stand out from other cafes because it is so unusual.
Wood, rattan and bamboo are used to make ornamental pieces of SOL Arch's furniture. Photo courtesy of the cafe
There are four distinct sections within SOL Arch, all of which provide comfy seats for business talks with clients or coworkers.
The barista space consists of a compact counter for preparation of drinks. Coffee is brewed on La Marzocco machines, and customers can select beans roasted either in Việt Nam or the United States.
As the proprietor shared, rather than having a set menu, the business just sells whatever is currently sitting on the counter to surprise customers.
Roofless "attic" space above barista is set up so that customers can sip coffee in the gentle sunlight filtering through the lush green bamboo ceiling.
For those who want to get away from the city on the weekend, Sol Arch is a decent option; however, you need to call beforehand to make sure it is open.
Cà Phê Phố Cổ
Address: 11 Hàng Gai Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hà Nội
Opening hours: 8.00am - 23.00pm
Phone: 024 3928 8153
Located in a small alley on Hàng Gai Street, Cà Phê Phố Cổ (Old Quarter Cafe) is a hidden cafe in the middle of the capital. Visitors come here for the famous egg coffee and the exotic architecture preserved from a century ago.
The coffee shop, established close to a century ago, is owned by the family of painter Nguyễn Tuấn, so say the employees.
The interior of Cà Phê Phố Cổ has been kept intact from the last century. VNS Photo Bảo Ngọc
The owners' collection of ancient statues, paintings and ceramics can be viewed in an open area on the ground floor, while those who want a more intimate setting can relax in a private room on the second floor with wooden tables and chairs.
The family shrine on the second floor is a popular photo op and a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee or a refreshing drink.
There is extra seating on the cafe's top floor. If you ask the staff where to find the spiral staircase, you'll end up on a terrace that, according to The New York Times gives “a sweeping view over thousands of motorbikes on their circumambulation around Hoàn Kiếm Lake”.
Egg coffee is made at Old Quarter Cafe from ground coffee beans and egg yolks. This shop's signature drink is golden in colour and served in a small cup.
Diners are always given an extra spoon with which to enjoy the creamy foam on top as an "appetiser" before drinking the coffee below.
Drink prices here are quite reasonable, VNĐ45,000 for a cup of egg coffee and VNĐ30-50,000 for smoothies, shakes, sundaes and beer.
Hidden Gem
Address: Alley 3B Hàng Tre Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hà Nội
Opening hours: 8.00am - 23.00pm
Phone: 097 215 83 83
Tired of the hustle and bustle of Hà Nội and looking to get away? If that's the case, you'll find Hidden Gem to be an excellent option.
Travellers remember this cafe fondly not only for its friendly ambience but also for the one-of-a-kind recycled items it features.
Even though it's nestled in a little alley, Hidden Gem is surprisingly roomy, housing four floors of eating and drinking bliss.
The ground floor has both the parking area and the eco kitchen, where tasty and hygienic meals are prepared. Upstairs, in the interior, you'll find a space with yellow lighting and dark colours. Additionally, there is a nook here where you can buy jean bags created from recycled materials.
There is a bright, tree-filled open area on the third and fourth floors of the cafe.
The third and fourth levels of Hidden Gem are open and bright, perfect for get-togethers. Photo courtesy of the cafe
The beverages and snacks at Hidden Gem are just as spectacular as the rest of the venue.
Coffee, smoothies, juice, tea, cocktails, ice blended, and beers are just some of the drinks on offer at this shop. In addition, tasty dishes including spring rolls, rolls, and salads produced with organic ingredients are available for order.
It's interesting that Hidden Gem's takeout service is only available if customers supply their own containers
Customers can help in other ways, too, by bringing in their own unwanted items, such as plastic bottles, to be recycled into something useful. VNS
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