4 "Hanoi-style" cafes not to be missed on National Day

On the occasion of the September 2nd holiday, when Hanoi is filled with flags and flowers and bustling crowds, tourists can find quiet moments in four legendary coffee shops: Giang, Dinh, Lam, and Nhan.

This is not only a place to enjoy a cup of authentic coffee, but also a way to touch the special places of the Capital.

Every city has its own signature drinks. For Hanoi, coffee is part of its soul. Not noisy or flashy, the old coffee shops in the heart of the old town preserve not only the special flavor but also the culture of the ancient people of Trang An.

Giang Coffee - the origin of egg coffee

Located deep in a small alley at 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, Giang Cafe is always crowded with customers, from locals to international tourists. (Photo: Bao Ngoc/Vietnam+)

Founded in 1946 by Mr. Nguyen Van Giang, this place is the “cradle” of the famous egg coffee. With only familiar ingredients such as coffee, eggs, condensed milk, sugar… but under the skillful hands of the owner, they have turned them into an “addictive” drink.

The strong bitter taste of coffee mixed with the rich, sweet egg cream layer makes anyone who tries it once remember it forever. The simple space of the shop with low wooden tables and chairs, small flower vases reminds of Hanoi during the subsidy period, giving customers a familiar, nostalgic feeling.

Giang's difference lies in the way he whips the eggs, making them velvety smooth, without any fishy taste, yet still having a sweet and fatty taste that blends with the strong bitterness of filter coffee. (Photo: Bao Ngoc/Vietnam+)

Place the coffee cup in a bowl of hot water to keep it warm, and diners will feel the flavor melt in their mouths, lingering forever. In addition to traditional egg coffee, Giang has also created many versions such as egg cocoa, egg matcha, egg beer... but all of them retain the original creative spirit.

The space of the shop makes it even more special: low wooden tables and chairs, long benches, small flower vases… reminiscent of the subsidy period. (Photo: Bao Ngoc/Vietnam+)

Entering Giang is not only to drink coffee, but also to return to a Hanoi of the old decades, simple and close.

Giang Cafe is also a meeting place for domestic and foreign tourists. (Photo: Bao Ngoc/Vietnam+)

Dinh Coffee - flavors on the banks of Hoan Kiem Lake

If Giang bears the mark of creativity, Dinh cafe is a place that preserves rusticity and simplicity.

The restaurant is located modestly in an old house at 13 Dinh Tien Hoang, opened by Mrs. Bich, Mr. Giang's daughter. (Photo: Bao Ngoc/Vietnam+)

The first floor space is modern and new, but when you step up the stairs that still smell of mold, you will be immersed in an old Hanoi.

The yellow walls are stained with time, the wooden tables and chairs are worn, and the dim light shines through the window frames. (Photo: Bao Ngoc/Vietnam+)

Sitting there, sipping a cup of rich egg coffee, looking out at the blue Hoan Kiem Lake, one can understand what an ancient and romantic Hanoi is.

Tourists are taking pictures of the meticulously painted egg coffee cup. (Photo: Bao Ngoc/Vietnam+)

"Dinh Cafe" does not have a rich menu, nor is it elaborate in its decoration, but the essence of Hanoi lies in its simplicity. For many people, sitting at Dinh on an autumn afternoon, watching the yellow leaves fall onto the lake, is an experience that cannot be found anywhere else.

The second-floor balcony faces Hoan Kiem Lake. (Photo: Bao Ngoc/Vietnam+)

Lam Cafe - a gathering place for artists and writers

The old Hanoi-style sign of Lam cafe. (Photo: Bao Ngoc/Vietnam+)

Unlike Giang or Dinh, Lam cafe (60 Nguyen Huu Huan) is closely associated with the cultural and artistic life of Hanoi. Established in 1949 by Mr. Nguyen Van Lam, the cafe has become a meeting place for many generations of writers, artists, journalists, and students. It is said that many works of art and many stories of current events were born right on the small tables here.

Lam Coffee is famous for its rich flavor, the pleasant burnt taste of roasted coffee, a unique smell that only the shop has. (Photo: Bao Ngoc/Vietnam+)

The space of the shop is simple but contains a treasure trove of valuable paintings collected by the owner himself. Come to Lam, not only to drink coffee, but also to look at the paintings, to feel the artistic spirit permeating every corner.

Lam Cafe is nestled on Nguyen Huu Huan Street. (Photo: Bao Ngoc/Vietnam+)

Perhaps that is why Lam cafe always maintains its uniqueness. It is not only a cafe, but also a "living museum" of Hanoi culture, where spiritual values are preserved over the years.

Living museum of the capital Hanoi. (Photo: Bao Ngoc/Vietnam+)

Nhan Coffee - the flavor of more than half a century

Located at 39D Hang Hanh, Nhan Coffee was also established in 1946, at the same time as Giang Coffee. Founded by the couple Nguyen Van Thi and Tran Thi Thanh Ky, the shop quickly became a familiar meeting place for Hanoians who love coffee.

Nhan Coffee is brilliant on the street of flags and flowers on the occasion of National Day, September 2. (Photo: Bao Ngoc/Vietnam+)

The difference of Nhan is the strong coffee flavor, brewed according to a family recipe, kept intact for many decades. Although today Nhan has developed into many branches with more modern spaces, the coffee still retains the sophistication and originality that makes the shop famous.

Hanoians often say that Nhan is “the place to find the originality of coffee.” No embellishments, no variations, just a cup of black or brown iced coffee, but enough to make diners remember the deep, passionate taste that cannot be found anywhere else./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/4-quan-caphe-dam-chat-ha-noi-khong-the-bo-lo-dip-quoc-khanh-post1058655.vnp