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While wandering around, I stumbled upon Dot Cafe. Located on the second floor of an old French-style house at 76 Tran Quoc Toan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, it's one of the few buildings that still retains the classic charm of old French architecture, built in 1950. Boasting a prime location, the cafe originally had a sign, but it was lost a couple of times, so the owner decided not to put it up again. This only adds to the sense of mystery and allure for those who enjoy discovering a "hidden cafe."
Dot Cafe is located on the second floor of an old French-style villa, built in 1950.
The cafe's interior harmoniously blends classic and modern elements, creating a feeling that is both familiar and novel.
Coincidentally, the owner, Duc Huy, visited that day, giving me the opportunity to chat and discover more about Dot Cafe. What intrigued me most was the name of the cafe. Although it doesn't have an accent mark, when pronounced, it sounds like it does. Huy explained that "Dot" means a dot, but here it doesn't represent an end, but rather a beginning.
Huy's habit of going to his favorite cafes with friends inspired him to create something special and his own. From that impulse, Dot Cafe was born. Initially, Huy targeted a secluded corner at the foot of the stairs on the first floor. After inquiring with neighbors and learning that the second floor of the building was currently rented out, he decided to locate Dot there. What makes Dot special is Huy's clever choice of June 7th, the annual birthday of his brainchild, coinciding with the cafe's address at 76 Tran Quoc Toan Street.
Dot cafes enhance the sense of mystery and allure for those who enjoy exploring a "hidden cafe."
When Huy opened the cafe, he didn't have a specific concept; most of the decorations were brought from home or given as gifts by friends. The cafe's decor is simple, seemingly without a specific concept, but each detail blends together seamlessly. The diverse models, antique objects, and even the simple little corners create a familiar feeling for visitors, as if they were in their own home. The time-worn glass windows, bathed in natural sunlight, open up a space full of nostalgia. It is this quiet, cozy atmosphere that attracts those seeking tranquility and peace.
Without being flashy or extravagant, Huy didn't impose too many standards; he simply opened the cafe to create a space filled with stories to connect people. "I wanted the cafe to be gentle, peaceful, and a little retro. And if you pay attention, vintage and classic trends are always easily accessible to people. For people in Hanoi, they often like things that evoke nostalgia and old-fashioned spaces," he said.
The "random" decorating style adds fun and reflects the owner's unique personality.
Dot's menu is simple but interestingly divided into categories such as Vietnamese coffee, Western coffee, tea, and even some fragrant matcha drinks. The "Good Behavior" certificates are designed attractively to thank each customer and encourage future visits. Once customers accumulate enough points on their certificates, they can receive a free drink of their choice from Dot's menu.
This location is a popular spot for young people to check in.
Good behavior certificates are issued at Dot.
"The most memorable day for me at Dot was when a high school friend borrowed the cafe as a location for a marriage proposal. Everyone was busy from opening time until dusk preparing and decorating the cafe's attic space. The soothing music created an indescribably romantic atmosphere."
"I have to mention Christmas Eve. That was the busiest day at the cafe, full of loyal customers who had been with Dot since the beginning. People came in groups, sitting with their best friends in circles around each table. The lively laughter and conversations made everyone feel like family, bringing them closer together." All these stories and moments gathered at Dot made Huy realize that you have to try to know and do everything.
From diverse models to antique objects and even simple little corners.
Amidst the myriad of cafes in Hanoi, Dot Cafe stands out with its hidden beauty within an old French house, a haven for those who appreciate tranquility and a space imbued with a part of Hanoi's culture. It's not simply a place to enjoy drinks, but also a place for people to connect with each other.
The time-worn window panes, bathed in natural sunlight, open up to a space filled with nostalgia.
