Cafe & bar with unique architecture on the banks of the Hanoi River.

Located in a small alley in Ngoc Thuy, the cafe is easily overlooked by passersby. Without flashy signs or advertisements promoting it as a "new check-in spot," the cafe still stands out naturally. The interior space evokes a familiar, cozy feeling – as if this place has been around for a long time.

The name "DieuHouse" originates from the simple wish of the two owners and reflects the spirit they instilled in creating this space. "I want anyone who walks in to feel familiar, like they're coming home, not stepping into a strange café & bar," the owner said.

The space features warm yellow and brown tones. The wooden frames in the cafe were once part of two traditional Tay houses in Lang Son, which he bought, dismantled, and brought to Hanoi. They aren't meant to recreate a "stilt house," but rather to continue the life cycle of the material – from one place to another. "I'm not borrowing the form. I want it to live on in a new space, as a memory of time," he shared.

The interesting thing is that instead of imposing an architectural design, the owner chose to "follow" the natural contours of the land along the riverbank. As a result, the central courtyard becomes a triangular open space where guests can sit and chat, sip coffee, or simply quietly listen to the flowing water beside them.

Most of the time, the place operates like a café: soft lighting, gentle conversation, and seating areas for working, reading, or having intimate meetings. The space is separated from the hustle and bustle of the street but not isolated – it becomes a natural connecting spot. On weekends, the atmosphere changes: beer, cocktails, music fill the air, and the place transforms into a small bar. Regular groups reserve tables and stay late. The atmosphere is more lively than usual but still maintains a sense of intimacy, without being chaotic.

This flexibility prevents the cafe from being tied to a fixed model. It's like a multi-purpose house: it can be used for work, gatherings, and even as a "mini-stage" for creativity. This space isn't a "trendy" model, but rather nurtures emotions through simplicity, carrying with it the depth of memories.

And it is from that simplicity that the cafe has become a creative meeting place. People come not just to make a lot of noise and "check-in," but as a place to chat, connect, and stay a little longer.

Many who have visited remember it fondly, because it gives off a feeling of "being at home"—something not easily found in other cafes and bars. It doesn't aim to be a must-visit destination, it's not noisy or ostentatious, but it's precisely this simplicity that creates its unique charm. The cafe exists gently like a small house by the river, where people find a balance between familiarity and novelty, between tranquility and vibrancy. A meeting place for those seeking creative inspiration in the heart of Hanoi.

Hai Anh