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Preserving the soul of the old town.
The owner of Cafe Pho Hang, Mr. Do Anh Duc, was born and raised in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter, a place deeply connected to his elementary and middle school years. The familiar images of the streets, with their narrow alleys, street signs, and the rhythm of old Hanoi life, are etched in his memory. Driven by his love for the capital city, he founded Cafe Pho Hang, hoping to create a space not only for enjoying coffee but also for exploring and celebrating Hanoi's culture.
The restaurant is located at 251 Hong Ha Street, Phuc Tan Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Mr. Do Anh Duc, owner of Pho Hang Cafe.
The house where the cafe is located has a history of over 50 years, which Mr. Duc has preserved almost intact to maintain the "essence" of the place. He designed the space based on the idea of recreating the famous poem about Hanoi's 36 streets. From the outside in, there are street name signs such as Hang Buom, Hang Ma, Hang Dong… along with items that mimic the characteristics of each street.
The ground floor space at the cafe.
Each floor of the cafe is meticulously arranged, with every detail contributing to evoking old memories. The street signs bearing the names of old streets like Hang Buom, Hang Ma, and Hang Dong were collected by Mr. Duc over many years; each sign is the result of a painstaking search. Mr. Duc shared: “Collecting these items was very difficult and took many years. But each item has its own value, helping the cafe maintain its distinctive Hanoi character.”
Mr. Duc's meticulousness and dedication are evident not only in the ambiance but also in each beverage. Cafe Pho Hang offers distinctive flavors, carefully prepared to preserve the spirit of Hanoi. Organic coffee is imported from the Central Highlands, brewed using a filter, and only ground upon customer request, ensuring freshness. Egg coffee is made with free-range chicken eggs, not factory-farmed eggs; each cup requires two eggs, resulting in a rich, creamy flavor.
Besides coffee, the shop also serves herbal tea sourced from Lan Ong Street, a famous old street known for its traditional Chinese medicine shops of the Fujianese people. These drinks are not only delicious but also carry a story of connection to Hanoi's culture.
Mr. Duc's meticulousness and dedication are evident not only in the ambiance but also in every single drink.
Aspiration stemming from love for Hanoi.
At Cafe Pho Hang, visitors will step into a unique cultural world, where time seems to stand still amidst the atmosphere of old Hanoi. The characteristic yellow hues of bygone days permeate the entire cafe, from the walls and ceiling to the smallest decorative details. The displayed items, mimicking familiar objects from the old quarter such as oil lamps, wooden fans, and old signboards, are all arranged with exquisite taste.
The upper floor at Pho Hang restaurant
The cafe's space recreates the history of Hanoi through every small detail. From the outside in, each area is designed based on the distinctive features of each street. Customers who love the culture and history of the capital will surely feel the dedication in every detail. One customer shared: "The cafe's atmosphere is very Hanoi, reminiscent of the old days. For people like me, this is truly a place that brings a sense of familiarity."
Beyond simply recreating the atmosphere, Cafe Pho Hang also organizes many interesting cultural and artistic events such as making pho rolls, brewing egg coffee, and performing Xam folk singing. These activities not only target domestic customers but also attract a large number of international tourists, contributing to promoting Hanoi's culture to the world. Anh Duc shared that about 90% of the customers are young people, which surprised and delighted him to see so many young people interested in learning about old Hanoi.
The restaurant currently has 5 floors, each decorated in a style reminiscent of old Hanoi.
“It’s hard work, it takes time, but I do it because I enjoy it, I want to preserve the beauty and soul of the past,” Mr. Duc confided. Thanks to his passion and dedication, he has met many people who share his love for Hanoi, turning this cafe into a place connecting like-minded souls. Mr. Duc cherishes the dream of opening 36 cafes in 36 of Hanoi’s Old Quarter streets, so that each street has its own space recreating its cultural values. All of this is simply because of one thing: his love for Hanoi.
"It's hard work and time-consuming, but I do it because I enjoy it; I want to preserve the beauty and soul of the past."
Besides the indoor area, the restaurant also has
outdoor spaces such as balconies and rooftops
After more than two years in operation, Cafe Pho Hang has become a familiar spot for those who love Hanoi. With its culturally rich atmosphere, quality drinks, and interesting events, the cafe is not only a place to relax but also a journey of discovery through culture, art, and history. Coming soon, on December 15th, the cafe will host the event “Hanoi - 36 Transitional Streets,” a special program organized by a group of students from the School of Interdisciplinary Sciences and Arts - Vietnam National University, Hanoi. The event will recreate the beauty of the 36 streets of Hanoi through activities such as ink grinding for calligraphy and painting of the old town.
This is a testament to the connection between generations and the spread of the capital's cultural values. Whether you are a Hanoi native seeking to relive old memories or a tourist wanting to explore the beauty of this ancient city, Cafe Pho Hang is a must-visit destination. Come and experience the full spirit of Hanoi's 36 streets!
