Childhood memories are present in Hanoi's old-style cafes from the subsidy era.

Amidst the bustling city of Hanoi, filled with hundreds and thousands of luxurious and modern cafes, hidden away in every nook and cranny, are cafes with a nostalgic style reminiscent of the subsidy era, still holding a special place in the hearts of many, especially young people. In the midst of modern life, there are still cafes that transport visitors back in time to the beautiful memories of a bygone generation.

Travellive introduces to readers the following 3 retro-style cafes in Hanoi:

1. Canteen 109

Located at the end of a small alley in a residential area on Xã Đàn Street, without flashy signs or elaborate furniture, the cafe attracts people with its simple and unpretentious appearance. The main colors of the cafe are yellow and dark green – the style of old Hanoi houses.

Visiting Canteen 109 is like being transported back to childhood, with its familiar and beloved snacks deeply ingrained in our memories. That's why many diners say Canteen 109 is known as "the place to rediscover childhood," evoking distant memories for generations of 80s and 90s kids.

Recreating an old-fashioned canteen, the yellow walls are speckled with green moss, the corrugated iron roof is covered, and the doors are painted green. Customers can find "legendary" items associated with childhood, such as instant noodles for children, candied peach blossoms... and a corner displaying familiar comic books like Dragon Ball, Teppi the Super, Conan... In addition, the canteen also sells lemon-flavored instant noodles, sweet potato bread, and other familiar fast food and snacks. All of this creates a warm, familiar feeling at the canteen, like a scene from a grandparent's house from the old days. The various items are arranged randomly but not awkwardly or gaudily, contributing to a soothing overall visual experience.

Food and drinks at Canteen 109 are affordable, averaging from 20,000 to 40,000 VND per item. It's an attractive destination not only for those seeking nostalgic memories but also for young tourists wanting to experience a bit of the atmosphere of the subsidy era through this unique cafe space.

Address: House 109, opposite house number 26, alley 198 Xa Dan, Phuong Lien ward, Dong Da district.

2. Warehouse Coffee

Despite its retro, old-fashioned setting, the warm and romantic atmosphere of Nha Kho Cafe is immediately apparent upon entering. The 90s-era decor, with its nostalgic and tranquil ambiance, is perfectly recreated without feeling cramped or cluttered. Wooden tables and chairs, cassette tapes, a television, and an old sewing machine are uniquely arranged, creating a striking focal point.

The low ceilings, combined with soft yellow lighting, create a warm atmosphere. Perhaps that's why customers feel more familiar and at home when they visit. Nha Kho Cafe offers a cozy space with muted colors and a timeless setting. Located in an alley, it's quite quiet, allowing you to immerse yourself in the lyrical music of Trinh Cong Son, Bang Kieu, and others, or simply sit and read a good book for a truly relaxing day.

The Warehouse Cafe has a front yard and balcony, creating an airy atmosphere. Every day, the cafe is decorated with fresh flowers in various colors, giving people a pleasant and comfortable feeling.

Address: Alley 599 De La Thanh Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.

3. Xoan Coffee

Nestled modestly in a small alley near Truong Chinh Street (Hanoi), this café seems almost unknown to most. Yet, it has many regulars, because those who have visited once will never forget this unique, nostalgic café.

Xoan Cafe is an old two-story house with a small garden, featuring rustic wooden tables and chairs interspersed with the green of potted plants. The architecture is distinctly Hanoian, with characteristic 20th-century patterned floor tiles, a small, steep staircase leading to the upper floor, and low ceilings. The walls are old and unpainted; in some places, patches of plaster have peeled off, revealing red bricks underneath, while in others, moss has grown.

Inside, the restaurant boasts an old-fashioned atmosphere with wooden tables and chairs, moss-covered walls, and soft yellow lighting on the ground floor and upstairs. All of this creates a nostalgic picture for Hanoians and a fresh experience for tourists from all over. The tables, chairs, light bulbs, and items like fans and televisions are all old, transporting diners back to the subsidy era.

From the upstairs window, diners can enjoy a wide variety of drinks and snacks that have been associated with generations, such as sunflower seeds, dried beef, instant noodles, etc., while gazing out at the lush green trees and vines that blanket the courtyard in front of the restaurant.

Address: No. 5, Lane 411, Truong Chinh Street, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi.

Phuong Thao is an editor at Travellive magazine. She is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing moments with her camera in every place she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are Phuong Thao's favorite writing topics.

Phuong Thao