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These days, Ngu Xa, Ba Dinh has become much livelier with many young people curious to explore "Tram Line 6 - Subsidized Carriage: Kitchen - Cabinet - Tray," a place that recreates a colorful old Hanoi. With a crackling wood-burning stove, a smoky cupboard, a simple meal tray, and old-fashioned iced tea stalls... all create a vivid picture of Hanoi during the subsidy period.
"Train Line 6 - Subsidized Carriage: Kitchen - Cabinet - Tray" located at the intersection of Ngu Xa and Truc Bach streets has become a popular check-in spot for many tourists.
Tourists enjoy experiencing an atmosphere reminiscent of Vietnam during the subsidy period.
"Train Line 6 - Subsidized Carriage: Kitchen - Cabinet - Tray" is located at the intersection of Ngu Xa and Truc Bach streets, next to the Ngu Xa Pearl Island night food street (Truc Bach ward, Ba Dinh district). This project, implemented by the Truc Bach Ward People's Committee, offers a space for showcasing and experiencing Hanoi's culinary culture. The train carriage is open for free visits from 3 PM to 10 PM daily.
Tram Line 6 is named after the idea of a tram line continuing the mission of Hanoi's old five-line surface tram system, which ceased operation in 1991. It's an unforgettable part of the memories of Hanoi residents who lived in the 1980s and 1990s. Old Hanoi is evoked by images of bulletin boards, Phoenix bicycles, original iron electric poles, kerosene stoves, thermos flasks, cast iron pots and pans...
This place is decorated like a roadside tea stall from the subsidy era, with newspapers stacked in the back.
Cuc Nguyen was excited to experience a space steeped in the atmosphere of old Vietnam.
Known as a trending spot on social media these days, Cúc Nguyễn (26 years old) was thrilled to visit this place. "I didn't think there would be such a vivid recreation of the subsidy era right in the heart of the capital. Seeing the household items and tools from my grandparents' and parents' time firsthand made me, as a young person, incredibly curious and excited to learn more."
The vintage train carriage is designed with two levels. The first level recreates an exhibition space for old artifacts and a kitchen area. The second level is an outdoor area where visitors can enjoy food and admire the view.
Inside the first floor of the train carriage, there are many antique items, like a "miniature museum" hiding many fascinating things.
A meal during the subsidy period.
A typical meal back then often consisted of rice mixed with sweet potatoes, cassava, corn, a few grains of salt, vegetables, and sometimes dried fish or eggs.
The highlight of the train carriage is located on the first floor, which is likened to a "miniature museum" containing many vintage items. Each meal and dish is vividly recreated, such as leftover rice pho, rice mixed with potatoes, rice mixed with corn, jars of pickled vegetables, etc. Although they are only models, they are very lively and realistic, impressing visitors with a glimpse into life in the past, reminiscent of the time of our grandparents.
The cupboard is a beloved item in every old kitchen. A simple wooden cupboard is a testament to the skill and love of the homemaker. The cupboard is usually used to store dishes and leftover food from lunch or breakfast. On top of the cupboard are some items that were once popular.
The area where the dishes are served recreates the meals and dishes that were once indispensable during a time of hardship, such as pickled cabbage, pickled eggplant, roasted peanuts mixed with lard, boiled water spinach, boiled jackfruit seeds, crispy rice, pickled olives, shrimp stewed with starfruit, mixed greens... rice mixed with cassava and leftover rice with pho broth were indispensable. Back then, pho was sold at state-run shops. When someone in the family was sick, someone would go buy pho and ask for a lot of broth. The sick person would be prioritized to eat the pho, and the remaining broth would be used as a soup to pour over leftover rice. It's a reminder of the subsidy era, where meat was almost nonexistent, with only a few simple vegetable dishes served on a copper tray – both memorable and nostalgic, evoking a time of hardship.
Announcement board
Around the train carriage, there are also areas with newspaper stands, chess games, iced tea stalls, and a mobile cinema with patterned backdrops... for tourists to enjoy and take photos. The highlight of the carriage is the iced tea area, which features many familiar items such as teapots, thermoses, and jars containing fried dough sticks, sticky rice candy, and sticky rice cakes... These are all familiar items from old-fashioned shops, taking diners on a unique journey back to the subsidy era. This nostalgic atmosphere also creates photo spots with a vintage feel that many young people seek out.
The old-fashioned iced tea stalls from the subsidy era are recreated in an eye-catching way.
With all the unique features of "Tram Line 6 - Subsidized Carriage: Kitchen - Cabinet - Tray," this is truly an attractive destination for those who want to learn about Hanoi culture and experience a vibrant, authentic living space. The Tram Line 6 project will be expanded in the near future. Besides the "Subsidized Carriage," there will be 7 more carriages arranged along Truc Bach Street. Each carriage has a different theme, showcasing Hanoi's heritage, culture, and cuisine.
The outdoor space was transformed into a mobile cinema with a backdrop featuring a vintage peacock-patterned quilt.
Metro Line 6 promises to be a must-visit destination for those who want to learn about Vietnamese culture and cuisine during the subsidy period.
