A unique book cafe in Hanoi.

(This article is an entry for the "Impressions on Vietnamese Coffee and Tea" contest, part of the "Celebrating Vietnamese Coffee and Tea" program, 2nd edition, 2024, organized by Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper).

I work near Nguyen Dinh Thi street, right next to West Lake, an area with many shops and restaurants, especially cafes catering to everyone. With a view of West Lake, it's no surprise that this street is always bustling with people who enjoy sipping coffee with friends, colleagues, or business partners…

For me, after work, I usually stop by my familiar cafe-bookstore with a simple name: An.

The coffee shop and bookstore setting offers endless inspiration.

Many people probably know this cafe for its elegant, simple, and Northern Vietnamese-style ambiance. But besides the Bat Trang ceramic vases, the cafe is also like a "Library of Books" with a wide variety of books.

What I love about this book cafe is the collection of classic European literature. Although I'm no longer a writer, I still enjoy reading European literature, from classics to modern works.

The simple design of the coffee shop and bookstore.

In the peaceful, airy atmosphere of An, after ordering a traditional brown coffee, I went up the stairs to the second floor to find a book I enjoyed. Just as I finished choosing a book, the staff brought my coffee.

I have a habit of sitting on the balcony drinking coffee and reading, sometimes gazing at the lake or the bustling streets. When I reach a passage I enjoy, taking a sip of the fragrant coffee makes the pleasure last even longer.

An brings me a feeling of peace while enjoying a cup of coffee with my favorite book. The space of books and coffee always blends together like a match made in heaven, intensely captivating…

Source: https://nld.com.vn/quan-ca-phe-sach-doc-dao-o-ha-noi-196240308112141323.htm