The Hanoi Social Club – A peaceful place

The Hanoitimes – On three funky levels with retro furniture, the Hanoi Social Club is the city`s most cosmopolitan cafe and an artist hub.

The Hanoi Social Club located in Hoi Vu Street, Hanoi.

Hanoi Social Club has been a favourite since it opened back in 2011. This coffee, located in Hoi Vu Street is to the south of Hang Bong Street, west of Hoan Kiem lake. It’s a relatively quiet alleyway, also home to a few hotels and other cafe and street food options.
With a relaxed vibe, eclectic decor and wholesome food, The Hanoi Social Club has etched out a unique positioning for itself and is a perfect spot for a tasty lunch, naughty afternoon cake or chill-out with a beer. It remains an excellent Hanoi escape. It’s clear that a lot of thought went into the concept. The choice of building — a century-old house — plus arty logo and furnishings and healthy menu all hang together.
Open from 8a.m, it’s a good spot for a leisurely breakfast too — try the Bircher muesli or go simple with toast and jam. Alternatively, just stop by for a coffee and a cake. The food — no Vietnamese options — is positioned as “soul food” and has a heavy emphasis on vegan and vegetarian cuisine, including tasty sounding dishes such as lentil pasta, mango curry with brown rice and roast pumpkin salad. Some dishes are also available gluten free.
As for drinks, during the winter months the hot chocolate. But, that’s not so appealing now the weather’s warmed up, so how about a lime mint slushie. Or head along in the evening for a beer, glass of wine or a classic cocktail. The rooftop bar is a good spot for a drink. Prices are a bit above average for a Western restaurant in the area, and, no, it’s not haute cuisine, but portions are hearty, food’s freshly prepared and ingredients are good quality.
The decor is interesting and quirky, the music’s well chosen, and the vibe is just right for enjoying a relaxing coffee while reading a book or catching up on emails. Plus staff are all from the KOTO and Hoa Sua hospitality training schools for disadvantaged youth, which tends to guarantee they’ve been well trained. And building on its art, culture and community theme, it holds regular events, such as the recent Equinox Harvest dinner, catered by a guest chef, a night of the songs of famous musician Tring Cong Son and a ukelele workshop.