Bao Cap cafe or the Subsidy cafe is situated in the alley No. 189, Giang Vo street. The coffee house themed with a socialist period 30 years ago is a space for recalling a distant time over 40 years ago.

A table in Subsidy café 

Although the coffee house is quite tight, the owner still manages to arrange a delicate  interior layout. The tones of pale yellow mixed with white and wood brown create its deep inner appeal. 

Table and chair sets made of raw wood, blanket covered chair cushions   printed with peacocks, a black and white television, mugs and loudspeaker, the house utensils of the past marked the retro-style of the coffee house.  

 Although it always crowded, the coffee house remains  tranquil  almost all the time, providing an ideal ambiance for chatting or working online. Everyone takes care of not to disturb other guests by making noise.  

And in the peaceful atmosphere, a guitar played melodious song of Hanoi   in moderate tone dispels any disquiteness. 

The young customers come to the coffee house will have new exciting experiences with utensils around. Their grandparents and parents who lived in the subsidy period often come to the coffee house with nostalgic moods. It is here that they  find the memory of an unforgettable time, the excitement of seeing a piece of their past life.

The bar decorated in the style of the subsidy period

Indeed anyone undergoing the poverty-stricken but heroic time of the anti-American war will have tears in their eyes when drinking coffee orwater in a polka dot coffee pot once a familiar kitchen ware  in every family. 

It is also the way the owner of the Subsidy cafe introduce a part of Vietnamese historical and cultural values to young people.

Not only does the serene space help people   relax and feel comfortable, the coffee house also offers a variety of nutritious drinks beautifully decorated as well as lovely sweet cakes. 

An immortal chrysanthemum tea helps to strengthen eyesight, reduce computer working stress, prevent of hypertension and memory loss. 

The price of drinks here is quite affordable, ranging from VND20,000 to VND40,000. For all above, even locating in the small alley, the coffee house is always crowded. 

Hanoitimes