In Hanoi's Old Quarter, there's a caf\u00e9 called \"Giao Mua\" that feels as if you've wandered into the Shire of Hobbiton from \"The Lord of the Rings.\" Rounded doors, walls with the texture of earthen plaster, and small rooms that evoke a hideaway in the forest continue floor by floor, and it's reputed to let you step right into the world of the story. Close to Hoan Kiem Lake, it's easy to drop into between bits of sightseeing. Distinctly local menu items like salt coffee are affordable too, making it a spot fantasy-loving Japanese travelers in particular should visit.<\/p>\n
The shop is at 77 Lo Su Street in Hoan Kiem District. Within Hanoi's Old Quarter, it's within walking distance of Hoan Kiem Lake. The exterior has a distinctive build with lots of curves, and the interior has a cave-like, cottage-like world evoking a Hobbit's dwelling. Earthy tones, round windows, and hollows create an air like an illustration from a story.<\/p>\n
The building has six floors, and you can choose between air-conditioned indoor seats and open-air seats. Each floor is fitted with small hollows and round entrances, and there's a sense of stepping into a different scene each time you climb the stairs. What's become a talking point in particular is the door handles, which repurpose the portafilter (filter holder) used for coffee extraction as an actual handle. The playfulness of the details tickles the hearts of photography lovers.<\/p>\n
The signature menu item is salt coffee (salted coffee). Many voices praise the high quality of the coffee, and there are even impressions that it ranks among the best they've had in Vietnam. The standard Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da) is around 50,000 VND, and the price is reasonable for the level of world-building.<\/p>\n