Fufiem Cafe: A Century-Old Charm with a Twist on Traditional Drinks

FUFIEM CAFÉ

Location: 50 Ngu Xa Street, Truc Bach, Ba Dinh, Hanoi

Opening hours: 7:30 - 22:00

Price: 40.000 - 65.000/person

Amidst the bustling streets of Hanoi, there are still hidden corners that preserve the city's nostalgic charm. I want to introduce you to a unique café – Fufiem Café. Not only does it have a poetic name, but it also offers a vintage atmosphere and distinctive flavors that are hard to find elsewhere. Join me as we explore this charming spot, where the past and present seamlessly blend in every corner, every cup of tea, and cup of coffee!

Hello everyone! Today, I'm excited to introduce you to a super "chcafé cafe spot that will give you a different feel for Hanoi. It's called FuCafé Cafe, which sounds poetic right off the bat. But the charm goes far beyond just the name!

Stepping into Fufiem felt like entering an old house nearly 100 years old. The owner shared that the exact age might be a little more or less, but the antique soul remains intact. Amidst the bustling city of Hanoi, such a tranquil space steeped in history is truly something to cherish.

What truly captivated me at Fufiem were the drinks, which beautifully blend traditional Hanoi flavors with a unique modern twist, unlike anything I've tasted elsewhere. The owner, a true lover of beauty in the Hanoi way, has infused her passion into every cup. A particular highlight is "hong bi" (Pomelo peel), a fruit that old Hanoians adored. I learned from the owner about her dedication to preserving and developing drinks made from "quat hong bi" (Kumquat Pomelo), a fruit facing potential extinction that requires meticulous preparation, especially removing all the seeds. All of this stems from a deep love for Hanoi.

Fufiem's menu was truly dazzling with its uniqueness. A staff member even mentioned that many young people today (Gen Z and younger) aren't even familiar with the "hong bi" fruit. This shows the owner's commitment to returning old values to modern life. Besides familiar drinks, Fufiem also offers very noteworthy "signature dishes."

On that day, our group immediately went for the "tra gau xi muoi" (salted plum hidden tea), which was said to be the café'ss "best-seller." Then there's also "cau rill" with various flavors; someone in our group tried the "sau" (dracontomelon) flavor. Additionally, the café has special drinks for the cold season, which sounds incredibly cozy.

Another plus point about Fufiem is the meticulousness in selecting ingredients. The owner dramatically favors using ingredients from Hanoi. I was particularly impressed by the lotus tea wrapped in lotus petals from Dam Tri, a unique variety that yields the best tea flavor, according to her. Moreover, Fufiem hosts workshops on weekends, producing exquisite Hanoi dishes that are gradually being forgotten.

Beyond the delicious drinks, Fufiem's ambiance is also a highlight. The owner shared that the exterior might not have been immediately inviting to everyone when they first opened. The café cafe is tucked away in an alley, quite different from the ncaféscafes on the main streets. But precisely, this "hidden" location creates a unique "chill" atmosphere, a peaceful haven in the heart of Hanoi. The owner also humorously recounted her experience as a judge at a beauty contest at the journalism school where the blogger and her friend studied! It was a fascinating story to hear.

Fufiem scores neither points with me for its unique menu nor the cultural values that the owner and staff bring. The harmonious blend of tradition and modernity in both the space and the flavors of the drinks will surely please everyone. Gen Z will "love" items like creamy coffee or other novel beverages.

If you're looking for an aféa cafe to enjoy drinks and experience old Hanoi, listen to interesting stories, and discover unique flavors. FCafém Cafe is a place you shouldn't miss. Come and feel it for yourself!