I was on a mission to visit as many cafes as possible in Hanoi.

The time leading up to my Southeast Asian travels had been insanely busy, meaning I would have to discover these gems wandering through the city; I didn’t oppose this option because sometimes you chance upon something extraordinary like Bancông. The name stands for balcony, paying homage to the restaurant’s outdoor spaces.

The pale yellow building faces the street, and scooters zipping by, tourists like myself line the street to capture the cafe’s striking facade. The restored French colonial townhouse captures the gaze of every passerby. What I love about Hanoi is the buildings that seem to peek out from the lush greenscape of the city. Architecture and nature co-exist and blend harmoniously.

At Bancông, overgrown vines and flowers casually drape on the walls, pouring out over the balcony and stretching to the ground. Inside, the faded walls, wooden furniture and framed sketches create a charming, rustic interior that matches the whimsy of the floral facade.

The first floor houses the cashier and bar, where baristas make drinks. There’s much to see on the first floor, such as miniature models of the life-sized tables and chairs on the cashier's desk and an eclectic collection of gifts, ceramic mugs, cards, candles, and coffee beans on the shelves by the entrance. To the right of the bar, an L-shaped floor-to-ceiling set of cabinets showcases an extensive wine collection. It was just after 1:30 in the afternoon, so it was a bit early for a drink, so I wandered up the stairs to check out the restaurant space. Built in the 1930s, the townhouse spans four floors, and the current owners had thoughtfully retained many elements of the original decor.

The layout offers an abundance of seating options. Those who don’t mind the humid monsoon weather heat are welcome to grab a table on the balcony to watch the hustle and bustle of the lively street below. If you’re seeking a quieter retreat, the indoor seating area offers intimate tables for two or living room-like arrangements for groups. I found a cozy outdoor table on the other side of the restaurant, shielded from the heat wave by the thriving greenery wrapping itself snuggly around the balcony.

The cafe’s menu offers an expansive collection, from traditional egg coffee, English breakfast, grilled striploin steak, and bún chà to fried spring rolls. Since I had just come from a heavy lunch, I was looking for a refreshing drink and a sweet bite while I rested my feet before restarting my touristy adventures.

I had the Orange Lemongrass Peach Tea with the Strawberry Cheesecake. I thought the cheesecake would look similar to what we have in North America, a triangular slice packed with creamy, cheesy flavour. When my items arrived, it was a heart-shaped cake that looked more suitable for a couple to share. I laughed at myself in my head and then proceeded to enjoy the scrumptious treat. The zesty ice-cold drink was perfect to stimulate digestion after my satisfying lunch, and the small treat was lighter than I thought, which was just as well because it didn’t put me to sleep.

From where I sat, I could peer over the curved balcony to survey the city scene below and hear the constant honking of scooters and cars meandering and maneuvering around each other in a constant flow. My secluded perch offered privacy away from the crowds, the perfect break I needed before resuming my itinerary. As I waited to pay my bill, a couple sat down at the table behind me and ordered salads and pasta for lunch. I made a mental note to return to enjoy the serene atmosphere on an empty stomach.

Visit

Bancông

2 Đinh Liệt, Hàng Bạc, 

Hanoi, Vietnam

Photography by Florence Leung