Travel Hanoi Like A Local Day 2 🇻🇳 | Legendary Pho & Egg Coffee, Piano Duet
Our Day 2 in Hanoi was a beautiful blend of music, friendship, emotion, and unforgettable food.
We began the morning at Phở Sướng, a popular yet slightly hidden gem just a short walk from our hotel. This spot specializes in Northern-style pho — the broth was deep, rich, and incredibly aromatic, layered with bold beefy umami. I went for their special bowl, generously packed with thick, tender beef brisket. Every bite felt comforting and authentic — easily one of my favorite pho experiences in Hanoi. Then we had our first dose of caffeine at Cafe Giang, the birthplace of Egg Coffee since 1946. It was divine!
After breakfast, we visited our good friend Mr. Bon, the owner of Piano Hà Nội. Established in 2008, it’s one of the most reputable piano stores in Vietnam, known for supplying high-quality new and pre-owned pianos nationwide. There, I also met Nguyễn Ngọc Quang, a well-known musician online. Despite the language barrier, we connected effortlessly through music — with Kelia helping bridge conversations — and even had an impromptu jam session. Moments like this remind me how universal music truly is.
Lunch was with the Piano Hà Nội crew at Rue De Charme Restaurant, located just next door. This was where I got my first real taste of Hanoi’s beer culture. We had Bia hơi — fresh draft beer that’s light, crisp, and incredibly refreshing. Paired with authentic Vietnamese dishes, it created such a lively, local dining experience that felt both grounded and memorable.
Later in the afternoon, we walked back in the rain, passing the scenic Hoàn Kiếm Lake on our way to Hỏa Lò Prison. The prison offers a haunting yet deeply fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s complex and turbulent history — a place that leaves you reflective long after you leave.
As night fell, our cravings shifted — this time to Japanese cuisine. We headed to iSushi, a buffet-style restaurant offering a wide variety of Japanese dishes. While slightly premium, the value is undeniable by international standards. Fresh sashimi, sushi, tempura, meats — all free flow, beautifully presented, and satisfying.
We ended the night with a peaceful stroll by West Lake — the perfect calm after a day full of flavors, music, and meaningful connections.
Bagi yang merancang untuk melawat Hanoi, pengalaman mencuba Pho di Phở Sướng adalah wajib. Kuahnya yang pekat dengan aroma tulang lembu memberi rasa yang mendalam dan memuaskan, sangat sesuai untuk permulaan hari anda. Jangan lupa untuk mencuba kopi telur di Cafe Giang — penciptaan unik yang menggabungkan telur dan kopi, menghasilkan tekstur berkrim dan rasa manis yang lembut. Selain dari sudut kulinari, Hanoi juga menawarkan pengalaman budaya yang kaya. Bertemu dengan pemilik Piano Hà Nội dan menikmati sesi jam muzik membuatkan perjalanan lebih bermakna. Muzik adalah bahasa universal yang menghubungkan pelancong dengan komuniti tempatan walaupun terdapat halangan bahasa. Untuk penggemar minuman tempatan, Bia hơi adalah pilihan terbaik untuk menikmati bir segar yang ringan dan menyegarkan. Restoran Rue De Charme menawarkan pelbagai hidangan Vietnam asli yang sangat sesuai dipadankan dengan bir ini. Jangan lepaskan peluang melawat Hỏa Lò Prison yang memberikan perspektif mendalam mengenai sejarah Vietnam. Tempat ini amat sesuai untuk mereka yang ingin memahami perjuangan dan ketabahan negara ini. Akhir sekali, makan malam di iSushi dengan konsep bufet Jepun mempamerkan kepelbagaian pilihan makanan laut dan hidangan panas seperti tempura dan sushi segar. Selesai makan, berjalan santai di tepi West Lake merupakan cara terbaik untuk menenangkan fikiran selepas hari yang penuh warna. Pengalaman seperti ini bukan sahaja menyelami rasa makanan tempatan tetapi juga membuka minda terhadap budaya dan kisah di sebalik setiap sudut di Hanoi. Ia benar-benar membuatkan seorang pelancong merasa seperti penduduk tempatan yang menghargai setiap detik perjalanan mereka.
