May Kitchenware Cafe

"This location of theirs clearly states that they charge an additional fee for taking photos (which is more reasonable than the other location). This location also limits the situation of taking photos by customers occupying many tables and leaving other customers without space. Since this is mainly a cafe and does not have many items for sale and display like the other location, it is less likely that customers will come just to take photos. Drinks need to be made a little faster."

Rngnese

"A really stunning cafe on a beautiful little street in Hanoi. We came here on a Sunday and it was full of people taking photos and enjoying the amazing decor. It’s such a lovely space and I would love to return."

Emily McTaggart

"A Masterpiece in Design, But a Missed Opportunity for Culture

To begin. I only had the a coconut coffee, it cost 65k, my smallest bill was 100k but they had no cash for change and didn’t accept credit cards so I had to donate the rest 🙈 so it cost me 100k.

Everywhere I wanted to sit was being occupied by people taking photos of themselves, I felt like no matter where I wanted to sit I was either in someone’s photo or felt I was in the way.

The drink was beautiful but lacked depth of flavour, more icy than creamy, with. Splash of coffee.

Viet, who served me seemed to be the only person to engage with me at all. He was amazing, knew the product, told me the interesting history of the place, how they honour Vietnamese craftsmanship, make their own crockery and had recently opened this as their third location. Viet was the only reason service got four stars (but he alone was 5 stars all the way!) they are lucky to have him.

There’s no denying the beauty of this space. Ecstatically it’s five stars but atmosphere itself was so awkward, intrusive and uncomfortable.

The craftsmanship is outstanding—much of the decor and furniture made from upcycled and rescued materials, thoughtful layout, and a clear attention to detail that reflects the best of Vietnamese creativity and care.

As someone who’s been in this industry for over three decades—owning, designing, building, and running cafés, hotels, resorts, restaurants around the world—I walked in with genuine excitement. Everything about the setting said, “This is going to be something special.”

But what I found wasn’t a café. It was a fashion shoot.

The tables were full—but not with people drinking coffee, eating, or connecting. Instead, there were young groups cycling through poses, lighting angles, and outfit changes. Cameras everywhere. Food untouched. Drinks left to melt. It felt more like a content studio than a third place—the very essence of what a café is meant to be.

Cafés were never just about caffeine. They are sacred spaces—third places—for reflection, human connection, shared silence, or deep conversation. They’re where revolutions began, novels were written, hearts were broken and healed. And while I completely understand the modern pull of content creation and free marketing (especially for a new location like this one), I can’t help but feel a deep sadness when a space with such promise becomes consumed by superficiality.

If I were the owner, I’d reflect on what experience I’m really offering. If the goal is to be a backdrop for lifestyle photos, lean into that and charge by the hour. But if the intention is to be a true café, then protect the atmosphere. Create time limits. Encourage presence. Invite dialogue.

This is a space worth honoring—not exploiting.

And in a world increasingly starved for real connection, I hope more places remember why they were built in the first place. Not just for the image. But for the people."

Craig “Chefi” McIntosh