Hanoi restaurant in century-old house serves cheo with meals

Hidden along Hang Da Street, Cultra Taproom immediately catches attention with an entrance designed to resemble a narrow Hanoi alleyway.

The restaurant intentionally created the passage with long white walls to evoke a sense of familiarity while adding a contemporary touch. Many visitors stop to take photographs before entering the main space.

According to the restaurant’s representative, the venue was built inside a house more than a century old. During renovations, much of the original structure was preserved to maintain the building’s character, while modern details were added to create a closer connection with contemporary urban life.

What attracts many diners is not only the food or the design, but the rare chance to enjoy live cheo performances while dining.

Ha My, born in 2002 and a returning customer, said the atmosphere and the live cheo singing left the strongest impression on her.

“It feels quite special because I never imagined I could listen to cheo in a space like this. It slows the meal down and makes the experience more enjoyable,” she said.

Alongside cheo, the venue regularly changes its cultural performances depending on the season and schedule. Programmes range from ca tru and hat xam to traditional musical instrument performances and themed cultural events, giving returning guests a different experience each time.

Frederick, a tourist from Denmark, said she and her mother entered the restaurant after being drawn in by the deep white-walled entrance on Hang Da Street. She described the design as creating the feeling of stepping into a space completely separated from the busy streets outside.

“I was surprised because inside it is an old house combined with modern decoration. It feels like experiencing a part of Vietnamese culture in a very natural and intimate way,” she said.

Dining beside Hanoi’s rooftops

In addition to its indoor seating, the restaurant also offers a rooftop area beside traditional tiled roofs on the third floor, an experience rarely found in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

From the rooftop, guests can enjoy drinks while overlooking the city in a quieter setting at night. The old rooftops surrounding the space create a distinctly Hanoi atmosphere, making it a popular spot for photography and relaxation.

The restaurant also includes a separate outdoor seating area where customers can eat, drink and observe daily street life. Compared with the darker and more subdued indoor space, the outdoor area offers a more open atmosphere, particularly in the evening.

The menu has also been designed to reflect elements of traditional Vietnamese culture. Many dishes draw on familiar Vietnamese flavours while incorporating modern influences suited to younger customers and international visitors.

Average spending ranges from VND 300,000-450,000 (approximately USD 11.50-17.30) per person.

Many diners said the food is visually appealing, approachable in flavour and well suited to sharing with friends. Some suggested visiting in groups to sample a wider range of dishes.

Khanh Linh, born in 2002 and visiting with friends, said she appreciated the overall atmosphere more than the food itself.

“The food is good and reasonably priced, but not especially unique. Still, the presentation is beautiful and the atmosphere feels relaxing, so I would come back,” she said.