Guests are allowed to visit and check in inside the D11H-356 locomotive.

Ca phe Hoa Xa is located next to Hue station on Bui Thi Xuan street, Thuan Hoa ward. Since its opening on 23/3, the shop has attracted many visitors, particularly young people, drawn by its nostalgic ambiance within the 120-year-old railway station.

Ca phe Hoa Xa is a key part of Total Vietnam Railways Corporation’s "every station is a destination" strategy. This initiative has been successfully introduced at several major national railway stations, including Long Bien, Hai Duong, and Dieu Tri.

Operations Director Nguyen Tuan Vu stated the goal is to develop the "railway cafe" model, providing visitors to the ancient capital with additional coffee experience options.

A section of the cafe sits adjacent to Hue station, offering guests a close-up view of passing trains from their seats, all while maintaining safety. A glass wall separates the tracks from the seating area, with security personnel always present. Photo: Dong Vy Ho

Open from 6h to 22h, the cafe welcomed over 1,500 daily guests during its first week, with mornings and evenings being the busiest. Beyond beverages, it also serves clay pot rice dishes. Hue clay pot rice is traditionally paired with braised fish, boiled pork with sour shrimp, and seasonal vegetables.

The shop spans over 1,000 square meters, accommodating over 400 guests. Its space is divided into indoor and outdoor areas, with two tree-lined facades facing both the main road and the station platform.

A shop representative noted that completing the space took over 6 months. The most time-consuming tasks involved collecting railway artifacts, including locomotives and sleepers, and arranging miniature landscapes.

A central feature of the cafe is a 50-year-old locomotive model, meticulously restored and prominently displayed. The D11H-356 locomotive, manufactured in 1979 in Romania, was a diesel engine that operated on Vietnam's railway lines, boasting approximately 1,100 horsepower. For decades, this model served the North-South route, transporting passengers and freight, thereby connecting regions and fostering economic growth.

Nhu Quynh, from TP Hue, visited the cafe for the first time with friends. She shared that despite frequent train travel, this was her first experience enjoying coffee while watching trains at such close proximity, finding it thrilling.

The 23-year-old noted that even with many customers, service was quick and prices reflected the experience.

Dan Huy (right), from Da Nang, discovered the cafe through social media videos and visited to experience it.

"The cafe offers a spacious, airy atmosphere, featuring a locomotive and excellent views of passing trains", Huy stated, adding that he plans to visit regularly.

The cafe menu features over 50 beverages and pastries, including coffees, teas, and juices. Drinks range from 30,000 to 60,000 VND. Guests order at the counter and receive table service. A shop representative highlighted salted coffee and peanut coffee as the most popular choices, with hundreds of cups sold on peak days.

Tuan Anh

Photo: Linh Huynh