3 Things To Love About Asia’s Best Harry Potter Cafe
If you’ve ever liked Harry Potter or magic, you MUST visit.
To celebrate the release of the latest Harry Potter Film, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, we decided to do another feature on one of the most precious jewels in the Harry Potter fandom.
We are talking about Always Cafe, the Harry Potter themed cafe in Hanoi that thousands of potterheads have visited (and loved). Located on Hang Tre Street, Always Cafe proudly serves potions, Butterbeer (a popular beverage in the wizarding world, how they managed to bring it to our world we have no idea), and a magical atmosphere to thousands of Harry Potter fans from around the world. Its’ another thing to do in a city already quite magical.
The Obvious: Harry Potter Everything
You will find portraits of wizarding professors, banners for Hogwarts houses, and the famous Gryffindor robe. Harry and Hermoine’s wands are also present, as are the house cup and the Ravenclaw diadem. What really captures you are the articles from the Daily Prophet – printed and framed like they were ripped right out of the Wall Street Journal.
Combine the authentic surrounds with the vibrant atmosphere and for a moment, you will really feel as if you left our world and stepped in another.
The Magical: Butterbeer & Potions
All specialty drinks are named after Harry Potter concoctions. “Butterbeer” obviously leads the pack, as it is the most popular wizard beverage. You will also find Felix Felicis, Poly-Juice Potions, and Amortentias. The Butterbeer here tastes even better than the one in London’s Harry Potter Universal Studio. A touch of nuts above the creamy froth never hurts. Parents, do not fret – all beverages are alcohol free. If you are in the mood for something more alcoholic, make a trip to Saigon’s party houses.
For those who cannot make the trip to Hanoi and want to enjoy Butterbeer from the comforts of home, we have selected an excellent Butterbeer recipe from HealthyJunkFood. You can watch the enthusiastic Potterheads over at HealthyJunkFood brew the concoction in a guide that is both comical and magical above.
The Crowd: Potterheads Galore
The only other place where you might find so many Harry Potter fans is Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Join other potterheads as you try on the robes and play Harry Potter monopoly. Or pose with Nimbus 2000 and read pages from your favorite Harry Potter books. There are also the hundreds of questions and plot-holes left to be discussed. Yes, all seven volumes are on the bookshelf – so fans can argue and cross-check their facts.
For those eager to jump into the debate, we included a video of the ten most controversial Harry Potter plot holes above (courtesy of the comics at WhatCulture, who admit diving into plot-holes for a magical film makes them both “very brave and very stupid”). Perfect subject matter to laugh over while sipping on Butterbeer. For instance, why does Harry need glasses when he can use magic? For more Hanoi goodness, check out this rapid guide to an awesome time.
Images are from Vagabomb, props to them for the excellent photography!
Discover the New Vietnam!
Go to Expedia.com to start your Vietnam trip.
Did you know there’s a Sheraton in Saigon? For all available hotels in Vietnam, take a look at Hotels.com.
Want to make your friends envious? Tell them “I stayed in a Bed & Breakfast at Ho Chi Minh City.”
Last of all, don’t forget Travel insurance. Like glue, boring but necessary.
