Pankai Coffee — Restaurant in Hà Nội

Seemed the employees never encountered someone speaking English before. I used a translator app since I don’t speak Vietnamese so the cashier began speaking to me in English. For some reason the boy with the gloves for food prep put his hand out to take the cash — like, unhygienic, much? Why not let the cashier handle the cash.

Then as I was leaving for some reason they call out ‘Arigato’ - I get it - you only know one or two countries but it’s more than a basic education problem - it reflects ill-manners like parents didn’t raise them right or something - like they don’t know how to speak decently and respectfully to another human being - if they’re curious about where they are visiting from or some other detail then ask politely - where is the social skill. It goes beyond basic lack of education.

It almost seemed passive aggressive like they felt threatened and wanted to feel more in control so came up with a country with no basis since they never bothered to actually ask me where I’m from but then decide impose the only one they maybe know 😂 on a complete stranger? So odd but also too common. People love to feel like they are smart so make presumptions instead of true intelligence that is shows humility, willingness to learn, listen, ask questions, and understand that there is more to know.

Place is modern if not a bit cold and sterile with clean bathroom facilities but the wifi connection was not good.

I have no idea what propels people to call out a random language to a complete stranger though. The two boys as the counter who other than taking my order and realizing I don’t speak Vietnamese decide to call out “Arigato” upon my leaving…? It really only showed two things - out of the hundreds of countries and languages in the world why randomly apply one to a complete stranger - it’s illogical. It also comes across as ill-mannered and like there’s some aggression there that they don’t want to feel confused but they also don’t know how to be polite and simply ask so instead try to control a situation by making something up.. either way it gives you a feeling that these are rude and...

We came there at almost 1pm to buy wheel croissant and matcha coffee. Everything was great, we paid for it and waited 10 minutes. After it I came to ask about that, and the barista told me that they sold out the croissant wheel (there was 2 on the display, so I choose one with strawberry when I ordered). They wanted to change it to cheaper option of croissant, but I didn’t wanted it, as it was just the croissant with some whipped cream and 2 pieces of strawberries. Later they told us that it is out of date for 3 days!! And there is the question, if there is food on the display with out of date, then maybe milk and other ingredients also out of date? I said that then I don’t want a matcha also, as I want to eat and can’t just drink it for empty stomach. They said that they will not refund it, and only will refund for wheel croissant. The matcha is okay btw, but now I’m not sure is the milk okay. Will see it later)) At the end - If you want expired and overpriced dessert...

Pankai is a cozy place to grab a coffee or hang out with friends. The decorum is very attractive and the facilities are modern.

I worked on some paperwork for several hours and felt very comfortable.

My drink was decent. I ordered a Hot Latte. The latte was not very strong and the cream was just regular steamed milk. I hope that they can update their menu so that the coffee is exceptional.

Overall, Pankai is a nice cafe and is conveniently located close to tourist attractions, and is a good option for foreign visitors to get a coffee while exploring Ba...