'Bô Lão' Coffee Shop: Two Decades of Legacy in An Giang

The charming corner of Mr. Vinh and his wife's residence in Chau Doc, An Giang, has been drawing a diverse crowd of middle-aged and elderly patrons since the early dawn.

'Bô Lão' Coffee Shop: A 20-Year Journey in An Giang

An Giang is a province in the southwestern part of Vietnam, renowned for its unique landscapes, exotic cuisine, and fascinating cultural aspects. Chau Doc serves as a focal point for many travelers exploring this southwestern province. The vintage and rustic charm of the old establishments in this region is an experience not to be missed.

Located at the corner of the historic Đốc Thủ Phủ street in Chau Doc (now Đống Đa street) is a small, approximately 10-square-meter house, utilizing both sides of the narrow sidewalk to create seating space for guests. This is the coffee shop owned by Mr. Quang Vinh (56 years old) and Mrs. Thanh Huyen (44 years old).

According to Mrs. Huyen, the shop opened its doors in 1998. 'Back then, we didn't have as many customers as we do now. Selling one or two dozen cups a day was enough for a decent meal,' shared Mrs. Huyen.

The cafe is open every day, always bustling with customers regardless of the weather. Surprisingly, there is no wifi. One unique aspect is that it seems like everyone who steps in becomes a long-time friend, seamlessly joining the ongoing conversations. The majority of patrons have silver hair.

Looking from the outside, you'll feel like you're gazing at a scene reminiscent of tranquil black and white photos from the past.

The establishment operates without service staff, only the husband and wife managing both preparation and customer interactions. The small beverage area accommodates just one person pacing back and forth, with a constantly burning water stove on one side and a table full of dripping coffee filters on the other.

Single-handedly, Mrs. Huyen handles the main coffee preparation process. However, there's an additional step that few cafes take: the cup is always preheated before pouring the coffee to maintain the temperature and flavor. Furthermore, non-plastic materials are used for utensils, and the coffee is stored in glass cups and containers to avoid any chemical odor.

“The moment I saw the cafe, I was immediately impressed by its vintage charm. The cafe opens early, and I rode my bike to Chau Doc (An Giang) at 6 am, needing a place to rest. The coffee-making process by the owner is more intricate compared to many cafes in Saigon,” shared Mr. Phong, a traveler.

Mr. Hai, a regular customer since the cafe's humble beginnings, mentioned that he often enjoys his coffee in the morning. “I usually come here around 6:30 am, have a coffee to freshen up before starting my day. I've grown accustomed to the coffee aroma here, and it's also a chance to chat with some old friends,” said Mr. Hai.

“Many people living miles away make it a point to visit on weekend mornings simply because they love the atmosphere,” shared the owner while busy crafting a boiling concoction.

The annual floating season occurs only once a year, offering travelers the opportunity to explore the unique landscapes and the most distinctive cuisine of the Mekong Delta.

Source: Spirituality/Vnexpress

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Reference: Travel guide Mytour