Buzz
Mrs. Hong's nameless coffee shop remains popular, even without music, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and operating strictly within office hours.
Saigon's Enduring Coffee Gem - More than Three Decades of Popular Patronage
If you casually stroll along Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street (District 3, Saigon), amidst the bustling traffic, you might overlook a coffee shop thriving for over three decades, only open during 'office hours.'
Mrs. Hong, the owner (68 years old), shares her story: 'I opened the shop when my son was just 2 years old, and now he's 38. I started the shop to earn extra money for the market; I wasn't expecting anything more.'
Nestled beneath vibrant green climbing vines, the door opens to a cozy space with plastic chairs and wooden tables crafted personally by the owner. I visited the shop on an early weekday morning, as the sun's rays stretched across the climbing vines, and the shop began bustling with customers. Mrs. Hong tirelessly stirs coffee while outside, traffic rushes by.
Mrs. Hong mentions that the shop usually opens early in the morning, providing a spot for office workers to stop by, have a drink, and rest their feet. By around 11 AM, they close briefly to prepare lunch, reopening in the evening whenever they feel like it. Customers are also 'encouraged' to stow away their phones as there is no Wi-Fi here.
For several decades, the familiar sight of coffee cups and tea pots at the shop has imprinted on the memories of those who have visited this place.
The majority of visitors here are office workers. Some drop by for a quick coffee and a hurried bite of a sandwich. Others come to work at a table, enjoying the comfortable yet private atmosphere. There are also those who come alone to leisurely sip their coffee and gaze at the streets. Everyone respects the unwritten rule of preserving a shared space, engaging in conversations, and using phones sparingly.
The most ordered drinks are black coffee or milk coffee. Mrs. Hong's shop doesn't have traditional Vietnamese drip coffee or filters; she prepares coffee in a pot upon request. Additionally, customers can choose from various other beverages like soft drinks, orange juice, salted lemonade, or soy milk.
Saigon boasts countless coffee shops, ranging from luxurious to budget-friendly. Nevertheless, there are places that, without any particular style or modernity, still attract customers, like Mrs. Hong's quaint establishment.
Source: Di Vy/Vnexpress
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourOctober 27, 2017
