Buzz
In the picturesque setting of Dalat, there exists a place where time pauses, and its name says it all: Still Dalat. This complex boasts a variety of eateries to satiate your taste buds, offering unique beverages, providing the perfect backdrop for countless Instagram-worthy photos, letting you frolic with the majestic chubby cats, indulge in souvenir shopping, and wander through spaces reminiscent of a journey to Japan… Intriguing, isn't it? Let's embark on this exploration together.
Still Dalat - Where Time Comes to a Halt
Where is Still Dalat located?
Location: 59 Nguyen Trai Street
Opening hours: 7 AM - 10 PM
Situated not far from the city center, in close proximity to Dalat Station, just a short motorcycle ride away. However, finding the exact address can be a bit tricky due to unclear numbering on Nguyen Trai street. The complex is nestled in a fairly spacious alley, easily navigable, so you won't have to worry about getting lost. The parking area is a few houses away from the complex; after parking, take a short walk uphill, and you'll find the entrance with the Still Dalat sign.
What does Still Dalat offer?
Still Cafe - A Haven for Memory Preservation
Descend a charming staircase to discover a Japanese-inspired oasis. The focal point is Still Cafe, an adorable wooden house adorned with draped curtains at the entrance and lanterns swaying in the breeze, accompanied by a unique Faceless signage. Along the pathway, wooden tags are suspended, inviting you to jot down cherished memories.
Hanging along the path are wooden tags
Inside, the cafe boasts a simple design with rustic wooden furniture, complemented by a few vases of flowers for a cozy, down-to-earth ambiance. The spacious and airy environment features numerous windows to welcome sunlight, surrounded by lush greenery. In the evening, the cafe is bathed in warm yellow light, playing soft, soothing music. If you visit during the day, you can opt to sit outside to enjoy the fresh air amidst the abundance of surrounding plants. Especially between 8 AM to 6 PM, adorable cats roam freely in the cafe's outdoor area. These cute, chubby, and incredibly friendly felines are perfect companions for pet enthusiasts. Make sure to check the time and come to play with these furry royalty. Don't forget to purchase some delicious treats as gifts for the lovable feline residents.
Adorable Feline Companions at the Cafe
Behind the cafe, you'll find the Faceless Statue—don't forget to capture a moment at this charming corner. In the front yard, Sakura cherry blossom trees are planted, promising a vibrant bloom at the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Picture yourself enjoying a steaming cup of tea or a sip of coffee while witnessing petals dancing in the wind, basking in the warmth of sunlight filtering through the leaves. It's the epitome of a relaxing experience.
A picturesque check-in spot with the Faceless Statue
Thành Hôn Bakery
A charming little bakery with a name so endearing it seems to dispel the farewell curse of loving couples visiting Dalat.
A petite wooden house adorned with tastefully arranged wooden furniture. Utilizing window frames as tables and adding a few high stools allows guests to enjoy their pastries while glimpsing into the kitchen. This spot is also an irresistibly cute photo corner you can't miss. Seating may be limited, but fret not; when you visit, regardless of where you choose to dine, you're free to sit anywhere within the Still complex.
The bakery showcases an array of visually appealing and diverse pastries in a glass cabinet. The primarily sweet selection features slices cut from large, colorful cakes with flavors like blueberry, matcha, tiramisu, fruit mousse, priced around 60,000 VND. Fresh and moist, the cake's texture is pleasantly soft with a subtly sweet taste.
A vibrant display of cakes
Additionally, the bakery offers delicate cookies packaged in charming small boxes, perfect for purchasing as gifts for friends.
Pineapple Cookies
Aunt Tam's Dumplings
Savor these round dumplings with three delectable fillings—shrimp, beef, and pork—soaked in piping hot broth, emitting an enticing aroma. Add a sprinkle of fresh green onions and enjoy with a side of crusty bread in the cool weather of Dalat; it's simply irresistible.
Aunt Tam's Dumplings
L.E.M Mini Mart
A quaint convenience store with an assortment of small items. Here, you can find not only clothing and accessories but also souvenirs, decorative items, and various miscellaneous treasures.
A modest and simple mini mart
L.E.M Mini Mart
An Farm
A place offering delightful mini pumpkins, vibrant and nutrition-packed, perfect for a healthy snack. Meandering around the pumpkin counter is a chubby 'royalty' cat diligently overseeing the shop, occasionally meowing as if inviting customers to explore and make a purchase. In addition to pumpkins, An Farm also sells freshly squeezed juices, boxed cookies, rice paper snacks, making it an ideal place to buy gifts for friends and loved ones.
Kosame Beef Noodle Shop
Hoai Co Beef Noodle Shop, hidden beneath a bamboo awning adorned with wind chimes. At the entrance, a swaying lantern shaped like a bowl of noodles, below, a sign reads 小雨 (light rain), and various mini scenes create a cozy ambiance. The name Kosame likely stems from the idea of a leisurely evening with a light drizzle passing through. In the sound of raindrops and the slightly melancholic air, savoring a steaming bowl of noodles is nothing short of exquisite.
The noodle shop's menu offers a variety of choices, from beef, pork, chicken, duck to mixed noodles or black bean sauce noodles. The handmade noodles have a delightful combination of softness and chewiness. Since the shop emphasizes beef noodles, I believe their signature dish is the beef noodles. A piping hot bowl with a sweet and clear broth, delicious slices of fresh beef simmered with various herbs, creating a natural flavor. The presentation is visually appealing, with noodles placed at the bottom of the bowl, topped with thick slices of beef, a half-boiled egg in the middle, a bit of green vegetables, lightly sautéed pickled vegetables, and a touch of color from carrots and chili. Lastly, a sprinkle of green onions completes the spicy-sour beef noodle bowl. Is your hungry stomach rumbling yet? Come and savor a premium bowl of beef noodles in a genuinely rustic setting!
Kosame Beef Noodles
The End
If you're short on time in Dalat, consider a visit to Still Dalat, a place that encapsulates the essence of Dalat in every way. A tranquil, serene haven where everything unfolds at a leisurely pace, even the sound of footsteps on pebbles is soothing. Still Dalat will recharge you with enough vitamin H (Healing) to return to busy life with a refreshed, positive spirit.
Mytour Golocal presents a blog series showcasing beautiful destinations across Vietnam as part of the Mytour Go & Share program. It's an excellent opportunity to promote local tourism to a broader audience. For each qualifying article, you'll receive 800,000 VND and the chance to become a contributor with Mytour. For detailed program information, visit: https://trv.lk/golocal
