Buzz
Gentle, serene, with a touch of melancholy, these are the attributes often associated with Huế. This feeling permeates through every dish, every beverage, so that when one mentions Huế coffee, there's a longing to revisit the Central land, even if only for a few fleeting days.
Salt Coffee
The dreamy land of Huế, renowned not only for its ancient architectural wonders, traditional delicacies, but also for its unique salt coffee, a must-try for anyone visiting this ancient capital.
A Proper Salt Coffee Experience
Some Recommendations for Great Salt Coffee Spots:
Giao - 118 Chi Lăng
Giao is located near the famous bún bò mệ Kéo noodle shop. On weekend mornings, after a satisfying bowl of hot noodles, you can drop by for some salt coffee. If you're too lazy to wake up early, evenings are also very chill. Stepping into the shop, you'll feel a nostalgic vibe reminiscent of the wartime era with low wooden tables and yellow tiled floors, adorned with antique clocks and a few old books. The spacious and cozy atmosphere of the shop is warm and rustic. The staff here are polite and courteous, carefully guiding customers on how to enjoy their drinks to the fullest. Giao's salt coffee has its own unique recipe, making it a favorite drink for many visitors to Huế. You may not have experienced Huế's rainy season or the scorching sun of the Central region, but you can visit Giao to taste the 'salty' flavor of the ancient capital's coffee.
Giao - 118 Chi Lăng
Salt Coffee Shop - 142 Đặng Thái Thân
The simplicity of the shop's name reflects its signature dish, salt coffee. This is the first shop to introduce salt coffee in Huế, with a history of 13 years, making it a must-visit for anyone coming to Huế. Its prime location next to the Imperial City ensures a steady stream of customers at all times. The spacious garden space is cool and airy, accompanied by soft, melodious music. Enjoying a cup of salt coffee in such a tranquil space brings true serenity to the soul. The salt coffee has a rich flavor, harmoniously blending different tastes, making it surprisingly easy to drink, contrary to what many may think. Just one sip will intoxicate you from the very first taste.
Salt Coffee Shop - 142 Đặng Thái Thân
Other Interesting Cafes
Hideout - 5 Alley 21 Lê Quý Đôn
Deep within the alleys of Lê Quý Đôn, there's a coffee shop called Hideout, just like its name suggests, a peaceful hideaway in the dreamy land of Huế. Stepping into the alley, you'll encounter a charming gate, passing through a wooden pathway surrounded by lush greenery, leading to a spacious and cozy space close to nature for soul rejuvenation. If you love plants, enjoy green spaces, and seek a chill spot for the weekend, then Hideout is definitely for you. For photography enthusiasts, the shop offers plenty of beautiful corners like a bathtub filled with plants, rocking chairs in the courtyard, and it's best to visit during the day to capture the most light-filled photos. The shop has an interesting schedule, serving coffee from 7 am to 5:30 pm, and cocktails from 6 pm to midnight. During this time, the lights are dimmed, leaving only flickering candles and playing soft, romantic music. Enjoying a cocktail, with or without alcohol, amidst the uplifting music is incredibly soothing. A small note is that the shop gets quite crowded in the evening, so it's advisable to reserve a table in advance.
Hideout - 5 Alley 21 Lê Quý Đôn
Tan.corner - 25 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai
The café exudes a retro vibe with its weathered walls, sliding iron doors, evoking a sense of familiarity and simplicity as if returning to one's old home. The café has two quiet floors, perfect for bringing your laptop to work. The first floor is simply arranged, airy, while the second floor has air conditioning and a balcony overlooking the city at night. Despite its somewhat nostalgic style, Tan's menu is incredibly rich and diverse, keeping up with the trends of the younger generation. The drinks not only taste delicious but are also visually appealing, intricately decorated. Come and immerse yourself in the peaceful and gentle atmosphere, leaving behind the hustle and bustle outside, and order yourself a coconut banana coffee to experience the rich, sweet taste that is rarely found elsewhere.
Tan.corner - 25 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai
Highland Royal
Highland coffee is a well-known name, with branches spread across the country. However, a Highland nestled in the lush green ancient space of Đại nội brings a truly special feeling. The café is renovated from an ancient house with its moss-covered tiled roof preserved within the historical monument. After hours of wandering around the vast Đại nội, this is indeed a perfect place to rest. It's both familiar and unfamiliar, ancient yet modern.
Highland Đại nội
Sline Coffee Signature - 7 Phạm Hồng Thái
By chance, that day while heading back from Nam Phổ noodle soup, I spotted this beautiful café and decided to stop by. It wasn't initially planned, but I was drawn to the café with its spacious, beautiful garden facade. The café has two floors with predominantly white colors, brightly lit up in the evening. The entrance is paved with pebbles, adorned with delicate arches, and decorated with many green plants, like stepping into the Mediterranean beach. Due to its modern design, the café attracts many young people for check-ins. If you've explored all the cafes above, try a cup of creamy egg milk tea sprinkled with crispy coconut flakes for a change. This café offers a slightly different vibe, bringing a modern touch to the ancient land of Huế.
Sline Coffee Signature - 7 Phạm Hồng Thái
Enjoying Hue coffee will evoke a spectrum of emotions, whether it's a touch of melancholy or a gentle joy, the aftertaste is always sweet. Sweet because it's a delightful beverage, and also because of the full emotions it brings to the imbiber.
Author: Nguyen Hong Nhung
*This article participates in the Mytour Golocal program
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