The scent of coffee in me

(NLĐO) - My mother gave birth to me amidst the pristine white blossoms of coffee flowers covering the hillsides and plantations of the Central Highlands.

Perhaps, the pure fragrance of the flower, which had already permeated my heart at that moment, always kept me on the path of righteousness.

Coffee blossoms in pristine white

As I grew up, I understood that the aroma of coffee was the flavor of my love for my homeland.

My homeland also includes the coffee plantations in full bloom, where in my childhood I used to follow my parents to the fields, picking the deep red berries and putting them in my mouth. I cherish those moments, the sweet, fragrant nectar lingering on my lips.

I'm on the plantation during coffee harvesting season.

My hometown still holds the scent of roasted coffee wafting on the evening breeze, filling the entire mountain village with its fragrant aroma. About two decades ago, everyone in my village drank coffee brewed with a filter, roasted at home. I fondly remember the times my father sat by the fire roasting coffee beans and grinding them into powder for our daily drink. And even now, that rich aroma still evokes a nostalgic longing for the time I spent living in the warmth of my parents' home.

I stand beside a coffee tree laden with fruit.

A cup of Vietnamese filter coffee also served as a bridge connecting our love, leading to us eventually sharing a home together.

For decades, we've made a living on the coffee plantation, enduring the rain and sun alongside the coffee plants. Every day, he still brews filter coffee for me. The coffee is bitter on the tip of my tongue, but the aftertaste is sweet.

By persevering through difficulties, love will remain sweet and tender in married life. Waiting for each drop of coffee to settle at the bottom of the cup and savoring its aroma, he guided me towards a peaceful, slow-paced life, letting go of worries and resentments from my mind.

Seeking a peaceful lifestyle, I drink Vietnamese filter coffee every day.

Over time, people may switch to drinking machine-brewed or pre-packaged coffee. However, no matter how they drink it, the rich flavor of Vietnamese coffee will always remain a beautiful memory for me and the people of the Central Highlands.

(Entry for the "Impressions on Vietnamese Coffee and Tea" contest 2026, part of the 4th "Celebrating Vietnamese Coffee and Tea" program organized by Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper).

Source: https://nld.com.vn/huong-ca-phe-trong-toi-19626032015413597.htm