A firsthand look at the 'Commando Cafe' in Ho Chi Minh City.

The "Commando Cafe" at 113A Dang Dung Street, District 1 (Ho Chi Minh City) served as a "Secret Mailbox - Above-Ground Bunker" from the Tet Offensive of 1968 until the victorious Ho Chi Minh Campaign in 1975.

The unique cafe at 113A Dang Dung Street, District 1 ( Ho Chi Minh City) is one of three houses in Ho Chi Minh City that were used by Mr. Tran Van Lai (also known as Nam Lai, Mai Hong Que, Nam U.SOM, born in 1920, a Saigon commando soldier and Hero of the People's Armed Forces) as a revolutionary base during the 1968 Tet Offensive and the 1975 Liberation of Southern Vietnam Campaign. For many years, Mr. Tran Vu Binh (Mr. Lai's son) bought these three houses, restored them, painstakingly searched for original artifacts, and then opened a cafe and restaurant selling historical-themed rice and coffee, hoping to preserve history, especially history related to the Saigon commando force.

The café at 113A Dang Dung Street served as a "secret mailbox - underground bunker" for the Saigon commandos from the Tet Offensive of 1968 until the victorious Ho Chi Minh Campaign in 1975. This café was particularly unique among the three because it was located right next to the house of Lieutenant General Ngo Quang Truong of the Republic of Vietnam and opposite the then-Korean high-rise building. Perhaps it was this particularly dangerous location that prevented the enemy from suspecting it was a revolutionary base. After 1968, while numerous Saigon commando bases were exposed, 113A Dang Dung Street remained safe and continued operating until the reunification of the country in 1975.

This place is named "Do Phu Cafe - Dai Han Broken Rice". However, because the house was once a base for Saigon commandos during the war and displays many related artifacts, over time people have come to call it "Commando Cafe".

The Special Forces Cafe has two floors, displaying over 400 artifacts throughout. All have been preserved in their original state to this day. In the photo: The secret bunker on the second floor of the cafe. Historical records show that this was where special forces soldiers would enter when there was a disturbance, lock the door, and lift the plank at the bottom to escape through a secret passage to Tran Quang Khai, Nguyen Van Nguyen, and Hai Ba Trung streets.

Each artifact in the "Saigon Commando" cafe is linked to a small story, a contribution to the revolution, preserved and recounted by the children, grandchildren, and descendants of the "Saigon Commando" soldiers. Through this, each visitor gains a deeper understanding and pride in the contributions of these former commando soldiers to the revolution. Therefore, history is never forgotten.

Household items from urban areas in the 1960s and 70s are preserved and displayed on wooden cabinets hanging on the walls of the shop.

This place also displays old cassette players...

...old-fashioned irons

Thermos flasks, coffee grinders, milk cans, and sugar containers from the old days are collected in their original condition and displayed at the Biệt Động (Commando) Cafe.

And also old cameras and camcorders.

Some articles from the war against America.

Even the roof of this unique cafe displays old lamps and ceiling fans from a bygone era.

The café at 113A Dang Dung Street dedicates a prominent corner on the first floor to displaying books about President Ho Chi Minh, memoirs of Saigon during the war, and recollections of soldiers...

This special café has hosted many leaders of the Party, State, and Ho Chi Minh City, who came to visit and leave their autographs, including the late General Vo Nguyen Giap and the late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong...

In the handwritten notes of the late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong displayed at the Saigon-Cholon-Gia Dinh Special Forces Cafe, there is a passage that reads: "Having witnessed the artifacts at the historical site, I am deeply impressed and moved by the patriotism, resourcefulness, courage, and selflessness of the Saigon-Cholon-Gia Dinh Special Forces soldiers."

Initially, most customers came to "Commando Cafe" to enjoy the two signature dishes of old Saigon: broken rice and coffee. Later, they became fascinated, drawn into the historical stories.

Many of the patrons at this unique café include veterans from both sides, history enthusiasts, and a significant number of foreigners.

"Do Phu Coffee - Dai Han Broken Rice" brings the flavors of old Saigon.

TIEN MANH

Source: https://baohaiduong.vn/muc-so-thi-quan-ca-phe-biet-dong-o-tp-ho-chi-minh-410074.html