A Vietnamese filter coffee shop amidst a hill of everlasting flowers.

(Entry for the "Impressions on Vietnamese Coffee and Tea" contest, part of the "Celebrating Vietnamese Coffee and Tea" program, 2nd edition, 2024, organized by Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper).

A cup of milk coffee amidst the everlasting flower hills in Da Lat.

At the end of May 2023, my wife and I had the opportunity to visit Da Lat City (Lam Dong province) for a vacation . Early on our first morning in Da Lat, I took my wife on my motorbike to go cloud hunting in Cau Dat. Along the way, we stopped at a cafe with everlasting flowers located on National Highway 20.

Unlike other bustling and grand cafes, this café, with its simple tables and chairs, is nestled amidst a forest of everlasting flowers, along with familiar items reminiscent of the 70s, 80s, and early 90s generations.

I ordered two traditional hot milk coffees and sat watching the owner make the coffee. The skillful movements in the traditional coffee-making process reminded me of 24 years ago when my father took me for coffee every morning.

First, the owner rinses the coffee filter and cup with boiling water before brewing to kill any bacteria. Then, she puts 3 spoonfuls of Trung Nguyen coffee powder into the filter. This is the type of coffee I really enjoy drinking because of its rich and aromatic flavor.

After placing the coffee filter on the cup, slowly and evenly pour a small amount of boiling water over the surface of the filter to allow the coffee grounds to bloom. After about 2 minutes, when the coffee grounds have bloomed evenly, she continues to pour boiling water, closes the lid, and waits. The coffee begins to drip.

Stirring the milk in my coffee cup, I took a sip, and suddenly I remembered my childhood. I remembered my father. It had been so long since my father and I had a cup of coffee together. I wish I could bring him here someday to sit and have a cup of coffee and reminisce about the old days…

Quiet and peaceful, many elderly visitors also come here, sitting silently with a cup of coffee, listening to old songs... amidst the everlasting flower hills in this dreamy city.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/quan-ca-phe-phin-giua-doi-hoa-bat-tu-196240310193919549.htm