A self-service coffee shop where you wait for your drink and then take it to your table doesn't look classy at all, does it?

Where does true elegance in coffee culture lie: price, service style, or something deeper?

Vietnamese iced milk coffee - a popular drink among foreigners as well - Photo: Nha Xuan

On the weekend, the whole family went to a coffee shop. As soon as we arrived, my nephew frowned and said, "This place is self-service. You wait for your drink and then bring it to me? That's not classy at all!"

This seemingly innocent statement opens up an interesting perspective: Where does true elegance in coffee culture lie? Is it in the price? In the style of service? Or in something deeper, a synergy between experience, culture, habits, or the way each person enjoys life?

Is luxury expensive?

Going for coffee is a part of everyday life. Small plastic chairs line the sidewalk, a cup of drip coffee slowly drips, and the aroma wafts through the morning air.

The murmur of conversations among workers, office staff, students... Going for coffee is a habit, a way of life within the community.

People drink coffee not to show off, but simply because they like it, because they're used to it. A good cup of coffee doesn't need to be fancy in appearance; it just needs to be the right taste and suit their palate.

But then modern coffee chains emerged, bringing with them a new style of enjoyment, more spacious settings, a wider variety of drinks, and more professional service.

Gradually, the concept of "luxury" became associated with cafes that had beautiful interiors, cool air conditioning, and friendly staff providing table service.

But is that the only measure of luxury?

In Italy, people stand at the bar, quickly sip an espresso, and leave, without needing tables, chairs, or table service.

In France, a cup of coffee on an outdoor table is an excuse to leisurely watch the street life. In America, self-service coffee shops are popular, where customers order their own drinks, get their own refreshments, and find their own seats.

No one can say which way of drinking coffee is more sophisticated than the other. Because the value of a cup of coffee doesn't lie in who brings it, but in the moment we enjoy it.

When modern coffee chains entered Vietnam, some people were excited by the novel model, while others found it inconvenient due to the long queues. Meanwhile, some cafes offered a personalized experience, with each cup of coffee meticulously crafted like a work of art.

A cup of coffee on the sidewalk costs 10,000 VND, while one at an upscale cafe can cost up to 200,000 VND. But does a higher price really equate to greater luxury?

Elegance is a feeling, not a form.

Is luxury about sitting in a luxurious setting, being served attentively? Or is it about being able to brew a delicious cup of coffee yourself, sitting by your familiar window, and fully enjoying a peaceful morning?

Some people feel sophisticated when they step into a beautiful cafe with polite staff and soft, soothing music.

Some people find elegance in brewing their own coffee, slowly savoring each sip without rushing.

And there are also those who believe that elegance has nothing to do with appearance; it's simply about having time to sit with friends, sip coffee, and chat about simple things.

Looking at it more broadly, the concept of "sophistication" in coffee drinking also reflects lifestyle and personal perspective.

Some people value convenience and a premium service experience, while others appreciate minimalism and the beauty of simplicity.

Cafés with a classic style and tranquil atmosphere, where customers can read, work, or simply enjoy some private time, are just as appealing as upscale establishments.

The Japanese have a "kissaten" culture, a classic type of coffee shop that emphasizes tranquility and the quality of each cup of coffee.

Vietnamese people have sidewalk cafes, where everyday conversations become the "soul" of the space.

Americans value convenience and speed, with takeaway coffee being an essential part of their morning routine.

Ultimately, in my opinion, luxury doesn't lie in the style of the cafe, nor in the price, but in the feeling one gets when drinking a cup of coffee.

It's about relaxation, the joy of fully enjoying a moment in a busy life. Because memorable experiences in quiet moments, meaningful conversations—those are what truly create value.

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PHUONG PHUONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/quan-ca-phe-tu-phuc-vu-doi-nuoc-roi-bung-di-khong-sang-ti-nao-20250324075150527.htm