VI
EN
The alley leading to the charming, tree-lined cafe, with sunlight glistening on the old walls, opens up a space quite different from the hustle and bustle outside. Stepping through the small gate, diners are transported to a world of their own – cool, tranquil, and full of Vietnamese charm.
The narrow alley was brightly lit by red flags with yellow stars.
The first highlight is the large wall of books featuring a vibrant red map of Vietnam that immediately catches the eye. Stacks of old bookshelves, their pages weathered by time, create a space that is both nostalgic and cozy. In every corner, the Vietnamese flag appears simply: on tables, on walls, in the decorations... evoking a sense of intimacy, quietude, and unwavering pride.
The highlight is the wall of books featuring a map of Vietnam in the shape of the letter S.
Ngâm's space is divided into several layers: a sunny outdoor patio, a rustic ground floor with wooden tables and chairs and old books, and an impressive upper floor featuring a wall covered with vintage sewing machines. The small staircase leading upstairs is covered with vinyl record albums on the walls, like a corridor of memories, where people can stop and take a picture to preserve this moment for themselves. This is also one of the favorite check-in spots for diners when they come here.
Every little corner is decorated with flags.
Nham isn't overly elaborate in detail, but subtle enough that each item tells a story. The owner clearly has good taste: knowing how to let each object speak for itself without being loud. Old radios, leather suitcases, and antique items are cleverly collected and arranged, like silent witnesses of a bygone era. All of this blends with the light and the faded yellow of the old book walls, creating a simple yet unforced space.
Warm and cozy are the feelings this place evokes.
The wall covered with countless old sewing machines.
Old items are also displayed here.
Sitting outside in the morning, I occasionally see young people in white ao dai dresses, wearing checkered scarves, holding small flags and taking photos under the trees. The scene is simple yet evocative, like a stream of memories flowing through a city that is changing every day.
In particular, during the recent April 30th holiday, Ngâm introduced a limited-edition menu: salted coffee, milk tea, and coconut matcha. The drinks were decorated with the Vietnamese flag (red with a yellow star) on the surface – a small detail, but one that cleverly connects the spirit of the cafe with the emotions of its customers.
For the April 30th holiday, Ngâm introduces a special menu featuring drinks decorated with the national flag.
A young person shared after visiting the cafe: "I chose Ngâm because I wanted to find something different for this holiday. Here, everything is very natural, not flashy or ornate, but rather a warm, gentle feeling that makes me feel more connected to the stories of my hometown."
Not only young people, but also many families and elderly people visit Ngâm Cafe to take souvenir photos on April 30th. Everyone wants to capture the moment alongside the vibrant red flags and the cafe's distinctly Vietnamese atmosphere.
The staircase is impressive, featuring a wall displaying vinyl records.
This is also a favorite check-in spot for many young people.
Not only young people, but also many families and elderly people visit Ngâm Cafe to take souvenir photos on April 30th.
In a bustling city, Ngâm Cafe is a place to slow down, to listen to what is most familiar, with a fragrant cup of coffee, an old book, and the image of the red flag amidst a peaceful setting.
