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Amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, sometimes all we long for is a place to pause, where time stands still, where culture is not only displayed but also comes alive in every corner. And surprisingly, there's a café that's chosen this bold approach: a sign featuring a large painting in the Dong Ho style, prominently depicting a majestic yet humorous tiger embracing a steaming cup of coffee. An incredibly impressive entrance amidst the myriad of dazzling LED signs in the city streets.
From the very first glance, sắn.cafe makes a strong impression. Not with elaborate architectural techniques or dazzling lighting, but with something distinctly Vietnamese. The main gate is a painting of "The Mouse Wedding," one of the classic works of the Dong Ho folk painting tradition, but reinterpreted in a modern style using AI technology.
The mice dressed in suits and sneakers, holding phones or cameras, are both humorous and reflect a society in transition. Tradition and modernity are no longer in conflict, but blend together in a creative combination.
The restaurant's space
The Dong Ho style is not just an aesthetic choice; it's a cultural statement. Originating from Dong Ho village – a craft village located on the banks of the Duong River in Song Ho commune, Thuan Thanh district, Bac Ninh province – this folk painting style has existed for hundreds of years, leaving its mark on the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people. Unlike modern paintings, Dong Ho paintings are carved on wooden blocks and hand-printed layer by layer using natural materials: green from indigo, red from ochre, yellow from dried chrysanthemums, white from crushed seashells... and especially printed on Do paper – a thin, durable paper made from the bark of the Do tree, evoking elegance and intimacy.
The themes in the paintings are simple yet profound: chicks, buffaloes plowing fields, a baby holding a fish, or deep metaphors like "Collecting Coconuts," "The Mouse Wedding," "The Yin-Yang Pig Herd"... reflecting folk life and simple yet profound philosophies of life.
The founder of the cafe, Mr. Phan Minh Long, shared: “For young people, Dong Ho paintings are easier to relate to and understand than other paintings like Kim Hoang or Hang Trong paintings. Dong Ho paintings are not overly artistic or folk-like. We don't want to overdo anything; we choose the simplest and most rustic elements so that everyone can access them quickly.”
Decorate products in the shape of traditional Vietnamese cones.
One of the highlights of the cafe is the ceiling, which is designed to resemble a pyramidal roof.
Bringing that spirit into the cafe is not just an innovation, but also an effort to bring folk culture closer to young people. The cafe's space is designed to be open and bright, but also includes private areas for those who come to work, read, or simply find a quiet lunch break.
The dominant colors are red and earthy brown, reminiscent of the tiled roofs and brick floors of old village houses. The floor is paved with fired clay bricks, the kind commonly found in the courtyards of ancient temples and pagodas, both rustic and sturdy. Each step produces a soft sound of the fired bricks, suggesting a slower, more tranquil pace of life amidst the bustling city.
The cups were designed using AI, leaning towards folk art motifs.
The thatched roof, suspended from the ceiling, resembles the simple yet profound style of ancient houses. Light from clusters of LED lights creates cloud-like patterns, both real and dreamlike, evoking familiar imagery from traditional East Asian art. Visitors not only admire the artwork but also feel as if they are stepping inside it.
An interesting detail is that the paper cups here are also part of this cultural trend: each cup is affixed with a large sticker featuring a Dong Ho folk painting, accompanied by a small note explaining the meaning of the painting. A cup of coffee is now not just a beverage, but an experience – a story imbued with the Vietnamese spirit.
The cafe also pays attention to privacy. In a secluded corner is a large wooden table, separated by soft red velvet curtains that resemble wisps of tea smoke, along with a warm, golden table lamp, creating a cozy and private atmosphere. Those who need to concentrate on work can come here, a place separate from the rest but not isolated. The music is gentle, mainly instrumental or acoustic pieces played on the zither and lute, perfectly matching the Dong Ho style that the cafe aims for.
The ceiling is designed with cloud-patterned lights.
However, what truly makes this cafe valuable is not just the space. Every drink here is imbued with the Vietnamese spirit. Coffee, tea, chocolate... all are carefully selected from small farms in Lam Dong - a region with ideal altitude, climate, and soil for growing specialty crops.
Each coffee bean is hand-roasted in small batches to preserve its full flavor. The tea is harvested early in the morning and gently dried to retain its aroma. Even the condensed milk, if used, is selected from local brands, ensuring its richness and distinctive fragrance.
This café is more than just a place to sell drinks. It's a place that evokes cultural memories and sparks interest in folk art. It shows that traditional culture is not "outdated"; when placed in the right context and given a fresh perspective, it can be revived powerfully and inspiringly.
Amidst countless cafes with Korean, Japanese, and European styles, sắn.cafe stands like a peaceful and distinctive oasis in Dong Ho. It's a place where a cup of coffee not only awakens you but also prompts reflection. It reminds you that, in the process of integration and modernization, preserving the old ways can become the most enduring foundation.
