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It all started with a passion for nostalgic music.
Cầm Music Cafe was founded by Minh and a friend in 2017, starting simply with four small tables and a meager capital of five million dong. For Minh, Cầm is not just a cafe selling drinks, but also a place where he can fully live out his passion for music, especially classic Vietnamese music.
Minh recounts that in the past, on Friday nights, he was often invited by friends to sing at various venues, but sometimes he was asked to stop. This motivated him to create his own space where he could freely sing his favorite songs, without being restrained or limited by anyone. Every Friday night, the bar hosts "Singing Night," where free-spirited singing and love songs resonate, touching the hearts of listeners.
Minh shared that the name "Cầm" (meaning "Music") is inspired by the "Lục Huyền Cầm" tea room of the musician couple Lê Uyên Phương – an icon of Vietnamese music full of poetry and emotion in the 1970s. For Minh, "Cầm" is not simply a name, but also a bridge connecting the past with the present, a way to preserve the sounds of a glorious era of Vietnamese music. "I want each song here to be not just a voice, but a revival of memories, so that listeners can feel a nostalgic atmosphere and the profound emotions of old music," Minh confided.
A small, sunny corner by the window, with books, plants, and paintings at Cam.
The "old-fashioned" setting and the nostalgic singing – the soul of Cầm.
Cầm Music Cafe exudes a simple, nostalgic beauty, from its charming small space to its thoughtfully chosen decorations. Minh cleverly repurposes old items into artistic touches: branches become ornaments, thermos flasks are displayed on antique glass shelves, and the soft light emanates from handmade lanterns. Each corner of the cafe is like a slice of time, evoking a bygone era, offering a sense of intimacy while still reflecting respect for the value of memories and objects that once held a life of their own.
Throughout the cafe, Mr. Minh has hung all kinds of musical instruments, from guitars and ukuleles to balalaikas (Russian triangular instruments) and traditional Vietnamese zithers. These instruments are not just decorations but also an invitation to music, a whisper of his intense love for melodies. Perhaps this is also the most beautiful aspect of Cầm – where the cafe and music are like soulmates, blending together in every moment.
Stacks of CDs and old speakers
The self-service corner is rustic, creating a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere.
Deeply moving love songs always filled the space, sometimes the music emanating from an old CD player, carrying the voices of Trinh Cong Son and Pham Duy, other times the gentle singing of Minh and his friends. Occasionally, the guests themselves would sing the melodies, bringing with them their own passions and emotions, turning each day at Cam into a shared song full of lingering echoes, leaving behind unforgettable memories.
A tranquil haven amidst the hustle and bustle of life.
Customers come to Cam not only to enjoy coffee but also to experience the peaceful, tranquil atmosphere, a place where they can relax and reminisce about old memories. Minh shared that many people appreciate the quiet and slightly "cold" atmosphere of the cafe, as a place to reconnect with a part of their soul amidst the hustle and bustle of life.
The journey to preserve that space was not easy. There was a time when Minh had to temporarily close the shop for a long period, spending two years finding a new location. Despite facing many difficulties, he persevered, maintaining his spirit to preserve the old space that he cherished. For Minh, Cầm is not just a job, but a passion, the very soul of his life.
Mr. Minh, owner of Cam Music Cafe, is the "master" of the singing performances every Friday night at Cam Ca Night.
Although many new cafes are constantly popping up, Minh still hopes that Cầm will retain its traditional charm, as a peaceful corner of nostalgia in the heart of the city. Without rushing to follow trends or engaging in flashy advertising, Cầm attracts people with its authentic old-world charm – a place where memories are recreated and spread through heartfelt love songs. “Actually, Cầm is always changing,” Minh shared with a smile. “Each customer brings their own thoughts and stories. Cầm adapts to those emotions, so perhaps the cafe is 'transforming' every day, right?”
A small corner of love for music and memories at Cam.
Minh hopes that one day, Cầm will become a cultural and artistic meeting place, where people find common ground and share stories and emotions. But for now, he still wants to preserve the cafe's original charm: a small corner where anyone can listen to nostalgic melodies, enjoy a moment of peace amidst the hustle and bustle of life, and rediscover the most genuine and profound emotions within themselves.
