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AN Café, born in the Kinh-Bac region, amidst the vast and prosperous F&B market with its blend of traditional and modern elements in various food and drink options, quietly emerges from the chaos of the times, offering a sweet taste of traditional culture.
As a prime example of young people engaging with culture, few could have imagined how a brand born from the Quan Ho folk music tradition would transform the lyrics and melodies into a beverage. The soul of Quan Ho is not only manifested through the songs and melodies, but also through aspects of the physical space and the appearance of the people. Currently, AN Café has five locations in its hometown of Bac Ninh and a fifth location in Hanoi at 39 Quang Trung Street, Hoan Kiem District.
The restaurant is located at the corner of Quang Trung Street.
The soul of Quan Ho folk songs is not only manifested through the lyrics and melodies, but also comes from aspects of the physical space.
Therefore, the children of the Kinh Bac region don't necessarily need to know how to sing to still possess a lyrical charm. It's not difficult to recognize the image of the conical hat subtly present in every roof structure, or the glimpses of Dong Ho folk paintings on every small wall... Or the phrase "Hospitality" printed on the back of the staff uniforms; every space, every function is filled with tradition. Culture is the soul, and therefore flexibly appears in every physical system.
A tapioca pearl dessert with a unique name.
From the space and culture of the land known as the "birthplace" of Dai Viet civilization, young people continue to blend it into every dish and drink. The way the menu items are named is impressive. "Ả Đào" is a sweet and refreshing peach tea, dancing gracefully on the palate, as poignant as the melodious voice of a female singer. "Phù Lãng" is coconut coffee with the distinctive eel-skin glaze of Phù Lãng pottery. And "Chuyện Phu Thê" features amber-colored buffalo feet, a modern-day symbol of engagement cakes and the story of a couple's love.
The Phu The cake, originating from ancient love stories shared over a warm cup of tea at every wedding, has now become a round, glossy treat, harmoniously blended with Oolong tea, a symbol of contemporary conversation. "Intertwining destinies"—a sentimental gesture passed down through generations—has marked the beginning of a new relationship.
The way the menu items are named is impressive.
In the past, people used songs and melodies to infuse their hearts with affection, subtly conveying kind words and gentle sentiments that permeated the listener's ears. This led to the development of courtship singing, which has become an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Today, romantic relationships blossom among young people over cups of milk tea or coffee, not necessarily through mutual understanding, but within each swirling beverage, a touch of affection is added, sweetly guiding the blossoming of love.
A peaceful corner at the cafe.
Calling out to a couple, in the early autumn weather, a sip of sweetness amidst the bitterness of oolong tea leaves, complemented by the chewy, sweet coconut-flavored tapioca pearls of Xu Xê, the connoisseur realizes that all the unique bitterness and sweetness between two intersecting lives begin with a rendezvous on the street corner. Quan Họ, regardless of the era, still fulfills its function, even though it exists in a different form, still connecting the kindred spirits of "liền anh" and "liền chị".
Beyond its direct presence, AN Café also serves as a folk gathering place, where traditional beauty is continued and revived not only through food and drink. In collaboration with Gen Z cultural descendants, AN Café recreates a space for cultural practice, bringing culture closer to all levels of future generations.
A replica of the conical hat from Bac Ninh.
The culture of Kinh Bac in particular, and Vietnamese culture in general, originates from the banyan tree, the riverside, and the village courtyard, adapting flexibly with the times. From melodious folk songs that resonate deeply in the listener's heart, they are now received by the taste buds, leaving a sweet aftertaste in the throat.
Ultimately, it remains etched in memory, passed down through generations, so that it will be difficult for future generations to forget. It's not just a story about a cup of bubble tea, or a modern-day matchmaking event, but looking at it from a broader perspective, it's about how young people skillfully, wholeheartedly, and profoundly connect the threads of heritage in all the transformations of the era, and of course, of our cultural heritage.
