New antique café adds charm to downtown Saigon

81 Cafe is located near the Tan Dinh Market on Nguyen Huu Cau Street, District 1. It has just opened, but is already attracting increasing numbers of customers drawn by the allure of the past that it captures in spirit.

The owner, Nguyen Huu, said: "I am very fortunate to be able to rent a house built in French style, still retaining its old architecture."

Initially, the staircase leading to the upper floor was in the middle of the house. Huu has rebuilt the staircase in the back for more convenience to the guests.

The house has two floors, each of which has two interconnected rooms. Huu has filled the space with many antiques he has collected over the years, including old furniture.

The brown wooden furniture and yellow gold tone of the walls induces a warm feeling. Many windows in the house allow for natural light and gives the café a spacious feel, too.

Huu said the space was designed to bring to customers the closeness and comfort of their own home. 

The shelves on the upper floor are decorated with many old items, including cassettes that are no longer in use. For those who have used them, the café brings back old memories.

A decades-old motorbike is part of the interior decoration.

Huu has used an old oil lamp as a flower vase. The items in this shop, most of which are antiques he has collected from many places, have been harmoniously arranged.

The coffeeshop also has an outdoor space, an ideal place to relax early in the morning or evening.

The café's balcony has become a popular spot. Customers can watch the sunset and avoid rush hour traffic in this green space.

Linh, a resident of Tan Binh District, said that she really enjoyed the place though it was her first visit. "The shop plays many good songs. It is very comfortable to sit here. The beverage prices are quite reasonable compared to the average price of the city."

There are a variety of drinks on the menu with an average price of VND30,000 ($1.28). The coffee shop opens from morning to night.