ThiBa Cafe, at 68 Suong Nguyet Anh Street, opened in late August, embracing the Wabi-sabi aesthetic. Ceramics serve as the central decorative feature of the cafe.
Owner Tran Lam, who designed several coffee shops in Da Lat and Ho Chi Minh City, explained that the Wabi-sabi aesthetic stems from Buddhist teachings and celebrates the beauty of imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity.
The ceramics in the café, unglazed with earthy tones, reflect this philosophy and provide a space for visitors to appreciate art and preserve old objects.
Tthe café showcases over 500 ceramic pieces collected over years, a mix of both antique and modern, from domestic and international sources.
Lam noted that Wabi-sabi designs may appear crude but exude peace, symbolizing a love for simplicity and nature's raw beauty.
The ceramics featured in the café primarily come from Vietnam's pottery villages, along with some salvaged from shipwrecks and pieces sourced from China and Japan.
One notable item is a vase from Guizhou Province, China, which Lam collected years ago. This vase, with its unique shape and wicker casing, is an example of how ceramic and wicker materials merge over time.
Ceramics are featured throughout the café, from the entrance to the wooden shelves, and even as decorative lights in various shapes and sizes.
The café is located in a 100-year-old French villa, with much of the original design preserved. Brick walls have been kept to add character and provide a backdrop for the ceramic displays.
To highlight the ceramic shelves and walls inside, the owner added a Japanese-style garden in the center of the café.
"The smaller the garden, the more meticulous the design has to be", the owner said. The garden includes moss on the ground, bonsai trees above, and railroad wood lining the edges.
The café spans about 200 square meters and can accommodate more than 100 guests. The space is divided into areas for conversation, group work, and outdoor seating.
The group work area features an aquarium in the center, surrounded by ceramic-lit shelves with warm lighting, creating a relaxing atmosphere for guests.
Besides the ceramics, the Japanese garden is a popular spot for visitors to take photos.
"The green of the plants combined with the brown of the wood makes for easy photo opportunities", said Thao Uyen from Thu Duc City.
Phan Thi Thuy Nhi, a 24-year-old from District 7, said the café is peaceful and has a nostalgic atmosphere, "perfect for those who enjoy tranquility".
"The café is for those who appreciate quiet and introspection, which is why I came here", said Tien Minh during a visit on Aug. 30.
According to the owner, since opening for just over a week, the café has welcomed about 300 customers daily, with the busiest times being in the morning and evening.
The café has become a hotspot for young people, often resulting in overcrowding during certain hours and weekends. To enjoy the space comfortably, guests are advised to avoid peak times.
The café offers over 20 drink options, mainly tea and coffee, priced between VND35,000 and VND50,000 (from $1.40 to $2). It also provides free, spacious parking and operates from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
