In the heart of Hanoi's Long Bien District, nestled at the end of alley 532 Ngoc Thuy, lies O Day Nha Toi (Here is my home), a coffee shop boasting a spacious yard adorned with various trees beckons customers to enjoy a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city.
The shop offers patrons an unconventional experience: the freedom to not only savor their beverages but also to make them to their exact liking.
There are no bartenders. Instead, customers can help themselves to their drinks and pay based on the prices listed on the menu.
The establishment doesn't prioritize creating trendy corners for photography. The owner's intention is for patrons to simply immerse themselves in the experience of savoring their drinks and unwinding in a homely atmosphere.
Outside, tables and chairs are arranged amid clusters of lush green trees, crafting an environment ideal for patrons to sit, relax, and enjoy the refreshing air.
This shop has both indoor and outdoor seating areas. Inside, the décor features a combination of tiled flooring and wooden or bamboo finishes.
Bamboo mats are used to shield customers from the sun or rain. However, the presence of animals like dogs and chickens, occasionally perched on chairs, raises concerns about hygiene standards for fussier patrons.
The shop relies solely on fans and lacks an air conditioning system. During hot days, sitting outside can lead to discomfort and overheating.
The bar is outfitted with an array of ingredients and mixing tools, including shaker bottles, hot water thermoses, mixing spoons, and measuring tools. This setup empowers customers to prepare their own drinks according to their specific preferences.
The shop also offers a variety of teas with distinctive names, including "firewood," "spring," or "summer."
For example, "cloud tea" features Ha Giang tea buds steeped in water, boasting a sweet aroma infused with the essence of wild fruits. Meanwhile, "wooden tea" presents Son La roasted tea, renowned for its robust, smoky flavor.
Upon arrival, visitors have the freedom to select their preferred kettle, teacup, or utensil, allowing them to make their own customized beverages. For newcomers, the shop offers detailed instructions or assistance from staff members, fostering a sense of confidence and ease in preparing their own drinks.
Student Nguyen Hong Lien recounted her experience: "Upon arrival, I was taken aback and a bit bewildered by the silence surrounding me, unsure of what to do next. However, the shop's ambiance immediately put me at ease, evoking a sense of comfort akin to being at home."
"With prior experience in mixing drinks, I found the process straightforward. Yet, despite my efforts, the homemade strawberry syrup I made turned out to resemble a generic fruit-flavored tea, lacking the standout quality I had hoped for. Additionally, I ordered mulberry cookies and snacks."
Upon finishing their beverages, diners proceed to a designated area to clean their pots and cups before arranging them in the nearby basket.
Hong Mai, a 21-year-old patron, initially felt bewildered by the self-service model. However, she quickly found the process of making her own apricot syrup drink engaging.
Enjoying the beverage, she felt the café offered her mental comfort and empowerment, relieving stress. For Hong Mai, self-service cafes are not just for drinks but also for finding peace and relaxation.
The shop has fixed prices for its drinks. Additionally, there are boxes placed on the counter where customers can place their payments in cash. Customers also have the option to transfer money using a QR code provided by the shop.
Their menu offers coffee, tea, along with other beverages like beer and wine, priced from VND25,000 to VND75,000 (US$1 to $3).
However, despite the range of options, the taste of the drinks fails to impress. The teas are described as weak, and some customers find the prices too high.
For instance, a photo shows oolong tea with a small teapot priced at VND55,000. This can leave patrons feeling dissatisfied and not meeting their expectations.
