This is worth savoring: a new Vietnamese coffee shop in Berkeley is redefining what a café can be. Gara, the sibling-run venture by the Nguyen family, blends heritage, innovation, and community into a space that feels both rooted and forward-thinking. The 2,600-square-foot cafe is a love letter to Vietnam, with a mural that traces the country’s cultural threads and a menu that marries traditional flavors with modern twists. From phin-brewed coffee to espresso drinks infused with salted cream and pandan, the drinks are as bold as they are inventive. The kitchen, meanwhile, serves up breakfast bánh mì and grilled pork with broken rice—dishes that feel like a warm embrace from a family kitchen.
What sets Gara apart is its story. The Nguyens’ grandparents once sold chả lụa sausages from their garage in Vietnam, and their parents ran a computer hardware business from another. This lineage of garage-born enterprises fuels Gara’s ethos: a space where work, creativity, and connection collide. The design mirrors this, with industrial elements softened by warm materials and a jasmine-green tiled wall that feels like a quiet sanctuary. “We wanted the cafe to feel like a place where people can gather, work on projects, and spend time together,” says co-founder Thomas Nguyen. It’s a hybrid of workshop and hangout, a nod to the brand’s name, which references Vietnamese slang for “garage.”
The menu is a testament to the family’s roots. Robusta coffee from their uncle’s Dak Mil farm and Vietnamese beans sourced through family ties form the backbone of the roasting program. Daniel Nguyen, who roasts in Sacramento, ensures the beans reflect both tradition and quality. Meanwhile, Chef Mai Pham’s dishes—like the lạp xưởng-stuffed bánh mì—capture the soul of Vietnamese home cooking. “The most memorable food isn’t found in restaurants,” Pham says. “It’s in alleyways, where families cook for loved ones.”
Gara’s success isn’t just about coffee. It’s about legacy, community, and the power of small beginnings. As the Nguyens expand, they’re proving that a garage can be more than a starting point—it can be a blueprint for something enduring.
What makes a café a place people return to again and again.
What makes a café a place people return to again and again?
Questions & Answers
Where is Sibling-Owned Gara located?
Sibling-Owned Gara is permanently parked in Berkeley, California. It offers a Vietnamese culinary experience with a focus on traditional dishes and community connection.
What type of food does Sibling-Owned Gara serve?
Sibling-Owned Gara serves Vietnamese cuisine, including pho, banh mi, and other traditional dishes. The menu highlights authentic flavors and family recipes from the owners’ heritage.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
