Vietnamese

A Vietnamese Coffee Shop in Berkeley Is Redefining What a Café Can Be

A Vietnamese Coffee Shop in Berkeley Is Redefining What a Café Can Be

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…
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A Year of Tradition and Tea: How Boba Religion is Redefining Vietnamese Culture in San Diego

A Year of Tradition and Tea: How Boba Religion is Redefining Vietnamese Culture in San Diego

The verdict is in: San Diego’s boba scene just got a new contender. Boba Religion, the Victorian-inspired tea house founded by first-gen Vietnamese American Vy Bui, is rewriting the script. After a year of quietly building a cult following, the shop has reached a milestone that feels less like a celebration and more like a testament to intention. This isn’t just about tea—it’s about reclaiming heritage, one carefully sourced ingredient at a time. From day one, Bui’s vision was clear: honor Vietnamese tea traditions without compromise. The tea arrives straight from Bao Loc, a village in Vietnam’s Central Highlands known…
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Chloé Cà Phê: Fusing Vietnamese Flavors with Coffee Culture in Sacramento

Chloé Cà Phê: Fusing Vietnamese Flavors with Coffee Culture in Sacramento

Chloé Cà Phê, a unique coffee shop in Sacramento, is making waves by blending traditional Vietnamese flavors with espresso shots. Co-owner Charley Phung's innovative take on phở-inspired americanos offers an intriguing fusion of tastes while staying accessible to coffee enthusiasts. Phong explained that the process involves charring and simmering spices like cinnamon in simple syrup, creating a unique infusion that complements espresso shots when combined to make an americano. This drink showcases the essence of what coffee should be, according to Phung. Phong's shop, which he started with his wife Crystal, stands out due to its distinctive approach. Although it…
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