The unique flavors of regional cuisine are carefully crafted and blended by those who have ventured far from home, creating a distinctive and diverse atmosphere that captivates both locals and international visitors alike. For them, Da Nang is not just a vibrant and dynamic place but also a gateway to countless development opportunities, making it an ideal destination for exploration and connection.

"Trinh Café" currently has four locations in Da Nang and one in Hoi An. IN THE PHOTO: Customers enjoying their experience at Trinh Café location on Bach Dang Walking Street. Photo: VAN HOANG.

A place to welcome those from afar

Visiting “Bep Co Tham” (30 Do Thuc Tinh, Khue Trung Ward) at the beginning of 2025, one is sure to be surprised by the nostalgic and ancient atmosphere of this place. The dark wooden columns, steeped in the passage of time, combined with the airy architecture, create a serene and elegant picture. In this space, the alluring aroma of Northern dishes gently evokes cherished memories of a refined Hanoi amidst Da Nang. This delicate fusion enriches the culinary cultural map of the coastal city in Central Vietnam.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Tham, the founder of “Bep Co Tham”, began her career as a remote sensing and geographic information systems engineer. For her, choosing Da Nang as a permanent residence and starting a business in the restaurant and food service industry was not only a wise decision but also a meaningful opportunity in her journey.

She recalls that in mid-2018, her family moved to Da Nang to seek treatment for her son. During this challenging journey, Da Nang left her with many cherished memories due to the kindness, dedication, and enthusiasm of the medical staff, as well as the beauty of the local culture and people. Infusing her gratitude into each dish she prepares, the positive feedback and compliments from customers have become motivation for her to confidently launch the “Bep Co Tham” brand.

The dishes here are rich in Northern flavors, crafted from ingredients sourced from the Central region, with "xoi xeo" standing out among them. This simple dish, along with many others, is delicately wrapped in layers of banana leaves and paper, evoking a sense of familiarity and warmth. This is also a hallmark of “Bep Co Tham”, reflecting a commitment to sustainable living and contributing to environmental protection in the city through small yet meaningful actions.

For her, contributing even a small part to making the city more beautiful stems not only from her love for this place but also from a sense of gratitude and responsibility towards the opportunities and development potential that Da Nang offers to those who come from afar. Da Nang is not only a livable city blessed by nature with a fresh atmosphere but also characterized by the simplicity, sincerity, and hospitality of its Central people, combined with modernity, dynamism, and a spirit of international integration. Ms. Tham shares, “There are so many wonderful things to say about Da Nang, but it is the cuisine that I want to dedicate entirely to this city. I feel fortunate and grateful for the kindness this land has provided, from the living environment and attentive healthcare system to excellent policies—all of which leave unforgettable impressions on everyone who sets foot here.”

The land where dreams come true

Born and raised in the vast Central Highlands, Ms. Bui Thi Huong (from Dak Lak), the owner of the “Trinh Café” beverage chain, carries with her fond childhood memories tied to the rustic flavors of avocado and coffee—precious products that have nourished countless generations on this sun-drenched, windy plateau. With a deep love for her homeland, she nurtures the aspiration to introduce and spread the beauty of Central Highlands culinary culture to friends both domestically and internationally.

Da Nang, a vibrant and youthful city, is the place where she turned that dream into reality. During her four years of living and studying here, she realized that Da Nang is not only a lively city with a modern pace of life but also a land rich in opportunities. The influx of tourists from all over the world, the favorable business environment, and the openness and adaptability of the local people in embracing regional cultural values have ignited Huong's inspiration, motivating her to pursue her ambitions and commit to this place.

Thus, “Trinh Café” was born as a spiritual child, embodying the love for her homeland and the friendly, livable city. To offer something unique and different inspired by the clean ingredients from her hometown, Huong and her husband created “avocado coffee”, a distinctive beverage that artfully blends the creamy sweetness of avocado with the characteristic bitterness of Robusta coffee. Although this unusual flavor combination might seem less popular at first, this drink has become a memorable signature for every guest who visits, enriching the culinary tourism map for travelers from all over.

Ms. Huong shares that “Trinh” is special not only for its beverages but also for its nostalgic atmosphere. The brand's locations are designed like traditional Vietnamese homes, featuring red tiled roofs, brick walls, and rustic wooden furnishings. This simplicity and antiquity evoke old memories, creating a warm and inviting environment where every guest feels as though they are returning to their cherished past. To blend this sense of nostalgia with the modern, integrated lifestyle of Da Nang, Ms. Huong frequently organizes new programs and activities to provide interesting experiences for customers, such as local markets, acoustic music nights, coffee workshops, and spaces showcasing regional products and tourism highlights.

“Da Nang not only provides us with the motivation to realize our dreams but also serves as a fertile ground that nurtures the aspirations of those who come from afar. I hope this city will always be an ideal destination where everyone can discover exciting things and find lasting connections,” Ms. Huong expressed.

Reporting by VAN HOANG – Translating by HONG VAN