Filter coffee shop in the middle of the immortal flower hill

(Entry to the contest "Impressions of Vietnamese coffee and tea" under the program "Honoring Vietnamese coffee and tea" for the 2nd time, 2024 organized by Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper).

Quán cà phê phin giữa đồi hoa bất tử- Ảnh 1. — A cup of milk coffee in the middle of the immortal flower hill in Da Lat

At the end of May 2023, my wife and I had the opportunity to travel to Da Lat City (Lam Dong Province). Early in the morning of the first day in Da Lat, I took my wife on a motorbike to hunt for clouds in Cau Dat. On the way, we stopped at a cafe in the Da Lat immortal flower forest located on Highway 20.

Not as flashy or grand as other shops, the coffee shop with simple tables and chairs is nestled in the middle of a forest of everlasting flowers, along with familiar items for the 7X, 8X and early 9X generations.

I ordered two traditional hot milk coffees and sat watching the owner make the coffee. The skillful movements in making traditional coffee reminded me of the time 24 years ago when my father took me to drink coffee every morning.

First, the owner rinsed the filter and cups with boiling water before brewing to kill all bacteria. Then, she put 3 spoons of Trung Nguyen coffee powder into the filter. This is the type of coffee I really like to drink because of its rich and aromatic taste.

After placing the filter on the cup, pour a little boiling water slowly and evenly over the surface of the filter so that the coffee expands evenly. About 2 minutes later, the coffee in the filter has expanded evenly, continue pouring boiling water, cover and wait. The coffee starts to drip.

Stirring the coffee with milk, taking a sip of the coffee, I suddenly remembered my childhood. I remembered my father. Because it had been a long time since my father and I had a cup of coffee together. I wished I could bring my father here to sit and drink a cup of coffee and remember those old days…

Not noisy or crowded, many elderly guests also come here, sit quietly with a cup of coffee, listen to old music... among the immortal flower hills in the dreamy city.