Self-service cafe, wait for the water and then bring it away, not classy at all?

Vietnamese iced milk coffee - a famous drink even for foreigners - Photo: NHA XUAN

On the weekend, the whole family went to a coffee shop. As soon as they arrived, the nephew frowned: "This is a self-service shop. Do you wait for the drinks and then bring them to you? Not classy at all!"

This seemingly innocent statement opens up an interesting perspective: Where does luxury in coffee culture really lie? Is it in the price? In the service style? Or in something deeper, the resonance between experience, culture, habits or the way each person enjoys life?

Is luxury expensive?

Going to a coffee shop is part of everyday life. Small plastic chairs line the sidewalk, cups of filter coffee drip slowly, the aroma lingers in the morning air.

The chatter of workers, office workers, students... Going to a coffee shop is a habit, a community lifestyle.

People drink coffee not to show off anything, but simply because they like it, because they are used to it. A good cup of coffee does not need to be elaborate in form, just the right taste and taste is enough.

But then modern coffee chains appeared, bringing with them new styles of enjoyment, more spacious spaces, diverse drinks, and more professional service.

Gradually, the concept of "luxury" is associated with coffee shops with beautiful interiors, cool air conditioning, and friendly staff serving at tables.

But is that the only measure of luxury?

In Italy, people stand at the bar, take a quick sip of espresso, and leave, without tables, chairs, or waiters.

In France, a cup of coffee on an outdoor table is an excuse to leisurely watch the city. In the US, the self-service coffee model is popular, where customers order, get their own drinks, and find their own seats.

No one says which way of drinking is more luxurious than the other. Because the value of a cup of coffee lies not in who brings it, but in the moment we enjoy it.

When modern coffee chains entered Vietnam, some people were excited by the new model, but others felt inconvenienced by having to wait in line. Meanwhile, there were shops that offered a personalized experience, each cup of coffee was carefully crafted like a work of art.

A cup of coffee on the sidewalk costs 10,000 VND, while a cup at a high-end cafe can cost up to 200,000 VND. But does a higher price really mean more luxury?

Luxury can be a feeling, not a form.

Is luxury sitting in a lavish space, being served attentively? Or is luxury when we can make ourselves a delicious cup of coffee, sit by the familiar window, and fully enjoy a peaceful morning?

Some people feel classy when entering a beautiful cafe, with polite staff and soft, melodious music.

Some people find it luxurious to make their own coffee and slowly enjoy each sip without rushing.

And there are also people who think luxury has nothing to do with appearance, just having time to sit with friends, sip coffee and chat about simple things.

Looking more broadly, the concept of "luxury" in drinking coffee also reflects lifestyle and personal views.

Some people value convenience and premium service experiences, while others appreciate minimalism and the beauty of rustic things.

Classic-style coffee shops with quiet spaces where customers can read books, work or simply enjoy some private time are just as attractive as luxurious ones.

The Japanese have a culture of "kissaten", a classic coffee shop style that emphasizes tranquility and the quality of each cup of coffee.

Vietnamese people have sidewalk cafes, where everyday stories become the "soul" of the space.

Americans value convenience and speed, with take-out coffee an essential part of the morning.

In the end, in my opinion, luxury is not in the style of the shop, not in the price, but in the feeling we get when drinking a cup of coffee.

It is the relaxation, the joy of fully enjoying a moment in a busy life. Because memorable experiences in quiet moments, meaningful conversations, those are the things that truly create value.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/quan-ca-phe-tu-phuc-vu-doi-nuoc-roi-bung-di-khong-sang-ti-nao-20250324075150527.htm