Rainy Saigon days are the best days for a day out with some coffee. If your regular hangouts are full of office workers and their shaggy-dog stories, try the peaceful atmosphere of the Era coffee shop.
The Era opened roughly five years ago in one of the most beautiful streets of the city. It’s not particularly eye-catching to passerby because it’s small, dark and lacks flashy decorations. The interior is covered with dark blue tones and the floor and tables are all wooden. There are some paintings of Old Saigon and an antique grandfather clock for guest’s nostalgia.
This is the only place in Ho Chi Minh City that I know of that hangs Christmas decorations. Every year, I come to the Era to submerge myself in the Christmas spirit. The little decorations-a wreath on the door, a few reindeer made of Christmas lights and other small touches bring the charm of Christmas to the Era.
The most special thing about the Era is the massive window that overlooks Tran Quoc Thao street and the Thailand Embassy. People often take tables by the window to enjoy the solitude while they listen to jazz. They watch the world flit about outside the window without the irritation of the noise of HCMC’s traffic. Sitting in the Era, you’re completely alone with your music.
The Era is one of the rare places in HCMC that plays good music. Music lovers can find almost every famous jazz or easy-listening song here, from the old classics to contemporary hits. The guests at the Era make their own CDs here, and you’re encouraged to bring music of your own.
It’s really fantastic that you can enjoy good music with your coffee. It’s a tranquil place to read books as well. The owners don’t use much light, but you can light candles provided by the owner. The soft light they give off is romantic enough for the Era to be known as a good place for couples as well.
Prices for drinks range from 35,000 VND to 80,000 VND.
Open hours: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Address: 58C Tran Quoc Thao, D.3
Text: Pham Chieu. Photos: Cyclo
