Ho Chi Minh City cafe wows with 3-ton bookshelf

Updated: 22:41, 31/03/2024

In District 10, a new café boasts a giant bookshelf holding over 3 tons of books, along with vintage decor, attracting visitors with its tranquil ambiance.

Nham coffee shop, situated at 91/1 Hoa Hung Street in District 10, opened its doors in early March. Characterized by simplicity, the focal point of its decor is a large bookshelf as the centerpiece on one wall.

Nham coffee shop, situated at 91/1 Hoa Hung Street in District 10, opened its doors in early March.

The incorporation of books into the decor serves a deeper purpose - to ignite a passion for reading among patrons.

According to the manager, the entire shop was constructed within a mere two weeks, with the creation of the bookshelf alone occupying two full days. Standing at a height of 7 meters and covering an area of nearly 30 square meters, the shelf is subdivided into numerous compartments, integrated with the staircase leading to the upper floor.

The shelves reach up to the ceiling. Each compartment displays a variety of books collected from different sources.

The books cover a range of genres and are arranged in a random fashion on the shelves. Customers are kindly asked not to remove books themselves. Instead, they can request assistance from the staff if they wish to read a particular book.

The ground floor area near the stairs features a lounge area adorned with vintage decorative objects, drawing many visitors to capture photos. While guests are encouraged to take photos, the use of flash is prohibited.

20-year-old Phung Thi Quynh Nhu shared, "Our entire group discovered this coffee shop through social media, so we decided to visit after school."

Tran Thi An, a 22-year-old student, expressed her delight after traveling nearly 20 kilometers from Thu Duc City to visit the café. She appreciated the ample space filled with books and the nostalgic decor.

"Inside is spacious and quiet, and almost every corner offers opportunities for beautiful photos," she said.

The café can cater to over 200 guests and offers distinct areas for chatting, group work, studying, and outdoor seating.

In addition to its collection of books, the café incorporates various vintage household items and furniture such as tables, chairs, televisions, fans, and lights for decoration.

the entire shop was constructed within a mere two weeks, with the creation of the bookshelf alone occupying two full days.

Outside, there's a yard measuring about 40 square meters, adorned with trees and furnished with low tables and chairs.

The café offers a selection of over 30 drinks and cakes, ranging in prices of VND29,000-65,000 (US$1-2.60) each, available for self-service.

According to the manager, the café has experienced a surge in patronage for over a week, particularly during the morning and evening hours, with approximately 400 customers daily.Conveniently located in a large alley, the café is easily accessible. It has free parking space, available from 7 a.m. to midnight.