Welcome to Cafe Da Huong
At Cafe Da Huong, nestled in the heart of Oakland, a taste of authentic Vietnamese culture awaits. Specializing in robust Vietnamese coffee, this local gem transforms your everyday coffee experience with rich, creamy flavors that leave a lasting impression. Customers rave about the strong, sweet taste of their iced coffee, often declaring it the best in the Bay Area. The casual, authentic vibe echoes traditional coffee houses, making it a perfect spot to unwind or enjoy a quick pick-me-up. While it’s cash-only and has a no-frills ambiance, the exquisite coffee and friendly service make it a must-visit destination for caffeine enthusiasts.
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605 E 12th St, Oakland, CA 94606 Hotline: (510) 350-8287
Welcome to the vibrant world of Cafe Da Huong, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Oakland, California, at 605 E 12th St. This unassuming little cafe transports you straight into the authentic ambiance of a traditional Vietnamese coffee shop, complete with its unique interior layout and laid-back vibe that invites you to linger a while.
As you walk in, you might be greeted by the lively chatter of patrons indulging in both coffee and conversation, reminiscent of community gathering spots found throughout Vietnam. Despite its modest exterior, Cafe Da Huong has earned its reputation for serving up some of the best Vietnamese coffee in the Bay Area—a claim echoed by numerous delighted customers.
The highlight here is undoubtedly the Vietnamese iced coffee, priced around $3-$5 depending on size. Feedback from visitors like Quoc H. and Alfonso L. suggests that their coffee is rich, strong, and perfectly balanced in sweetness. Patrons rave about the quick service, often having their beverages in hand within mere minutes. This momentum doesn’t just stop at serving coffee; it encapsulates the essence of Vietnamese culture—a culture rich in flavor and community.
- Authenticity: Customers often mention the coffee feels genuine and flavorful, comparable to a local Vietnamese café.
- Flavor Profiles: The coffee’s robust taste remains even as the ice melts, ensuring a strong caffeine hit that’s sure to perk up your day.
- Atmosphere: The ambiance is both casual and nostalgic, ideal for a quick stop on your way to work or while exploring Oakland.
- Cultural Experience: From playing Keno to the sound of laughter and stories being shared, you certainly get a slice of life in an Asian community setting.
While the cafe operates on a cash-only basis—a point highlighted by several customers—it’s a small price to pay for an experience that blends delightful coffee with a peek into the daily lives of its patrons. Each sip of that creamy, sweet Vietnamese coffee could easily become your favorite way to kick off the day or a perfect afternoon pause.
Though the space may appear 'sketchy' to some, as described by Shirley H., the rich flavor and friendly service will win you over and leave you wanting more. Cafe Da Huong is not just about coffee; it’s an experience, a reflection of a culture, and a reminder of the simple joys found in the company of others.
So, why not grab a friend, bring some cash, and immerse yourself in the rich flavors and community spirit of Cafe Da Huong? Your taste buds and your soul will thank you.
BRING CASH I came on a weekend afternoon and it was not busy. It gave very authentic Vietnam coffee shop vibes with the same and interior layout. Service was quick as I just ordered their viet coffee. About 2min for the drink. 10/10 Viet Coffee $5 - SO GOOD! Authentic viet coffee that was rich, strong, sweet, and very creamy. Honestly, best I've had in the bay just for the viet coffee base.
The coffee was very strong, rich, and had just the right amount of sweetness. Probably one of the best Vietnamese iced coffees I've had! I can't speak to the food or location, as I just quickly ran inside and grabbed a cup to go. The gentlemen inside working, was very friendly and attentive. Super fast service as well. Would come back again!
My husband and I enjoying trying out different Viet coffee's and this place has hands down one of the best viet coffee in the area. They don't Make it too sweet with the condensed milk and the coffee is strong. The coffee flavor is still strong even after the ice melts a little. The only thing I would say about this place is that its CASH ONLY. Which not everyone carries cash now a days that's why I gave it a 4 star but overall such amazing coffee.
Damn! Cafe Da Huong... lotto, cigarettes, old folks watching sports, playing games and sharing stories. The Vietnamese coffee here is legit and so is the vibe.
This place looks super sketchy both inside and out, but the coffee is legit. Their vietnamese iced coffee is $4 a cup and really really strong. I'm the type of person who's pretty much immune to caffeine, but a cup of this would really get my mornings going. I couldn't finish the full cup and saved the second half, which was still pretty strong the next day. Cash only. Also tons of lottery tix and gambling inside if you're into that sorta thing.
I came in on a Tuesday afternoon afterwork for the coffee, it was delicious. I usually drink coffee so fast that I'm wondering why they pack it with so much ice, this place wasn't the exception. The coffee was stronger than most locations like lees across the street but it's also smaller. The location lacks sunlight so I didn't sit down and drink the coffee there. It's right on the corner of 12th street and 6th ish so there's not a view to die for so I took it to go. Overall I give this place a 4 because the coffee was that good.
Let me start with saying that I am a fan of this place. The homies and I stopped by on a wolfing down a couple banh mi sandwiches at Ba Le. I suppose we needed to a coffee pick me up afterwards but really, we were curious to see how old Asian guys kick it on International Blvd in the middle of the day and wanted to experience this firsthand. Sorta depressing in someways but I will spare you my sociological rant... We all ordered their $3 Vietnamese iced coffee which was strong. I felt like Mario picking up a super star. This is a great place to grab and go for a quick caffeine boost during the day without going to, say Starbucks or Peets. If you so choose and have the time, hang out, stay a while, and play a couple rounds of Keno or take your chances with some scratchers. All the cool kids are doing it.