An Nhàn - Exquisite Cultural Gallery & Coffee — Attraction in Hội An

A Slow Morning in Hoi An: My Peaceful Coffee Class at An Nhàn

If you’ve ever wandered through the sleepy streets of Hoi An in the early morning, you’ll know what “peaceful” truly feels like. The smell of roasted beans drifts through the air, mingling with the soft scent of rice fields and fresh rain. And that’s exactly how my day began — at An Nhàn Coffee Class, a cozy little corner where time seems to slow down.

Nestled just a few minutes away from the Ancient Town, An Nhàn isn’t your typical touristy coffee class. The name itself — “An Nhàn” — means peaceful, slow, and content, and that’s the spirit of the place. The class is set in a small local garden surrounded by lush green trees, vintage décor, and the sound of birds somewhere in the distance.

Before we even touched the coffee beans, our instructor — a soft-spoken local barista — welcomed us with a warm smile and a short story about Vietnamese coffee culture. “In Vietnam,” she said, “coffee isn’t just a drink. It’s a rhythm of life — slow, strong, and shared.”

Learning to Brew Like a Local

We started with the traditional Vietnamese phin filter, that small stainless-steel brewer that every local café uses. There’s something so meditative about waiting for each drop to fall. It’s like a quiet conversation between water, coffee, and patience.

Then came the hands-on part — roasting beans manually, grinding them, and even trying a pour-over method with locally grown Arabica from Da Lat. Each sip was different, but what amazed me most was how personal Vietnamese coffee can be. Some like it sweet and milky (cà phê sữa đá), some strong and black (cà phê đen đá), others even with egg foam (cà phê trứng).

We ended the class sitting together at a wooden table, overlooking the small lotus pond. Everyone had that calm, slightly caffeinated smile — the kind you only get after doing something slow and meaningful.

The instructor poured one last round of cold brew and said softly, “This is the taste of An Nhàn — simple, slow, but...

An addition to my cherished list of favourite places in Hoi An is the captivating Exquisite Cultural Gallery & Coffee. While its location might be slightly off the beaten path, venturing out to this hidden gem is a journey in itself, promising a unique experience and a heartwarming encounter with Vietnamese culture.

Step into the main house, a captivating tribute to the Tay people's architectural heritage. Built entirely on stilts, it exudes a timeless charm that transports you to another era. Every corner breathes passion and dedication, a testament to the owner and his wife's tireless efforts to preserve and promote the vibrant cultures of Vietnam's ethnic minorities.

This dedication spills over into every aspect of the experience, from the meticulously displayed handcrafted artefacts to the meticulously crafted beverages. Each sip of the Lychee Tea I savoured was a revelation. Unlike the cloying artificiality of canned fruit, here, the delicate sweetness of fresh, carefully preserved lychees danced on my palate, a tribute to the owner's commitment to quality and authenticity.

Even as I lost myself in the captivating world of the gallery, the kumquat juice I ordered kept beckoning me back. Each tart, refreshing sip was a burst of sunshine, a perfect counterpoint to the gallery's warm ambience.

Exquisite Cultural Gallery & Coffee is more than just a cafe, it is a cultural haven, a testament to the power of passion, and a delightful escape from the ordinary. So, if you are looking for an experience that goes beyond the tourist trail, I urge you to make the journey – the rewards are well...

If you would like to know more about Vietnamese traditional tribal culture your should definitely visit this place. There is a small gallery that is filled with all the traditional handmade items by all the different ethnic tribal groups from clothings and accessories to pottery to hunting items to gongs to wooden cravings. Even the structure of the place was being preserved to show how people in the mountains stay! Kiet is very knowledgeable, humble and patient and will take his time to slowly explain to you each items that are showcased in his gallery. We really enjoyed our experience there! There are also items in his gallery that is up for sale and I bought a handmade pottery bowl which is so pretty! We also had lunch there but do note that you have to pre-order your lunch at least 1 day in advance or on the day itself in the morning as they only serve drinks and snacks there! We ordered vegan meal for two and it was scrumptious!!! There were so much food on the table and it was delicious! Kiet mentioned that the food prepared are the food the locals themselves will eat! Even though this place is a bit out of the way from Hoi An old town but it definitely worth the visit! You get peace, quiet and tranquility but yet a feel of Vietnamese traditional culture from this place! Thank you Kiet for...