Summary of reviews of The Espresso Station, a highly rated cafe in Hoi An, Vietnam

taelim Kim

Updated on:

Vietnamese coffee and
various cafe menus

Approximately
$3 ~ $10  per person

 07:30 AM – 05:30 PM

Since it is outdoors,
there is no air conditioning.

1. The Espresso Station Introduction and Rating

Nestled down a charming alley in Hoi An, Vietnam, The Espresso Station beckons coffee enthusiasts to a hidden oasis where innovative brews, a serene ambiance, and a touch of Vietnamese coffee culture converge in a unique and welcoming setting.

2. Recommended menu

1. Flat White
   – Experience the perfect balance of bold espresso and velvety microfoam with our Flat White. This classic favorite offers a smooth and well-balanced flavor profile, allowing the richness of the coffee to shine through, complemented by the creamy texture of steamed milk.

2. Black Latte with Activated Charcoal
   – Embark on a sensory adventure with the Black Latte, a signature creation boasting the bold allure of activated charcoal. Its distinct dark hue complements the robust and flavorful coffee base, providing a truly unique and avant-garde coffee experience.

3. Vietnam Arabica Espresso Blend
   – Journey into the heart of Vietnamese coffee culture with the Vietnam Arabica Espresso Blend. This carefully crafted concoction features dark chocolate notes, delivering a rich and aromatic espresso that captures the essence of the region’s coffee craftsmanship.

4. Fine Robusta Pourover
   – For the adventurous palate, the Fine Robusta Pourover promises an intriguing cuppa. This specialty brew showcases the bold character of Robusta beans, offering a nuanced and complex flavor profile—a must-try for coffee connoisseurs.

5. Egg Coffee
   – Indulge in the creamy and dessert-like experience of Egg Coffee—a testament to Vietnamese coffee artistry. This harmonious blend of coffee and velvety egg creates a luscious texture and a sweet, satisfying taste.

6. Beetroot Coffee
   – Take a bold step with the Beetroot Coffee, a unique and flavorful concoction that adds a vibrant twist to your coffee journey. This innovative creation combines the earthy essence of beetroot with the richness of coffee, resulting in a surprisingly tasty and refreshing beverage.

7. Affogato and Croissant
   – Savor the delightful combination of an Affogato and Croissant—a classic Italian treat with a scoop of decadent ice cream pouring over, paired with a buttery, flaky croissant for an indulgent symphony of flavors.

8. Pistachio Choux and Cappuccino
   – Indulge your sweet tooth with the Pistachio Choux, a delicate pastry with a pistachio-infused filling. Pair it with a Cappuccino, where rich espresso meets velvety latte foam, creating a comforting and well-balanced coffee experience.

3.  Pros

1. Unique Coffee Experience 
   – Immerse yourself in a coffee adventure with our diverse and unique offerings. From the avant-garde Black Latte with activated charcoal to the nuanced Fine Robusta Pourover, each cup is a testament to our commitment to delivering an exceptional and distinctive coffee experience.

2. Charming Ambiance
   – Revein the delightful ambiance of The Espresso Station. Our cafe boasts a beautiful design, a serene courtyard adorned with lush plants, and a location that provides an escape from the urban clamor. The hidden charm down the quiet alley sets the stage for a relaxing and authentic coffee haven.

3. Vietnamese Coffee Culture
  – Experience the essence of Vietnamese coffee culture through our carefully crafted Vietnam Arabica Espresso Blend, featuring dark chocolate notes that pay homage to the rich coffee heritage of the region.

4. Friendly Staff
  – Our welcoming and knowledgeable staff are here to enhance your experience. With a passion for coffee, they ensure that every visit is not just a transaction but a memorable interaction, helping you navigate our diverse menu with ease.

5. Laid-Back Atmosphere
  – Escape the city hustle and embrace the laid-back atmosphere that defines The Espresso Station. Our quiet location provides an ideal retreat, inviting you to unwind and savor your coffee at your own pace.

6. Clean Restrooms
  – Elevating your overall experience, The Espresso Station prides itself on maintaining clean and well-maintained restrooms. We understand the importance of cleanliness and comfort for our patrons, ensuring that every aspect of your visit is enjoyable.

4.  Areas of Caution

1. No Air Conditioning
   – The cafe lacks air conditioning, potentially making it uncomfortable for patrons on hot days.

2. Limited Functionality for Extended Stays
  – Some visitors have noted that the cafe may not be the most functional for long stays, as there are no nearby outlets for charging devices.

3. Higher Prices
  – Several reviews highlight that the drinks at The Espresso Station are considered pricey, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious customers.

4. Sparse Food Options
  – While the coffee menu is diverse, the food options are somewhat limited, and some patrons have found the portions or variety less satisfying.

5. Location Challenges
  – While the hidden location adds to the charm, it may pose a challenge for those unfamiliar with the area, potentially leading to difficulty in finding the cafe.

6. Absence of Table Service
  – The cafe operates on a counter-order system with no table service, which might be a preference concern for those seeking a more traditional dining experience.

5. Real Reviews

 “Stumbled upon this gem while casually strolling the breezy streets of Hoi An and instantly loved the vibe. The restaurant has open seating, covered and and open and adorns a rustic charm with wooden furnishings and lanterns. The host is a cheerful gentleman who loves to chat, who would also reccomend you the best items from the menu as per your preference.
  We started with vietnemese coffee (cold brew) and White Rose Cake (dumplings) with shimp pork toppings, Chef’s Special Noodles, Eggplant in a Pot and Pineapple Flambe.
  My personal favourite was the eggplant in a pot — soft, savoury, adequatly seasoned with onions and sesame and chill. Each bite was a mouthfull of delicious flavours. It comes paried with sticky rice which also acts as a palette cleanser to savour the main dish with every new bite. Must try.
  The host even offered us complimentary watermelon to beat the heat.
  In short, good food, good vibe.”

 “Excellent food and atmosphere!  We got the Banh Xeo, Firefly pizza, and Hoi An Spring Rolls. They were all delicious. The owner, Cuong, was very polite and catered to our needs. His English is very good. If you’re in Hoi An and in the area, definitely check this place out! Free WiFi. The music was exactly what I’d listen to back home (Canada). It was a nice touch. 👌”

 “Local gem, absolutely delicious food and such great service. It was a slow night, so we got Cuong’s undivided attention. We had great conversations about local food, places to visit and his inspiration for the Vietnamese-Western fusion menu. We got the Firefly pizza, Hoi An spring rolls and crispy pancake (Ban-Xeo) and everything was devoured before I could take any pictures. Definitely recommend coming here especially if you are staying at the Shining Riverside Hotel.”

  “We had dinner and we loved the place, the food was delicious, the cocktail and the juice too.  The atmosphere is cozy and Kong very friendly.  100% recommended if you are in Hoi an”

 “Absolute must! We came here after checking into a villa nearby. Cuong the owner was 10/10 customer service, cocktails and food. We had the dragonfruit mohito (pardon the photo I drank half before snapping), pina colada and mango daiquiris for drinks and the traditional pancake, beef noodles and chicken skewers to share. It was the perfect amount and every dish was delicious. A former guide he was also kind enough to help us with planning our stay so we got the best experiences – no pressure at all just kindness – we were the ones that asked him for recommendations! 😆 can’t wait to come back and try the rest of the menu”

  “Near to our accomodation, so we decided we need to try! And it is worth it. We even came back. Food was tastefull, delicious, quickly prepared. Also the staff was nice. The prices normal. Best Bahn Xeo in vietnam! Also Hoi An fried rolls were really good. I also tried the local nudeln dish Cao Lau and was really, really god! Vegetarians also will be satisfied, my girlfriend approves! “

  “Fantastic food and Cuohj (Kong – owners son) was fantastic.  His mum cooks up a storm with fresh local ingredients.  My wife had the Mushroom tofu bahn mi which was delicious,  I had red snapper in clay pot SUPURBLY FRESH plus other vege stuff. The rose dumplings to start excellent.  Reviews are correct,  make the effort!”

 “Great food with great portion we loved everything we ate fish and chips and singapore nodels and Prawns fry was best 😍😍😍😍 do visit this beautiful cafe”

 “The chefs noodles are the best noodles we’ve had in Vietnam. The red snapper fish and chips were also very good. Cong, the owner, was our server and he is a very kind person”

“Had the nasi goreng, banana leaf fish,  sweet and sour pork and a couple of cocktails. All of the food was amazing and so delicious. Friendly service.  Great portion sizes and prices compared to other places.”

 “It’s delicious. I came during the day, and the spring rolls and banh xeo were delicious🥹🥹 It was refreshing to eat it with beer and dragon mojito, and they also give you ice. But it’s a little hot because it’s outdoors, so I recommend coming in the evening!”

↓↓↓

Leave a Comment