The cafe on Le Duc Tho Street, An Hoi Dong Ward, in Ho Chi Minh City, stands out for its unique design, extensively using recycled corrugated iron sheets and metal scraps for decoration. Owner Mai Dinh Vinh, 53, stated that the establishment has been operating for 5 years, attracting many customers thanks to its distinctive aesthetic.

Vinh's passion for repurposing discarded objects and collecting old items led him to open the cafe. "I enjoy tinkering with and recycling discarded items, and I often collect old things, so I opened this cafe to fulfill my passion", he said. This philosophy underpins the cafe's entire concept, aiming to give new life to seemingly valueless materials.

The cafe's distinctive style, characterized by its extensive use of recycled iron and steel, took 7 months to construct. The total investment was approximately three billion dong, with over one billion dong allocated solely for materials. "Whenever I travel and see interesting items, I bring them back to craft into useful objects or design spaces according to my vision", Vinh explained, highlighting his hands-on approach to the decor.

Spanning approximately 400 m2 across two levels, the cafe's ceiling features old corrugated iron sheets creatively fashioned into round tubes. Vinh explained these tubes function as skylights, drawing in air to maintain a cool atmosphere. "At night, looking up through these round openings feels like observing the sky through giant binoculars", he added, describing the immersive experience.

Many iron sheets are also utilized for partition walls and ceiling decorations. These metal bars were sourced from Phu Bai Airport in Hue, adding a layer of history and unique origin to the materials.

The bar counter's highlight is a canopy entirely covered with springs extracted from mattresses. The lighting system has been repurposed from bus and train lights, showcasing the owner's creativity in transforming everyday objects. "Compared to other materials, metal is easier to shape, allowing me to create a wide variety of objects", the owner stated, emphasizing the versatility of his chosen medium.

Metal flowers of various shapes adorn the tables and surrounding areas of the cafe, further enhancing the recycled metal theme.

Hundreds of antique items are also arranged throughout the space, each telling its own story. "My message is about giving new life to seemingly discarded objects", the owner reiterated, encapsulating the core ethos of his establishment.

The cafe has garnered attention, with visitors like Vu Thuy Linh (right) and her friends discovering it through social media clips. "The space is quite spacious; although there's no air-conditioned room, it remains cool and airy", the 19-year-old student remarked, appreciating the natural ventilation.

The cafe offers about 50 types of beverages, priced from 25,000 to 55,000 dong, and is open daily from 6 AM to 11 PM. Its roadside location makes it easy to find, with parking available upfront.

Quynh Tran