In the heart of Chicago’s vibrant West Loop, VietFive has quickly earned its place as a beloved destination in the city’s dynamic coffee landscape. Since its inception in 2022, the café has been delighting patrons with a selection of authentic Vietnamese beverages crafted from beans sourced directly from the owner, Tuan Huynh’s family farm.
VietFive transcends the traditional coffee shop experience by serving as a welcoming community hub, dedicated to inclusivity and accessibility. Owner Tuan aims to ensure that everyone, including justice-impacted individuals, can feel at home in this unique space.
Coffee and culture from Vietnam to Chicago
The journey of VietFive began in 2019 when Tuan Huynh traveled from Chicago back to Vietnam. During his visit, he explored the coffee farm that has been in his family for generations.
“I was reintroduced to my homeland in a sense,” Tuan reflects. “My family introduced me to the coffee we’d been growing for decades, and it changed my whole life.”
After returning to Chicago, Tuan opened VietFive, featuring classic and innovative Vietnamese coffee drinks such as the traditional phin brew (iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk), a fragrant pandan latte, and ca phe trung (Vietnamese egg coffee).
VietFive menu highlights
Here are just a few of VietFive’s bestsellers and Tuan’s top recommendations:
- Robusta Phin Brew (iced Robusta coffee with sweetened condensed milk)
- Pandan latte (a classic flavor of Vietnam, made with coconut milk)
- Ca phe trung (Vietnamese egg coffee with condensed milk and egg yolk foam)
- Cascara tea (made with the dried husks of coffee cherries)
All beverages are crafted from beans harvested from Tuan’s family farm and roasted locally in Chicago. Whole beans and ground coffee are available for purchase. VietFive uses Robusta coffee, a prevalent variety in Vietnam’s central highlands.
“It’s high in antioxidants, low in acidity, and has a more bold and smooth flavor profile,” Tuan explains. “It makes for a very versatile cup of coffee.”
A focus on accessibility and inclusion
From the outset, accessibility is a core principle woven into the fabric of VietFive’s physical space.
“We want to eliminate any barriers that might prevent anyone from stepping into our space, especially individuals with visible or invisible disabilities,” Tuan emphasizes.
Anna Huynh, Tuan’s wife and co-owner of VietFive, is an educator specializing in accessible and inclusive learning. Her expertise has influenced VietFive’s dedication to inclusivity and community presence.
The café offers various resources and accommodations for a comfortable experience for all patrons, including:
- Noise-canceling headphones for customers seeking a quieter environment.
- Visual communication cues aiding navigation within the café.
- Adaptive menus in Braille, large print, and audio for those who are Blind or low-vision.
- Visual touch-point menus for non-verbal or non-reading guests.
VietFive is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. The staff comprises individuals with disabilities and those who have been justice-impacted. This mission resonates deeply with Tuan, who is also a justice-impacted individual.
“We are building a community and creating a space that serves our city while providing upward mobility for individuals,” he shares.
A part of the Chicago story
VietFive is an integral part of a flourishing community of Asian-inspired bakeries and coffee shops across Chicago, joining established favorites like Chiu Quon in Chinatown and exciting new spots like Del Sur, which infuses Filipino and Midwestern flavors.
“The Asian community, not only in Chicago but across the country, has become recognized as creators, innovators, and a cornerstone of the American lifestyle,” Tuan notes. “The diverse cultures within the Asian diaspora contribute a rich narrative driven by small businesses, artists, and creators.”
Ultimately, Tuan envisions VietFive as a beacon of accessibility and inclusion, capable of educating, inspiring, and significantly impacting the city’s small business culture.
“I like to say that VietFive is a Chicago story,” says Tuan. “We are rooted in Vietnam, yet we are committed to our community here. Chicago has embraced us, and we believe it’s the greatest city in the world.”
Explore more: Check out our round-up of more Asian and Pacific Islander-owned restaurants in Chicago.
Key Takeaways
- VietFive specializes in authentic Vietnamese coffee drinks, made from beans sourced from the owner’s family farm.
- The café focuses on inclusivity and accessibility, offering various resources for guests with disabilities.
- Menu highlights include Robusta phin brew, pandan lattes, and Vietnamese egg coffee.
- VietFive is part of a larger community of Asian-inspired food establishments in Chicago.
- The mission of VietFive emphasizes social impact by supporting justice-impacted individuals and promoting diversity within its team.
FAQ
What types of coffee drinks are offered at VietFive?
VietFive serves traditional Vietnamese coffee drinks including phin brew, pandan lattes, and ca phe trung, among others.
How does VietFive promote accessibility?
The café offers noise-canceling headphones, adaptive menus, and visual communication aids to enhance the experience for all guests.
Can customers purchase whole beans from VietFive?
Yes, customers can buy both whole beans and ground coffee sourced from the owner’s family farm.
