IKIGAI garden cafe: lose yourself in a Japanese garden in the heart of Hai Chau 🌿☕

Da Nang these past few days has been scorching, I just wanted to find a place with greenery, with a breeze, to sit peacefully for hours without anyone bothering me. So I dropped by IKIGAI garden cafe at 60 Nguyen Chi Thanh. And it was truly a brilliant decision!

🚪 First impressions

The moment you step through the gate, you feel it's different: the street traffic noise seems left behind. Ahead is a garden full of greenery, wooden frames, roof tiles in the style of an old Japanese house. It feels like being in some small alley in Kyoto rather than right in the center of Hai Chau 😆

🌿 Where should you sit to chill?

We have 2 types of seating, depending on your mood:

- In the garden: sunlight filters through the leaves, cool breeze. Perfect for early morning, sipping coffee, reading a book.

- Inside: cozy, large glass windows overlooking the garden, natural light pouring in abundantly. Friends who bring their laptops to work should just pick this spot.

The space is spacious, so even when it's quite crowded, it never feels stuffy. Every corner makes for a beautiful photo, especially the wooden frame + greenery corners — they come out looking just like Japanese film photography 📸

☕ What would you like to drink?

Menu isn't too long but offers something for every taste:

- Salted coffee: the "national" drink, rich and creamy with a salty kick, once you drink it you're hooked.

Oolong Milk Tea: fragrant tea, not bitter.

- Mango smoothie: ice-cold, just right for cooling off in the Da Nang summer heat.

We also have fruit tea, cheese cream tea, and fresh juice.

👉 Little tip: if you don't like sweets, just ask for "less sugar". The restaurant will truly make it less sweet, not just pretend to!

💸 Pricing

From 22k to 55k per dish. With such a beautiful, spacious location right in the city center, I find it very reasonable, and you can spend the whole day here without any regrets.

👍 Pros:

Green, peaceful space with a strong Japanese character

Drinks are good, prices are affordable

Friendly staff

- Strong Wi-Fi, bank transfer payment available

- Open from early morning until late at night

👎 Minor drawback

Parking at the lot next door is paid. Weekends and evenings are quite crowded. If you want a nice, quiet spot, you should go early.

📍 Store Information

Address: 60 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Hai Chau Ward, Da Nang

Opening hours: 07:30 – 22:30

Price: 22,000 – 55,000 VND/dish

⭐ Rating: 8.5/10. I'll come back some morning, bringing a book along, with no need to rush at all.

Have you visited IKIGAI yet? Comment your go-to dish so I can try it next time! 👇