A new sibling-owned Vietnamese coffee shop, Gara, has officially opened its doors in Berkeley, California, establishing a permanent presence that celebrates the founders’ rich heritage through meticulously crafted beverages, authentic culinary offerings, and a unique retail experience featuring coffee directly from their family’s farm in Vietnam. The approximately 2,600-square-foot establishment, styled as GA•RA by the company, is more than just a coffee destination; it is a testament to a multi-generational entrepreneurial spirit, a dedication to quality, and a vibrant cultural hub designed to foster community and creativity.
A Fusion of Heritage and Modernity in Design and Ambiance
The interior of Gara is a carefully curated blend of elements designed to evoke both a sense of place and purpose. A commanding mural adorning one wall serves as a visual narrative, artfully depicting scenes of Vietnamese life, culture, and the intimate tapestry of family history that underpins the business. This artistic centerpiece immediately immerses visitors in the founders’ background, setting a distinctive tone from the moment they enter.
Complementing the visual storytelling, the beverage program offers a compelling fusion of traditional Vietnamese coffee culture and contemporary cafe trends. Customers can savor the classic Vietnamese iced coffee, known for its bold flavor and characteristic sweetness from condensed milk. Beyond this staple, Gara presents a sophisticated array of espresso-based drinks, many enhanced with intriguing toppings like house-made salted cream, and infused with the fragrant essence of pandan or the vibrant hue and distinct flavor of ube.
The menu extends to innovative cold brew creations, such as a kumquat hibiscus cold brew, offering a refreshing twist on a popular beverage. A selection of floral and herbal Mekong teas further broadens the palate, providing non-coffee drinkers with equally thoughtful and culturally resonant options. The preparation methods highlight a commitment to authenticity and quality, with traditional phin brewers used for classic Vietnamese coffee alongside a state-of-the-art La Marzocco KB90 espresso machine, paired with two Mazzer Kony grinders, ensuring precision and consistency for all espresso-based offerings.
Adding to the cafe’s aesthetic appeal, a wall behind the bar is meticulously tiled with jasmine-green ceramic, introducing a softening, organic element that contrasts with other, more industrial design features. The overall ambiance is intentionally crafted to be both conducive to productivity and warmly inviting, aiming for a dual identity as a functional workspace and a comfortable gathering spot. This concept, inspired by the very essence of a residential garage—a space often repurposed for work, hobbies, and social interaction—is central to Gara’s brand identity.
"The design of Gara is meant to reflect the spirit of a garage as a modular, creative/work/lounging space," shared Gara Co-founder Thomas Nguyen. "We wanted the cafe to feel like a place where people can gather, work on projects, and spend time together." This philosophy is echoed in the use of mixed materials, blending industrial elements with warmer, more tactile finishes that subtly nod to the origins of their inspiration.
A Legacy Rooted in Family Entrepreneurship
The inception of Gara is deeply intertwined with a significant family trip to Vietnam in 2023, which ignited the siblings’ desire to share their heritage more broadly. Prior to establishing the brick-and-mortar cafe, Gara first materialized as a garage-based pop-up and a dedicated roasting project. This organic growth mirrors the entrepreneurial journey that has defined the Nguyen family for generations. The name "Gara" itself is derived from Vietnamese slang for "garage," a deliberate choice that pays homage to their family’s long-standing tradition of building businesses from humble, garage-based beginnings.
This lineage of enterprise stretches back to the Nguyen grandparents, who, after immigrating to the United States, established a local business selling chả lụa (Vietnamese pork sausages) directly from their garage. This entrepreneurial spirit was later inherited by their parents, who launched Comtek Computer Systems, a successful garage-based venture that supplied computer hardware to various companies.
"That history is a big part of the inspiration behind Gara," Thomas Nguyen elaborated. "Gara continues that theme of building things from small, practical beginnings and turning garages into places where work, creativity, and community come together." This narrative of resilience, ingenuity, and familial collaboration forms the bedrock of Gara’s identity and mission.
From Farm to Cup: A Commitment to Quality Coffee
The coffee served at Gara is not merely an ingredient; it is a direct connection to the family’s agricultural roots. Daniel Nguyen, one of the siblings, oversees the meticulous roasting process. Utilizing a Stronghold SX9 roaster housed in a dedicated facility in Sacramento, California, he ensures the quality and consistency of the beans supplied to both the cafe and wholesale clients.
A significant portion of Gara’s robusta coffee is sourced from a farm managed by the founders’ uncle in the Dak Mil region of Vietnam. This direct relationship with the source not only guarantees a unique flavor profile but also strengthens the family’s connection to their homeland and its agricultural traditions. Additional Vietnamese coffees are procured through established family connections, further solidifying the supply chain’s integrity and cultural authenticity. This farm-to-cup ethos is a cornerstone of Gara’s operation, emphasizing transparency and a deep appreciation for the journey of coffee from bean to beverage.
Culinary Delights: Authentic Vietnamese Flavors
Beyond its exceptional coffee program, Gara offers a menu of fresh, homemade foods that are inspired by the authentic flavors of Vietnamese home and street cooking. Signature dishes include a breakfast bánh mì, a Vietnamese sandwich, featuring lạp xưởng (Vietnamese pork floss) and grilled pork, a popular choice that highlights the nuanced tastes of Vietnamese cuisine. Another notable offering is grilled pork served with broken rice, a classic Vietnamese comfort food that evokes the warmth and familiarity of traditional meals.
The culinary philosophy at Gara is deeply personal, as articulated by Gara Chef Mai Pham. "In Saigon, some of the most memorable food isn’t found in restaurants, but in alleyways where families cook their most treasured recipes right in front of their homes," Pham explained to Daily Coffee News. "It’s not just the food itself, but the stories behind it, the pride in providing for family, and the traditions passed down over generations." This perspective underscores the intention behind Gara’s food offerings: to serve not just delicious meals, but also to share the rich cultural narratives and familial pride associated with them.
A Grand Opening and a Vision for the Future
Following the debut of its storefront on Telegraph Avenue in February, Gara officially celebrated its grand opening on March 17th. The culmination of years of planning, pop-up events, and a dedicated roasting operation, the permanent cafe represents a significant milestone for the Nguyen siblings.
Looking ahead, Thomas Nguyen outlined a clear vision for Gara’s growth and impact. The long-term strategy centers on expanding the coffee roasting business through both retail sales and wholesale partnerships. Simultaneously, the commitment to nurturing the cafe as a vibrant community space remains paramount. This dual focus aims to solidify Gara’s position as a leading destination for Vietnamese coffee and culture, while also fostering a welcoming environment for locals and visitors alike.
The establishment of Gara in Berkeley marks a significant moment for the Bay Area’s burgeoning coffee scene, introducing a unique narrative of heritage, family, and entrepreneurial spirit. As the cafe continues to evolve, it promises to be a place where quality coffee, authentic cuisine, and a strong sense of community converge, all inspired by the enduring legacy of a family’s journey.
Gara is located at 2424 Telegraph Ave. in Berkeley, California.