By Devon Douglas
The Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
For the few students left at Towson University, Den Da Coffee Café is a place to take a break from both schoolwork and a pandemic.
Den Da Coffee is a Vietnamese Café located three blocks north from Towson University in uptown Towson. The café was opened at 1 West Pennsylvania Ave. in May 2018 by owner Luu, a Vietnamese immigrant that’s been in the U.S. for nine years.
“Luu’s hope was for customers to learn about Vietnamese culture through the cuisine and drinks,” said café employee Nicole Garvey. “Now with all that’s happened in the world, Luu just wants customers to relax while they’re here.”
The outside of the café is appealing. Lighting fixtures glow through the windows and flyers of food items on their menu were plastered on the wall. The café sign is notably different from other businesses on the street. The font was foreign and drew attention to itself which ultimately gives it more appeal.
The café serves Vietnamese-style coffee which is a dark brew poured over ice and served with sweetened condensed milk. Other beverage options are as cheap as $4.95 and include trendy bubble tea. Several small dishes like banh toast are also available, along with desserts like bingsoo, a shaved ice dish served with sweet toppings like chopped fruit and red beans.
The Rose Tea Latte, recommended by Towson University Junior Tyreik Joseph, is exceptional. The pink bubblegum color itself is intriguing. It is smooth but creamy and features a sweet but subtle vanilla strawberry taste. Every cold sip is a calming balm for the mind, allowing one to release anxiety and live in the moment.
“This café is honestly underrated,” Tyreik said. “They have the best lattes and bubble tea in town and it’s a relaxing place to do work.”
The banh teriyaki chicken toast with an omelet styled egg is thin and crispy, topped off with layered sweet and soy marinated teriyaki glazed pork. The burst of flavor is complemented with crispy lettuce and rich, buttery bread. Its price is convenient at $5.95 and its prepared in less than 15 minutes.
Inside, the warm smell of Asian cuisine lingers. Vietnamese pop music plays from the ceiling speakers and behind the coffee bar televisions feature music videos. Lighting is modern and classy and seating featured classic chestnut colored wood with black leather cushions. It is a pleasant dining experience.
“Luu wanted an “ancient” look for the café,” Garvey said.
“The café seems like a nice little place,” said Omar Tall, a barber at Smooth Cuts, also located along Pennsylvania Avenue. “They moved to that location not too long ago, but I always see people come in here to get a cut with the café’s drinks in their hands.”
Menu items are mostly within the range of $4.95 to $5.95. For students at Towson University, it is a 15-minute walk from campus. The café is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday. It is closed on Mondays. To contact Den Da Coffee call (410) 616-9082.