Vietnam’s Cong Ca Phe eyes South Korea expansion

Vietnamese traditional-coffee chain Cong Ca Phe is opening its first overseas outlet by the end of this month.

The Hanoi-based chain has appointed a master franchise in South Korea and according to the Cong Ca Phe South Korea Instagram account, the first outlet will open in Yeonnam-dong, a popular destination for local youth.

According to a report, all staff are being trained in Vietnam, and the main barista is Vietnamese.

An all-original menu will be served in the Seoul outlet, including Cong’s signature coconut coffee and local Vietnamese snacks such as peanut brittle and sunflower seeds.

Founded in 2007, Cong Ca Phe’s interior design is inspired by the 80s in Vietnam, the so-called “subsidy period” with colourful murals depicting old communist-era lifestyle. They usually have wooden floors, mid-tone brown tables, and antique wooden chairs, padded with chinese cotton-print cushions.

 

The chain now has more than 50 outlets across Vietnam, both company owned and franchised.