New shop brings Vietnamese-American coffee culture to San Diego

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Em Coffee House, a locally-owned coffee shop specializing in Vietnamese-American coffee drinks, officially opened its doors in San Diego on Saturday. As a way to celebrate, the business offered its first 200 customers a special gift tote bag.

Located at 8945 Mira Mesa Blvd. in the Mesa Shopping Center, Em Coffee House aims to bring a unique twist to the classic café experience, blending modern and rustic aesthetics in a spacious 1,800-square-foot space. The shop is dedicated to celebrating the rich cultural traditions of Vietnamese coffee, offering a wide variety of signature drinks, including espresso-based lattes, affogatos and cold brew tea. The café also features traditional Vietnamese drinks made using the time-honored phin drip method.

Founder Nick Truong, who was born in Vietnam and moved to the United States at the age of 5, has long been passionate about Vietnamese coffee culture. After a trip to Vietnam two years ago, Truong, along with his wife, Li, decided to bring that authentic experience to San Diego, where they felt a need for a space that embraced both coffee and the vibrant social culture associated with it.

“Coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a culture, a vibe and a lifestyle,” the shop owners stated in a press release. “Each beverage at Em Coffee House is a blend of tradition and innovation that tells a unique story and inspires customers to savor the premium quality and be in the moment.”

Truong is no stranger to the San Diego food and beverage scene, as he also owns multiple locations of Ding Tea, a popular bubble tea franchise in the area, including spots in Fashion Valley, San Diego State University and Escondido.

Em Coffee House’s hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The café owners are already in the process of planning a second location in Kearny Mesa for next year, with further expansion plans on the horizon.