Report Da Lat Cafe's High Coffee Prices Stir Online Debate

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Photo courtesy of VN Express

 

A cup of coffee priced at VND110,000 (US$4.20) at Da Lat's Me Linh Coffee Garden has set social media abuzz, with mixed opinions on whether the cost is justified.

 

Tran Trong An, visiting from Hanoi, recently shared his experience online after a trip to the popular Me Linh Coffee Garden. Following a taxi driver’s suggestion, An and his friends ordered a selection of drinks, including coffee, milk tea, and fruit tea, running up a bill of VND870,000.

 

The café's prices are clearly displayed, but An felt they were high compared to other locations. He remarked that high-end milk tea in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City typically costs around VND60,000–70,000, significantly less than the VND120,000 charged at the café. Similarly, he noted that an Americano from a well-known international chain usually costs about VND60,000, contrasted with Me Linh’s price of VND110,000.

 

An shared his experience on social media, triggering over 3,000 comments. The majority sided with him, labelling the prices as "expensive," particularly for the milk tea. Some commenters confessed they left upon seeing the menu prices, which they felt were not in line with Da Lat's typical rates.

 

"Truly shocked when I saw the prices," wrote one user, Phan Huong.

 

Nonetheless, Me Linh Coffee Garden has its defenders. Loyal patrons argue that the costs factor in more than just the beverages. The café, they say, provides access to the coffee-making area and scenic photo opportunities in the landscaped surroundings. Live music performances add further value, according to these supporters.

 

In response, a spokesperson for the café addressed the criticism, noting that this was the first complaint of its nature. They explained that the high prices correlate with the use of premium arabica civet coffee beans, costing about VND4.8 million per kilogram. Furthermore, their milk and fruit teas are crafted from fresh, premium ingredients.

 

The representative emphasised that the prices also include access to the civet coffee production area and live entertainment. The café, they stated, has enjoyed strong support over its 15-year history, with clear communication of pricing and services included.

 

An, however, claimed that no explanation was given about what the pricing covered and deemed the experience "not worth visiting," adding that the café's facilities, particularly the restroom, left much to be desired.

 

A coffee expert from Hanoi weighed in, suggesting that while civet coffee is regarded as a specialty due to its unique production method, its flavour doesn't significantly differ from other types. The expert added that if pricing is transparent, high prices for civet coffee can be reasonable.

 

This debate brings to light broader questions about perceived value and transparency in tourism hotspots. The café's defenders and detractors continue to express their views, reflecting a mix of consumer expectations and tourism-based pricing models that often clash.

 

As the conversation unfolds online, it highlights the balance businesses must strike between offering a unique experience and maintaining prices that align with customers' expectations. Whether this debate will influence Me Linh Coffee Garden’s policies remains to be seen, yet it’s likely that transparency and communication will play a crucial role going forward.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-08-05