Review of new Vietnamese Ella's cafe in Colchester

I have never been lucky enough to try Vietnamese coffee before, but it was brought to my attention after watching the Netflix documentary Ice Cold: Murder, Coffee and Jessica Wongso, which is about a murder involving the drink.

Since watching the crime documentary, strangely, I have been desperate to try it out and establish exactly what makes the beverage so popular.

Decorated- outside windows of the new café (Image: NQ)

So an authentic Vietnamese coffee shop launching on my doorstop gave me the perfect chance to see what all the fuss is about. 

It’s hard to miss the new shop, as the windows have been decorated by window artist New View by Sophie Mann.

It is covered in bright colours depicting a stunning floral Vietnamese style scene.

Owner- Ella outside her existing business Ella's Nail House (Image: NQ)

I stepped inside the shop during owner Ella Slaughter’s soft opening week and she hadn’t quite decided on prices yet.

Inside there are neat white marble tables, nicely spaced out, and a smaller seating area at the back of the café, also painted by Sophie Mann.

Fresh flowers were sat in small vases on each table and gentle music was playing.

Cosy- inside the new café (Image: NQ)

Ella explained to me what made Vietnamese coffee different, saying it is stronger and sweeter than classic coffee.

I ordered an iced Vietnamese coffee and scanned the impressive cakes on offer.

There was white chocolate and raspberry, carrot cake and Biscoff cake. I went for a slice of each, of course, for the purpose of this review…

Delicious- three fresh cakes inside the café (Image: NQ)

I waited for a short while for the coffee to be made fresh and chatted to the friendly owner about her exciting new business.

She was oozing enthusiasm, and I could tell how passionate she was about her new café.

The iced coffee contained three shots of coffee and condensed milk. It was very strong but, in my opinion, tasted delicious.

Coffee- iced Vietnamese coffee with milk and without (Image: NQ)

Murals- art inside the new coffee shop (Image: NQ)

I am a big fan of strong coffee, often opting for an espresso shot for a quick fix, so this was right up my street.

The cake was unreal, made by a Colchester-based baker, it was fresh and tasty.

Open- entrance to Ella's café (Image: NQ)

If one thing is for certain, I will be back for more coffee, cake and a Vietnamese baguette, too.

As I left the café, after promising Ella I would be back, another curious customer came in and a couple of people were showing interest outside.

The business officially opened today.