Local cafés got me good scores?

Written by Charlotte Zhang

Many people argue that the environment doesn’t determine your mental engagement and productivity, but research shows that “The work environment (Work conditions)encompasses both the physical and emotional elements of the workplace that influences employee engagement, productivity, and job satisfaction.” - Research Gate. I have unintentionally tested this statement, and it proved to me that I can actually work better in the café, which the reason remains unclear, but here are some of the cafés that maximized my productivity.

RuNam 

As a classic restaurant/coffee shop, there are many food options with ambient lighting and clean surroundings, the design of the coffee shop is quite vintage. The brand is widespread and well known around District 2. 

I suggest trying: 

• Cheesy popcorn chicken; With its layered taste and cheese seasoning, it has astonished many customers.

• Ice blended chocolate/Matcha; The smooth liquid hits the ice cubes, mixes and mingles then unfolds on top of your tongue.

Best for morning reading and light work on your computer.

Every Half

A modern coffee shop that blends Vietnamese coffee into western aesthetics, with premium coffee beans from highland farms and delicious chocolate chip cookies.

Recommended food: 

• Matcha latte; A sort of bitter taste softened by the milk and ice cubes, wakes you up but doesn’t disturb you.

• Chocolate chip cookies; the chocolate chips pressed against the soft dough, some even melted, their texture contrast is clear, and the taste is splendid.

Best for afternoon tea and doing your exercise books/arranging notes.

Chill corner

A special coffee shop that pleases people who like to try something new. They have a nice variety of mixed juices, with fruits that I don’t even recognize. They have mocktails, coffee, juice, tea and desserts. The design of the shop reminds me of a cave.

Recommended food:

• Banana cake; A jelly, chewy texture, with smells of banana and a sweet taste, when you put it close to your nose, you can feel hot banana smells coming off it.

• Any juice mixed with green apple; The sour taste of apple intertwined with sweet taste of other fruits, every type gives you a new feeling.

Best for taking pictures/Hanging out or reading.

XLIII Speciality coffee

A coffee shop right behind our school across from the EYI campus, they have an impressive collection of greenery and you have to take your shoes off before entering. They have a curated selection of food and the only drink is coffee (but expertly crafted with specialty beans), the desserts are savoury, they have icecream, tiramisu, cinnamon roll e.t.c.

(Here I won’t recommend any food, but the croissant and cinnamon roll is worth trying)

Best for planning group projects and discussing.