This picturesque Laotian and Taiwanese cafe is a community hub in Raleigh NC
Located at the center of Raleigh, Heirloom Coffee transcends the typical coffee shop experience; it's a welcoming sanctuary where tradition, community and culinary creativity come together. Established in 2018 by Chuan Tsay and Anna Phommavong, this delightful establishment has evolved into a space where individuals can unite through their mutual appreciation for exceptional food and beverages. Thai Phommavong, Anna's sister, shared insights with WRAL, shedding light on the distinctive qualities that make Heirloom so special.
Heirloom's origins
According to Thai Pomavong, Heirloom Brewshop was born out of a profound affection for the community and a strong desire to create a space where people could come together. The vision was simple yet powerful: combine the social essence of coffee, tea and sake with a commitment to fostering connections. In doing so, the business partners aspired to create a welcoming environment where relationships would naturally blossom, one sip at a time.
“They started the business because they love, you know, the community. They love Raleigh. They want a way for Raleigh to connect with each other and what better way than to connect than coffee, tea and sake,” Thai Pomavong said.
Cultural influences on Heirloom's menu
At Heirloom, the menu is a vibrant tapestry woven from the rich cultural threads of the Phommavongs’ and Tsay heritage. With roots in Laos and Taiwan, they bring together a captivating array of flavors and culinary techniques from both regions. The result is a dining experience that is as unique as it is authentic, allowing visitors to embark on a delightful culinary journey that encapsulates the essence of Laos and Taiwan.
"The dishes that we provide are dishes that are coming from more of an Asian influence mainly, Laos and Taiwanese. Those are from our backgrounds," Thai Pomavong said.
Preserving tradition and warm experiences
The family's passion for coffee and its ability to create warm, memorable experiences shines through in her words. As the fall season graces Raleigh with its presence, the Heirloom owners eagerly anticipate the opportunity to provide patrons with cups of coffee that not only warm their bodies but also their souls. "I just love having a good warm cup of coffee in the morning, especially during the fall where the air is crisp. And so I'm kinda excited to look forward to that,” Thai Pomavong said. The team at Heirloom Coffee understands the comforting power of a steaming mug of coffee to bring people together and they are committed to creating an atmosphere that embraces this sentiment.
If you are looking for a unique and special coffee shop and tea house in Raleigh, Heirloom is the perfect place for you. With its focus on Asian cuisine, high-quality ingredients and friendly and knowledgeable staff, Heirloom is sure to become a new favorite spot.
You can find Heirloom at 219 S. West St., Raleigh, North Carolina. They welcome guests every day from 8 AM to 6 PM.
