Sipping coffee in Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City is a unique experience unlike anywhere else in the world. In this vibrant city, coffee is the beverage that fuels its energetic people. Whether enjoyed hot or iced, black or with milk, Vietnamese coffee satisfies all tastes and is a vital part of daily life.
Feeling overwhelmed by the abundance of trendy cafes in Ho Chi Minh City? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with the ultimate guide to 5 popular Vietnamese style cafes in Saigon.
1. The Cafe Apartments
The Cafe Apartments consist of various individual cafes located on the upper floors of an apartment building situated on D. Nguyen Hue, a bustling pedestrian mall in the heart of Saigon’s city center.
This famous building has a history linked to wars. Nowadays, the nine-story apartment block has been transformed into a shopping arcade featuring fashion boutiques like The Maker alongside several designer cafes. Many of these cafes offer balconies with views of the pedestrian street below. To experience the charm of this trendy building, just explore its different floors and sit wherever feels right for you.
Address: 42 Nguyen Hue Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
2. Bet Coffee
“Bet” is the Vietnamese term for the way people sit on the ground to enjoy coffee. It’s customary to drink “Bet” coffee while sitting on the sidewalk or in the park, under shady trees, close to friends for chatting, people-watching, or even singing. You can find “Bet” coffee spots around Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House, Turtle Lake roundabout, or the 30/4 park. Look for people holding thick rolls of newspapers; they’ll offer you a few sheets to sit on while you enjoy your coffee. This is definitely one of the most signature Vietnamese style cafes in Saigon.
3. La Viet Coffee
In this place, coffee is treated as an art, not just a drink. They carefully grow, select, and process their coffee. One of their specialties is a delicious and unique coconut milk coffee, which offers a surprising and delightful flavor.
You can visit and enjoy at:
No. 191, Hai Ba Trung Street, Ward 6, District 3
No. 16, Ba Huyen Thanh Quan Street, Ward 6, District 3
No. 57A, Tu Xuong Street, Ward 7, District 3
No. 6D, Tran Quang Dieu Street, Ward 13, District 3
4. Okkio Caffe
Okkio is a renowned brand known for its high-quality drinks and stylish spaces, perfect for young people who enjoy taking photos and checking in. The brand started with its first store in a small attic beside Ben Thanh market. Each Okkio store has its own unique style, but they all share common features like numerous glass doors, natural light, and green trees, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Egg coffee, almond coffee, and banana bread are some of the signature dishes that have made Okkio famous.
You can visit and enjoy at:
3rd floor, number 35, Nguyen Van Trang street, Ben Thanh ward, District 1
No. 120-122, Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
No. 110, Xuan Thuy Street, Thao Dien Ward, District 2
No. 41/1, Pham Ngoc Thach Street, Ward 6, District 3
5. Racquet coffee
The “Coffee Racket” gets its name from the tool used to brew it. It involves continuously filtering coffee water through a cloth rack, then boiling it in a special ceramic pot typically used for brewing oriental medicine, resulting in a rich and thick brew. This traditional brewing style was once very popular in Saigon. The smell and taste of Coffee Racket are special and different from filtered or machine-made coffee.
The famous racket cafes in the city have been around for over a century. They still maintain their old-fashioned look and open very early, offering coffee at affordable prices.
You can find and enjoy at:
Phan Dinh Phung Racket Coffee: No. 330, Phan Dinh Phung Street, Ward 1, Phu Nhuan District
Uncle Thanh’s Racquet Coffee: No. 480, Tan Phuoc Street, Ward 6, District 11
Ba Lu racket coffee: No. 193, Phung Hung Street, Ward 14, District 5
Cheo Leo Coffee: No. 109-36, Nguyen Thien Thuat Street, Ward 2, District 3