Bangkok is still hailed as the foodie-shoppers paradise in Southeast Asia, but many travellers have flocked to Ho Chi Minh City in recent years. Ho Chi Minh City has already caught up with its development and you start seeing your indie friends geo-tagging their Instagram posts at places around its hustle and bustle.
If there’s one thing that is a more subtle tourist attraction compared to Cu Chi Tunnel and its ‘in the underground tunnel’ shots, it must be the Pho and Vietnamese Drip Coffee. Vietnam is the 2nd largest producer of coffee in the world. Needless to say, there are ubiquitous cafes littered throughout the city. Not only do they promise quality coffee, it is the best way to enjoy the gridlocked traffic of pedestrians and riders, fearless, behind their helmets.
1. I.D Cafe
Where the present resonates the past - Old Saigon and modernistic Ho Chi Minh City. I.D cafe differentiates itself with the cosy ambience meant to complement its surrounding. Warm lighting and music pleasing to the ears, what more to ask for when drinks are also reasonably priced?
Address:
- I.D cafe @ District 1
34D Thu Khoa Huan Street
- I.D Cafe @ District 3
61B Tu Xuong Street
Opening Hours:
0700 to 2300 Daily
2. L’usine
Inspired by the limitless elegance of Indochina era, L’usine is a contemporary Vietnamese experience built around fashion, food, and art. It is an attraction on its own in the heart of Saigon, showcasing local talented new creations.
Address:
151 Dong Khoi Street, District 1
70B Le Loi Street, District 1
Opening Hours:
1000 - 2200 Daily
3. Mockingbird Cafe
Hidden is the keyword. First you have to conquer flights of dark, concrete stairs perfect for any horror show before you reach another world in Mockingbird Cafe on the 4th floor. Peeking out from the dilapidated building is a coffee joint with art installations. The State Bank of Vietnam, with its neoclassical pillars, across the street will consume your entire view.
Address:
14 Ton That Dam Street, District 1 (4th Floor)
Opening Hours:
0900 - 2300 Daily
4. The Fig Cafe Lounge
Space that plays with our five human senses and finding a balance is Fig’s philosophy. Using only natural and organic ingredients, Fig promises gourmet on the tongue; combining Vietnamese, Thai, and Western in a recognisable yet subtle manner. The place is well furnished with Asian contemporary designs, centering on eco-friendly concepts.
Address:
15 Nguyen Thi Huynh, District Phu Nhuan
Opening Hours:
0800 - 2300 Daily
5. The Workshop
Address:
27 Ngo Duc Ke, District 1
Opening Hours:
0700 - 2000 Daily
Right in the centre of District 1. Third floor, welcomed by a totally different space. High ceiling and minimal interior design away from the endless claustrophobic-causing traffic. As if it’s a workshop for coffee, serving quality espresso coffee to pour over and aeropress coffee.
6. Ducoin Saigon
Address:
2nd floor, 76 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, District 1
Opening Hours:
0730 - 2230 Daily
Great Espresso. Tucked on the second floor in the CBD area, great place for work or people watching. Escape from the heat as you seek shade from the brightly lit, clean simple decor.
7. The Morning Cafe
Address:
36 Le Loi, District 1 (2nd floor)
Peacefully quiet, you feel like you are in a completely different city. Perfect place to get your backlogs cleared. A shelf for book lovers and a cafe to fix your sweet tooth. One of the many hidden away surprises.
Opening Hours:
0800 - 2200 Daily
8. Bang Khuang Cafe
Address:
9 Thai Van Lung, district 1
Opening Hours:
0800 - 2300 Daily
Located just across of The Capital Place Building on Thai Van Lung Street. The owner of The Fig designed the interior for this cafe. Vintage decor, chilled music, and uncrowded setting. Yet another cafe tucked safely away from the unending traffic in an old apartment block. Lots of artistic flair.
9. She Cafe
Address:
158D Pasteur, District 1
Opening Hours:
0830 - 2230 Daily
Cool, relaxed, posh cafe. Perfect place to rest, work or enjoy social media or a book. Among pictures and art. old school setting with modernist concept.
10. Cucuta Coffee
Address:
2D, Nguyen Thanh Y Street, Dakao Ward, District 1
Opening Hours:
0630 - 2300 Daily
Nothing beats a café with an acoustic live concert every Thursday and Sunday – Folks, Blues, Country. Apart from usual coffee choices, there is a wide range of drinks from cocktails and mocktails, to ice blended, smoothies and tea. If you’re lucky, you might get to meet the resident cat!
11. La Rotonde
As you enter an old french style house adorned with Southeast Asian art pieces and photos of vintage Saigon, you will be hypnotised by the sweet scent of freshly made cakes and lingering aroma of coffee. Its lengthy windows allow a great peak of the financial district within its intricately decorated premises.
Address:
77B Ham Nghi Street, District 1
Opening Hours:
0800 - 2230 Daily
12. Cafe Gac Hoa
Address:
92/17 Pham Ngoc Thach, District 3
Opening Hours:
0700 - 2230 Daily
Another world of its own in a tight wooden 3 storey cavernous attic cafe, Cafe Gac Hoa is a haven of romance - cosiness, classical music and perched above a flower shop. Everything is handmade and intricate - a place to cuddle up!
13. Era Cafe
Address:
58C Tran Quoc Thao Street, District 3
Opening Hours:
0900 - 2300 Daily
Special with a rather small space. At most 20 people at a time. Classical, jazz music. Special ice cream flavours such as era cream, coffee cream, kamikaze, i love you. A real hipster place where there’s not even a signboard at the storefront. Good luck at finding it.
A rather small space with at most 20 people at one time, you will first be welcomed by classical and jazz music playing at the background before you decide which special ice cream flavour you are going to have for the day - Era Cream, Coffee Cream, Kamikaze, I Love You. This is the real test of your hipster-ness. There no signboard at the storefront, so good luck in your last cafe hunt!
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