18 Best Cafes in Ho Chi Minh City for Coffee & Brunch

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly the famed Saigon, is steeped in a lot of modern historic significance, as shown through its monuments, museums, and countless tourist attractions. Juxtaposed with this is the city’s dynamic youthful side, strewn with restaurants of various cuisines, vibrant nightlife, impressive buildings, and contemporary Ho Chi Minh cafe concepts. 

In most countries, food is one of the must-dos for full cultural immersion. But in Vietnam, local coffee and cuisine come as something like a package deal. As the second-largest coffee-producing country in the world, it has made quite a mark on global coffee culture. Known for its rich flavour and intense caffeine, Vietnamese coffee makes for a formidable rival to Western speciality coffee. In fact, it’s so strong that a cup or two would be enough to keep you going through the day (yes, even for those with high caffeine tolerance). 

Whether you’re planning to read alone, hang out with your travel buddies, people-watch, or even talk to some of the locals — all while sipping on good coffee — we’ve got some recos for you! Fair warning: Be ready to leave your heart in these picturesque cafes in Ho Chi Minh City. 

Also read: 10 Airbnbs in Ho Chi Minh City That Are Both Stylish & Wallet-Friendly

Must-visit cafes in Ho Chi Minh City

1. L’Usine Le Thanh Ton

L’Usine is quite the must-visit, not only for being one of the best cafes in Ho Chi Minh City, but also for their perfectly curated retail area. The latter features a selection of clothes, jewellery, homeware, and all-natural food products from a number of niche brands that you rarely see in Vietnam.

It has several locations all over the city, but if you have time to visit just one, consider the four-storey flagship store along Le Thanh Ton. Similar to its sister branches, L’Usine Le Thanh Ton’s products and space are joined by a vibrant culinary experience. Menu-wise, it puts a modern twist on European dishes with influences from Vietnamese cuisine. Head up to the third floor and you’ll be met with a bar overlooking a landscaped terrace. Here, you can indulge a craft beers, cocktails, and wines while watching the lively street below. 

Address: 19 Đ. Lê Thánh Tôn, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh

2. Boo Coffee (The Cafe Apartment)

True to its name, The Cafe Apartment is a converted nine-storey building that now houses numerous cafés, fashion boutiques, and bookstores. It’s popular among young locals and tourists alike for the rundown look that makes it a ‘hidden gem’ of sorts. 

To get to Boo Coffee, you’ll either have to climb nine flights of stairs or take the old elevator. (We don’t recommend the latter if you’re claustrophobic though!) Everything about this Ho Chi Minh cafe is eccentric, from the interior to the coffee placed in skull-shaped glasses. Their signature cotton candy coffee is a must-try! Meanwhile, the balcony offers sweeping views of the District 1 skyline and the Saigon River. 

Address: Floor 8, 42 Nguyen Hue Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

3. Thinker&Dreamer

After closing up shop in The Cafe Apartment complex, Thinker&Dreamer opened a new outpost on Le Loi Street, known for its upscale restaurants and chic boutiques. In a nutshell, it’s inspired by Saigon during the 70s, sporting a vintage yet elegant aesthetic. However, much like its previous (and arguably more popular) branch, you can expect the same attention to simplicity with its bare white walls and wood accents. 

What leaves a lasting impression about this quaint Ho Chi Minh cafe is its tranquil ambience, isolated from the often crowded main street outside. Take advantage of the quiet atmosphere while sipping on signature drinks like the Thinker Coffee: their house-special milk coffee with a secret recipe!

Address: 26B Le Loi Street, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 

4. Cà Phê Đỗ Phủ

Immerse yourself in both Saigon coffee culture and history at Cà Phê Đỗ Phủ. At first glance, it appears to be the usual quirky, vintage-themed Ho Chi Minh cafe. But if you ask the locals about it, you’ll find out that it used to be the home of a Viet Cong supporter. In fact, it’s even a stop on several Saigon motorbike tours for its significance during the Vietnam War. You can also visit the cafe on your own and ask the staff for an informal tour.

One of its most interesting features is the underground bunker, which used to be the secret meeting place and hideout for Viet Cong members. You’ll find stocks of old weapons and uniforms. Around the cafe, there are even ladders and passageways that used to be escape routes during the insurgency. Definitely not something you’d see in your regular neighbourhood cafe. 

Address: 113A Đặng Dung, Phường Tân Định, Quận 1, Thành phố, Hồ Chí Minh

5. Maison Marou Saigon

More than just coffee, the main event in Maison Marou is actually chocolate. It’s operated by the same founders of Marou, an award-winning Vietnamese chocolatier. So, you can bet that you can take in everything you want to learn about chocolate. Aside from a cafe and patisserie, it also features a bean-to-bar factory. 

The outside of Maison Marou looks like something straight out of a Wes Anderson film; from the Art Deco elements and bright colours, to the symmetry and even the chocolate bar packaging. As for the menu, some of the must-tries are the Marou Mocha (for that caffeine kick) and the best-selling Signature Marou. And since the Marou brand is partly French, you can expect the pastry selection to be truly mouth-watering.

Address: 167 – 169 Calmette Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 

6. Signature by The Coffee House

This newly opened branch by The Coffee House, a popular Saigon coffee chain, makes for a good contender against Starbucks Reserve stores from other parts of the globe. But unlike most global coffee chains, this one sources all their beans locally. 

With its relaxing but industrial ambience, it’s no wonder you’ll find many students and remote workers here. Its floor-to-ceiling windows fill the interior with much-needed natural light. Opt for a seat near the large glass frames for a view of the neighbourhood outside. In fact, this place was designed to be a warm and friendly neighbourhood cafe, but bigger and more spacious. 

Address: Trung Tam Thuong Mai Crescent Mall, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City 

7. The Workshop

The Workshop is one of the pioneers of the city’s third-wave coffee culture. With its large selection of coffee beans and brewing styles, it’s truly a coffee connoisseur’s heaven. The atmosphere is both hip and functional, with its exposed brickwork, hanging overhead lamps, and minimalist elements. It’s quite reminiscent of a stylish Melbourne cafe.

A definite must-try on their menu is the cold brew latte. It’s part-slow-steeped coffee, part-Vietnamese iced coffee, and definitely unlike any other coffee you’ve had before. Aside from speciality coffee, this Ho Chi Minh Cafe also takes its design and branding quite seriously. From the menu to the various signages, every design is well-thought-out to further set the brand apart from the flock. 

Address: 27 Ngô Đức Kế, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 

8. Cafe RuNam

It’s a well-known fact that Vietnam used to be a French colony, and here in Cafe RuNam, French and Vietnamese elements go hand in hand. Not many cafes in Ho Chi Minh can pull off perfectly combining French glamour and Vietnamese tradition, from the interiors to the menu offerings. But Cafe RuNam definitely makes it look easy. 

The name RuNam literally translates to “lullaby of Vietnam,” and this Ho Chi Minh cafe is definitely the epitome of dreamy. Locals recommend coming here for breakfast: pair your Vietnamese hot coffee or egg coffee à la Saigon with their best-selling banh mi sandwiches. Opt for a seat on the terrace outside, which has whimsical foliage on the walls. From the posh decor, food, and coffee techniques, it’s hard not to fall in love with this place.

Address: 3 Cong Xa Paris Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

9. Bosgaurus Coffee Roasters

This multi-storey cafe is housed in a French-style mansion facing the Saigon River. Located in the affluent part of the bayfront area, you’ll find an abundance of stately townhouses. The inside, however, is designed quite differently from other Ho Chi Minh cafes that are normally warm and cosy. It’s designed to resemble a “coffee laboratory,” with its frameless glass walls, steel furniture, and dominantly grey and white colour scheme. This minimalism drives visitors to focus mainly on their coffee. 

Bosgaurus Coffee Roasters is also one of the only Saigon speciality coffee shops that serve traditional coffee with Arabica beans (instead of the usual robusta). If the cafe’s cutting-edge concept isn’t enough to convince you, then maybe a (possible) chat with the country’s top barista will. In fact, one of the baristas was the titleholder during the 2016 Vietnam Barista Championships. 

Address: 92 Nguyen Huu Canh, Villa 1D5, Sai Gon Pearl, W. 22, Binh Thanh D., Ho Chi Minh City

10. The Vintage Emporium Thao Dien

Tall windows allow natural light to fill the inside of The Vintage Emporium for most of the day. While the branch in Thao Dien neighbourhood is open throughout the day, the best time to go is in the morning, especially if you want to avoid the so-called Instagram crowd. Yes — it’s that popular, and for good reason.

Set inside a lovely French villa, it’s renowned for its idyllic setting and hearty breakfasts. It has two gorgeous terraces: one at the entrance, and another at the back along with a swimming pool. The menu offerings, combined with Art Deco elements, make for Instagram-worthy content. Come for the picturesque venue, stay for the scrumptious dishes paired with classic Vietnamese coffee. 

Address: Số 1 Đường 39, Thảo Điền, Quận 2, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 

11. Cafe Terrace

Cafe Terrace transports you to the magical fairytale garden of your childhood dreams. You’d be surprised that it’s actually inside the busy Saigon Centre. Come here to escape the humid weather or take a coffee break post-shopping. Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by lush foliage, woodland-like elements, and dangling lights.

Giant birdcage-like balconies, which make for a more intimate setting, hover along the mezzanine floor. Whether or not Cafe Terrace was really named after the famous Van Gogh painting is yet to be confirmed. But one thing’s for sure — it exudes the same dreamy allure that’s hard to come by outside the realm of art and literature. 

Address: 1st Floor, Saigon Center Takashimaya Shopping Center, No. 65 Le Loi, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

12. O’Palm Cafe

Undeniably one of the most photogenic cafes in Ho Chi Minh, O’Palm Cafe is sure to elevate your Instagram feed and coffee-sipping experience. Its facade features an elegant open-air space adorned with Mediterranean-style decor and a variety of shaded seating areas. Stepping inside, you’ll be greeted by equally beautiful interiors, featuring exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and more boho-chic furnishings.  

As for O’Palm Cafe’s menu, it comprises a wide selection of coffee and caffeine-free beverages for you to choose from. If you’re up for a twist, have a go at its speciality drinks like charcoal bamboo latte or matcha milkshake with red bean. In addition to coffee, it serves an assortment of pastries and light bites, making it an excellent choice for a quick afternoon snack or brunch! 

Address: 25A Tu Xuong P.7, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City 

13. Shadow Lounge

More than just a setting for indulging in coffee and cocktails, Shadow Lounge serves as a hub for spotlighting local creatives, from baristas and chefs to designers and artists. It’s a mixed-concept space housed in a sophisticatedly designed building by creative agency The Lab Saigon. 

From the menu, try out its unique java-based drinks like cheese iced coffee or tamarind peanut iced espresso. If you’re feeling frisky, opt for the homemade Vietnamese coffee liquor or a refreshing cocktail like the tepache margarita. After your fill of drinks, explore its exhibition halls and curated retail displays for a dose of artistic inspiration. 

Address: 244 Pasteur, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

14. Every Half Coffee Roasters

 Every Half Coffee Roasters started as a personal brand in 2016 by coffee enthusiast Trần Lê Minh Trúc. It was founded on the belief that drinking coffee is akin to a relationship where “every half bean has its soulmate.” Thus, it commits itself to finding the best cup of coffee by sourcing beans with its sustainable coffee-cultivation practices. 

Now, with four bustling branches, it has quickly become one among many popular speciality coffee roasters and cafes in Ho Chi Minh. However, its third outpost, Every Half Coffee Binh An, is particularly worthy of your attention! Nestled along the banks of the Saigon River, your visit here treats you to beautiful sunset views and unobstructed sights of Landmark 81: the highest skyscraper in Vietnam. 

Locations:

• Bến tàu Waterbus Bình An, Quận 2, TP. Thủ Đức
• 232/23 Võ Thị Sáu, Phường Võ Thị Sáu, Quận 3, TP.HCM

15. Cà Phê Cô Ba Đồng Khởi

Entering Cà Phê Cô Ba feels like being in a living time capsule of 1970s Saigon. Its interior is decked out in decades-old furnishings like retro typewriters, lanterns, and vintage posters of Vietnamese pop singers. On the other hand, the al fresco dining area is reminiscent of a Parisian terrace cafe! Snag a spot here and you’ll be graced by the sight of Grand Saigon, a French colonial-style hotel built in the 1930s. 

The menu at Cà Phê Cô Ba reflects its rather relaxed and traditional ambience. Take your pick among its casual drinks like authentic Vietnamese phin coffee, ice-blended beverages, assorted teas, and a variety of refreshing juices. If you’re seeking a healthier option, it also offers signature drinks crafted with Vietnamese herbs, aloe, and grass jelly. 

Address: 4-6 Đ. Đồng Khởi, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh

16. Anh Coffee Roastery

Creatively designed inside and outside, Anh Coffee Roastery provides a unique atmosphere for coffee get-togethers with friends. Its striking architecture and interior design are fashioned primarily from salmon-tinted brickwork. Up front, you’ll find rows of bench-style tables with pops of green from its ornamental plants. Inside, a coffee bean roaster takes centre stage, crafting this Ho Chi Minh cafe’s delectable coffee. 

Specialising in both Vietnamese and Italian brews, Anh Coffee Roastery provides an extensive coffee selection for you to choose from. Have a go at its cold brews, cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites, affogato, and more! Not to mention, a food menu featuring a wide range of bites from burgers and steaks to pasta and salads is also available.

Address: 200 Pasteur, p. Võ thị Sáu, quận 3, Ho Chi Minh City

17. Rang Rang Coffee

Rang Rang Coffee doesn’t just serve coffee — it invites you to savour the cafe experience with your senses. You’ll go from witnessing brewing methods over at its open bar layout to relishing the taste and aroma of its coffee creations to simply immersing in its atmosphere. 

As for its interior design, Rang Rang likes to keep it simple yet modern. Across all of its outlets, patrons can expect the brand’s signature gray and silver tones. From its floors and walls to its counters and seats, its minimalist space allows customers to focus on the true star of the show: coffee. 

Address: 74 Hai Bà Trưng, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 

18. Beanthere Cafe

Without a doubt, Beanthere Cafe is one of the most stunning cafes in Ho Chi Minh. Its whimsical garden area is sprawling with greenery and offers a refreshing dining experience. Meanwhile, its interiors feature beautifully adorned rustic furniture and plush seating. Tucked in an alley, this Ho Chi Minh cafe gives off that off-the-beaten-path vibe. That said, if you’re looking for the best coffee shop in Ho Chi Minh to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, its secluded location allows for just that!

Menu-wise, this garden cafe serves up a variety of drinks, from coffee to milk tea to fresh fruit smoothies. But, if you’re on the lookout for something more filling, they also offer rice meals, pastas, pizzas, and burgers. Additionally, plant-based dishes are also available for those with vegan palates. 

Address: 42 Hồ Hảo Hớn, Phường Cô Giang, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 

Also read: 15 Countries With a Coffee Culture Worth Travelling For

It’s no wonder that many foreign coffee chains face stiff competition from homegrown cafes in Ho Chi Minh City. With the prevalence of artisanal coffee shops that offer great ambience and impressive menu offerings, this city is definitely a must-visit for every coffee lover. 

Whether you’re on the hunt for interesting cafes or the best Vietnamese coffee in Ho Chi Minh, our list is a great place to start. If you’ve been to other noteworthy cafes during your visit here, tell us about it! We’d love to hear your story on our official Facebook page. Ready to explore this city with a caffeine kick? 

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Facebook image credit (left): Every Half Coffee Roasters | Official Instagram Page