20 Saigon cafes for every coffee lover to check out

Ho Chi Minh city, or Saigon, is a bustling and vibrant city that’s quite the haven for cafe hoppers and coffee lovers. It’s no surprise, really, considering how much Vietnamese people love their coffee. 

Vietnamese coffee has a big following across the world, and when in Vietnam you must definitely have a coffee, or even three. But even if you prefer a basic espresso or something more local, you should still make time for a Saigon cafe or two.

Here’s our handy guide to Saigon’s cafe scene that you’ll want to keep close as you navigate the bustling city:

1. Okkio Caffe

Multiple locations across the country.
Open: Operating hours vary across stores

Why visit? Coffee enthusiasts, rejoice! Okkio Caffe takes pride in its small batch coffee roasting craft, promising good cups of coffee every day. With six stores across the city, every one of them oozes a different charm, blending the designs of traditional Saigon with the vibes of modern coffee culture. 

With an extensive coffee menu, Okkio Caffe will leave you spoilt for choice: Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Vietnamese coffee, a typical cold brew, or a unique special blend, there’s a brew for every mood. Coffee aside, the grub is great, too. Think cafe-style dining but elevated, with items such as marinated tomatoes, avocado tartine, chilli scrambled eggs, and so much more.

Crowd favourites: On particularly sunny days, the iced coconut coffee (VND75,000 or S$3.97) is a big crowd pleaser! It’s an ice-blended coconut coffee topped with coconut flakes — just the right amount of sweetness and utterly refreshing. 

If you’re looking to pair your brew with a hearty bite, the croissant club (VND119,000) is sure to fill you up. You get a buttery croissant stuffed with bacon, egg salad, fresh veggies, cheese and caramelised onions — just delicious!

2. Cafe RuNam

Multiple locations across the country.
Open: Operating hours vary across stores

Why visit? With 14 stores sprawled across Vietnam, Cafe RuNam offers dining and coffee experiences with an elevated level of sophistication. It’s a high-class restaurant-cafe that draws inspiration from Vietnamese culture while weaving in European flavours and finishing touches. 

The menu is dotted with quintessential Vietnamese and European staples, including light bites, rich flavourful meals, desserts, and a full vegan menu, too. The drinks menu is just as extensive with a selection of both local and espresso-style coffee options, teas, juices, smoothies and even a couple of cocktails, making it a great spot for a sundowner. 

Crowd favourites: If you’re on the wagon of indulging in local fare and love your pork, the com tam sai gon (VND210,000) is something to add to your list. It’s a dish consisting of broken rice, pork skewers, shredded pork skin and a steamed egg loaf, with a serve of fresh vegetables.

If noodles are more your thing, try the mi vit tiem (VND250,000) for a portion of egg noodle soup topped with a full braised duck leg and a serve of greens.

3. The Running Bean

Multiple locations nationwide.
Open: Operating hours vary across stores

Why visit? Your journey on the Saigon coffee train isn’t complete with a stop at The Running Bean. The cafe, which has won awards for being a great local hangout, is known for its brunch and coffee, and does a good job in general serving up great vibes, too! Running Bean’s outlets typically boast large and bright interiors with plenty of seating. 

As with most cafes in Ho Chi Minh, coffee is serious business here. Pick your coffee from the beautifully curated fixed menu or if you know your beans and brews, you can enjoy a cup of specialty coffee by selecting your preferred coffee bean and brewing method. When it comes to food, there’s an all-day brunch menu, pastas, local delights, snacks and a handful of sweet treats, too. 

Crowd favourites: For something unique, quench your thirst on a sunny day with Ms Hanoi (VND85,000). It’s a 36-hour cold brew mixed with dracontomelon, ginger and lemon, making it a refreshing drink with a touch of spice from the ginger. 

If you’re hitting this spot for brunch, the berries yuzu smoothie bowl (VND110,000) is both nutritious and delicious — with strawberries, blueberries, yuzu, coconut flakes and walnuts in the fray, you’ll be full for hours after.

4. Maison Marou

Multiple locations across the country.
Open: Operating hours vary across stores

Why visit? Chocoholics, this one’s for you! A deliciously different view from your usual coffee and croissant spot, Maison Marou is a cafe-patisserie-chocolaterie that takes pride in giving its customers a bean-to-bar experience.

Pop-by if you’re looking for a sweet treat — the cafe has anything from delicate chocolate pastries and viennoiseries to beautiful boxes of chocolate creations and macarons. Maison Marou is especially great if you’re with a mixed crowd of coffee and chocolate lovers as your group would be able to enjoy both the signature coffee and delightful chocolate drinks. 

Crowd favourites: A visit to a cafe in Vietnam isn’t complete without the famous egg coffee. At Maison Marou, the signature egg cream (VND100,000) gives you just that but elevates it with dark chocolate. It’s usually a 30-minute wait for one, but trust us, it’s worth it. 

If you’re looking for something to take with you, look out for the chocolate bon bon box (VND490,000) that gives you an assortment of 15 handcrafted bon bons. If you’re around during the festive season, ask for the festive pack as there will be special flavours! 

5. Mockingbird Coffee

14 Duong Ton That Dam, 4-04, Phuong Nguyen Thai Binh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh
Open: Monday to Sunday (8am to 10pm)

Why visit? Nestled in an enclave full of cafes, Mockingbird Coffee is a quaint and quiet spot tucked in an old building. Don’t let its aged exterior fool you though, this fifth floor cafe does a good job at serving homely cafe fare and city views, while  exuding olden day Saigon charm. 

In fact, its stairway and little corners have become somewhat of an hotspot for photos, making this oldie one of the many instagrammable cafes in Ho Chi Minh. 

Here you will find a small menu of sweet treats, coffee, matcha, and a nice range of flower based teas. Pop by for an iced cold drink and pair it with a warm pastry or a slice of cake and you’re set to wind down after a day of exploring the city. (It opens till 10pm, too, so you can swing by anytime, really!) 

Crowd favourites: Try the melted tiramisu (VND65,000) for soft and decadent sweet treat and wash it down with a cup of refreshing tea (VND60,000) — popular flavours include strawberry hibiscus, strawberry peach or sakura jasmine tea.

6. Cong Caphe

Multiple locations across the country.
Open: Operating hours vary across stores

Why visit? If you’re looking for Saigon cafes with a theme, Cong Caphe is a chain coffee shop that pays tribute to the Vietnamese war. With floor to ceiling shelves lined with old books, green and brown interiors, and old school furnishings, it brings together the romance of the past weaved with a rustic feel of the yesteryears. 

Despite having more than a hundred outlets across Vietnam and even Southeast Asia, Cong Caphe has maintained this consistent look and feel, wanting to give patrons a nostalgic experience as they slow down and enjoy their coffee. 

The menu offers a wide range of drinks with staples such as coffee, juices and teas and a handful of specialities. The brand is known for its dac san cua cong, which loosely translates to “community specialities” — this is a range of coconut-based shakes, which are quite similar to milkshakes. It’s thick, creamy and refreshing, and very popular amongst the young crowd on hot afternoons. 

Crowd favourites: The coconut coffee (VND65,000) is definitely a go-to for first time visitors. Inspired by a local coconut ice-cream dessert, this is a beautiful blend of coconut milk and well roasted coffee, giving you a bittersweet treat. 

For something unique and infused with local ingredients, the same coconut-based drink is available in mung bean (VND65,000) flavour, minus the coffee.

7. The Vagabond Patisserie Cafe

9 Tran Cao Van, Da Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh
Open: Monday to Sunday (7.30am to 10pm)

Why visit? Anyone with a penchant for pastries made with French butter has to pop by The Vagabond Patisserie Cafe. The space occupies three floors, right smack in the middle of District 1, making it easy to access on a day out in the city. It’s comfortable, spacious, and while it is generally bright and modern, it also has a touch of vintage decor that adds to the overall vibe of the place. 

As ambassadors of Echire butter, this spot knows good butter and uses it well in its delicate pastries, cakes, and viennoiseries. Some of the more popular pastry choices include the staple croissant, pain au chocolat, and its amazing range of full cakes, too! 

Crowd favourites: The pain au chocolat (VND65,000) is easily a favourite, thanks to its buttery layers and lush chocolate filling. 

To give something new a try, they have an avocado cream croissant (VND90,000). The same croissant is filled with an ice-cream-like avocado cream, while it’s rich in flavour, it’s particularly enjoyed by those who prefer something that isn’t too sweet.

8. Reu Coffee

46 Trinh Van Can, Phong Cau Ong Lanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh
Open: Monday to Sunday (7am to 1am)

Why visit? The word “reu” in Reu Coffee means moss, so it probably wouldn’t come as a surprise that this Saigon cafe has walls fully decked in hues of green. Its decor has a jungle-like vibe with lush greenery, wooden accents, and lush plants in every corner, making it a popular instagrammable cafe in Ho Chi Minh. 

Thanks to the ample greenery, Reu Coffee makes for the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle that is Ho Chi Minh, for a pocket of serenity. The feel of nature is beautifully paired with a range of coffees, refreshing teas, unique concoctions, and a selection of pastries for that mid afternoon snack. 

Crowd favourites: If you enjoy sticking with the classics, the iced milk coffee (VND39,000) is a staple in Reu Coffee. But if you’re feeling particularly adventurous and looking for something unique, the salted dry apricot coffee (VND55,000) is a sweet and salty brew to try. 

For those who prefer non-caffeine options, there’s a golden lotus pumpkin tea (VND55,000), that has a refreshing pumpkin flavour with under notes of lotus seeds. 

9. Hoff Coffee Brewers by BeanHop

42 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh
Open: Monday to Sunday (7.30am to 9.30pm)

Why visit? There’s many Saigon coffee spots and finding the best coffee shop in Saigon can be quite a task. But while best is subjective, Hoff Coffee Brewers is easily one of the top few: It’s a small and charming cafe, quietly nestled in an old apartment building in the middle of District 1. Hoff’s interior has a rustic homely feel, with minimal decor, a lovely barista table setup, and a nice range of plants to add to the calmness of the place. 

Here you will find all the usual suspects of a good coffee menu — a robusta blend, an arabica blend, and a cold brew. For those who like popping by coffee spots but shy away from a good ol’ cup of joe, there’s a delicious range of matcha drinks that’s worth the visit, too. Pair your drink with a fresh pastry for the perfect mid-morning snack. 

Crowd favourites: The cafe sua dua or coconut coffee (VND69,000) is a big hit; it’s an iced coffee blended with creamy coconut milk and topped with toasted coconut flakes. With no dairy, it’s a perfect choice for vegans, too! 

For something more refreshing, the Summer Breeze cold brew (VND75,000), which features a cold brew coffee mixed with citrus juice and salted plum, giving you something cold, something sweet, something tangy and overall just something neat!

10. Conservo

3 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh
Open: Monday to Sunday (7am to 9.30pm)

Why visit? Conservo is a Japanese bakery specialising in shokupan (Japanese milk bread) toasts, baked pastries and coffee. It’s popular amongst the locals as a pitstop for their morning pick-me-up thanks to its wide variety of baked goods on display. 

In addition to their ready-to-eat breads and buns, they have a menu of hot meals. This includes the likes of waffles, salads and of course, toasts. The toast section is a menu by itself as you can choose to have it plain, sweet, savoury or as a sandwich. Some examples from this menu are ham and cheese roll, sausage roll, bacon danish, chocochip melon pan (meaning bread), danish chocolate, walnut chocolate bread and so much more. 

Crowd favourites: The toast series is without a doubt the bestseller here with the roasted Hokkaido tomato and cheese toast (VND78,000) being the most popular. The bread is soft and fluffy and generously topped with cheese and cherry tomato halves. It’s almost like a pizza, minus the grease, and with added flavour. 

The curry cheese pan (VND45,000) is also a big hit among its buns — the boat shaped bread is generously filled with beef curry and melted cheese, giving you a rich and creamy bite.

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11. Room44 Caffe

35 Nguyen Van Trang, Phuong Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh
Open: Monday to Sunday (8am to 9pm)

Why visit? Conveniently located in the middle of the city centre, Room44 Caffe is an aesthetic cafe in Saigon that makes for a great spot to grab a coffee, read or just catch up with friends over a tea break. Staying true to its moniker, its interior feels like you’ve stepped into a friend’s home or room. It has a warm and rustic feel with quality wood furnishings, beige and brown tones and soft, complimenting lights that creates an inviting space for anyone passing by. 

You’ll find more than just coffee and tea here — drink options are aplenty, extending to kombucha, Japanese lattes, matcha, and fresh juices. You can opt to pair your drink with a dessert — the cafe’s got a small-but-mighty selection of daily cakes, waffles or even croffles (a croissant-waffle hybrid). 

Crowd favourites: No trip to Saigon is complete without a taste of the condensed milk coffee (VND40,000) and this cafe does it plenty well. If you fancy something that’s both sweet and salty, the salted caramel latte (VND65,000) may sound a tad basic, but well worth your dollar, hitting the balance between the bitter notes of the coffee and sweetness of the caramel drizzle.

12. Oromia Coffee & Lounge

85 Phan Ke Binh, Da Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh
Open: Monday to Sunday (7am to 11pm)

Why visit? Yet another instagrammable cafe in Ho Chi Minh, Oromia Coffee & Lounge is a hidden gem in the city that’s serene and relaxed, serving as the perfect escape from the busyness of the city. It’s decked in lush greenery with gentle vines, large potted plants, an outdoor garden, and an overall cosy and stylish space. 

Oromia Coffee & Lounge doesn’t just excel with its space, the menu is just as lovely. You can take your pick from its many coffee choices — be it a Vietnamese drip, an espresso-based brew or one of the house handcraft specialities. When it comes to food, its pastries are a must-have but there are also rice bowls, pastas and salad options. 

Crowd favourites: If you’re looking for something new yet slightly familiar to try, the white coco pandan coffee (VND69,000) is an iced coffee with panda-infused coconut milk. You’ll taste the creaminess of the coconut milk and the mild aroma of pandan while enjoying your coffee. For something sweeter, try the earl grey milk tea dalgona (VND89,000). It’s your dalgona-style (hand-whipped) milk tea, with a piece of honeycomb to sweeten it up! 

13. Bosgaurus Coffee Roasters

Saigon Pearl, Villa 1D5 92 Nguyen Huu Canh, Ward 22, Binh Thanh, Ho Chi Minh
Open: Monday to Sunday (7.30am to 6pm)

The Opera House, 12 Nguyen Sieu, Ben Nghe Ward, Ho Chi Minh
Open: Monday to Sunday (7.30am to 6pm)

Why visit? Bosgaurus Coffee Roasters is an upscale coffee cafe that’s sleek, minimalist, and modern. The interior boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of natural light, enhancing the look and feel of the space. 

As premier specialty coffee roasters, it goes without saying that Bosgaurus takes pride in making perfect cups of coffee. Using only high-quality beans that are roasted in-house, customers can feel free to choose their preferred brewing method, whether its a pour over, syphon or cold brew coffee. Prices are on the higher end as compared to standard cafes around the city, but coffee enthusiasts would be able to appreciate the quality and flavour profiles the cafe has to offer. 

Crowd favourites: The Caramelly Rain (VND106,000) is a shot of espresso, sweetened with salted caramel candy that’s delicately topped with a milk foam. If you’re a flavoured coffee person, you have to try this. 

For the purist, Fumme (AIB) (VND84,000) is your traditional Vietnamese milk coffee made with the house’s signature blend. You’ll get a beautiful fruity acidity with a bittersweet finish, perfect with a warm pastry on the side.

14. Kafka Cafe 

Multiple locations across the country.
Open: Operating hours vary across stores

Why visit? Easily one of the more popular Saigon cafes, Kafka Cafe rose to popularity for serving up exceptional vegetarian and vegan fare. It’s a charming cafe with a cosy interior and affordable prices, so you’re likely to find a handful of locals scattered across the cafe, getting their morning caffeine fix or working away on their laptops. 

Here, you’ll find a spread of sourdough based pastries, delicious sweet treats and a variety of croissants, bagels, and sandwiches. Its sourdough breads are freshly baked so if you’re staying in the area, you would be able to pick up a whole loaf, too! While all the coffee staples are a hit, there’s a special latte menu that has goodies such as matcha latte, golden turmeric latte and sometimes, even a festive drink such as pumpkin spice! 

Crowd favourites: Bread at Kafka Cafe is great but croissants sandwiches are even better. The mushroom pesto croissant (VND135,000) is a delicious savoury sandwich made with a croissant that’s pressed on a grill, giving it a crispy exterior and soft, flaky interior. 

If you enjoy bagels, the honey vegan eggplant chutney bagel (VND95,000) is also worth trying, especially delicious when paired with a hot cup of coffee.

15. Bonjour Cafe the Art 

42D Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh
Open: Monday to Friday (7am to 10pm) and Saturday to Sunday (7am to 10.30pm)

Why visit? We’ve noted a few instagrammable cafes in Ho Chi Minh but this one definitely tops the list! Bonjour Cafe the Art is a Paris-inspired whimsical cafe that’s decked with vintage knick knacks, upcycled furniture, and floral decor that comes together perfectly as a backdrop for your photos. 

A Parisian cafe isn’t complete without coffee and pastries so you know you’ll find a decent spread here. Its espresso-based drinks are smooth and flavorful, often served in artistic arrangements that match the ambiance of the space. When it comes to food, there are a handful of pastries, cakes, and a small brunch-type menu with bread, eggs, sausages, and the likes of it. 

Crowd favourites: While coffee is a common staple, its guava white boba tea (VND75,000) has also been getting quite a bit of attention. A twist on your standard boba tea, the drink is made with a fruity guava tea and a generous portion of white boba. 

For something simple and savoury, try the egg and cheese croissant (VND75,000) along with your tea. 

16. Cafe Oshima’s

2/37 D. Cao Thang, Ward 5, District 3, Ho Chi Minh
Open: Monday to Sunday (8am to 10pm)

Why visit: Snuggled in an alley, Cafe Oshima’s is a cosy little gem that brings a different aesthetic to Ho Chi Minh City’s cafe scene. The idyllic Japanese garden-inspired al fresco area and chic modern interior (that screams “rich friend’s living room”) make it one of the best cafes in Saigon’s District 3 for a chill hangout sesh.

This cafe offers a myriad of pastries and drinks, with non-coffee drinks given as much emphasis as your usual lattes and such. For a cute little touch, the drinks are named after songs from retro bands such as The Beach Boys and The Beatles, fitting in with the eclectic and artsy decor.

Crowd favourites: We all know the internet is currently obsessed with matcha and,  if you’re one of the drink’s zealots, the matcha and strawberry entremet (VND 80,000) will prove to be an elegant and delectable twist on the beloved drink. While coffee here is solid, the Good Vibrations (VND 80,000) is a must-order — it mixes up oolong tea with pandan and lemon zest for a soothing and fragrant cuppa that is great even for night visits!

17. Anh Coffee Roastery

200 Pasteur, Phuong 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh
Open: Monday to Sunday (8am to 10pm)

Why visit? Anh Coffee Roastery is a favourite for both tourists and locals alike. Both its terracotta-red brick exterior and navy-blue interior are an architectural dream, creating a space that’s warm and tasteful. 

While stunning in decor, this cafe doesn’t fall short with its taste and flavour profiles. As a specialty roaster, coffee is done so well here, with a variety of handpicked beans and brewing methods. The food is just as good with an array of brunch options, hearty meals and of course, a selection of pastries, too. 

Crowd favourites: Give the Vietnamese latte (VND70,000) a try if you enjoy a classic filter coffee. This one is made from premium Robusta honey beans and mixed with condensed milk and premium Japanese milk. 

If you come hungry, the Shaking beef and fries (VND130,000) is a hearty meal that serves up a plate of tenderloin and mixed vegetables with a house special sauce and a side serve of fries.

18. The Seat Cafe 

49 1/2D, Le Van Sy, Phuong 12, District 3, Ho Chi Minh
Open: Monday to Sunday (8am to 10pm)

Why visit? The Seat Cafe is a cosy little gem located in District 3. The space feels like a scene from a fairytale with its warm wood furnishings, potted plants, mixed tiles, and lace tablecloths for that gorgeous rustic feel. It’s the sort of cafe you go to for quiet dates or to read in a corner while sipping on a warm cup of tea or coffee. 

Offerings include a wide range of specialty coffees and teas along with small bites, lovely desserts and the staples of pastries, sandwiches and salads. If you enjoy exploring new flavours with your drinks, this is a spot to check out as there’s always something unique to try.

Crowd favourites: if you’ve yet to try a berry-based coffee, the strawberry macchiato (VND55,000) has to be your go-to here for something different and refreshing yet giving you your caffeine kick. 

When it comes to cakes, the peach cheesecake (VND40,000) is creamy and delicious, with a nice dose of sweetness from the peaches. This is best paired with a basic coffee or tea. 

19. The Lo-Co Coffee

278AD. Vo Thi Sau, Phuong Vo Thi Sau, District 3, Ho Chi Minh
Open: Monday to Sunday (8am to 10pm)

Why visit? Located along the bustling Vo Thi Sau street, The Lo-Co Coffee is bit of an anomaly with its calm and quaint vibe. Going with a “throwback” theme, the space has bits and bobs of items that remind the locals of their childhood, evoking a sense of nostalgia amongst the locals. From old school snacks and candy to toys and games from the yesteryears. This cafe is sometimes peppered with students from neighbouring schools, often found with their heads in their books, taking advantage of the peace and quiet. 

The menu is small but offers specialty picks such as iced tamarind juice, watermelon tea, rock sugar and pear tea, curry lemon tea, roasted rice milk tea, coffee with banana cream, and other unique choices. There are a handful of pastries and an assortment of said childhood snacks to try, too! 

Crowd favourites: If you love your hit of caffeine, try the salted cream coffee (VND45,000) for a strong brew, topped with a rich yet salted serve of cream. The flavours pair so well, making it quite a popular choice. 

For a tea selection, the iced tamarind (VND45,000) is light and refreshing, especially welcome on a sunny Saigon day.

20. Caramew Cafe

108/26A Tran Quang Dieu, Phuong 14, District 3, Ho Chi Minh
Open: Monday to Friday (8am to 10pm) and Saturday to Sunday (8am to 10.30pm)

Why visit? When seeking refuge from the busy city, Caramew Cafe is just what you need. Tucked in a little alleyway just off the main road, this cafe is as gorgeous as can be, with its moss-covered walls and lush foliage everywhere. There’s even a little outdoor garden if you enjoy being immersed with nature! 

While frolicking in the ambience, be spoilt for choice with the wide choice of drinks available. Options don’t just stop at coffee and tea but extend to include ice-blended shakes, matcha, juices, yogurt pots with toppings, and more. There’s a small food menu with options for desserts and light snacks, too. 

Crowd favourites: While seemingly basic, the Caramew coconut water (from VND60,000) is a hit. It’s a cup of fresh coconut water with an option to add toppings. Each topping costs VND10,000 and includes items such as fruit, boba, jelly, and more. 

The egg cream coffee (VND55,000) is also worth mentioning for its rich brew made lusciously creamy with an egg yolk. The level of sweetness is adjustable so you can customise this to your palette.

Evan Mua contributed to this piece. 

For more cafes around the world to explore, check out our guide to cafes in Kuala Lumpur and places to check out in Seoul. 

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