15 Saigon Cafes In Ho Chi Minh That Are Definitely Worth A Visit

More and more tourists are visiting the lovely city of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, also known as Saigon, in recent years due to the city’s rapid urban and economic development. The influx of tourists has been a boon for Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) with many modern F&B outlets, bars, pubs, traditional coffee shops and cafes sprouting up across the city.

In just the 4 days that we stayed in Ho Chi Minh, I went to over 9 cafes and 4 restaurants. From the hidden oasis of Secret Garden Restaurant to the charming vibes of Vietnamese coffee spots like Partea and Bun Cha 145 Bui Vien, each venue offered a unique experience.

Honestly, what made it so easy to explore was having an eSIM for Vietnam. I could instantly look up hidden cafes, navigate small alleys, and even call a Grab without stressing about WiFi or hunting for a local SIM card. It gave me the freedom to cafe-hop nonstop without getting lost. 

For more cafe recommendations, you can check out my YouTube video showcasing the best cafes in Saigon, Vietnam.

 

Without further ado, here are some of my favourite Saigon cafes that you should definitely try when you visit Ho Chi Minh City next time!

Vietnamese Coffee Shops in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

1. Little HaNoi Egg Coffee (Yersin)

Little HaNoi Egg Coffee (Yersin) is tucked away in an alleyway on Yersin Street, just 5 minutes by bike from Dragon House Harbour, offering a quiet, vintage retreat.

Stepping in, you can truly sense that this spot is a tribute to 40s Hanoi coffee culture, which somehow still remains unfaded over the decades.

The interior is pure nostalgia – ochre walls, vintage dark-wood furniture, and shelves stacked with old books and curios that look like they have been there since the last century.

When you get here, you might even forget the chaos of Vietnam traffic; motorbike honks can’t get through here.

Apart from all that, you know what’s more special than all? Music.

Their playlist here is so distinct that I can’t help but learn more about Vietnam. They have “golden music” – a genre of sentimental music that was once abandoned but remains a deep part of South Vietnamese heritage. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a slow afternoon.

Of course, when you get here, the egg coffee is always the top choice. Unlike egg coffee, you can order it anywhere else. Once you try this, you can never forget this thick and velvety, custard-like dessert, but in liquid form. When you whip the egg yolk and condensed milk together, that just feels… divine!

Pro tip: Don’t stir the egg coffee immediately. Use the spoon to taste the creamy top first, then let the bitter coffee cut through the sweetness. Each portion (VND 40,000/USD 1.60)

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Opening Hours – 7:00 – 21:30

2. Lacàph Coffee Experiences Space 

Coming to Lacàph is not about whether this cafe is good or not. You’d rather ask yourself what story this place carries. This place holds a mission to showcase Vietnam’s status as a coffee powerhouse through small-batch roasting and deep cultural immersion.

The atmosphere is where chic-industrial meets heritage. The drinks are designed as chapters in the story of Vietnamese coffee. Since they operate as an experience space, every cup is served with an explanation of where the beans were grown and why they chose that specific pairing.

The Phin Con Panna is the one you have to try. It takes the slow-drip Phin method (the soul of Vietnamese coffee) and tops it with a thick, tart yoghurt and their coffee-blossom honey. It gives a distinct floral sweetness you won’t find in a grocery store.

Salted coffee here is the most balanced between Central Coffee and South Coffee. They use salt to reduce the bitterness of the dark roast and enhance the chocolate notes of the bean.

You can also take part in coffee making by signing up for the Coffee Workshop, where you can learn everything from the history of 1946 egg coffee to roasting your own beans.

The price could belong more to high-end brand, where it falls into (VND 85,000 / USD 3.40)

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Opening Hours – 7:30 - 19:30

3. E-Paso Coffee

Get back on the busy street of Saigon – Pasteur E-Paso Coffee is original as it gets when you think about a Saigon coffee shop. This is not the place for the faint-hearted; if you’re used to an armchair and a table, you can sit with your laptop.

This place truly demonstrates “Cafe Vỉa Hè” – pavement coffee, the purest culture of Saigon. Here, you have to get along with a constant stream of motorbikes just inches away from where you sit. I’ll give it a point for the vibe test.

The coffee is strong with no filter. This is the type of thick, traditional Vietnamese brew that delivers a powerful punch. It’s why Vietnamese labourers drink so they can get back to work. Whether you take it black or with sweet condensed milk (Cafe Sữa), brace yourself for a roasted coffee punch.

The price is local as it appears: VND 30.00/USD 1.20

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Opening Hours – 6:00 - 21:00

4. Little Hanoi

The decor, with its rustic wooden furniture and vintage photographs, transported me straight to Hanoi. I decided to try their signature dish, Bun Cha—a delectable combination of grilled pork, rice noodles, and fresh herbs. The flavours were simply outstanding, with a perfect balance of savoury and sweet.

To complement my meal, I ordered their famous Vietnamese iced coffee, Ca Phe Sua Da. It was refreshingly strong, with the perfect hint of sweetness from the condensed milk. For something a bit different, I also recommend trying the Egg Coffee—it’s a rich, creamy treat that’s surprisingly delightful. 

Little Hanoi Cafe is conveniently located in District 1, a popular area for tourists. The best way to get there is by taxi or Grab, especially if you’re coming from a different district. For those staying nearby, it’s a pleasant walk through some of the city’s most vibrant streets.

Must try: Bun Cha, Pho, Egg Coffee

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Opening Hours – 8:00 – 21:30

5. OKKIO Cafe

The minimalist decor, featuring clean lines, wooden furnishings, and soft lighting, creates a serene environment that’s perfect for relaxing or working. Whether you’re looking for a quiet corner to read a book, catch up on work, or enjoy a leisurely meal with friends, Okkio Cafe provides a tranquil setting.

Their drinks menu also features refreshing teas and innovative beverages, making it an ideal spot for both caffeine aficionados and tea enthusiasts.

I opted for their signature dish, the Avocado Toast, which was a perfect blend of creamy avocado, tangy feta, and a sprinkle of chilli flakes on top of freshly baked bread. It was both satisfying and delicious.

Okkio Cafe is located in District 1, making it easily accessible from most parts of the city. The best way to get there is by taxi or Grab. If you’re staying in the area, it’s a pleasant walk through some of Ho Chi Minh City’s most bustling streets.

Must try: Avocado toast, cold brew, passion fruit tea, banana bread

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Opening Hours – 7:00 – 23:00

6. Cha Phe Linh

Cha Phe Linh Cafe is renowned for its authentic Vietnamese coffee, made using traditional brewing methods and locally sourced beans. Whether you prefer it hot or iced, black or with condensed milk, their coffee is a true reflection of Vietnam’s rich coffee culture. 

I decided to try their signature Vietnamese Egg Coffee, a velvety-smooth concoction that left me craving for more. Paired with a slice of homemade coconut cake, it was the perfect indulgence.

Must try: Vietnamese egg coffee, coconut cake, jasmine tea

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Opening Hours – 7:00 – 22:00

7. Phuc Long Coffee & Tea

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It’s not uncommon to see this popular café chain all around Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). You can walk down the streets and see tourists and locals holding a cup of Phuc Long Coffee & Tea in hand.

There are so many Phuc Long outlets across Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), serving typical beverages and desserts at reasonable prices. To me, it seems as though this was their local version of the popular multinational chain Starbucks.

A good friend of mine recommended that I try the matcha latte (one of my favourite drinks ever!), promising that it’ll be one of the best matcha lattes ever, and so off I go!

We stopped by one of the outlets near Grand Saigon Hotel to get our hands on a matcha latte and it totally didn’t disappoint – we love the mixture of creaminess and freshness of the matcha latte.

It was drizzling when we were drinking our latte, and so we spent a good hour sitting on the second floor of the cafe and watching the traffic rush pass, enjoying our drink.

I wouldn’t recommend the desserts though. The cake we tried felt like it had been frozen there for days – tough and tasteless.

If matcha latte isn’t one of your favourite drinks, have a look at other drink options on the menu. The couple sitting next to us ordered a cup of Choco Lover, which comes with a generous serving of whipped cream and chocolate drizzle, which I think will come in perfect on days when the Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) sun is blazing.

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Address – (Multiple locations) 
Opening Hours – 07:00 – 22:30
Menu

8. Pinkbeans Coffee Roaster 

This cafe was a little tougher to find during our cafe-hopping in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), but thank goodness we eventually did. We were told this cafe serves really amazing Vietnamese coffee, along with its other drinks.

What I liked a lot about this cafe was its rustic, antique interior design. With low lighting and a unique choice of furniture and wall decorations, Pinkbeans Coffee Roaster was able to give a nostalgic feel of an old-school cafe.

Must try: Again, I set my heart on trying another cup of Vietnamese iced coffee, but with a twist – the Vietnamese Drip Coffee, where hot coffee made from fine Vietnamese coffee grinds is filtered through a traditional Vietnamese filter into a cup of ice, cooling it down for your pleasure.

It was an interesting experience that I enjoyed, and it didn’t cost me much either.

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Address 
Opening Hours - 08:00 - 17:00

9. The Workshop

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The moment I entered The Workshop, I felt like I was in New York City all over again. The Workshop is a modern café, much like those you would find across Europe and Australia, yet it still has this local charm to it, making it uniquely Saigon.

Located close to the heart of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), The Workshop is a great venue for you to relax with friends.

This is one of the few cafes in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) that I know of that serves gluten-free and vegetarian dishes. Talk about being inclusive! Now you can bring your friends and loved ones, especially if they have more dietary restrictions, with lesser worries!

Must try: Surely, this is another Vietnamese coffee shop that tops the Vietnam coffee list. The Vietnamese iced coffee, with its creamy and full body and delicious taste, is what I came for, and I didn’t regret walking here in the hot and humid Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) weather at all.

Don’t hesitate to get a second cup while you’re at it – I had 2 of it myself!

Apart from that, they serve a good range of main dishes that you can eat for breakfast or lunch. This includes pasta and Eggs Benedict. If you’re not in the mood for a heavy meal, you can choose to taste one of their desserts or pastries.

The cost is slightly more than the regular price, so come mentally prepared!

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Opening Hours: 08:00 – 21:00

10. Secret Garden Restaurant

This is arguably the toughest restaurant to find in the entire Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). After walking through streets after streets, asking locals for directions along the way, and climbing up numerous flights of stairs, I finally found this gem of a restaurant (no wonder it’s called Secret Garden Restaurant)!

Secret Garden Restaurant, also affectionately known as Secret Garden Home-cooked Restaurant, brings the best of traditional Vietnamese cuisines in a comfortable, homely setting.

The friendly staff sure know how to keep me feeling welcome, too, by constantly making conversations and asking me if the food was any good.

The best part of it all – the rooftop dining view! Having a meal at the top of the building, under the twinkling fairy lights, amidst a traditional setting, was a great dining experience for me.

Must try: As soon as I entered the restaurant, I can’t help but be amazed as I looked around and saw different tables filled with great-smelling and delicious-looking food.

All these home-cooked dishes had a drooling effect on me. They all looked delicious that it’s hard to recommend just one main dish, so why not try a little bit of everything?

Spicy grilled prawns, vegetable spring rolls, lemongrass pork… and the list goes on and on.

On top of that, for the amount that I ordered and the taste, it’s reasonably affordable.

It gets rather busy at times, especially during the peak periods, so I’ll advise you to book a table before your arrival by calling the restaurant at +84 90 990 46 21 to avoid waiting in line too long!

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Opening Hours: 10:00 – 22:00

11. Bun Cha 145 Bui Vien

Don’t be fooled – this small, cosy restaurant settled in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)’s backpacking district, Bui Vien, scores big on the taste scale!

Bun cha, a Vietnamese dish consisting of grilled pork and white rice noodles, is a popular dish here in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), despite originating in Hanoi.

Bun Cha 145 Bui Vien knows exactly how to draw people from all walks of life here – you’ll see streams of locals and foreigners entering the shop, enjoying the food and having a good time.

Must try: As the name suggests, many come here for the delicious bun cha! It’s not as fancy as you would imagine it to be, but the great service that comes with the bun cha will be a bonus.

The owner is affable, and so are the staff, helping us to decide on what to eat and how to eat the bun cha.

The service is super quick and the best part of it all was the cost! It’s pretty affordable, but that’s because the serving size can be small. If you have space in your tummy, don’t be shy to grab another bowl – in fact, most of the tourists here do just that.

Another item on the menu worth mentioning is the famous spring rolls, which I enjoyed so much too. There are plenty of other options to try from, so keep your options open!

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Opening Hours: 11:30 – 16:00, 17:30 – 21:00

Saigon Cafes in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

12. Old Compass Cafe

Taking a break from the busy street, Old Compass Cafe feels like a secret piece of Saigon.

It’s tucked away down a narrow alley off Pasteur Street, hidden amidst a local street stall. My family and I have to walk up to the third floor of a 1960s-era apartment building.

This cafe is a true sanctuary of calm; it’s not an ordinary cafe; it’s more like a cultural hub where you feel every angle of the decor has its own story that is coated with something very Vietnam heritage. The floor-to-ceiling windows exude a timeless charm.

Whether you’re searching for a quiet spot to catch up at work or a cosy corner to hide from midday heat, the atmosphere is intimate and soulful, almost like you’re sitting in the dining room of a local friend. This is where we had the chance to try a noble Vietnamese home-cooked lunch.

The meal came in a beautifully presented clay-pot dish with fresh pan-fried vegetables and steamed rice—all served in ceramic ware that made it look like it came from an old but charming Vietnamese village.

Topping off with freshly opened coconut was the best way to cool you down from the Saigon heat!

Of course, you can have other options for different times of day. Come night, the cafe turns into an intimate bar.

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Opening Hours - 09:00 - 22:00

13. Maison Marou

Chocolate lovers, rejoice! Have a break at one of the most popular cafes in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

Here at Maison Marou, chocolates are specially and freshly made in-house by chefs daily and you can view the entire process behind glass windows. Combining traditional French recipes with locally grown single origin cacao and some of Vietnam’s finest ingredients, this cafe whips up great chocolates, albeit at higher prices.

Started by two French chocolate lovers, Maison Marou has evolved into one of the most adored cafes around Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). In fact, Maison Marou is so well-known that you’ll see groups of tourists and locals entering the shop to see what the hype was about.

Personally, I feel that Maison Marou wants to share its love for chocolate with the world, so much so that it invests heavily in sharing its origins by dedicating a sizeable section of its café to show the history of chocolates in Vietnam via its massive mural of information. The artefacts, like an old chocolate-making machine, add to the amazing ambience of the cafe.
Must Try: Knowing that they specialise in chocolates, I decided to go for the most chocolate-y drink. Their signature hot chocolate is a good start! Frothy and delicious, it certainly awakened my sweet tooth.

If you want to bring a piece of the magic back home, they have packet chocolate bars available!

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Address
Opening Hours - 09:00 - 23:00

14. Partea

If you’re in the mood for some English tea in a fine, classy British setting, then Partea’s for you!

Located within a building on the 5^th floor near the city centre, Partea houses a wide range of English tea which are served in unique porcelain cups and tea pots when you buy a pot.

Partea is located inside a seemingly old, derelict building on the outside. As you gaze up the building, you’ll see many people sitting by the window, sipping drinks and having a chat. To get to Partea, you might have to climb up flights of stairs, as the elevators might not be fully operational (it happened to me) or large enough to transport everyone.

Paradoxically, you’ll soon notice that there are plenty of hipster cafes and boutique shops housed inside this building. I learnt my lesson – never judge a book by its cover!

What attracts me to Partea the most is the unique design and style of the café, so much so that I spent almost half an hour walking around and taking photos of the cute aesthetics, completely ignorant of the fact that my drinks and dessert were already waiting for me at my table!

We met a local friend, Linh, to go to Partea right when it just opened. I purchased the freshly baked chocolate brownie (it was so good!) and English Breakfast tea that comes in a teapot. The teapot serves about 4 to 5 cups.

It’s great for when you want to hang out with friends and chill over non-alcoholic drinks, admiring and basking in the cute ambience.

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Opening Hours – 09:00 – 22:30

15. L’Uisine

This cafe was where I had my dinner on the first night in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). L’Uisine was one of those hip, modern cafes that virtually everyone would recommend you to visit.

Situated within walking distance from Ben Thanh Night Market, we walked to the café with huge expectations at around 8:30pm, and were we glad it was still open then!

L’Uisine also doubles as a bar, serving alcoholic beverages that you can get for special prices during their happy hours from 5pm to 7pm daily. Apart from that, the cafe serves a selection of main dishes fit for your breakfast, lunch or dinner meals.

We ordered a fish and chips for two together with Vietnamese iced coffee and chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream.

The prices were pretty steep and the serving size was small. The fish and chips felt like something you can get for a third of the price.

However, the highlight of the night was the amazing Vietnamese iced coffee; the aroma, body and taste of the coffee is one that is hard to replicate once you’re out of Vietnam.

On top of that, they have a nice ambience too. Decorated with wooden furniture and bright fairy lights, it’s a suitable venue to just hang out and enjoy a night out with friends and loved ones (the café is located on the second floor of a shophouse with an open-air balcony)!

Students get to enjoy an additional 15% off! You just need to bring your student pass and show it to them upon payment to receive this discount.

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Address - (Multiple locations)
Opening Hours - 07:30 - 22:30

Where To Stay In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

We stayed at PARKROYAL Saigon, Vietnam during our time in Vietnam, and it was a fantastic experience.

If you’re looking for other hotel options in Ho Chi Minh, check out Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam for an extensive list of the best hotels to suit your itinerary.

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