The local Cloth-filter coffee in District 11 retains its luscious aroma thanks to hand-crafted way of making, while Mockingbird and Sai Gon Oi at the old apartment in District 1 bring out the enjoyable space with exquisite decors.
1.Cà phê vợt (Cloth-filter coffee)
Located behind Thiec Market in District 11 (HCMC), although Mr Thanh’s small cafe on Tan Phuoc Street has no signboard, it’s still well-known. Just like making tea, the hand-crafted coffee-making process is to put the coffee powder in a cloth filter in a clay cooking pot, and then pour some boiling water into it. A few minutes later the coffee is poured into the warm aluminum, placed on the stove before serving guests. Each hot black coffee costs VND 4,000 and hot milk coffee is VND 6,000.
2. Cửa hàng cà phê 81 (81 café)
Despite being located in the crowded District 1, this café shop has a very peaceful and pleasant atmosphere on Nguyen Van Nguyen Street. Visitors will be impressed right from the signs, the decor to the time-faded wall. Spacious lounge space with multiple seats makes it comfortable for customers to find their own places. A basic menu of drinks with lemonade, coffee, tamarind …etc. and the price ranges from 25,000 to 35,000VND/ item.
3. The Things
The Things is located on the second floor of the old Ton That Dam apartment, at the heart of vibrant Saigon. Going through the small and soggy stairs, visitors looking to explore Saigon’s hidden café scene will find this place a little clunky but rich in character, which is very much suitable for introverts and photography lovers. The Things was also appeared in the clip “Looking for Vietnamese coffee” by BBC Travel’s journalists.
Price: 30,000- 50,000 VND/item.
4. Mockingbird
Mockingbird also hides in the same old Ton That Dam apartment, District 1. The coffee shop’s decor is a combination of classical and modern, Asian and European style in every detail. Large windows overlooking bustling streets create a relaxing space for the coffee lover, while the bar presents the modern sophistication. In addition to the beverage, cakes are available on the menu as well.
Price: 25,000 – 55,000 VND/ item.
5. Út Lành Coffee shop
The shop resides on Pham Ngu Lao Street, District 1 and it is decorated based on the idea of Saigon in the 80-90s to bring the nostalgic feeling to customers. The decorations of the shop are all carefully collected and sought around the city by the store owner. The menu includes not only many kinds of drinks but also various types of Vietnamese childhood snacks such as dried noodles, snacks, dried beef etc. Ut Lanh also offers special drinks with its own recipes.
Price: 40,000 – 45,000 VND/item.
6. Thức Coffee (Awake Café)
This is one of the first “non-sleep” cafes in Saigon, originated from a bold idea of a young woman. The shop attracts diverse audiences such as students, office workers, artists, teens and people who are seeking for a place to pop-up creative ideas. Started as a coffee shop on Pasteur Street, District 1, Awake Café is now everywhere in Saigon. The menu holds a variety of drinks: from coffee, tea to fruit smoothies.
Price: 30,000 – 40,000 VND/item.
7. Sài Gòn Ơi
Located in an old building at 42 Nguyen Hue, District 1, the shop has a young, cool and natural vibe. The balcony of this café has several sets of tables and chairs, which are suitable for solo travelers or a group of friends to enjoy the panoramic view of Nguyen Hue walking street. Normally, weekend is the busiest time of the café shop and it would be lucky if you could find a seat at the balcony.
Price: 35,000-55,000 VND/item.
8. The Open Space
This is both a coffee space and a place to organize cooking and yoga classes. Therefore, visitors coming to the shop can not only enjoy drinks, listen to music, read books and work but also participate in baking classes and arts talk shows. The Open Space currently has two locations: Vo Thi Sau Street, District 3 and Nguyen Trong Tuyen Street, Phu Nhuan District.
Price: 40.000 – 85.000 VND/item.
9. Giờ dây thun (Elastic hour)
Famous for being a mysterious, secluded place located on Vo Thi Sau Street, District 3, this café is one of many Saigonese youngsters’ favorite places. Guests will be first impressed by the distinctive style of nomadic, wild, and free in every detail. Although the space is limited, this café shop still brings out the intimacy and familiarity by its unique decorations, diverse drinks and vibrant music.
Price: 30,000-50,000 VND/item.
10. Yesterday Piano Coffee
Lunch time is when people going to this coffee shop could have lunch with friends, colleagues and listen to soft music. There is also a photo studio located there with many modern and professional types of equipment, furthermore, photography workshops are regularly organized for those who passionate in this field. Visitors coming here will feel the recollection and nostalgia, completely different from the hustle and bustle of the city outside. Yesterday Piano Coffee is located on Ho Bieu Chanh Street, Phu Nhuan District. Price: 30,000 – 70,000 VND/item.
Translated from: vnexpress.net
