Being the world’s largest second coffee exporter, Vietnam has a reputation as a mecca for coffee and has a truly vibrant coffee scene. Let’s check out the top three must-visit places in Ho Chi Minh City for every coffee lover.
I.D Cafe Saigon
A two-storey coffee shop with a combination of cozy warm vibes and funky retro concept, this cafe is a hot spot among tourists and locals alike to chill out and catch a break from Ho Chi Minh’s chaotic fast-paced city lifestyle. Some of the few eye-catching things to see here are the vintage items like vinyl records and various antiques on display. Their menu consists of a wide range of Vietnamese and European fusion dishes. For beverages, customers can choose from Vietnamese coffee, cappuccino, latte and cocoa. Beer and wine are also available. A must-try will be the cafe’s signature I.D sticky rice, prepared with fresh coconut and an option of grilled pork, pork ribs, or chicken wings on the side. The cafe also serves desserts such as cakes and handmade ice cream.
The cafe’s 1970s style armchairs and couches are rather comfortable too. Coupled with natural lighting and subtle melodies playing in the background, I.D cafe is THE place to flock to in Ho Chi Minh City, especially for those seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh.
Du Mien Garden Cafe
In a serene backstreet of Phu Nhuan District, Du Mien Garden Cafe invites customers to experience savouring coffee plus dining within a vast and gloriously fanciful tree-house concept cafe. Unlike most other cafes in Ho Chi Minh, Du Mien has a chic modern facade. This sprawling cafe, with more than 700 seats available, is enveloped by a large amount of lush greenery and splendid-looking water features; with the centerpiece being a 4.5 metres high waterfall. On a side note, their coffee is on the pricier side but are well worth paying for. After all, this cafe is all about the one-of-a-kind atmosphere which cannot be found elsewhere in Ho Chi Minh. At night, the place becomes illuminated with a spectrum of colourful lights, turning it into an even more insta-worthy spot. Despite being around for awhile, Du Mien has maintained its reputation over the years with tourists and local alike flocking to soak in the amazing view and great coffee.
Goc Hanoi
In downtown Ho Chi Minh, foreigners can easily find many restaurants, shops, and hotels with English-written signs. However, there is a unique three-floor coffee shop with only a Vietnamese rustic name: Goc Hanoi. Situated in a small quiet alley of the bustling Bui Vien Street, the cafe presents as an oasis of tranquility, offering both nostalgia and tranquility in spades. Unlike other more fancifully designed coffee shops in the city, Goc Hanoi relies on a basic yet sophisticated interior theme. Featuring antique-style items, it is popular with many Vietnamese who migrate to Ho Chi Minh from cities like Hanoi, who feel more at home.
It is not uncommon to see the coffee shop frequently packed with foreigners who are keen on learning more about the local culture. You can often find many young Vietnamese hanging out at Goc Hanoi Cafe to practice their English through meeting and building friendships with these visitors from foreign lands.
Here comes the best thing about this coffee shop: Apart from the standard beverages which other cafes in the city are also offering, Goc Hanoi Cafe also happens to serve one of the more novel drinks in Vietnam: Egg coffee. The sweet aroma of the egg-brewed coffee - a beverage typically found more in Hanoi - leaves a lasting impression, with a rich and decadent taste.
If you know that coffee is part of your diet, no matter where you are, that means this article will probably save your ‘coffee-addict’ soul, or even better: bring you into the world of heavenly-like coffee in a city known as Ho Chi Minh.
