• Best Coffee in Ho Chi Minh: Street, Filter & Specialty Coffee

Ho Chi Minh City is a paradise for coffee lovers, offering everything from rich, sweet phin coffee on street corners to carefully crafted drinks at modern specialty cafés. Whether you enjoy a casual cup at a bustling sidewalk stall or a slow pour-over in a cozy café, the city has a coffee experience for everyone.

In this post, Vietpower Travel guides you through street coffee in Ho Chi Minh, filter coffee, and specialty coffee Ho Chi Minh City, highlighting top cafés, iconic drinks, and tips for the best times and areas to explore the city’s vibrant coffee scene.

1. Overview of Coffee Culture in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is famous for its lively coffee scene, where traditional Vietnamese practices coexist with modern specialty trends. Coffee is a part of daily life for locals.

1.1. The Cafe Culture in Ho Chi Minh City

Mornings often begin with a strong phin coffee, while afternoons might be spent enjoying an iced milk coffee at a bustling street stall or a quiet specialty café.

The city’s cafe culture in Ho Chi Minh City is social and relaxed, offering spaces where people meet friends, work, or simply pause to savor their drink. Sidewalk stalls, cozy indoor cafés, and rooftop specialty spots all contribute to the dynamic coffee landscape.

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1.2. What Makes Ho Chi Minh City Coffee Unique?

The city combines the rich, sweet taste of traditional phin coffee with the carefully brewed filter and single-origin drinks found in modern specialty cafés. Both locals and visitors can enjoy:

  • Traditional phin coffee: Bold, aromatic, and often sweetened with condensed milk.
  • Street coffee in Ho Chi Minh: Small stalls and casual cafés that showcase authentic local life.
  • Specialty cafés: Modern spots serving light roasts, pour-over, espresso, and single-origin brews.
  • A mix of old and new: Classic Vietnamese coffee rituals coexist with contemporary innovations, giving the city a dynamic and inviting coffee scene.

Whether you prefer sipping a strong phin coffee on a busy street or exploring modern specialty cafés, Ho Chi Minh City offers a coffee experience that is both authentic and unforgettable.

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2. Popular coffee styles in Ho Chi Minh city

Ho Chi Minh City offers a wide range of coffee Ho Chi Minh City styles, from traditional Vietnamese drinks to modern specialty creations.

  • Cà phê sữa đá (Iced Milk Coffee): The city’s most iconic drink, with strong phin coffee dripping over sweetened condensed milk and ice, giving a bold yet creamy flavor.
  • Cà phê đen đá (Iced Black Coffee): Perfect for those who prefer strong, unsweetened coffee. Served over ice, it offers a refreshing caffeine kick in the tropical heat.
  • Bạc xỉu (Vietnamese White Coffee): Combines black coffee with both condensed and fresh milk. Lighter and creamier than Iced Milk Coffee but still sweet.
  • Cà phê trứng (Egg Coffee): Originally from Hanoi, now popular in Ho Chi Minh City. Whisked egg yolk and condensed milk create a rich, custard-like topping over hot or iced coffee.

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Whether you prefer sipping a strong phin coffee on a busy street or exploring modern specialty cafés, Ho Chi Minh City offers a coffee experience that is both authentic and unforgettable.

3. Top 3 Filter Coffee in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is home to a vibrant filter coffee scene, ranging from traditional phin spots to modern specialty cafés. Filter coffee lovers can enjoy a slow, rich brew that highlights the bold, aromatic flavors of Vietnamese Robusta beans.

3.1. Cheo Leo Cafe

Cheo Leo Cafe is a historic phin coffee spot with over 80 years of tradition. It serves coffee using a traditional cloth filter over charcoal, producing a rich, classic flavor that reflects old Saigon. A perfect stop for anyone wanting an authentic local experience.

  • Vibe: Vintage, cozy, historic
  • Signature: Iced milk coffee using cloth filter
  • Address: Nguyen Thien Thuat, District 3
  • Price: ~20,000 – 40,000 VND

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3.2. Cà Phê Phin

Cà Phê Phin focuses on traditional Vietnamese phin coffee, emphasizing slow, relaxed brewing for a strong, authentic taste. The café offers a casual, no-frills environment where locals enjoy a classic cup of coffee any time of day.

  • Vibe: Casual, authentic
  • Signature: Black coffee or milk coffee (hot or iced)
  • Address: 130 Tran Quang Khai, District 1
  • Price: ~15,000 – 30,000 VND

3.3. XLIII Coffee

XLIII Coffee is a modern specialty café popular for its light-roasted beans and seasonal pour-over selections. The minimalist interior and focus on precision brewing make it ideal for those who appreciate carefully crafted filter coffee.

  • Vibe: Minimalist, professional
  • Signature: Seasonal pour-over coffees
  • Address: 178A Pasteur, District 1 & 19 Street No. 2, Thu Duc City
  • Price: ~60,000 – 120,000 VND

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Conclusion: For historic charm, visit Cheo Leo Cafe. For casual, authentic phin coffee, try Cà Phê Phin. For modern, carefully brewed filter coffee, XLIII Coffee is the place to go. Each café offers a unique taste of Ho Chi Minh City’s filter coffee scene.

4. Top 3 Street Coffee Experiences in Ho Chi Minh City

Street coffee is a must-try for experiencing the local vibe of Ho Chi Minh City. From bustling tourist spots to quiet alleys, these cafés and stalls offer authentic flavors and lively atmospheres.

4.1. Notre Dame Cathedral Area

One of the most iconic spots for street coffee. People sit on small plastic stools under trees, sipping Vietnamese Iced Milk Coffee while watching locals and tourists pass by.

  • Vibe: Lively, bustling
  • Signature: Vietnamese Iced Milk Coffee
  • Address: 30/4 Park, opposite Notre Dame Cathedral, District 1
  • Price: ~15,000 – 30,000 VND

4.2. Vợt Coffee

A nostalgic street coffee stall famous for its traditional cloth-filter method. Rustic and authentic, it offers strong, bold flavors and a small seating area that encourages casual conversations.

  • Vibe: Rustic, authentic
  • Signature: Vietnamese Iced Milk Coffee (cloth-filter style)
  • Address: 330 Phan Dinh Phung Street, Ward 1, Phu Nhuan District
  • Price: ~15,000 – 25,000 VND

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4.3. 30/4 Park (Near the Central Post Office)

A lively hub for sidewalk coffee popular among students and young professionals. Stalls sell iced coffee, lemon tea, and other drinks, creating a buzzing, social atmosphere.

  • Vibe: Social, energetic
  • Signature: Lemon Tea, Iced Coffee
  • Address: Cong Xa Paris & Han Thuyen Street, District 1
  • Price: ~15,000 – 30,000 VND

Conclusion: For bustling street vibes, visit Notre Dame Cathedral or 30/4 Park. For traditional, strong phin coffee, Vợt Coffee is a must. Each spot offers a unique taste of Ho Chi Minh City’s street coffee culture.

5. Top 3 Must-Try Specialty Coffee in Ho Chi Minh City

Specialty cafés in Ho Chi Minh City focus on high-quality, traceable beans (often Arabica), precise brewing methods like pour-over and espresso, and modern, often minimalist interiors.

These spots are perfect for coffee lovers looking for refined flavors and a relaxed, stylish atmosphere.

5.1. The Workshop Coffee

A pioneer in Ho Chi Minh’s specialty coffee scene, featuring an open industrial-style space. Offers a variety of manual brewing methods for a refined coffee experience.

  • Vibe: Spacious, creative
  • Signature: Pour-over, syphon, espresso
  • Address: 27 Ngô Đức Kế, District 1
  • Price: ~60,000 – 130,000 VND

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5.2. 96B Cafe & Roastery

Known for its focus on rare Liberica coffee beans and stylish industrial decor. A great spot for coffee enthusiasts seeking unique Vietnamese flavors.

  • Vibe: Industrial, trendy
  • Signature: Liberica pour-over, espresso
  • Address: 96B Phan Ngữ, District 1
  • Price: ~50,000 – 110,000 VND

5.3. Every Half Coffee Roasters

Offers meticulously light-roasted beans and a simple, sophisticated interior, ideal for slow coffee tasting sessions.

  • Vibe: Cozy, minimalistic
  • Signature: Single-origin pour-over
  • Address: 6E Tú Xương, District 3
  • Price: ~50,000 – 120,000 VND

Conclusion: Whether you prefer the minimalist precision of The Workshop, or the rare Liberica flavors at 96B and Every Half, these specialty cafés provide a refined coffee experience that highlights Ho Chi Minh City’s growing specialty coffee scene.

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6. Coffee Areas & Best Time to Explore

Wondering where to find the best coffee in Ho Chi Minh? The city’s coffee scene is diverse, and planning by area and time can make your experience richer.

Daytime – Work Cafés:

Central districts like District 1 and District 3 have specialty cafés with quiet, comfortable spaces. Ideal for working, reading, or enjoying a refined coffee. Spots like The Workshop or XLIII are perfect for this.

Evening/Night – Street Cafés:

Sunset and evening bring the street coffee scene alive. Areas like Notre Dame Cathedral, 30/4 Park are full of locals and tourists. Grab an iced milk coffee or lemon tea, sit on a plastic stool, and soak up the lively atmosphere.

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By exploring both specialty and street coffee areas, you can experience what makes Ho Chi Minh city coffee unique - from carefully brewed single-origin coffees to authentic, vibrant street drinks.

7. 5 tips to choose coffee in Ho Chi Minh city

Finding the perfect coffee in Ho Chi Minh City can be overwhelming with so many options. Here are 5 quick tips to help you choose the right cup for your taste and mood.

Tip 1: Know your taste preference

Decide if you like sweet, creamy, or strong coffee. Vietnamese milk coffee is sweet and smooth, while black coffee is bold and intense.

Tip 2: Choose by purpose

Are you working, relaxing, or taking photos? Specialty cafés suit work and photos; street stalls are perfect for casual hangouts.

Tip 3: Check the brewing style

Pick your preferred method: phin, pour-over, syphon, or espresso. Specialty cafés often offer precise brewing; street cafés stick to traditional phin.

Tip 4: Consider sweetness and strength

Adjust your drink to your preference. Traditional phin coffee is strong and rich; milk-based drinks are sweeter and lighter.

Tip 5: Explore different areas

Visit both busy streets and quiet alleys. Each neighborhood has its vibe, helping you discover what makes Ho Chi Minh city coffee unique.

Conclusion

Ho Chi Minh City’s coffee scene is lively and diverse, from busy street stalls to cozy specialty cafés, each offering a taste of the city’s unique coffee culture.

Explore the best coffee areas, hidden gems, and iconic drinks with Vietpower Travel. Let us guide you through Ho Chi Minh City’s lively coffee scene for an unforgettable experience.

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