On Vietnamese's Liberation Day, why not explore 5 charming cafes tucked away in the small alleys of Ho Chi Minh City? These coffee spots offer a sunny atmosphere, cool breezes, and lush green surroundings that evoke a sense of natural tranquility.
1. Xào Xạc cafe & plants
Xào Xạc café is named after the gentle rustle of leaves, which sets the tone for its atmosphere.
Situated in a small alley in the city center, Xào Xạc resembles an old house with 3 distinct areas: two floors and a terrace, accommodating both small and large groups. Decorated with ample greenery, the space allows natural sunlight to filter in through skylights and windows, regardless of where you're seated.
The café's menu boasts a variety of beverages, breakfast options, and desserts. In addition to the earthy brown and green hues, patrons can experience a nostalgic charm with Vietnamese home-cooked meals at lunchtime and enjoy a touch of warmth with alcoholic drinks as the evening falls.
Basic information
Address: 453/15 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, District 3
Opening hours: 11:00 - 22:30
Price:
- Drinks: 50,000 - 75,000 VND
- Food and dessert: 40,000 - 75,000 VND
2. Nam’s coffee & roastery
Nam's Coffee & Roastery invites you to sip amidst a woodland dreamscape. Sunbeams dance through foliage, stone steps lead the way, fish glide in serene lakes, and wind chimes whisper tranquility.
The shop adorns itself in wooden hues, kissed by red-orange tones. Chinese tiles pave the floor, embraced by a wall of red tiles, weaving a cozy, unassuming charm.
Nam's Coffee operates during business hours and requires reservations on weekends and holidays. Alongside a variety of coffee choices, they also offer non-coffee options such as tea, as well as delectable treats like cakes, chicken sticky rice, and crispy fried bread.
Basic information
Address: 27 Street 1, An Phu Ward, District 2
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 7:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 7:30 - 17:00
Price: 25,000 - 50,000 VND
3. địa phương
địa phương, a modest café on 98 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, is suitable for weekday gatherings with friends.
Paired with The Yên Concept and Mèo ngủ trên sách bookshop, địa phương offers an escape where you can sip coffee, indulge in baked delights, buy good books, and even take home a piece of greenery.
địa phương is an appealing café decorated with earthy brown tones. The décor, which includes bamboo blinds, braided straw, and ample foliage, gives a sense of nature.
The menu features coffee, tea, and juices with delightful names. Be sure to try the coffee specialties made with pure honey during your first visit.
Basic information
Address: 98 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Dakao Ward, District 1
Opening hours: 7:00 - 18:00
Price: 55,000 - 90,000 VND
4. Lam Kafe
People often associate blue with peace, and Lam Kafe, which means light blue in Vietnamese, embodies that sentiment. This coffee shop boasts dark neutral tones and classic decor, including encaustic floor tiles, wooden furniture, and antique embellishments throughout its space.
The shop boasts 2 expansive floors, catering to various activities such as reading, working, or socializing with friends. But the true gem lies on the second-floor balcony, where one can savor premium views of verdant greenery and the mesmerizing traffic at sunset.
While Lam's menu may not be outstanding, it offers a wide array of reasonably priced options, from coffee to milk tea, crushed ice, and refreshing juices.
Basic information
Address: 8 Street 12, Hiep Binh Chanh Ward, Thu Duc District
Opening hours: 7:00 - 22:00
Price: 25,000 - 49,000 VND
5. Coffee Thớt
Upon entering Coffee Thớt, you're transported into a whimsical realm reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland, with its eclectic array of vintage treasures. Every corner of the shop is adorned with antique fans, desk phones, and typewriters, reminiscent of bygone eras.
Some items are also recycled by the owner in a very unique way, such as a fish tank from an old TV, or a pet cage made from a front-loading washing machine.
The shop is cozy and intimate, with a limited number of tables, making it perfect for heartfelt conversations or an ideal first date. Offering a selection of coffee and refreshing beverages like tea, juice, and smoothies, all at reasonable prices, it's an ideal spot for those seeking affordability without sacrificing quality.
Basic information
Address: 139/14 Street 9, Linh Tay Ward, Thu Duc District
Opening hours: 8:00 - 21:30
Price: 20,000 - 35,000 VND