8 Favorite Types of Coffee Among Saigonese

As a coffee lover’s paradise, Saigon offers coffee at any hour of the day. You’ll often see locals sitting at cafés — to meet up, chat, have lunch, read a book, take photos, or simply to find the perfect spot to watch the city go by.

Saigon coffee culture is like a vibrant canvas, filled with countless styles, flavors, and rituals. It’s so diverse that every mood, every purpose, and every personality seems to have its own perfect cup. Here are 8 “excuses” Saigonese often use to linger over coffee — each reflecting a unique slice of city life.

1. Chatting & People-Watching – Sidewalk & Park Coffee
Sidewalk coffee stalls and “bệt-style” cafés (where people sit on low stools or even on the ground in parks) are iconic in Saigon.
Here, friends gather to catch up, watch the streets, and enjoy the city’s rhythm — all over a simple but satisfying cup of coffee.

When talking about Saigon coffee, sidewalk coffee is something you simply can’t ignore.

All across Saigon — from bustling main roads to quiet street corners — sidewalk coffee is everywhere. Calling them “shops” might be a stretch, since most require very little investment. A few small tables and stools, some basic brewing tools, or even just a stack of newspapers or cardboard are enough to serve dozens to hundreds of customers a day.

In addition to cafés set up near neighborhoods, office buildings, and schools to meet local demand, Saigon is also home to iconic sidewalk coffee spots that draw crowds of coffee lovers. Some of the most popular include: Cà phê bệt in 30/4 Park, coffee by Notre-Dame Cathedral, Vy Café beside New World Hotel, “Stool Coffee” in the Phan Xich Long food street, coffee next to the Saigon Opera House, and those lined up along sidewalks near universities like the University of Architecture, Polytechnic University, University of Natural Sciences, and University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

2. Fast and Convenient – Takeaway Coffee

Young people in Saigon are quick to embrace new things, so it didn’t take long for the takeaway coffee style — where you order and pay at the counter, then freely choose where to enjoy your favorite drink — to become widely accepted.

Introduced to Vietnam in recent years, the trend of takeaway coffee has gradually won the hearts of the youth and office workers thanks to its convenience, youthful energy, and creative flair. What makes this type of coffee truly appealing is not just the modern, stylish design — from interiors, menu boards, bar counters, staff uniforms to the coffee cups — but also the contemporary way it’s enjoyed and served.

In Saigon, aside from countless budget-friendly takeaway coffee stalls scattered throughout the city, several trendy takeaway coffee chains frequented by young people include: Passio, Urban Station, Effoc, Cactuz, Take Coffee, Ben Coffee House, and Buzz Ice Blended.

3. Social Meetups, Business Talks – Branded Coffee

It’s always safer and more professional to choose a branded coffee space for social gatherings or business meetings.

Saigon offers a wide range of well-known coffee chains to choose from — from international franchises like Starbucks, Angel-in-US Coffee, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Caffe Bene… to local staples like Highlands, Trung Nguyên, Soho, and My Life. These coffee shops are often located in District 1, District 3, or on the ground floors of Grade A office buildings and five-star hotels, making them perfect for short meetings and casual conversations. Moreover, the modern and quiet atmosphere of these cafes makes them ideal for those looking to relax, unwind, or discuss business in comfort.

4. Gatherings with Friends and Family – Garden Cafés

In a densely populated city like Saigon, open-air cafés surrounded by nature — with greenery, flowers, birds, and flowing water — are especially cherished.

Each garden café has its own charm and unique appeal, but all of them share the ability to create a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere, offering a rare sense of calm and simplicity amid the everyday hustle and bustle of Saigon.

When it comes to garden cafés, Saigon locals often have a few go-to names in mind: Country House, like a fairy tale scene in real life; the Du Miên café chain (Miền Đồng Thảo, Thềm Xưa, Sorrento, Du Miên Garden) with their flower-filled window panes, stone-paved cottages, and gentle streams that make you feel like you’ve escaped to the dreamy hills of Đà Lạt; Sonate and Serenate, which echo a nostalgic ambiance; Trầm, known for its serene atmosphere and classic love songs; Legend Café, a Renaissance-style castle café; and Oasis Café, with its eye-catching treehouses.

5. Relaxing and Heart-to-Heart Conversations – “Box” Cafés

Tucked away inside old apartment buildings or nestled in narrow alleys, “box” cafés — small, cozy cafés that often feature natural light and artistic charm — have become the top choice for those who enjoy a poetic, introspective, and quietly refined atmosphere.

In Saigon, there’s no shortage of these hidden gems, and depending on your mood or personal taste, you might just become a regular at one of them. Some notable names include She Café, Loft Café, Hoa, Gác Hoa, Vecchio Café, Vừng Ơi Mở Ra, Cochin, and Cooku’s Nest Café — each with its own unique character and sense of calm.

6. Seeking Novelty and Personal Passions – Book Cafés, Theater Cafés, Pet Cafés…

Beyond the familiar formats like garden cafés or office-style cafés, Saigon also boasts a wide array of unique and quirky cafés that cater to all kinds of hobbies and curiosities. Many visitors come simply to satisfy their love, curiosity, or personal passions.

Animal lovers can explore themed cafés where they can interact with dogs, cats, parrots, fish, and even reptiles. Enthusiasts of vehicles or architecture can find cafés showcasing vintage cars or artistic sculptures. Book cafés and theater cafés — where you can sip your coffee while immersing yourself in a good read or enjoying a small stage performance — are also popular forms of coffee culture in Saigon.

7. Lunch Break – Office Cafés

Office workers in Saigon often choose cafés near their workplace or arrange lunchtime coffee meetups with friends as a way to relax and unwind during the busy day.

Lunchtime, first and foremost, is about eating — so naturally, cafés must offer a delicious and appealing lunch menu tailored to office-goers. Some popular cafés among Saigon’s working crowd include: Sỏi Đá, Sonate, Du Miên, Ân Nam, the Soho Café chain, Mộc Hi-end, ID Café, Touch Café, and Ann Quán.

8. A Panoramic View of Saigon – Rooftop Cafés

Admiring Saigon from above is a coffee-drinking style beloved by many café enthusiasts in the city. With open, peaceful spaces and prime locations, rooftop cafés are the perfect choice for those who want to observe the city’s transformation throughout the day.

Moonlight Coffee Lounge across from Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the rooftop café at Majestic Hotel overlooking Thu Thiem, Shri on the 23rd floor of Centec Tower with transparent glass design, Panorama Coffee on the 33rd floor of Saigon Center, L’Usine Café on Dong Khoi Street, Bar Saigon on the rooftop of the Caravelle Hotel beside the Saigon Opera House, and Saigon Skydeck Coffee on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower… are some of the most popular spots for enjoying delicious drinks while taking in the stunning skyline of Saigon. These locations are also ideal for photographers capturing artistic shots of the city from above.