As travel writers who live in Saigon (also known as Ho Chi Minh City) and get tired of working out of our studio apartment, we have had the opportunity to check out lots of outstanding cafes and coffee shops around town.

One of the things that I absolutely love about the coffee shops in Vietnam is that you’ll never feel pressured to rush or leave. They have a very relaxed style and attitude so once they deliver your order, you’ll pretty much be left alone. So if you need to get some work done, or just want to spend the afternoon enjoying a pot of tea and a good book, you can spend as long as you’d like at any of these cute Saigon coffee shops.

Most of the cafes listed below are easy enough to find on Google Maps or TripAdvisor due to their rave reviews, but most are relatively hidden down alleyways or up narrow staircases. So you probably wouldn’t find them on your own, just wandering around the streets of Saigon.

Below is a list of my 17 favorite coffee shops and cafes in Saigon, grouped by the best for getting work done, the best with unique coffee concoctions, the best ambiance, the best for yummy desserts, and the best for brunch. They are not in any particular order as it would be impossible to choose the best cafe in Saigon!

The 17 Best Coffee Shops & Cafes in Ho Chi Minh City

The Best Saigon Cafes for Getting Work Done

1. The Hidden Elephant Books & Coffee

The Hidden Elephant Books & Coffee is both a cute little coffee shop and a bookstore with a large selection of books written in English (which can be difficult to find in Vietnam). The ambiance here is VERY quiet. It is meant to be a place to work or to read, but not to socialize. So you’ll probably find yourself whispering your coffee order to the friendly staff members.

Hidden Elephant is a great coffee shop to get some work done if you thrive in a very quiet, peaceful environment. They have lots of tea and coffee offerings and a few sweet and savory treat options.

This Saigon coffee shop really is hidden on the second floor with just a small sign to guide you where to go. It’s through a small alleyway and up a small set of stairs. Seating is very limited and people tend to stay awhile so you may want to have a backup plan in case no tables are available.

Location: 2nd Floor, 35 Phan Chu Trinh, Phường Bến Thành, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

2. The Workshop Coffee

The Workshop Coffee is a cafe that takes its high-quality coffee very seriously. If you are a coffee connoisseur, there’s really no better coffee shop in Saigon. They have a large selection of coffee beans and you can choose your preferred brewing style.

The ambiance of The Workshop Coffee is quite hip and industrial. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Portland, Oregon or Austin, Texas. And while there are a ton of people working here, there are no noise restrictions so it is a great place to work if you don’t mind chatter in the background. There are plenty of outlets to keep you charged and some large shared tables to fit more patrons.

The Workshop Coffee also has a full menu and a few sweet dessert options in case you get hungry. My only complaint about The Workshop Coffee is that the chairs are too hard to be able to spend an entire afternoon here. And the location is also a bit challenging to find as it is down a small alleyway and up several flights of stairs.

Location: 27 Ngô Đức Kế, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

3. Teaspoon Coffee & Tearoom

While the Workshop takes coffee seriously, Teaspoon Coffee & Tearoom is the place to go if you’re serious about tea. Not only is this adorable Saigon cafe filled with unique teapots and teacups on display, but you can also choose from a wide selection of teas in various fruit and floral varieties, as well as black, green, and herbal teas. And you can select the strength of your tea depending on your preference.

We recommend Teaspoon Coffee & Tearoom as a great place to work because they have some nice, comfortable chairs near the big windows that look down on the street below. They also have chairs with high backs if you need more support while you work. Plus their Wi-Fi works great and there are plenty of outlets throughout.

And if you get a bit peckish while you’re working, Teaspoon also has a case full of yummy desserts by the coffee bar. Flan, macarons, cheesecake, lemon meringue, and red velvet are a few that are usually available. We would highly recommend the lemon meringue!

Even if you don’t have any work to do, you’ll want to visit Teaspoon Coffee & Tearoom to enjoy a cup of tea and the lovely atmosphere. It’s a peaceful place with colorful murals on the walls, comfortable seating, and the cutest decor. Plus the staff members are super friendly and if you’re lucky, they may even play you a tune or two on the guitar!

Location: 37 Lý Tự Trọng, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

The Best Saigon Cafes with Unique Coffee Concoctions

4. Okkio Caffe

Okkio Caffe is also a great Saigon cafe for getting some work done, but I felt compelled to add them to this section because of their delicious coconut coffee and egg coffee concoctions! In fact, it’s often referred to as one of the best places in Saigon to try egg coffee.

The coffee at Okkio is a bit pricey compared to other Saigon coffee shops, but you can tell that the coffee bean quality is high. They also offer cold brew and some yummy treats to satisfy your sweet tooth. But since both egg coffee and coconut coffee are really unique to Vietnam, it’d be a shame not to try both while you’re here. And Okkio is a great place to do it!

As with many of the other Saigon cafes on this list, Okkio Caffe is located in the middle of the bustling tourist area, but a bit difficult to find as it is off the street, up a narrow staircase. The ambiance is a bit like a cute diner with little round tables and a colorful tiled floor. Seating is limited but it’s worth the wait!

Location: 122 Đường Lê Lợi, Phường Bến Thành, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

5. Little Hanoi Egg Coffee

Another one of the best coffee shops in Saigon to try Vietnam’s famous egg coffee is Little Hanoi Egg Coffee. It’s a small, unassuming cafe that is tucked back into an alleyway and not exactly easy to find. But that only adds to its charm!

The interior of this darling little Saigon cafe is cozy and everyone on staff is so friendly. They have a small menu of different toast options if you’re feeling peckish, the most popular of which is the avocado toast with egg. And of course, it would be a travesty not to try their famous egg coffee!

Location 1: 119/5 Yersin, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Location 2: 212 Lê Lai, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

6. Cong Ca Phe

Some may argue that Cong Ca Phe (Vietnamese: Cộng Cà Phê) doesn’t deserve a spot on a list of best coffee shops in Saigon because it’s actually a chain with locations all over Vietnam. But honestly, when I want a yummy coffee treat, it’s always the spot that I choose! Not only do they have coconut coffee, but also other coconut concoctions like coconut chocolate and coconut green rice. So if you’re not in the mood for coffee, you’ll have plenty of options here!

The ambiance of Cong Ca Phe is like an homage to the Viet Cong during the Vietnam-American War. The baristas and servers wear green army-esk uniforms and they have a small gift shop area with war-themed memorabilia. The coffee shops are generally in older, multi-story buildings with antique tables and lots of old books. It’s a popular spot for young and hip Vietnamese kids to hang out with their friends and study.

Many of the Cong Ca Phe locations have some outdoor seating, perfect for people watching. I love hanging out at this Saigon cafe, sipping my coconut coffee, and watching the world go by. It’s definitely worth a visit during your time in Vietnam!

7. The Hummingbird Cafe

If you’re looking for some of the best cold brew coffee in Saigon, look no further than The Hummingbird Cafe! It’s not only delicious but the presentation is pretty impressive as well. You’ll be served a glass filled with frozen coffee cubes and a glass bottle of cold brew on a wooden board – it’s enough to enjoy two full glasses.

The Hummingbird cafe has one large shared table in the center of the coffee shop with smaller tables surrounding it. There are small seating areas upstairs that are perfect for posting up to read a good book or get some work done. They also have delicious baked goods that will compliment your cold brew perfectly!

Location: 5h Đ. Tôn Đức Thắng, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

The Best Saigon Cafes for Amazing Ambiance

8. Padma de Fleur

If I had to pick the absolute most darling little coffee shop on this list, then Padma de Fleur would probably win first prize. It’s both a coffee shop and a florist so you’ll be surrounded by beautiful floral arrangements while you sip on your perfectly presented coffee.

I spent one entire afternoon working at Padma de Fleur and had the best experience! The space is incredibly peaceful and relaxing, the drinks are served in the most picture-perfect fashion, and the set lunch meal is really tasty. Plus, they just leave you alone and never pressure you to buy a thing. They even allowed me to order decaf coffee to be delivered since they don’t offer it on their menu (I was pregnant at the time).

Location: 55/6 Lê Thị Hồng Gấm, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

9. Ca Phe Co Ba

Another amazing cafe in Saigon with a lovely ambiance is Ca Phe Co Ba (Vietnamese: Cà Phê Cô Ba). They have lots of different little comfortable seating areas, including chairs out on their balcony where you can enjoy the view! Large wooden chairs, antique decor, and a tiled floor create a cozy, homey ambiance in this Saigon coffee shop.

Besides a large selection of delicious coffee drinkings, Ca Phe Co Ba also has a large menu so it’s an ideal place to spend an entire afternoon. The atmosphere is lively as it is a popular place for young locals to catch up with friends. It’s possible to get some work done here if you don’t mind the background noise.

Location: 4-6 Đồng Khởi, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

10. The Loft Cafe & Bistro

The Loft Cafe & Bistro is another Saigon cafe that will make you forget you’re in SE Asia! With exposed brick walls that have been painted stark white and a huge round window clock, it has a hip vibe that is popular with locals and ex-pats alike.

You can stick to one of their delicious coffee drinks, or check out their large food menu. There are plenty of tables to choose from and if you don’t mind the relatively hard chairs and chatter, it can be a good place to get work done.

Location 1: 26 Lý Tự Trọng, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Location 2: 95 Pasteur, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

11. Khom Coffee & Tea

Khom Coffee & Tea is a bit further outside of the downtown area of Ho Chi Minh City, but it’s worth the commute for the lovely, peaceful ambiance. The space is light and bright with lots of pretty flowers lining the entrance. The wicker furniture throughout gives this cute coffee shop a homey feel and you’ll love spending a few hours enjoying the calming space and the delicious coffee.

We would highly recommend trying the coconut coffee – it’s creamy, delicious, and has yummy candied coconut flakes sprinkled on top.

Location: 5 Trần Quý Khoách, Tân Định, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

The Best Saigon Cafes With Yummy Desserts

12. Maison Marou

If I could only eat at one dessert spot, anywhere in the world, for the rest of my life, I would choose Maison Marou. That’s a serious statement, I know, but their chocolate really is THAT GOOD. After I first discovered this coffee shop in Saigon, which is really more of a chocolate-lovers paradise, I returned every day for a week straight. They sell the best brownie in all of Ho Chi Minh City!

Maison Marou does offer some standard coffee drinks and teas, but their real specialties are their drinking chocolate concoctions and a case full of desserts! The cocoa is sourced from the Mekong Delta and the chocolate is produced locally in Vietnam. They also have award-winning packaged chocolate bars available for purchase which make great gifts for friends and family back home.

The Wi-Fi can be pretty spotty and the shop gets really crowded, so Maison Marou isn’t necessarily the best place in Saigon to work for the afternoon. But if you’re looking to grab an afternoon coffee and a decadent dessert, you absolutely cannot go anywhere else!

Location 1: 167-169, Calmette, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Location 2: No.90 Xuân Thủy, Thảo Điền, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City

13. Villa Royale Antiques & Tea Room

If you want to enjoy a yummy dessert that doesn’t necessarily involve chocolate, then Villa Royale Downtown Antiques & Tea Room will satisfy your sweet tooth. The most popular dessert, in this case, is the Dalat raspberry cheesecake, and we’re partial to the carrot cake with passionfruit frosting. Other delicious options include apple pie, lemon meringue pie, and salted caramel pie.

And if you want an excuse to dress up, you’ll love that the Villa Royale offers an afternoon high tea. While enjoying your tea you’ll sit at one of the quaint little tables surrounded by unique art and antiques. You’ll forget that you’re in hot and humid Vietnam!

Villa Royale Downtown Antiques & Tea Room has two locations – one in the city center and one in District 2. While both locations are quite lovely with similar food offerings and great service, we are partial to the District 2 location. The decor is more eclectic and you can actually purchase many of the antiques on display!

And for a real treat, be sure to try a freshly baked scone with jam and whipped cream. Baked goods are few and far between in Saigon so you may want to take a few back to your hotel to enjoy later.

Location 1: 25 Hồ Tùng Mậu, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Location 2: 3 Trần Ngọc Diện, Thảo Điền, District 2, Hồ Chí Minh City

The Best Saigon Cafes for a Delicious Brunch

14. L’Usine

L’Usine has several cafes sprinkled around Saigon and you really can’t go wrong no matter which one you choose. They also have a small shop attached where you can purchase some unique made-in-Vietnam gifts. The restaurant ambiance is quaint and unpretentious – it’s a good place to get some work done or to catch up with a friend over a cappuccino.

The menu at L’Usine includes a wide selection of delicious breakfast dishes (including several eggs benedict variations), as well as burgers, sandwiches, and Asian cuisine favorites. Dishes are on the pricey side here but portions are large and the food is really tasty. My personal favorite dish is the vegetarian lasagna!

If you don’t mind venturing out to District 2, the L’Usine Thao Dien offers a weekend “boozy brunch” of free-flow wine and craft beer for only 290,000 VND/person. It’s one of the best brunch deals in town!

Location: You can find all of L’Uisine’s locations here.

15. The Vintage Emporium

The Vintage Emporium is the cutest little Saigon coffee shop located in Da Kao just outside the touristy area of District 1. Not only do they have yummy coffees, teas, and juices, but they also have some unique lattes flavored with beetroot, matcha, or turmeric.

And while it’s possible to order only coffee at The Vintage Emporium, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to pass up their scrumptious brunch menu! Offering super fresh smoothie bowls, eggs benedict, and other brunch classics, you’re sure to find something you love here.

Keep in mind that The Vintage Emporium is quite popular with ex-pats, especially on weekends. So arrive early or a bit later in the afternoon to ensure that you’ll get a table.

Location 1: 95 Đường Nguyễn Văn Thủ, Đa Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Location 2: số 1 Đường số 39, Thảo Điền, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City

16. Cafe Marcel

Another extremely popular brunch spot is Cafe Marcel – This lovely little French-style cafe is located in the Thao Dien neighborhood of District 2. It’s not very big and it gets quite busy during breakfast and lunch hours so if you just want to sip a coffee and enjoy a book or some conversation, better to go later in the afternoon after the lunch crowd has died down. And if you’re planning to go for brunch, it’s best to make a reservation to avoid a wait.

If you’re craving Western brunch favorites like pancakes, a bagel sandwich, or even just a grilled cheese sandwich, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the menu at Cafe Marcel. I recommend the mushrooms and eggs or, my personal favorite – the Croque-Marcel. There are limited tables which makes it cozy and intimate inside.

Of course, with Western food comes Western prices so expect to pay a bit more for your brunch here.

Location: 28 Ngô Quang Huy, Thảo Điền, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City

17. Godmother Bake & Brunch

If you’re looking for the most Instagrammable cafe in Saigon then you’ll definitely want to check out Godmother Bake & Brunch. With a light pink color scheme, comfy velour chairs, and couches, and perfectly presented food and drinks, it’s impossible not to take a few photos here.

Godmother is also one of the few places in Saigon to get a grilled cheese sandwich with a side of creamy tomato soup. Prices are reasonable when you consider how large the portions are. If you want to indulge in decadent comfort brunch classics, this is the place to do it!

Location: 4 Đồng Khởi, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

That’s it – Saigon’s cutest coffee shops! Do you have a favorite cafe or coffee shop that we missed? Let us know in the comments below!

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