Cafe Culture: Cafes in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Cokernut Cafe and Roastery

Tucked away in a small alley on the border between Districts 1 and 3, Cokernut Cafe offers a cozy atmosphere with a hint of funk, making it a cafe worth visiting. The ground floor serves as a cozy and stylish cafe where you can enjoy both specialty and classic Vietnamese coffees, with their coconut coffee being a must-try. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and refreshing.

Upstairs, you’ll find Coconut by Linh, a talented tailor known for her excellent quality fabrics with unique patterns. I’ve been going to Linh for two years now, and she’s always been incredibly easy to work with. Her quality fabrics and unique designs never disappoint, making this spot a perfect blend of great coffee downstairs and custom-tailored clothing upstairs.

Cokernut Cafe in District 3 Ho Chi Minh City

Lava Cafe

Located in a quiet alley in District 1, just across from Saigon Center, Lava Cafe feels more like your friend’s cozy living room than a typical coffee shop. You place your order outside at the window, then settle in while they bring your drink to you. I highly recommend trying the cà phê muối, a rich, bold coffee topped with creamy salted foam, or their unique twist on coconut coffee, which comes with a coconut popsicle slowly melting into your cup.

It’s also one of my favorite spots to work remotely thanks to the strong Wi-Fi, abundant charging outlets, comfy chairs, and spacious tables. Lava Cafe is the kind of place you end up staying longer than you planned and loving every minute.

onap.coffee

Inside one of Ho Chi Minh City’s many winding alleys, onap.coffee strikes the perfect balance between local charm and a touch of modern style. It’s an outdoor spot where everyone gets their own small table and stool, classic Vietnamese street café vibes, but with a cleaner, more curated feel.

They serve both specialty and traditional Vietnamese coffee, so there’s something for every kind of coffee drinker. I like the espresso with orange juice, bright, bold, and surprisingly refreshing, or one of their solid takes on Vietnamese coffee, like ca phe sua da or bac xiu. It’s a great place to sit back, sip slowly, and soak in the rhythm of local life.

onap.coffee in District 3 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

• Download the Grab app: This is like the Uber of Southeast Asia and will make your life so much easier. You can do everything on it, from getting food deliveries to getting taxis to take you to different parts of the city.

• Don’t hesitate to walk across the street with oncoming traffic: Just step out, raise your hand, and walk straight. Don’t stop as this will actually cause an accident and someone could get hurt. Crossing the street here in Vietnam is an adventure in itself!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Ho Chi Minh City page.