5 interesting cafes in Saigon with new spaces, worth exploring and enjoying coffee this week.
It’s no wonder that going to coffee is a popular pastime in big cities. Urban life is going to school/work during the day, and returning home to be with family in the evening. Coffee shops, spas, hair salons… are places we go to chat and explore when we can’t go far.
This week’s 5 eat-out advisors have more than coffee for you to enjoy. High-to-ceiling bookshelves for nerds, shopping or “window-shopping” a little at Muji, drinking wine and cocktails, crawling into a Japanese-style lounge, the cupcakes look so cute.
1. Ban – World of books and manga
Ban is a Japanese-style coffee shop, located at the end of the hallway of an old apartment building. Shop space
Japanese style, cozy, and nostalgic with old items, all-wood furniture, and large windows.
A special feature is the mini library inside the shop with ceiling-high bookshelves.
Large windows facing Le Loi Street receive sunlight suitable for early morning visits.
There is a balcony on the 2nd floor for those who do not like sitting in air conditioning or want to smoke.
Menu at the restaurant
Including coffee, fruit tea, smoothies, juices, yogurt, and cakes with cute Japanese names.
Food you can try: Hokkaido Vibe, a cup of coffee with 2 pieces of fragrant coconut ice cream served with it.
Use paper straws and ceramic cups from Japan.
Address: 38/7, 2nd Floor, Le Loi Avenue, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
House 502, 5th Floor, 40E Ngo Duc Ke, District 1
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 8:00 – 22:00
2. Muji – Coffee and 5000 items to shop
Muji is a Japanese brand with the slogan “No Brand Quality Goods”, which just arrived in Vietnam at the end of 2020 and is very popular.
There are more than 5,000 diverse items from household appliances, clothing, furniture… especially for the Vietnamese market.
Besides shopping, Muji stores in Asian countries all have a small coffee shop and Vietnam is no exception.
The open space with soft yellow lights at Muji creates a friendly and close feeling.
Menu at Muji restaurant
La Viet Coffee is Muji’s production and supply partner, including packaged coffee, paper filters, filter bags, and bottled coffee.
Besides, Muji together with La Viet supports coffee farmers in Da Lat to improve the quality of local coffee beans.
Bottled drinks come from reputable brands. There are fruit juices and Japanese teas like houjicha, green tea, Japanese konjac jelly, etc.
Address: 1st Floor, 45 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 9:30 – 22:00
3. Chidori (Su Van Hanh) – Drinking coffee in… bed
Chidori has 4 floors, the ground floor is designed to be divided into boxes to create privacy.
Each box has a power outlet, suitable for studying or working.
Floors 2 & and 3 are designed in the familiar bunk bed style like other Chidori branches.
Beds come in all sizes, large and small, suitable for traveling with 1 or 2 people or traveling in groups.
Each bed has full amenities inside such as study lamps, fans, and electrical outlets.
The 4th floor is an open space designed in a co-working space style, more airy and spacious.
The shop is located in a small alley so it is quite quiet.
Menu at the restaurant
Full range of coffee, fruit teas, smoothies, juices, yogurt, cakes and salty dishes.
You can try: Apple Cinnamon Warmer and Breakfast Combo.
Apple Cinnamon Warmer features fresh apple juice, cinnamon orange sauce, and orange peel topping. The taste is sweet, not harsh.
Breakfast Combo: includes 1 cup of milk coffee and toasted buttered bread, topped with cinnamon powder, served with heavy cream – the ideal combo to start the day.
Address: 796 Su Van Hanh, Ward 12, District 10
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 7:00 – 23:00
4. Pacey Cupcakes – Sweet coffee and cakes
The name of the shop gives you a hint: this is a sweet cupcakes shop.
The shop has 2 floors, the ground floor has few seats because it is the display space for Pacey Cupcakes products.
The upper floor is more spacious for you to sit and enjoy with its nostalgic design.
Quiet space, suitable for working or studying.
Menu at the restaurant
There are many cakes, including sour cakes, and there is no shortage of drinks and coffee of all kinds.
The signature dish is parfait. Depending on the fruit flavor you choose, the shop will combine it with suitable cupcakes to create a new drink.
You should try: Strawberry Parfait. The drink is “so beautiful you’ll faint”, with a strawberry smoothie, heavy cream, and cupcakes served in the cup and topped with cream cheese, strawberry ice cream, cereal, and chocolate.
Address: 14 Dang Dung, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 9:00 – 22:00
5. Manfolk – Sells coffee in the morning, and cocktails in the evening
Manfolk is a cafe and a bar.
Inside there is a display of gentlemen’s suits from the Masman brand, European shoes from Be Classy, and fashion documents to enjoy.
The seats are upholstered in leather, in the same deep color tone.
The shop is small and not too bright.
Menu at the restaurant
The shop serves coffee, tea, and fruit juices during the hours of 7:30 – 18:00.
From 18:00 – 24:00, Manfolk will have cocktails to chill in the evening.
Food you should try: Flashlight. There is sugar syrup, espresso, and a layer of salty milk foam on top.
Cake to eat: Apple Pie. Apple pie with cinnamon filling warmed before serving.
Address: 2nd Floor, 69 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 8:30 – 23:30
