Explore Saigon through the story of Vietnamese coffee

Saigon is renowned for its vibrant lifestyle and as a paradise for enjoying rich, distinctive Vietnamese coffee, which embodies the unique culinary culture of the region. Let us take you on a journey to discover the exceptional coffee drinks that can only be found in Saigon, Vietnam.

1. Vietnamese Coffee Culture: A Distinctive Feature of Local Culinary Heritage:

Vietnamese coffee is renowned for its production volume, ranking among the top in the world. However, few people know that coffee was introduced to Vietnam during the French colonial period in the 1950s. The first coffee seeds sown in our country were Arabica beans in 1867, planted in the fertile Central Highlands. Since then, the variety of coffee beans has expanded, but the most impressive in Vietnamese coffee culture are still the flavors of Arabica and Robusta, which are widely grown across the country. The Central Highlands, in particular, remains the coffee capital of Vietnam, producing large quantities of high-quality beans for domestic consumption and export.

It is no exaggeration to say that coffee is a beverage that creates a connection between different social classes. Initially, coffee was reserved for the aristocracy, French officials, and the intellectual elite of that time. Over time, the rich, dark, and robust drink became popular, gradually appearing everywhere from upscale cafes to street-side stalls, deeply embedded in the local lifestyle and culture.

Though not luxurious, it is hard to resist the flavor of a Vietnamese coffee cup, from the pure bitterness of “black coffee” to the sweet aftertaste of “milk coffee.” This rustic yet alluring drink is sure to captivate you. It is common in Vietnam to see early morning gatherings, savoring sips of coffee, pondering, reading newspapers, listening to music, or chatting with friends. Coffee has indeed become a lifestyle, an indispensable part of Vietnamese life in general, and especially in Saigon, where coffee is not just a drink but also a sensory experience.

2. The Unique Charm of Coffee Culture in Saigon:

The coffee culture in each region of Vietnam is distinct and unique, and Saigon is no exception. So, what makes the coffee culture in Saigon so special?

Perhaps, for Saigoners in general and coffee enthusiasts in particular, the coffee culture from the old days is inseparable from the concept of "Saigon street coffee." As long as anyone can remember, street coffee has been a distinctive feature of the local lifestyle, serving as a place for socializing and relaxation. Visitors will easily encounter scenes of groups sitting on street corners, bustling sidewalks, or narrow alleys with simple tables and chairs, enjoying hot drip coffee or iced milk coffee while chatting animatedly, having breakfast, and starting a new day. From simple morning routines to romantic meetings, coffee is always present, helping to create a familiar and close-knit atmosphere. 

This distinctive culinary culture is expressed not only through local stories, lifestyles but also in the methods of brewing and enjoying coffee. Vietnamese people generally prefer strong, bitter flavors, with hints of almond, chocolate, or earthy notes. While the ways of enjoying coffee have evolved and diversified according to age preferences, the distinctive taste remains to fully capture the allure of Saigon coffee.

3. Coffee Culture in Saigon:

The way Vietnamese enjoy coffee is relatively slower and more deliberate compared to Western countries. Saigon offers various popular types of coffee, but the most iconic are "cà phê phin" (drip coffee) and "cà phê vợt" (sock coffee).

• Cà phê phin (Drip coffee)

Some people said that the best coffee must be brewed using a phin to fully extract the rich and special bitter flavor. Watching each drop fall slowly while conversing creates a sense of anticipation and excitement; if the brewing process is not done correctly, the coffee might not bloom properly, or the pressure might be off, resulting in a less-than-perfect cup. The finished product, black coffee, is enjoyed in its pure, bold form, with a bit of sugar and perhaps some ice. Coffee lovers who prefer a sweeter and creamier taste will opt for phin coffee with condensed milk. Both variations are highlights of Saigon's coffee culture.

• Cà phê vợt (Sock coffee)

In Saigon, there is another unique coffee experience with a long history: cà phê vợt (sock coffee). This is a “must-try” for any visitor looking to explore an authentic local coffee experience.

Historically, this method is believed to have originated from a Vietnamese-Chinese individual and has been passed down through generations of coffee enthusiasts in Saigon for its subtle flavor and captivating manual process. However, nowadays, there are few places left that serve this drink and preserve this method due to its complexity. After the coffee beans are hand-roasted and finely ground, they are placed in a fabric filter (sock) and steeped in a clay pot with boiling water. The special aroma of sock coffee, which keeps drinkers coming back, comes from the boiling water heated over a charcoal stove.

4. Vietnamese Coffee in Modern Life:

Throughout the country's development, Vietnamese coffee culture has evolved, incorporating and connecting with many beautiful aspects of international coffee culture. A good cup of coffee is no longer just a properly brewed phin coffee; the concept has been elevated to a new level. Nowadays, good coffee is not only about taste but also about aesthetics. As a result, coffee brewing has changed significantly, from brewing techniques to the variety of ingredients used. It can be said that: "Vietnamese coffee culture, particularly in Saigon, has transitioned from a purely taste-focused culture to one that appeals to both the palate and the eyes."

Adapting to the times, Vietnamese coffee now features many new brewing and tasting methods such as Chemex, Aeropress, Kalita, Ice drip, Nitro cold brew, etc. Despite these complex and unique methods, the traditional beauty of Vietnamese coffee culture remains and is still cherished by coffee enthusiasts.

For today's youth, "coffee time" is not just a morning routine but can happen at any time of the day. Besides enjoying drinks, coffee time is also an opportunity to gather, meet friends, work, or simply enjoy unique spaces. Therefore, there are many coffee shop in District 1, Saigon, offering unique architectural spaces to meet various needs such as pet cafes, book cafes, work cafes, "in-bed" cafes, etc.

So, what is your modern coffee preference? Are you looking for a cafe that offers traditional and modern Vietnamese coffee, with a unique space perfect for check-ins, yet quiet enough for meetings and work? Let’s continue reading the next section to explore some unique cafes in Saigon.

5. Unique Cafés in Saigon - Bason Café Chain in District 1:

Bason Café in District 1 is a prime example of the blend of architectural uniqueness and rich storytelling. Taking design inspiration from historical, cultural, and local heritage values, each location of Bason Café unveils a unique world with distinctive experiences. Let’s explore them with us!

• Bason Café Dong Khoi, where heritage connects emotions with unique coffee experiences.

Address: 6-8 Ho Huan Nghiep, District 1, HCMC  

Menu: from 55,000 VND ++ (serving food all day)

Opening hours: 07:00 - 22:00

More info: https://silverlandhotels.com/bason-cafe-dong-khoi

Located on the ground floor of 5-star hotel - The Myst Dong Khoi, Bason Café is like a miniature shipyard museum, preserving century-old original remnants of the Ba Son shipyard, such as anchors, wooden piles, tiled roofs, and shipbuilding accessories. Harmoniously blending with greenery and vintage-inspired furniture, Bason Café creates an intersection between the past and the present, history and the future, both a nostalgic homage and a peaceful haven amid the bustling streets of the lively city.

• Bason Café - A beautiful and tranquil start to the day with a perfect cup of coffee.

Address: 28-30 Thi Sach, District 1, HCMC  

Menu: from 55,000 VND ++ (serving food all day)

Opening hours: 07:00 - 22:00

More info:https://silverlandhotels.com/bason-cafe-thi-sach

Nestled in the lobby of Silverland Mây Hotel, Bason Café Thi Sach offers a tranquil and dreamy escape. Picturing yourself sitting next to large windows and leisurely enjoying the early morning sunlight with a delicious cup of coffee. Beyond being a spot for delightful coffee drinks, Bason Café is a rendezvous for souls enchanted by the charm of both old and modern Saigon - a "Dreamy Saigon" right in the heart of the lively and busy city.

• Bason Café Bến Thành - Experience artistic and innovative Saigon coffee.

Address: 15-17 Nguyễn An Ninh, District 1, HCMC  

Menu: from 55,000 VND ++ (serving food all day)

Opening hours: 07:00 - 22:00

More info: https://silverlandhotels.com/bason-cafe-ben-thanh

Situated on the ground floor of Silverland Ben Thanh Hotel, one of the cafes in District 1 nearest Ben Thanh Market, Bason Café boasts a unique architecture that defies any template, creating a contemporary, mysterious space with an earthy pink tone that stimulates curious minds and exudes warmth and familiarity. Striking design details such as a ceiling crafted from a collection of vintage air conditioners, a skylight made from the bottom of glass bottles, or a corner showcasing antique sewing machines make Bason Café Ben Thanh an ideal destination not only for coffee enthusiasts but also for those eager to explore unique art and design.

With elegant spaces in high-end hotels in District 1, professional service, and consistently high-quality products, Bason Café is not only a place to enjoy delicious coffee but also a “bridge” to appreciate the beauty of local lifestyle and Saigon’s coffee culture. It is an ideal spot for working, meeting friends, or simply finding a quiet corner to read and work when you are looking for a coffee shop in District 1, Saigon.