1. Tonkin Specialty Coffee – A Minimalist Coffee Retreat in The Heart of District 1

Located on a bustling, lively street in District 1, Tonkin Specialty Coffee offers a refreshing escape from the city's fast-paced energy. The space is thoughtfully designed with an Indochine touch, featuring folk masks, vintage decor, and soft lighting that evokes a nostalgic atmosphere. Traditional Vietnamese elements are paired with a minimalist layout, creating a clean, stylish café that appeals to travelers seeking both comfort and culture.

The menu at Tonkin Specialty Coffee focuses on specialty coffee brews and slow bar techniques, featuring traditional Vietnamese phin coffee, smooth cold brews, and their signature egg coffee alongside various teas, smoothies, and pastries. They also serve a selection of light bites such as banh mi and pizza.

Tonkin Specialty Coffee space is not too large but very airy and cool (Source: Tonkin Specialty Coffee)

Egg cream coffee is a favorite drink among many loyal customers at Tonkin Specialty Coffee (Source: Tonkin Specialty Coffee)

2. Little Hanoi Egg Coffee – Authentic Northern Flavors in Southern Vietnam

Located just a five-minute walk from Ben Thanh Metro Station, Little Hanoi Egg Coffee on Yersin Street offers a quiet, cozy space in the middle of District 1. Housed in an old building with soft lighting and Hanoi-inspired decor, the café creates a warm, inviting setting. Each corner is thoughtfully arranged, featuring delicate touches that reflect northern Vietnamese aesthetics.

The cafe specializes in their signature egg coffee, where smooth beaten eggs create a creamy, sweet layer atop robust Vietnamese coffee, delivering the authentic bitter-sweet balance that defines this Northern delicacy. Beyond their famous egg coffee, guests can explore unique offerings like white bread dipped in creamy egg coffee mixture, providing an innovative twist on traditional coffee enjoyment alongside various tea, brunch, and fresh pastries.

Little Hanoi Coffee is famous for its rich, creamy egg coffee and a tempting selection of brunch dishes

3. XLIII Specialty Coffee – Premium Coffee for Serious Coffee Lovers

XLIII Specialty Coffee on Pasteur Street is a go-to destination for coffee connoisseurs. Known for its high-end offerings, the café focuses on origin-specific beans and refined brewing techniques. The space is minimal yet elegant, with soft lighting and a monochrome palette that brings a sense of calm. The aroma of freshly ground beans fills the air, while a lab-like setup gives the café a sense of precision and craftsmanship.

Rather than offering a broad menu, XLIII highlights the pure, distinctive flavors of premium beans. Guests can choose their preferred roast and brewing method, whether it’s a clean filter, bold shot, or smooth milk base. Popular selections include rare beans like Finca Rosenheim Gesha and Nueva Alianza Y Gesha, alongside light pastries that complement the refined tasting experience.

High-quality coffee beans are meticulously refined to create a bold and sophisticated cup of coffee

4. Cong Ca Phe – A Nostalgic Vietnamese Café Experience

Cong Ca Phe is a well-loved Vietnamese coffee chain with over 100 locations, including a popular branch on Ly Tu Trong Street in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. The café recreates the post-war subsidy era through vintage furniture, old-school décor, and a military-inspired theme, offering a playful yet heartfelt journey into Vietnam’s past.

Known for its signature coconut coffee, with its light bitterness and rich, creamy texture, remains a favorite among both locals and tourists. Beyond their famous coconut coffee, Cong Ca Phe offers a diverse selection of traditional Vietnamese coffee preparations, refreshing iced beverages, Vietnam souvenirs, and light snacks perfect for groups gathering to chat and socialize in this nostalgic setting.

Coconut milk is an essential element in Cong’s signature drinks, with each creation showcasing a unique twist on its flavor

5. The Workshop Coffee – A Rooftop Café for Work And Brew

The Workshop Coffee sits atop a colonial-era building, blending French architecture with modern industrial design. High ceilings, open space, and rotating art displays create a creative and inspiring atmosphere. With wide windows overlooking downtown District 1, it’s a favorite spot for freelancers, creatives, and coffee lovers alike.

The café focuses on specialty coffee with a rotating selection of beans and manual brew methods like pour-over, syphon, and cold brew. The house favorite, “Special lungo,” offers a bold, layered taste with Asian-inspired notes. A small food and pastry menu adds to its appeal, making it ideal for both work sessions and casual meetups.

At The Workshop Coffee, customers can witness the impressive coffee brewing process and enjoy an unforgettable flavor

6. Ghe Coffee – A Quiet Escape with Artistic Flair

Hidden on the first floor of an old building off Mac Thi Buoi Street, Ghe Coffee lives up to its name, “Ghe” means “drop by” in Vietnamese, welcoming visitors into a warm, artistic retreat. The space is cozy and thoughtfully decorated, with lush greenery and vibrant Dong Ho paintings that reflect traditional Vietnamese charm in a modern, creative setting.

The menu features a mix of traditional and fusion drinks, including pour-over coffee brewed on-site and local favorites like egg coffee and Ghe’s signature milk coffee. Light pastries and a selection of house-roasted beans are also available, inviting guests to take a piece of the experience home. It’s a peaceful spot perfect for journaling, reading, or simply unwinding in the heart of District 1.

Ghe Coffee feels like a miniature art gallery, showcasing countless unique and captivating artworks (Source: Ghé Coffee - casual specialty café in Saigon)

Ghe Coffee serves specialty coffee, meticulously selecting its beans with a strong focus on flavor and quality (Source: Ghé Coffee - casual specialty café in Saigon)

7. Lacàph Coffee Experiences Space – A Coffee Concept Rooted in Vietnamese Heritage

Lacàph Coffee Experiences Space offers a rustic yet refined atmosphere with exposed brick walls, high wooden ceilings, and plenty of natural light. Inside, visitors can explore the coffee experience area, where they learn about the roasting process and Vietnamese coffee culture.

Guests can sample high-quality roasted beans like the Lacaph Filter Blend and Lacaph Espresso Blend, available in curated sets for brewing at home. Signature drinks such as egg coffee, salted coffee, and condensed milk coffee are also worth trying, each offering bold and authentic Vietnamese flavors. The menu also includes creative cocktails, mocktails, and desserts, adding a modern twist to this inspired space.

Enjoy the magical flavors brewed by a professional machine using a blend of high-quality coffee, delivering a rich and lingering taste

8. Po Cafe – A Cozy Nook for Quiet Conversations

Po Cafe sits quietly above a well-known apartment building on Nguyen Hue Walking Street, offering a warm, intimate space amid the lively energy of downtown Saigon. With its homely charm and relaxed pace, it feels like a hidden corner where locals and travelers can pause and recharge.

Often called the "Hue Salt Coffee Spot in Saigon", Po Cafe is best known for its smooth, creamy salted coffee, lightly sweet with a rich, bold finish. Friendly baristas and gentle background music create a calming atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a peaceful coffee break with a soft slice of cake in bustling District 1. The café also serves grilled cheesy crab bread, featuring a crispy, cheese-covered baguette that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee.

Enjoy the signature Hue original salt coffee that has made Po Cafe famous

9. Hoff Coffee Brewers – For the Modern Coffee Explorer

Tucked away on the first floor of an old building on Ly Tu Trong Street, Hoff Coffee offers a fresh, urban space surrounded by greenery. Customers can choose to sit indoors or out on the airy balcony. The interior is minimal and relaxed, making it a popular hangout for students and office workers looking to unwind or catch up over coffee.

Hoff stands out for its creative twist on familiar coffee drinks. From yogurt coffee to tiramisu latte and the signature Hoff Beo, the menu balances bold coffee notes with creamy textures for a playful, modern feel. The café also features a small pastry counter and takes pride in its manual brewing techniques, making it a go-to spot for those curious about new coffee experiences in District 1.

Hoff Coffee Brewers offers a neat and cool space that's not overly vibrant, creating a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere (Source: Hoff Coffee Brewers)

The creative coffee drinks at Hoff Coffee Brewers feel like a boost of energy for the entire day (Source: Hoff Coffee Brewers)

10. r e u . coffee – Nature Meets Design in A Zen Coffee Space

Nestled along a quiet stretch of Trinh Van Can, r e u . coffee feels like a serene forest retreat, with soft lighting, green velvet textures, and artistic decor that blends botanical murals with modern curves. Every detail, from the leaf-patterned furniture to the forest-toned walls. The space invites quiet focus, making it a favorite among digital nomads and travelers looking for a stylish yet soothing corner in District 1.

The drink menu at r e u . coffee is creative, guests can choose from a wide range of options, including bold Vietnamese coffee, refreshing fruit teas, and fermented tea blends. Unique drinks like the Café Sapo Macchiato or Café Nutella stand out with their smooth, creamy textures and balanced bitter-sweet notes. It’s a great spot for those eager to try something new yet rooted in local flavors.

r e u . coffee stands out with its distinctive green tones that cover the entire space (Source: r ê u . coffee)

The creative drinks at r e u . Coffee always leave a strong impression on customers (Source: r ê u . coffee)

Exploring the best spots for coffee District 1 is more than just a caffeine fix, it’s a journey through Vietnam’s rich and evolving café culture. Each place on this list brings its own charm, flavor, and story, giving visitors a unique way to experience Saigon.

Don’t forget to check out the Vietnam Airlines Travel Guide to find out your perfect Saigon adventure.