Where to Find Ho Chi Minh City’s Most Talked-About Cafes Right Now

The Cafe Apartment - Iconic Saigon cafe playground

If you have time for only one cafe stop, make it The Cafe Apartment on Nguyen Hue Walking Street. This former residential block turned vertical cafe mall is one of the city’s most recognizable views.

Why it is trending:

• It is not new, but social media and travel vlogs keep rediscovering it.
• A steady stream of recent reviews shows it is still a must-visit, not just a past-era Instagram trap.
• Each floor hides different mini cafes and boutiques, so people return to explore new corners.

What to expect:

• A mix of minimalist coffee bars, dessert shops, and vintage-style lounges stacked floor by floor.
• Balcony seats with front-row views of Nguyen Hue, especially lively at sunset and on weekend nights.
• Lots of photo ops: peeling pastel walls, old metal doors, fairy lights, and neon signs.

Best for:

• First-timers to Ho Chi Minh City who want a one-stop intro to the cafe scene.
• Content creators hunting for multiple backdrops in one building.
• Groups where everyone wants something different to drink or snack on.

Tips:

• There is usually a small entrance or elevator fee paid to the building, not the cafes. Keep small bills ready.
• Go late afternoon to catch daylight photos, then stay as the city lights up.

Oasis Cafe - Lush garden escape in the city

Oasis Cafe lives up to its name, hiding a leafy courtyard and water features behind busy streets. With thousands of reviews and strong recent activity, it is one of Saigon’s most consistently popular hangouts.

Why it is trending:

• High review volume plus steady new feedback means it is not just hype, it is habit for locals.
• The garden vibe hits a sweet spot for people craving nature without leaving the city center.
• It is widely shared in local foodie groups as a go-to for casual meetups.

What to expect:

• Open-air seating surrounded by plants, ponds, and soft lighting at night.
• A broad menu: Vietnamese coffee, smoothies, teas, plus light bites and desserts.
• A relaxed soundtrack and spacious layout that works for both dates and family visits.

Best for:

• Afternoon breaks when the city heat peaks.
• Low-key evenings with friends in a place that feels cooler than the street outside.
• Travelers who want a local-feeling spot rather than a strictly tourist cafe.

Tips:

• Come slightly off-peak (late morning or mid-afternoon) if you want quieter corners.
• Bring a light layer if you are sensitive to outdoor fans and evening breezes.

Chez Mimosa Cafe & Breakfast - Boutique-style brunch darling

Tucked into the hospitality-focused Chez Mimosa brand, Chez Mimosa Cafe & Breakfast feels like a boutique hotel breakfast room that grew into a standalone cafe favorite.

Why it is trending:

• An outstanding rating plus solid review growth signals strong word of mouth.
• Travelers rave about the friendly service and homely atmosphere, which drives repeat visits.
• It is increasingly shared in “best brunch in Saigon” lists, especially among digital nomads.

What to expect:

• Western-style breakfasts, eggs, pancakes, and light Vietnamese options.
• Comfort-forward decor: warm wood, soft lighting, and a calm, unhurried vibe.
• Staff who are used to international guests and can offer local tips.

Best for:

• Jet-lagged arrivals who want a gentle first meal in the city.
• Brunch lovers who care about both presentation and portion size.
• Remote workers looking for a cozy morning base with coffee refills.

Tips:

• Go early if you want the most relaxed experience and better table choice.
• Combine it with a wandering walk through nearby side streets to see daily local life.

Tonkin Specialty Coffee - Serious beans, relaxed attitude

For coffee purists, Tonkin Specialty Coffee is a standout. It balances third-wave coffee standards with the easygoing spirit of Saigon.

Why it is trending:

• High rating and thousands of reviews show it has become a reference point for specialty coffee in the city.
• Recent review activity stays strong, especially among coffee-focused travelers.
• Photos and posts highlight its consistent quality, not just its look.

What to expect:

• Carefully sourced beans, manual brew methods, and well-crafted espresso drinks.
• A clean, modern interior that still feels welcoming rather than clinical.
• Staff who are happy to explain beans, origins, and brew methods in simple terms.

Best for:

• Coffee enthusiasts comparing Vietnamese specialty culture to other global hubs.
• Remote workers or students who want strong coffee and a focused, not-too-noisy space.
• Anyone curious about trying more than just classic Vietnamese drip coffee.

Tips:

• Ask about the current single-origin options if you like filter coffee.
• If you are new to specialty coffee, start with a latte or flat white and work up to pour-overs.

The Melbourne Cafe - Aussie-style brunch and coffee

The Melbourne Cafe channels Australian cafe culture into the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, making it a magnet for brunch fans and expats.

Why it is trending:

• Strong ratings and thousands of reviews show it has become a reliable favorite.
• It often appears in local and expat recommendations for “Melbourne-style” coffee and food.
• Its balanced menu attracts both Western visitors and locals curious about global brunch culture.

What to expect:

• Flat whites, strong espresso, and well-executed classics like smashed avocado, eggs, and grain bowls.
• Bright, modern interiors that feel familiar to anyone who has visited cafes in Melbourne or Sydney.
• A social, buzzy atmosphere at peak brunch hours.

Best for:

• Late breakfasts that slide into early afternoon.
• Small groups who want a comfortable, international-feeling spot.
• Digital nomads who miss their home-style coffee and brunch rituals.

Tips:

• Arrive early on weekends to avoid waiting for a table.
• If you want to work, aim for non-peak hours so you are not competing with brunch crowds.

How to use this cafe list in Ho Chi Minh City

Use this guide as a simple route map:

• Start at The Cafe Apartment for views and variety.
• Escape the heat at Oasis Cafe for a green break.
• Plan a slow morning at Chez Mimosa Cafe & Breakfast.
• Dive into serious coffee at Tonkin Specialty Coffee.
• Wrap it up with a brunch session at The Melbourne Cafe.

Ho Chi Minh City’s cafe scene shifts fast, but these spots have real momentum, not just passing hype. Save this guide in MapsBuddy to keep track of what is trending now and find your next favorite cafe before everyone else does.