“Let’s go to a cafe” seems to be the ultimate answer for Vietnamese youth’s catchphrase “Bored of not knowing what to do?”. There is no need to gather a large group of friends or family to go to a cafe, nor does it need to have a reason like “business discussion” or “sharing small secrets” to go for a coffee, sometimes being alone in a cafe for reading, studying or working is also very productive and enjoyable. Therefore, going to cafe is almost a daily routine, an indispensable feature of Vietnamese culture.
During the days of not going outside the country due to the Covic epidemic, I decided to explore this culture in my lovely Saigon, to contemplate the familiar city through the prism of cafes, especially those in Saigon’s countless alleyways. And surprisingly I realized that I’ve nearly become a stranger in my own city.
Everything has changed rapidly. The way people drink coffee is also different from then to now. Coffee is not only relegated to sipping and thinking as you wait till the last drop of a cup of filtered traditional Vietnamese coffee (black or with milk). Convenient coffee, which is fast but still retains the full Italian coffee flavors like Espresso, Cappuccino or Macchiato is also considered “old fashioned” when cold brewed coffee is trending up with a series of improvised variations. Then hand brew coffee (paper filtered) seems to get us all back to the origin of the sophisticated art of brewing, helping to retain the authentic, light and taste of coffee.
And my own coffee taste has also changed without me noticing it. Once a “die-hard” fan of perfectly thick iced milk Saigon coffee, I now can’t stand its sweet taste, preferring to switch to sugar-free cappuccino. It may take me a while to catch up with the trend of “cold brew coffee” as I have not yet “absorbed” and appreciated its taste.
The world of cafes in Vietnam hence has been blooming all over the places, from main streets to narrow alleys, from the airy garden spaces to multistoried air-conditioned coffee houses. Then, from street corners with tables and chairs lined along the roadside to old tiny forgotten apartments that one must struggle to scramble up the stairs to arrive. Just by wandering the streets, you will sooner or later lose yourself in a coffee shop, offen times hidden somewhere in the small corners of Saigon.
The design of Saigon cafes is getting richer and more unique, keeping updated with the worldwide trends. If Vintage or Retro brings a nostalgic ambience of memories with countless old decorations, Minimalism honors the beauty of “Less is more”. Industrial‘s highlight is its unrefined roughness with a strong and modern look, while Tropical ‘s greenery help to cool down Scandinavian’s cold colors . Meanwhile, Book cafes are quite places to indulge in the pages of a good read.
In a city bursting with coffee shops, these are 8 cafe styles in my collection
- Vintage cafes
- Retro cafes
- Minimalist cafes
- Industrial cafes
- Tropical cafes
- Scandinavia cafes
- Indochina cafes
- Book cafes
1. NOSTALGIA WITH VINTAGE CAFES
Originating in the 15th century, the term Vintage initially referred to old wine bottles or “old” (aged under 100 years) and “used” items. Gradually, Vintage has become an outstanding trend in many art areas, such as fashion, painting, photography and interior design as a kind of going back in time, “copy exactly” the style in the past.
The colors in vintage cafes are usually elegant, featuring white as the central color, accentuated with a slight touch of pale colors such as cream, beige, nude, light green or blue gray. Golden light and time-worn furniture carry a romantic and classic look, as well as a “good old days” feeling.
Decorative accessories are the soul of the vintage style, which must be “Old” and “Used”, from material to design. Faded colored tables and chairs, chandeliers, paintings, wall posters, authentic clocks, or second hand items are the decorative details commonly found in Vintage.
Vintage Cafes in Saigon
- Dist. 1: Blue Dream Bread, Cokernut, Lacàph, L’amant cafe, Linh cafe, Little Hanoi, Loft, Mojo, Người Sài Gòn, Paul 1932, Tản mạn, Tiệm Cà phê Linh, Verite Patisserie, Vintage Emporium, …
- Dist. 2: An Cafe Saigon, Logan Station, …
- Dist. 3: The Art Tea Lounge, An Cà Phê, Ấp, B-story, Cafe Slow, Garage Coffee, In’joy Cafe & Bake, Maison de Boony, Ôtô Cafe, Passenger, Remember Me, Sori Cafe (+tropical), Vừng ơi mở ra, …
- Dist. 5: Angelique Bistro, Itune, …
- Dist. 10: Ansam, Kleine Ecke Cafe, …
- Go Vap Dist.: Lava Coffee, …
- Phu Nhuan Dist.: Chín Tám Coffee, Kho Nha Minh, The Seat, Yesterday Piano Cafe,…
- Cafe chains: Cà phê Trứng 3T, Da Bao Concept, Id cafe, Kohi, Runam, Tea Avenue, Tee May, Vagabond, …
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2. THE PRESENT & THE PAST BLEND IN RETRO CAFES
Retro is often confused with Vintage as both are classic style of designs, with a hint of the past. Retro was born after Vintage, actually was inspired by Vintage so it is called “Vintage inspired”. If Vintage is a style of memories, bearing the imprint of time, Retro is a concept of nostalgia, “imitate” the past, wishing to revive or copy old trends with strong innovative modern twists, imparting them with freshness and making them trendier.
Retro color is an impromptu combination, sometimes daring with vibrant tones such as yellow, orange, sepia, pink, purple (from the 50s-60s) with pastel sweetness like beige, blue or green (of the 70s), creating an eye-catching contrast with outdated decorative items from the “grandparents’ generation”.
Retro decorations do not have to be “old” and “used”, just “imitate” the old style, helping to recall a domain of memories. Desk phones, tiny TV screens, coal irons, cassettes or Kodak films are “long time no see” items of the previous generations, that have become very weird and “don’t know how to use” stuffs to Gen Z.
Retro Cafes in Saigon
- Dist. 1: Apothecary, Bâng khuâng cafe, Cà phê Cô Ba Rooftop, Cakes & Ale cafe, Cà Rề Cafe, Cửa hàng Cafe 81, Góc Hà Nội, Hoàng Thị, Lão Hạc, Little Hà Nội, Mockingbird, Tiệm nước Saigon Life, She Cafe, Things Cafe, Út Lành, …
- Dist. 3: Hoa Giấy, Năm Mười Mười Lăm, Saigon Retro, Ville de Saigon, …
- Dist. 4: Trà đá Ông Trùm, …
- Dist. 5: Cam Cam Kafe, Steven Tea & Coffee, The Wall coffee & beer, Yumcha Tea Room, …
- Dist. 7: Little chair, Dream Art Coffee, …
- Dist. 10: Lò Gạch cafe, Tượng Cafe Acoustic, …
- Dist. 11: Rim Coffee, …
- Binh Thanh Dist.: Cà Phơ Quán, Hẻm Café Sài Gòn, Ngách 160, …
- Go Vap Dist.: Sài Gòn 80s Nhà Mình, …
- Phu Nhuan Dist.: Cafe Nhỏ, Mưa Rào, Xô Bồ, …
- Tan Binh Dist.: Finita, …
- Tan Phu Dist.: Ray cafe,…
- Cafe Chain: Cộng, Ngọt, …
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3. THE CHARM OF MINIMALISTIC CAFES
While Vintage & Retro use plenty of old fashioned decorations to helps us traveling back in time, Minimalism simplifies every detail from the shape, design to colors, materials, and limits the use of decorative items as much as possible.
A minimalistic place does not have more than 3 colors, with the background usually in white, the main color can be black or beige and the highlights are pastel or in elegant tones. The uniformity between walls and ceilings is an important feature of a minimalist design, combined with natural lights (or fake lights) making the space look larger, brighter and more airy.
Minimalistic decorations are used very selectively, often following the main tone, developing subtle highlights that create a unique charm of each cafe.
Minimalism was originated from America in the 1960s as a trend in painting and sculpture, gradually spreading to many other areas such as music, fashion design, interior and exterior decoration, … And by the 21st century, it has become a life philosophy, honoring the creation of a space with “minimize objects but maximize happiness”.
Do not just stop at the disposal of furniture & personal items, minimalism lifestyle is also a tendency to solve problems with just the essentials. There is a notion to simplify relationship to eliminate “acquaintances that we just know” and spend more time with the beloved ones. To simplify the entertainment to seek for the “right quality”, imparting values of humanity and knowledge. To minimize information to avoid being overloaded with too much information.
Minimalism has never been inspired by poverty or savings. The creators of this style may have anything, but they choose the simplest and most elegant, and those are not necessarily a cheap option.
Minimalistic Cafes in Saigon
- Dist. 1: %Arabica, 43 Factory Coffee Roaster, Back to December, Bơ by Butterman, Boo Coffee, DOP Caffe, Dosh Doughnut, Dreamy Days cafe, Fuji Saryo, Hạ Thiên Cafe, Heimise, Ivoire Pastry (tiệm bánh), Maillard, Paper & I, Porapora, Seesaw Coffee, Shinbui Concept, Sillie, Soar Coffee & Wine, Soko, Soo Kafe, Thinker & Dreamer, Trứng, Vibes Coffee, Yasa Cafe,…
- Dist 2: Every Half, Melodie Cafe, Thursday’s Child, …
- Dist. 3: Bagua House, Bakes (tiệm bánh), Cote cafe, The Drinker, La Zero, Mapiness, Mille Mille, Solast Cafe Saigon,…
- Dist. 4: Le Blanc Coffee & Space, Katholic Coffee, D.O.M Coffee Capsule,…
- Dist. 5: September Coffee & Cake, …
- Dist. 7: Anais, Le Montage, The Feine
- Dist. 8: Lover Cafe,…
- Dist. 9: Bông Gạo Coffee
- Dist. 10: Grams Coffee, Urs Cafe, Young Coffee & Tea
- Binh Thanh Dist.: De Olla Cafe, Koo Kafe, La Casa Garden, Nhà hai xẹt, Sol Cafe, Sweet Lab, Thinh Coffee, Wildest Dreams Coffee, …
- Go Vap Dist: Doryo Cafe & Tea, July Studio,…
- Phu Nhuan Dist.: Chasu, Daeshim, Dome Kaffe, Gia Room, Kazu Kaffe, Mono Square cafe, Nhà Của Nắng, The 22 Coffee, Tosee Coffee, YOUniverse, …
- Tan Binh Dist.: Cafe Blanc, Dumm Cafe, Hạ An Corner, Haru Cafe, Kinjo cafe, We Cafeteria, Zeraffe, …
- Cafe Chain: 11:11 Cafe, Danshari, Bosgaurus, Chidori (Coffee in bed), Piko, September, …
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4. THE ROUGHNESS OF INDUSTRIAL CAFES
If Minimalism honors the charm of simplicity, Industrial exposes every “bare” detail for what it is. Derived from a need of transforming old warehouses and factories into apartments/ houses in the early 20th century in Europe, industrial designs were highly utilitarian, just renovating what were already available.
Industrial’s highlight is its unrefined roughness with strong and modern appearance. Raw brick walls, broken concrete, rough cement floors, metal rods, pipes, even electricity wires exposed from the ceiling. The “openness” of the house technical system helps to extend the height (which is usually already high) of the ceiling, and it is easy to repair when needed.
Colors in industrial style prominently features raw materials, such as cement, concrete, bricks or wooden beams, often possessing neutral tones, conveying a coarse and cold feeling. Bright colored decorations and small trees, together with natural lights through large glass doors or yellow electric lights help to balance the vision, soften and warm up the industrial ambience.
The rugged simplicity sometimes makes industrial designs look cliché and boring. Therefore, industrial cafes offen combine with other styles to create their own impression. The Coffee House or Highland Cafe are the great examples as they combine Industrial & Retro or Vintage with just a few details: colorful hand painted walls, some old-style furniture or old retro-colored bricks
Industrial cafes in Saigon
- Dist. 1: 96B Experiment, Allure Coffee, BarXiu, Cà Zone, Coma, Infact Coffee Saigon, Lacof, Local Saigon Cafe, Manki, Nozo Roastery, Passss modern tea, Phin Xanh Caphe, Solast Cafe Saigon, Rehab, Trạm dừng Tử Tế, Workshop, …
- Dist. 2: Mori, We Café An Phú (+Retro), …
- Dist. 3: The 2046, About Life Coffee Brewers, Coffee Hut, Gióng, Little Bean, Ổn Áp Coffee, Shadow Lounge, Tay Mơ Space, The Cocoa Project, …
- Dist. 4: Lala Coffee & Tea, …
- Dist. 5: The Monday Coffee, The Three Coffee, …
- Dist. 7: The Seventh Barista, …
- Dist. 10: The Vanilla Saigon, Xì Gòn Phố Cafe, …
- Binh Tan Dist.: Katifi, …
- Binh Thanh Dist.: Kalita Kafe, Les4mor, Trốn Sài Gòn Cafe, The Workstation Coffee, UCC Coffee Roastery, Unihub Coffee, …
- Phu Nhuan Dist.: Rót Cafe
- Tan Binh Dist.: Lii, Seven Days Coffee, Ticos, …
- Thủ Đức: Owlstanding, …
- Cafe Chain: The Banned Coffee, The Bunny, Caztus Ice Blended, Cheese Coffee, The Coffee Factory, The Coffee House, Effoc, Đen Đá, Hebe Tea & Coffee, Kai, Katina, Là Việt, The Little Bean, Ollin, Okkio (+retro), Rang Rang, S’mores Saigon, S.Tix, Three O’clock, Thức, WEGO, …
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5. COOL AIR IN GREEN TROPICAL CAFES
Tropical is the real contrast to the cold roughness of Industrial. Inspired by the natural colors of the tropics with the sea, the sky, plants & trees, sun & wind, tropical design brings the nature into the house, creating a fresh lush space with a sense of comfort and serenity.
The colors or materials used in tropical style mostly come from the nature. The main green color of the trees harmonizes with the rustic golden brown tone of rattan, bamboo or wood. Not only brings the sincerity but also creates an eco-friendly environment. Whether it is outdoors or indoors, natural lights are maximumly exploited, making the tropical space always illuminated with full sun.
Plants are the indispensable decorative element in tropical style, from flower pots on the table, small ornamental plants hanging on the walls, to big garden trees, even using fake plants, or foliage motifs on wallpaper or canvas. Other decorative accessories are also very rustic and natural. Each detail will make you feel like stepping into a garden filled with greenery and fragrant plants.
Tropical Cafes in Saigon
- Dist. 1: Beanthere DIY House, Bemind, Cam by Đệ Nhất Bánh Cam, Day by Day, Khóm, Lekima, Mộc Little Farm, Người làm vườn, Padma de Fleur, Tiệm Lưu, …
- Dist. 2: Aramour, Bonjour Café The Art, Dalaland Coffee, Kashew Cheese, Mầm Café, Ngôi nhà màu hồng và chiếc xe màu xanh,…
- Dist. 3: 3D Chill Cafe, Anh Coffee Roastery, Avocat Bake n’ Brew, Barista Collective, Hoa Từng Mùa, Every Half, Len Keng, Mùa Coffee & Cocktail, O’Palm, Oshima, Saigon Coffee Roastery, Smore Saigon Caffe, Soo Kafe, Sori garden, Trên Tầng Thượng, Yên Florist & Cafe, …
- Dist. 7: Farmer’s Garden, Leha’s Home Cactus Garden, Lihu cafe, Nắng Rooftop, …
- Dist. 10: Boong Café (+ Industrial), Cư Xá Trà & Cà Phê, Vòm Coffee
- Binh Thanh Dist.: 3H garden, The Bali coffee & tea, Cú Trên Cây, Gathering, Luia, Nắng Xanh Garden, The Terra Pot, Tròn Bistro, Ươm Art Hub, …
- Phu Nhuan Dist: De Tuilo, Lively, Lululala, Tami, Unique, …
- Tan Binh Dist.: Cao Cafe, Hei Coffee, Hiên Cúc Trắng, Tiệm Nhà Mình,…
- Tan Phu Dist.: Tiệm cafe Tháng 7
- Chain: Blue Lemon, Đá Bào Concept, Hôm nào Cafe, Họa Sỹ Cà Phê, Little Cam, Mơ Đi Hội, …
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6. SCANDINAVIA CAFES
In a place where the temperature all year round has never been lower than 20°C like Saigon, talking about Scandinavian style of Northern Europe, where 20°C is considered thewarmest, sounds somewhat strange. However, these design ideas overcame all geographic and climatic differences, become one of the most outstanding architectural styles in the world, as well as be preferred by trendy Saigoneses.
Scandinavia is not the name of a place, but refers to three northern European countries: Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Despite the controversy regarding Scandinavian boundaries (including or excluding Finland, Iceland, even the Greenland and a small part of Russia), and the differences in culture and customs, unbelievable similarities in the interior décor of these nations have made Scandinavian recognized as an independent design style, a standard for elegance and minimalism.
The most important criteria in the Scandinavian style is a combination of a simple design, aesthetics and functionality. The natural harsh climate of Northern Europe has a great influence on shaping this style, creating distinctive hallmarks.
White has always been the dominant color in Scandinavian designs. It helps small coastal houses look more spacious and airy. At the same time, the white color also has a high light contrast, which is very suitable for low-light winter. Natural colors such as color of the wood, earth, sea are used as accents as the way Scandinavian people bring nature into their homes.
Furniture and decorative items also look rustic and coarse, made from wood or stone, with extremely simple line motifs, highlighting elegance and creating warmth. A standard Scandinavian space has to have a sofa with thick woolen or leather blanket, a Moroccan-patterned rug and a fireplace. Plant is an indispensable decorative item, bringing a source of fresh vitality for cold winter days.
Lighting plays a very important role in Scandinavian style. To take advantage of the rare natural light of Nordic winters, most designs feature large windows with thin white curtains. Artificial light can come from hanging ceiling such as cloud lamps, copper lampshades or paper lanterns.
The cafes closely resemble Scandinavian style in Saigon
- Dist. 1: Oromia
- Dist. 3 : Fecilité, Leha’s Home Cafe, Sargon Cafe & Bistro, …
- Binh Thanh : Fika Getogether, Le Ciel, Mujo Coffee & Restaurant
- Phu Nhuan : Il Mio, …
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7. EAST MEETS WEST IN INDOCHINA CAFES
The term “Indochina” (or Indochine in French) is probably not new to Vietnamese. This is the way that France used to call the countries in Southeast Asian peninsula (including: Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia) in their territorial invasion. During the long period of French domination, Vietnam as well as the colonial countries have been significantly influenced by France in many aspects of the society, such as culture, architecture, cuisine, religion, including fashion and art.
In architecture, ” Indochina style ” is a harmonious fuse between the modern and romantic classic French design with the simple, rustic and traditional Asian features of Indochina countries. Originating from the fine architecture brought from France, the French architects have tropicalized to suit the climate, living habits as well as cultural traditions of the indigenous people. Indochina-style works still exist throughout Vietnam such as Hanoi Opera House, Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, City Post Office, Independence Palace, President House, museums and government offices, etc.
The background in the Indochinese style is usually in neutral colors, such as yellow, brown, cream, white, which are elegant, charming but no less luxurious of French architecture. The highlight tends to be the striking tropical hot tones such as orange, yellow, red, green, etc. The subtlety of Indochinese style lies in the combination of these tones with rustic Asian materials like wood, bamboo, rattan, and cement tiles. This makes the overall architecture become familiar to local people.
Indochinese style pays great attention to the depth and value of decorative motifs, often bearing indigenous cultural colors such as motifs of the four spirits (dragon, glass, turtle, phoenix), patterns of the Dong Son period, and lotus flowers, stylized flowers, geometric shapes, still lifes, simple shapes, etc. The floor or wall tiles with outstanding patterns are also an indispensable detail in the Indochinese style.
Indochine cafes in Saigon
- Dist. 1 : Ambrosia Cafe Bistro, A Priori Coffee House, Co Ba Saigon, Le Comptoir, Le Saigonais, The Letter Coffee-Indochine, Nhàn Eatery, …
- Dist. 3 : The Hummingbird Alchemy, Đường Caphe, Vị, …
- Binh Thanh Dist.: Amhaus Home Cafe, Wee Living Room,…
- Go Vap Dist. : Indochine cafe, …
- Cafe chain : L’usine, Saigon Casa Cafe, …
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8. PEACEFULNESS OF BOOK CAFES
“Coffee” và “Books” go hand-in-hand. Coffee helps you kickstart your day while books are places to generate new ideas. Go to a cafe can connect us with friends, while reading can help us connect to the vast world of knowledge. The taste of a delicious cup of coffee will help you remember a certain moment in life, much like how a good book can change some’s life.
Having existed for quite some time in Europe, the idea of coffee & books is the perfect combination of two traditional spaces: the library & the café. This is where you can find relief from the hustle and bustle of life and lose yourself in words while sipping your favorite cup of coffee. Book cafes are not just for book lovers, but also quiet places for everyone to enjoy peace, regardless of whether they are doing something related to books. Interestingly, book cafes are not necessarily as quiet as a library, but never as noisy as a traditional coffee shop.
Book cafes in Saigon are very diverse. Some places are magnificent, airy with towering bookshelves, some are cozy with lovely little corners. Some please are bright with table and chairs lined in library-style, some are without rules, featuring numerous spaces to sit or even lie down comfortably.
Inherently, reading culture is not the pride of contemporary Vietnamese, so very few people come to book cafes to actually read book. Most of the time, they are there in search of a peaceful space, as a quiet haven in the middle of busy Saigon, to think, study or work. Conversations, if any, are reduced to small whispering sounds, adding a little aftertaste to the book cafes.
Book cafe in Saigon
- Dist. 1: Bản cafe, Đẹp Cafe (Đường Sách), Chiêu Cafe Sách, Reading Cabin (Phòng đọc sách), Soo Kafe Ben Thanh, …
- Dist.2: The Lib Coffee & Books, Haven Book Cafe, …
- Dist.3: An Book Cafe, Cafe Nhà Sách Cá Chép, Kafka Bookstore, Nhâm Coffee, The Wiselands, …
- Dist.10: Calmsense Book cafe, …
- Binh Thanh Dist.: Mọt Cà phê Sách, Nhã Nam Book N’ Coffee,…
- Phu Nhuan Dist.: Nhã Nam Thư Quán,…
- Tan Binh Dist.: Cafe sách Huy Hoàng, EMC Book Café, Slowee Coffee & Book, …
- Tan Phu Dist.: Rosaria Books & Coffee,..
- Cafe chain: Phương Nam Book Cafe
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Updated on Mar, 2024
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