The Best Cafes In Saigon You Need To Know About Now (Pt.4, The Workshop)

The Best Cafes In Saigon You Need To Know About Now (Pt.4, The Workshop)

If there’s one thing you must make time for while traveling through Vietnam it’s visiting some of best cafes in Saigon, the Workshop.

At a place where the coffee culture is life, the city is experiencing serious and fast growth in the number of eclectic and unique cafes that are a world away from the traditional street cafes.

Everything from cafes that serve coffee, fashion and art side by side to quirky and quiet getaways that feel more like an Adventure in Wonderland.  Vietnamese iced coffee is the constant but where you sip it is a whole other question.

One answer to that could be The Workshop (Tripadvisor).

Located at 27 Ngô Đức Kế, Bến Nghé, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam this hidden gem of a coffee house is impressive even by European or American standards.

Like most great cafes in Saigon the small entrance is hidden in plain sight and you know the saying “good things are worth waiting for?”  Well, with three full flights of stairs to get to The Workshop you’ll definitely be waiting and working your way to the best serious coffee lover experience ever. 

As you ascend up the stairs every step in the beautifully designed space is flooded with natural light. The higher you hike the more of a welcome you receive with a cooler kiss of air conditioning.

This blast of refreshing air could be reason enough to head up the stairs alone. A fact I know my fellow travelers will appreciate.

Of course, the real reason is the coffee and we haven’t forgot that.

Once you’ve made it inside The Workshop it’s pretty clear every step was worth it.

Quickly becoming known as Vietnam’s first specialty coffee bar, The Workshop takes Saigon’s respect for coffee to the next level by blending science, art and passion in pursuit of the ultimate brew.

The café is situated in a gorgeous and roomy airy loft-space.  It feels, in fact, a universe away from the streets and alleyways below.

The Workshop’s massively elegant French door windows open the café up making you feel like you’re in coffee heaven.  The high ceilings create a modern atmosphere and those panoramic views of the city streets are priceless.

Consider staying for a while and get comfortable at their robust wooden tables that make a great work space for the day.  The vintage stools are surprisingly comfy and the mere fact that it’s an open coffee bar concept makes you feel even more a part of something really special.

As for coffee, your wish is their high quality hand crafted command.

Every wish, that is, except for Vietnamese iced coffee as this place is “for serious coffee drinkers only”.

But if you’re particular on your type of brewing method or are curious to try something knew they have the equipment, locally sourced beans and talent to create.

From Chemex, pour-over, Aeropress, to espresso and more it’s a coffee lovers dream.

No matter what way you take it the coffee delivers on all its promises.  This is no doubt in large part to do with their highly trained staff of barista’s.  Not only do they look the part with their authentic “workshop” aprons but there skills are on point.

Making this one of the best cafes in Saigon is the bonus that they also serve a decent plate of food. It’s good to keep in mind that the menu is strictly Western style which means you can expect to pay Western prices.  This isn’t a big deal, especially after a few weeks of exotic travel, a hot plate of eggs, bacon and toast with your morning coffee can be the exact kind of treat you’re needing.

If you’re lucky enough to be there when the owners – a team which also includes two coffee farmers -host their annual barista competition be sure to check it out! It’s an amazing display of exciting talent emerging right in front of your eyes.

HERE’S A QUESTION…

What’s your favorite way to brew coffee?

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The Best Cafes in Saigon You Need to Know About Now (Pt.3, Kujuz)

The Best Cafes in Saigon You Need to Know About Now (Pt.3, Kujuz)

If there’s one thing to know about Saigon it’s that the place and the people are coffee crazy. 

THE BEST CAFES IN SAIGON YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NOW (PT.3)

The culture thrives on its caffeine and fact is when it comes to producing their coffee game is strong. This leads to an abundance of the best cafes in Saigon that literally line the streets, alleyways and shops throughout the city.

The struggle to find coffee doesn’t exist In Vietnam. A good thing by all accounts if you happen to be a coffee lover.  But because there are so many cafes in Saigon some of the more unique places can easily be missed.

Keeping that in mind there is definitely a coffee spot for everyone no matter what you might be into.  You’ll find cafes with themes built around fashion, art and coffee and places that offer a more cool calm and collected coffee vibe.

For the curious traveler who loves to delve into the creatively unexpected may we suggest a place away from the beaten path of the busy city streets?

By all accounts, if the answer is yes then KuJuz Café in Central Saigon in an absolute must for you.

It’s not your typical Saigon café but it’s totally worth the trip.

Let’s get the logistics straight first, to grab some java and a dose of culture at KuJuz café head on over to 5 Trần Quý Khoách, Tân Định, 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam.

I admit when our cab driver first dropped us off I was a little confused because the area seemed a world away from what I knew of Saigon. The typically beautifully chaotic, narrow and dusty streets had disappeared miles back and were replaced by smooth and quiet roads.  It was almost too quiet and desolate but when the promise of good coffee is nearby you never retreat. Never.

Once out of the taxi my eyes fell on a cafe conceived for creative minds. Situated in a small, self-contained area where warehouses have been converted into artsy shops, galleries and boutiques I almost felt like I was in back LA.  There was a definite “up and coming” vibe to this area.  It seemed like a place that in a few years would be swarming with tourists and locals alike. For now though it was hidden gem that had been found.

Nestled amongst the eclectic shops upon leading up the café the sight of a VW camper via the 1950’s immediately greets you. Next you can’t but notice the cacophony of colors that make up the shop along with an eye catching exterior.

With an intention to introduce the concept of recycling to young Vietnamese the colorful doors and window frames of the café are made from reuse wood and are painted in fun and vibrant colors.

Even before you’ve looked at the menu stepping into KuJuz feels like a moment where you actually get to take a peek through that magical looking glass.

THE BEST CAFES IN SAIGON YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NOW (PT.3)

(Image Courtesy of Flickr, Debbs.)

Inside the exterior is equal parts inviting and intriguing.  The interior is a peaceful space with décor that’s just as colorful as the outside.  It’s sparks a cozy and eclectic vibe that’s both refreshing and cool. There’s a definite relaxed feel to it to this café and one that after a few days amongst the busy city is inviting.

It must be noted that the sturdy community style wooden tables, regal solid chairs and decent Wi-Fi connection makes this Saigon Café a great place to catch up on some emails or get some work done.

There’s also seating outside and the patio has it’s a character all its own.  Something akin to your own private backyard lined with greenery and even a small water fountain it’s another great option to chill out, read a book or write a postcard to someone back home.

What about the coffee you ask?  We’re almost there but first there’s something you need to know.

One of the more interesting aspects of KuJuz is that at this café you make your own drink. It’s basically a self-serve café where, with the help of some friendly staff, you choose your favorite drink and mix it your own way.

This type of business concept literally translates into an endless number of coffee and tea options literally at your fingertips.

And the coffee does not disappoint.  Everything you have come to expect from a Vietnamese coffee is right there for you in your tall iced glass or your piping hot mug.

As if all that wasn’t enough to make this Saigon Café stand out another cool aspect is their pay system. For the most part drinks are VND50,000/glass (about $2.25 USD) but if you pay VND100,000 (that’s around $4.50 USD) you can explore and enjoy as many drink as your heart desires.

THE BEST CAFES IN SAIGON YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NOW (PT.3)

(Image Courtesy of Flickr, Debbs)

KuJuz even let’s its patrons leave and linger around the surrounding shops and pop back in whenever needed to get refreshed.  The whole place screams “Home away from home”.

KuJuz is a definite hidden gem in Saigon (for now) and one that definitely should be included on your travel itinerary.

HERE’S A QUESTION…

What hidden gems to do you to offer people traveling to Vietnam?

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Subscribe to ChestBrew for more of the Best Cafes in Saigon and to get a coupon on our ridiculously strong coffee

Nice to meet you

We're Minh and Teresa and we love coffee

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The Best Cafes In Saigon You Need To Know About Now (Pt.2, ID cafe)

The Best Cafes In Saigon You Need To Know About Now (Pt.2, ID cafe)

When it comes to finding the best cafes in Saigon let all of your worries go. Coffee and cafe culture is an absolute staple of life in Vietnam.

The best cafes in Saigon Pt.2

Take a trip to any of the major cities such as Saigon and Hanoi and you’ll find street style cafes, Indie Cafes, a handful of Western chains and more. There’s absolutely something for everyone and with the thousands of coffee havens that are yours to explore we thought we’d highlight a few of what we think are the best cafes in Saigon to help you out.

If you love fashion and art as much as you love coffee be sure to check out our last post to know where to go for your joe.

We hope you’re well caffeinated and continuing on with our Best Saigon Cafes series next up is I.D. Café.

You can find this hidden gem of a cafe at 34D Thu Khoa Huan Street | District 1, Ho Chi Minh City District 1, Vietnam.

We must have hit this café up at least 4 or 5 times in a single trip while in Saigon. To be honest, it doesn’t look like much from the street, but once upstairs this cool little café with lounge chairs and coffee tables, free wifi, a/c, magazines and papers to read is an absolute hidden treasure.

From the first visit I was hooked to the cafe that’s tucked along the stretch of shop houses in District 1. The two-floor coffee shop has a décor that’s cozy, industrial and the perfect place to settle in.  The retro style armchairs are comfy and stylish and the walls lined with vinyl records and stencils along with the lighting and music create a cool and creative atmosphere.

Located just one block north of Ben Thanh Market, I.D. Cafe offers the perfect break from the beautiful chaos of the market.

The coffee is great here including of course an exceptional Cà phê sua đá (Iced Vietnamese Coffee) along with cold coffee blended treats, exotic fruit smoothies and for those looking for a different kind of refreshment they serve a nice assortment of local beers, ciders, wines and cocktails.

If you’re hungry they offer a full menu of both Vietnamese and Western foods that are reasonably priced and seriously tasty! Think burgers, fried rice and noodle soups not mention lots of desserts including passion fruit and chili ice cream.(Hungry yet?)

Without a doubt I.D.cafe is a must if you’re traveling in Saigon.

If all that doesn’t convince you I suppose you’ll just have to bookmark this page and check it out for yourself on your next trip to Vietnam.

HERE’S A QUESTION:

What’s your favorite style of café?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…

Subscribe to ChestBrew for more of the Best Cafes in Saigon and to get a coupon for a discount on our ridiculously strong coffee.

Nice to meet you

We're Minh and Teresa and we love coffee

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The Best Cafes In Saigon You Need To Know About Now (Pt. 1, L’Usine)

The Best Cafes In Saigon You Need To Know About Now (Pt. 1, L’Usine)

If there’s one thing that Saigon has it’s a healthy coffee scene. Our own personal treks through Saigon have spoiled us with some of the best coffee tasting experiences we’ve ever had.

Best Cafes in Saigon

Keeping in mind there are thousands of cafes in Saigon to choose from whether you’re looking for your morning jolt, a chill place to get some work done, a place to duck in to avoid the drench of rainy season or a simple and sweet after dinner dose with friends the choices can definitely be overwhelming.  We spent quite a bit of time researching ourselves and hey, if you ever do find yourself in Saigon let us help you out.

In our Best Cafes in Saigon series we’ll share our favorite cafes that go above and beyond simply serving drinks, post a few pics so you can get a feel for the ambiance and toss in some of the details to get you there and enjoying a good cup of cà phê yourself.

Alright, first on ChestBrew’s Café Must Menu is L’Usine.

Are you like me and love when fashion and coffee come together? Well welcome to L’USINE: Fashion, Lifestyle, Cafe,Gallery.

Best Cafes in Saigon

With two locations in Saigon, the original is located at Dong Khoi. Hidden inside an alleyway with paintings and other crafts for sale this is one of my favorite places to go early in the morning for a tall and strong iced coffee alongside a yummy lemon tart.

The atmosphere is so pleasant with their contemporary furniture, faux trees lined with beautiful lights, large windows that allows tons of natural sunlight in and high Victorian ceilings.  L’Usine is a hidden gem and a quiet retreat from the busy streets below.

Their second location a few miles away at Le Loi is another great place to refresh and recharge yourself.

The cafe offers a full Western style breakfast menu with lunch and dinner options as well. Their tuna salad is delicious! Their desserts are divine and their coffee bar includes lattes, cappuccinos and of course Cà phê sua đá (Sweetened Vietnamese Iced Coffee). If you happen to be a tea drinker I highly recommend the blossom flower tea!

Best Cafes in Saigon

To top it off both locations have an attached eclectic boutique where you can browse clothes, shoes, jewelry and find some beautiful and unique gifts and souvenirs.

L’Usine also hold the occasional fashion show turning their café and boutique in a runaway for local fashion designers to showcase their talent.  How cool is that?

Keep in mind that both L’Usine locations are pretty busy from open to close but if you ask us it’s absolutely a must try at least once every trip.

HERE’S A QUESTION:

What cafes can you recommend in Vietnam?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…

Subscribe to ChestBrew for more of the Best Cafes in Saigon and to get a coupon for a discount on our ridiculously strong coffee.

Nice to meet you

We're Minh and Teresa and we love coffee

buy Moon Bear

Premium Whole Bean Vietnamese Coffee

buy cold brew

Ground perfectly for 1-Step Brewing