(Hidden Gem) 10 Interesting Cafés in Ho Chi Minh City You Have to Visit Once in 2026
Ho Chi Minh City isn’t just a food capital — it’s a café lover’s paradise where creativity meets coffee culture. Beyond the well-known chains and busy street stalls, the city boasts a thriving scene of unique, locally loved cafés that blend imaginative design, chill vibes, specialty drinks, and unforgettable experiences. These are the hidden gems worth seeking out on your next Saigon adventure.
Must-Visit Hidden Gem Cafés in Ho Chi Minh City
Oasis Cafe – A nature-inspired oasis with koi ponds and photogenic seating.
1996 Space – Atmospheric retro-moody café with specialty drinks.
Cashew House – Relaxed local favorite with artisanal coffee vibes.
Thai Fien – Heritage-themed café blending local charm and drinks.
Keng Cafe – Creative design and chill ambiance ideal for afternoons.
Du Mien Cafe – Koi-pond café experience with waterside views.
MakeRoom – Minimalist creative space perfect for work or quiet hangs.
GOM Saigon – Artistic café with craft displays and coffee pairings.
Voilà Bar (Chinatown) – Café-bar mashup in Saigon’s historic Chinatown.
Nhâm Cafe – Cozy coffee stop favored by locals and expats alike.
What Makes These Cafés Special
Ho Chi Minh City’s café culture is continuously evolving, but what unites these hidden gems is originality — whether through unique seating, themed interiors, serene water features, or a vibe that feels distinctively Saigon. These are not just places to drink coffee; they are experiences worth planning around on your trip.
1. Oasis Cafe – A Serene Escape with Koi Fish "A piece of paradise in Saigon"
Oasis Cafe is one of Saigon’s most talked-about hidden gems, tucked into a quieter neighborhood yet designed to feel like a peaceful oasis. The café’s lush greenery, open architecture, and tranquil koi ponds create a soothing backdrop, making it ideal whether you’re meeting friends, reading a book, or just unwinding from city life. Many visitors also note its photogenic corners and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for both solo visits and gatherings.
2. 1996 Space – Retro-Moody Café with Personality
Located in a quieter lane off Calmette Street, 1996 Space is known for its unique aesthetic — blending retro nostalgics with futuristic design elements that feel cinematic. The interior’s dim lighting, vintage details, and thoughtful layout make it feel like stepping into a creative hideaway. Specialty drinks include Vietnamese phin coffee, cold brews, and creative lattes, creating a vibe ideal for creatives and introverts looking for a café that feels distinctly different.
3. Cashew House – Artisanal Comfort
Cashew House blends artisanal coffee with a relaxed local ambiance. While there’s less formal online documentation, community reviewers and local guides describe it as a welcoming spot with minimalist décor, quality brews, and light bites — perfect for an afternoon chill session or casual meetup.
4. Thai Fien – Heritage + Coffee in Harmony
Thai Fien is beloved for its combination of heritage-inspired décor and specialty drinks. Think classic Vietnamese elements reinterpreted in a cozy setting where local culture meets coffee innovation. Like many smaller gems, up-to-date reviews and exact descriptions are best verified through local listings or traveler photos online.
5. Keng Cafe – Creative Cozy Spot
Keng Cafe is a favorite among locals for its creative interior design and relaxed vibe. It’s the kind of space where the décor becomes a conversation starter — from curated seating nooks to soft music and a comfortable layout that invites you to stay longer than intended. Visit during the golden afternoon hours for soft natural light and café favorites in hand.
6. Du Mien KOI Cafe – Waterside Chill Experience
Vietnam’s café culture has embraced the koi pond café trend, and Du Mien Cafe delivers this in Ho Chi Minh City with a space that feels like a peaceful water garden. Guests can sip their coffees with views of water features and koi fish swimming near seating spots, blending nature and café culture seamlessly in the urban context.
7. MakeRoom – Minimalist Creative Space
For those seeking a minimalist escape, MakeRoom is a café that doubles as a creative space. Its interiors are designed with clean lines and thoughtful aesthetics, making it ideal for work sessions, quiet conversations, or photo moments. While not as widely reviewed online yet, local café guides mention this as a rising spot worth discovering.
8. GOM Saigon – Café Meets Craft Gallery
GOM Saigon brings together coffee culture and artistic expression, featuring craft displays and curated décor alongside its beverage menu. This makes it a destination not just for coffee lovers but also for those who appreciate design and local craftsmanship. Verification through local sources is recommended to confirm current details.
9. Voilà Bar (Chinatown) – Day-to-Night Café-Bar
Located in Saigon’s historic Chinatown (Chợ Lớn), Voilà Bar transitions effortlessly from daytime coffee spot to evening social bar. Its eclectic interiors and dynamic menu offer a blend of specialty coffee drinks and cocktails, making it an excellent stop for travelers exploring the city’s cultural quarters.
10. Nhâm Cafe – Cozy Local Favorite
Nhâm Cafe is often mentioned on local community forums and expatriate boards as a cozy, welcoming coffee spot with good brews and an inviting atmosphere. It’s not always featured in mainstream café guides yet, which makes it feel like a genuine hidden gem worth checking out. (Look for traveller photos on Google Maps or Reddit threads for current impressions.)
Finding Hidden Gems of Cafes in Saigon
When exploring Saigon’s hidden café scene, think about what you want from the experience. If you’re chasing nature and chill vibes, koi cafés such as Oasis or KOI are great choices. For moody, atmospheric cafés perfect for reading or creative thinking, 1996 Space delivers strong character. If you want a design-centric, minimalist environment, MakeRoom and Cashew House are worth seeking out.
Where These Cafés Are Located
Most hidden gems are spread across District 1, District 3, Phú Nhuận, Tân Phú, and Chinatown (Chợ Lớn). Use apps like Google Maps, Foody, ShopeeFood, or local travel blogs to pinpoint exact addresses and opening hours before visiting.
Ho Chi Minh City’s café scene is as dynamic as the city itself. These 10 hidden gems are just a glimpse into its diverse offerings — from serene koi pond cafés to atmospheric matcha lounges and creative coffee spots. Each destination offers a different way to experience Saigon’s coffee culture, making your trip not just flavorful but also memorably unique.
