Unlike anywhere else in this world, coffee is a common denominator among people in Ho Chi Minh City. From the factory worker way out in the industrial zone to the top dog with the million-dollar car, from the student to the office worker, all still find some time in their busy lives sitting at a sidewalk cafe, sipping a rich cup of coffee.

Finding a place to drink is a breeze in this coffee-loving city. But if you’re eager to explore some unique spaces to spend your leisure time in this busy city. Here are five hidden coffee shops you might want check out.

Nho Coffee

Image source: ghien.cafe

Tucked away down a tight alley off Le Van Sy Street, this pleasant Saigon cafe simply won’t disappoint.

Only a short walk from the crowded shopping street, Nho Coffee is a quiet oasis. Although located on one of the major shopping streets of Ho Chi Minh City, it’s hard to find if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

Though Nho Coffee doesn’t look too grand from the outside, Inside the interior is complete with the simple yet dark decor, both vintage and modern. It lends a mixed feeling to this cafeteria.

The furniture are also fits the retro theme, all reflect an old-timey charm.

You’ll see all sorts of customers at Nho coffee, especially artists and designers who seek their creative inspiration. Nho also gives its retro vibe through a playlist of classic Vietnamese tracks. If you don’t know what to enjoy, order a cup of cà phê sữa đá (ice milk coffee) and let your soul vibe with the music.

The Fig Cafe

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If you’re dreaming of a relaxing morning, sipping a cup of coffee, The Fig Cafe is the ideal to spend the start of your day.

This cozy yet unique cafe embraces Thai style. The accomplished contemporary Asian design seen inside and out is simply admirable. Inside, the space is blended with modern and traditional vibes: tiled floors, soft seats, fancy lanterns, and contemporary furniture.

Outside, the views include a green garden on a wooden deck around a pond with a contemplative-looking statue of Buddha in the middle. The greenery gives the shop a refreshing scent, which is perfect for laid back days enjoying nature and find the balance in our deeper self.

What we love the most about this place is the playlist: exotic and unpredictable. The playlist’s songs range from minstrel songs to sitar to new age.

The Fig offers a wide range of drinks. It’s also worth trying one with the tasty and inventive desserts here, many of which are a kind of Vietnamese-Western fusion dish.

Banksy Cafe

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This gem hides itself in a concrete building almost invisible to all the street. The three things this coffee shop has are good coffee, a great concept, and a killer cocktail.

The cafe is named after the famous artist “Banksy”, a British graffiti artist. The decor is matched to the concept with books about Banksy lining the shelves and Banksy-related photographs and canvases on the walls, which lend this coffee shop deep urban vibes.

Finding Banksy cafe is quite an adventure but once you get there, you’ll find it’s worth all effort.

Thanks to the special concept and various range of qualified drinks offered, Banksy is the perfect venue for the stylish crowd that hangs out here.

Western-style espresso coffee is available and prices are super affordable.

Bang Khuang Cafe

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Just a few steps away from Ho Chi Minh City’s iconic Opera house, Bang Khuang cafe is located at the second-floor of an old apartment block in the heart of Saigon.

In Vietnamese, “bâng khuâng” means nostalgia, an emotion which calls to mind a warm and pleasant feeling. It’s relatively quiet, smoke-free, and bathed in natural light with tall and open ceilings and features cool retro space with special decor.

Paintings, bicycles, plant baskets hung on the wall are randomly arranged, which lend a familiar feel like visiting a close friend’s home. Interestingly, the cuckoo sound will sound whenever someone pushes the door in.

Coffee lovers would definitely be impressed by the Central Highland beans offered here. Bang Khuang Cafe is a perfect stop for usual hangs with friends and or just curling up with a book.

The cafe is on a one-way street so it’s a bit inconvenient. Parking is free but just keep in mind to get the parking ticket from the cashier before leaving.

She Cafe

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This hidden gem is tucked in to an old apartment building in Pasteur street.

With its slogan "Coffee for Ladies", She cafe is set with a modernist concept. The space inside is quite dark and cozy, and the wall showcases lots of large prints of important, beautiful women all over the world like Princess Diana, Marilyn Monroe, Angelina Jolie and Julia Roberts.

She Cafeis a cool, relaxed and posh cafe. Each corner was beautifully decorated with flowers. So if you looking for a space separated from the outer world, go here. She Cafe is the perfect to visit in the morning when it is still sunny outside. You can choose this hidden coffee shop to rest, work, enjoy social media or simply enjoy a book.

The beverages are generally good. Everything is carefully prepared. The other great part of this coffee shop is that every weekend, there will be random group meetings. So if you’re seeking new networking opportunities, choose She Cafe./.

According to City Pass Guide