Buzz
Saigon truly is the land of 'quality' eateries. With places that are both aesthetically pleasing and interesting like these, who wouldn't want to spend their hard-earned cash here!
Young souls in Saigon are flocking to these two incredibly charming spots for the perfect check-in!
It's no exaggeration to say that Saigon is a haven for diverse eateries. It feels like every time you blink, a new spot opens up. And each one is ridiculously stunning. Below are two brand-new spots in Saigon that you absolutely cannot miss if you want a photo with a thousand likes, rivalling magazine-quality shots!
1. Ice Kitchen – an ice cream parlor as beautiful as a Kpop MV!
In recent days, Saigon's youth are flooding to a charming ice cream parlor. If you happen to come across images of this place on Facebook or Instagram, many would mistakenly think it's somewhere in Korea due to its adorable design, reminiscent of K-pop music videos. Not only does this place have an awesome atmosphere, but it also boasts a menu with countless visually appealing and delicious ice cream options.
This dreamlike establishment is none other than the ice cream haven known as Ice Kitchen, located at 496 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ward 2, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. The first impression upon stepping in is the incredibly spacious and comfortable ambiance. Unlike other modest-sized ice cream shops, Ice Kitchen boasts a sprawling three-story space, ensuring you'll never worry about running out of seats.
The entire store is designed with a pixel theme, accompanied by a gentle pastel pink color scheme. Adorning the walls are cute and vibrant paintings and drawings. Every detail in the store, from lights to furniture to decorations, is meticulously crafted to create a space that is absolutely flawless.
During the day, you can choose to sit inside with the refreshing blast of air conditioning. If you prefer a romantic atmosphere, visit in the evening and sit on the third floor – an area with a large garden terrace adorned with sparkling yellow lights, perfect for spending quality time with your significant other.
True to its name, Ice Kitchen is indeed a kitchen dedicated solely to ice cream. When you first glance at the menu, you might feel a bit overwhelmed by the multitude of choices. However, the three standout items that you absolutely must try here are the chocolate-dipped ice cream, waffle ice cream, and fruit yogurt paired with ice cream.
The most special feature of this ice cream parlor – instead of ordering pre-made items, you have the freedom to create your perfect ice cream. From choosing your favorite ice cream flavor (vanilla, chocolate, etc.), selecting the waffle type (traditional, chocolate, green tea), to picking toppings (peanuts, sunflower seeds, candy, pumpkin seeds, dried mulberries, dried mangoes, sea salt, chili, rose petals, and more).
After trying all three signature items here, I can confirm that each one is truly worth every penny. The waffle ice cream is perfectly balanced with a thin, crispy waffle, warm and crispy, and a cool ice cream ball with a variety of unique toppings. The fruit yogurt paired with ice cream is the perfect combination of the cold sweetness of ice cream and the tangy taste of fruit yogurt – a dish that, when eaten on a hot summer afternoon, is pure bliss!
The absolute must-try here is the chocolate-dipped ice cream. The combination of both sweet treats may be a bit overwhelming for those not into sweets, but for dessert enthusiasts, the chocolate-dipped ice cream is a delightful and worth-trying experience.
Despite possessing both a spacious ambiance and high-quality food, the prices here are surprisingly reasonable. Prices for drinks and desserts at the shop range from 35,000 to 69,000 VND. Even the signature dishes here come in fairly large sizes, perfect for two people, so the amount you have to pay when sharing with friends is significantly reduced.
2. Chanchamayo – a charming coffee shop taking over the Instagram scene of the youth!
Chanchamayo is located on the tranquil and cool stretch of Ngô Thời Nhiệm Street. This street is known as the 'coffee street' of Saigon, hosting many famous coffee shops like C.on, Năm mười mười lăm, The Coffee House… The shop is situated right on the main road, spacious and easy to find, so you won't get lost!
The interior is divided into two areas: indoor and outdoor. The outdoor space is quite spacious, airy, with abundant sunlight. This area features a dominant color scheme of simple yet elegant white and brown tones, creating a cozy and warm atmosphere. The space is adorned with splashes of green from cacti and palm trees, adding a refreshing and exotic touch compared to other coffee shops.
The wooden swing in this outdoor area is a spot that many young people check in, so don't miss it! In the evening, when the lights come on, this area becomes incredibly enchanting. However, this space is only suitable for sitting in the beautiful weather of an afternoon or a cool evening, as it can be very sunny, hot, and wet if it rains.
The interior of the cafe maintains a dominant color scheme of white and brown, adorned with subtle and elegant decorative items, small and simple. There's a cute display area with numerous ceramic items for sale, a favorite spot for young people to check in due to its stylish and dazzling appeal!
The areas near the glass doors are perfect for sipping coffee, soaking in the sunlight, or working. The cafe even has a dedicated space for group study sessions or meetings, equipped with a board and markers! However, due to the low ceiling and the thick arrangement of furniture coupled with yellow light, it can be a bit overwhelming and if crowded, may feel a bit cramped.
Chanchamayo's menu is quite diverse, offering a range from coffee and smoothies to trendy milkfoam-infused drinks. We tried the coffee and the Houjicha Milkfoam – currently the most beloved item at Chanchamayo. The drinks are presented beautifully on a wooden board, ensuring a picture-perfect moment for Instagram. The Houjicha – Japanese roasted tea, is delightful with a deep, unique flavor and a velvety, sweet milkfoam layer. Additionally, the cafe offers savory dishes for lunch, along with desserts and crepes for a sweet ending.
Prices at Chanchamayo are relatively high, ranging from 60,000 to 100,000 VND per drink or dish. However, considering the quality of the beverages and the ambiance, the pricing is quite justified and fitting.
As per Tri thức trẻ (Young Intellectuals)
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourAugust 3, 2017
