Buzz
Vintage cafes with a distinctly nostalgic Vietnamese vibe always have an irresistible charm. They blend classic and contemporary styles to create a space full of emotion for Saigon’s coffee lovers. Escape the bustling coffee spots and follow Mytour to discover the beautiful and retro-inspired cafes of Saigon tourism!
3 cafes that embody the essence of old Saigon and are beloved by the youth
Coffee Shop 81 (216B NGUYỄN VĂN NGUYỄN, DISTRICT 1)
"It's home, a place to welcome guests, and nothing more." The cafe greets its visitors with this mindset, making everyone who steps inside feel as if they're coming home or visiting a close friend’s house—creating a sense of warmth and familiarity.
Coffee Shop 81 embodies a nostalgic style - Illustrative photo
Coffee Shop 81 is actually an old house hidden away in a quiet alley, far from the bustling streets. The cafe is decorated in a very rustic and vintage style, filled with items that have been around for decades—simple yet nostalgic. Faded walls, weathered furniture, mismatched cups and plates, and dust-covered objects all contribute to the feeling of stepping back in time.
The cafe is simple, and so is its menu—offering drinks that have been a part of Saigon’s culture for years. But these beverages are served to guests with such dedication and warmth, reflecting the spirit of the people of Saigon, sometimes with a touch of humor and generosity.
Út Lành (283/37 PHẠM NGŨ LÃO, DISTRICT 1)
Út Lành Coffee Shop is housed in a century-old building, and perhaps that's why the very structure itself takes us back to memories from years ago—a time when every home had a small yard for play, when we'd press our little faces against the iron bars of the window, or when coming home from school meant seeing a big wooden bed, a fan slowly whirring, and mother cooking in the kitchen.
Old-fashioned items brought in to decorate Út Lành - Illustrative photo
Every old item, no matter how small, was carefully hunted down by the owner to bring back to the cafe. Whether it’s an old television or a cassette player, each piece still 'lives' and emits sounds that bring to life memories of a bygone era.
Út Lành not only evokes memories of the past through its atmosphere but also offers a menu filled with childhood favorites, such as: kids' noodles, tube cakes, sour plums, crab cakes, small packets of dried beef... along with drinks like salted lemonade, sour plum, pineapple herbal drink with milk, and coffee.
Snacks that bring a world of childhood memories at Út Lành - Illustrative photo
One interesting feature at Út Lành that everyone loves is the owner's decision to temporarily set aside Wi-Fi, allowing guests to fully enjoy peaceful moments. The cafe even offers a 5k discount for those who leave their phones behind, encouraging conversations with friends.
Some say that Út Lành is like a box that holds the memories of childhood for those who lived in southern Vietnam during the '80s and '90s. Even if you're a visitor from afar, traveling to Saigon, Út Lành will still take you back to those old days of your own.
SÀIGÒN80S Nhà Mình (9/8 TRƯƠNG QUYỀN, QUẬN 3)
While Út Lành and Coffee Shop 81 offer a more subdued atmosphere, SàiGòn80s Nhà Mình captures the spirit of the 80s with a fresher, more vibrant twist. The café's open-concept design creates a bright, airy space, making the most of natural light and ventilation.
Nhà Mình café embodies the essence of the 80s - Illustration
It is said that Nhà Mình was created by passionate hearts who love Saigon and welcome budget travelers who share the same affection for the city, aiming to preserve and share the meaningful values that Saigon has nurtured since the days of 'our grandparents'.
Inside Nhà Mình, you won't feel like you're in just another café. The space exudes a warm, familial atmosphere, with rooms and familiar furniture arranged in a way that recalls the intimate, homey spaces of Saigon in the 80s.
The distinctive features of Nhà Mình - Illustration
Beyond its peaceful ambiance, Nhà Mình creates the sensation that time slows down, allowing you to fully embrace life, relax, and feel the moment. The drink menu mostly features traditional beverages, while the music plays popular Vietnamese songs from the 1980s.
