10 Most Famous Coffee Chains in Vietnam you should try once
Vietnam is famous for its rich coffee culture, and there are countless coffee shops scattered throughout the country’s bustling cities and quaint countryside. In this article, Vietnam Teaching Jobs (VTJ)‘ll be highlighting the 10 most famous coffee chains in Vietnam that you should try at least once. Whether you’re a local resident or a traveler visiting the country, these coffee shops are sure to offer a unique and memorable experience.
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Trung Nguyen Legend
Trung Nguyen is a well-known coffee chain in Vietnam. The company was founded in 1996 in Buon Ma Thuot, a city in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam known for its coffee production. Trung Nguyen is one of the oldest coffee chains in Vietnam and has become a popular retail coffee brand, selling packaged coffee in over 60 countries worldwide.
Trung Nguyen currently has two coffee shop brands in Vietnam: Trung Nguyen Legend and Trung Nguyen E-coffee. According to the company website, they have 431 stores across the country, making it easy to find a Trung Nguyen coffee shop no matter where you are in Vietnam.
Trung Nguyen’s coffee menu leans towards the traditional, with a focus on Vietnamese coffee beverages. The menu features a range of different coffees, including robusta, arabica, and various blends. Most of the coffee is served the old-fashioned way, still dripping from a Vietnamese Phin filter, which is a small metal coffee filter placed on top of a cup.
One of the best things about Trung Nguyen coffee shops is that they offer a taste of traditional Vietnamese coffee culture. In addition to the coffee, the shops often have a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with plenty of seating, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee.
Prices at Trung Nguyen coffee shops are generally quite reasonable, with a cup of coffee costing around 50,000 to 100,000 VND (2.20 to 4.40 USD). Trung Nguyen is a great option if you’re looking for a more traditional Vietnamese coffee experience.
Store locations can be found here.
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Highlands Coffee
Highlands Coffee is the leading coffee chain in Vietnam, known for its immense success in the market, even giving tough competition to the world’s top chain cafe brand, Starbucks. Founded in 2002 by David Thai, an overseas Vietnamese, under Viet Thai International Joint Stock Company, the brand initially started with the sale of instant coffee. However, it soon expanded its chain of stores in prime locations like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Most of the Highlands Coffee stores are located under buildings, next to commercial centers, with two fronts facing the bustling main street. This strategic location provides easy access for customers and contributes to the brand’s popularity.
The interior design of Highlands Coffee is modern, featuring contemporary decor with comfortable seating arrangements. Compared to Trung Nguyen Legend, Highlands coffee offers a more ‘modern’ environment and attracts a younger demographic. The brand is especially popular among young Vietnamese students and working professionals who enjoy the modern and trendy atmosphere of the cafes.
In terms of coffee, Highlands offers everything from traditional Vietnamese coffee beverages such as Iced coffee with condensed milk to espresso-based coffees such as cappuccinos and lattes. The brand has an extensive menu that includes a wide range of drinks and snacks to cater to its diverse customer base. Prices are also reasonable, ranging from about 30,000 VND (1.30 USD) to 65,000 VND (2.83 USD).
As of 2021, Highlands Coffee has more than 450 stores nationwide in Vietnam, making it the leading coffee chain in Vietnam. With its consistent quality and modern ambiance, the brand has earned a loyal following in Vietnam and is gaining popularity in other Southeast Asian countries as well.
Store locations can be found here.
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Cong Ca Phe
Cong Ca Phe is a unique coffee chain in Vietnam that has become popular in Vietnam since its inception in 2007. With 54 locations across the country, the majority being in major cities like Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, Cong Ca Phe has established itself as a go-to coffee shop for many locals and tourists. The company also has a small presence in South Korea and Malaysia.
The coffee shops are designed with a vintage and cozy feel, often located in older buildings with small private nooks where customers can relax over a delicious cup of coffee. Cong Ca Phe offers a range of beverages, including traditional Vietnamese-phin-based beverages, western coffees, and other non-coffee-based drinks. However, the coffee shop is most famous for its Vietnamese coconut coffee, which is a must-try for anyone visiting Vietnam. Prices are very reasonable, ranging from 25,000 VND (1.10 USD) to about 65,000 VND (2.86 USD).
The cafe’s design and decoration are inspired by the cultural subsidy of the Vietnamese state during the subsidy period, with a nostalgic and interesting style that appeals to young people. The name “Cong” (meaning “addition” in English) reminds people of communism, the form of the Vietnamese state at that time. Cong Ca Phe’s strange and recollective style has become attractive to young people, who come not only to drink coffee but also to experience the green space of the soldiers. The cafe’s decor includes peacock blankets, Rang Dong thermoses, wooden cupboards, TV boxes, iron windows, and other items that were once familiar to many Vietnamese during their youth. The coffee shops are always crowded and busy, especially with young customers who come to chitchat with their friends and enjoy the atmosphere.
Store locations can be found here.
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The Coffee House
One unique aspect of The Coffee House is its commitment to sustainability. They have implemented several eco-friendly practices in their stores, such as using biodegradable straws, using reusable cups for dine-in customers, and encouraging customers to bring their own reusable cups with a discount incentive. They also source their coffee beans from sustainable and ethical suppliers and work with local farmers to promote sustainable agriculture.
In addition to its coffee and tea offerings, The Coffee House also serves a variety of food items, including breakfast dishes, sandwiches, and pastries. Their menu is updated regularly to keep up with seasonal trends and customer preferences.
The Coffee House has also expanded beyond Vietnam, with locations in other countries such as Cambodia, Japan, and South Korea. They have plans to continue expanding their international presence in the future.
Overall, The Coffee House has quickly become a popular destination for coffee lovers and those looking for a comfortable place to work or hang out. With their commitment to sustainability and modern design, they have managed to carve out a unique niche in the competitive Vietnamese coffee shop market.
Store locations can be found here.
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Ru Nam Cafe
Ru Nam Cafe is a Vietnamese coffee shop chain with just 9 locations across the country. Despite its small size, it offers a luxurious coffee experience that’s worth trying if you’re looking for something more upscale. The cafes are designed in a classic style with an emphasis on comfort and elegance. You can expect to find comfortable seats, nice decor, and good service at Ru Nam Cafe.
Aside from serving coffee, many of the cafes also offer food. Prices are a bit higher than some of the other coffee shop chains mentioned earlier, with coffee starting at around 60,000 VND (2.64 USD). However, the higher prices are reflected in the quality of the coffee and the ambiance of the cafes.
Store locations can be found here.
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Urban Station Coffee
Urban Station Coffee is a relatively new coffee chain in Vietnam, founded in 2011 by Dinh Nhat Nam and Nguyen Hai Ninh. Both founders were named in the Forbes 30 under 30 list for their success in the coffee industry. The inspiration for Urban Station Coffee came from the coffee “takeaway” culture in the United States during the 1990s. The coffee chain’s name and design reflect the idea of an urban stop, with a youthful and creative aesthetic featuring green colors and wall paintings.
As of 2015, Urban Station Coffee had expanded to 36 stores across the country, offering a range of coffee drinks and other beverages, as well as snacks and light meals. The coffee chain’s emphasis on a modern and stylish atmosphere, combined with high-quality coffee and customer service, has helped it gain popularity with young and trendy consumers in Vietnam.
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Phuc Long Coffee and Tea
Phuc Long Coffee and Tea is a popular cafe chain in Saigon, Vietnam, known for its long history and quality of beverages. Established in 1968, the brand has become a familiar and beloved destination for many generations of customers in the city. With a simple and youthful design, Phuc Long Coffee & Tea has won over dynamic young people with its unique beverages. Although tea is the leading beverage, coffee is also a favorite drink here. The cafe selects tea and coffee sprouts with a rigorous process to preserve their distinctive flavor. Phuc Long is dedicated to preserving the taste of pure Vietnamese coffee through every step of selecting, processing, and serving raw materials. Visitors can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee at the cafe or purchase packaged tea and coffee to take home. The prices range from 28,000 to 65,000 VND (approximately $1.2 to $2.8) and the cafe is open from 7 am to 10 pm.
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Gemini Coffee
Gemini Coffee is a coffee chain in Vietnam that prioritizes the quality of coffee, known for its “green and clean” coffee. Launched in 2008, it caters to young people who are enthusiastic about the trend of start-up chain cafes. While successful coffee chains in Vietnam such as Highlands and Coffee House target a more upscale customer base, Gemini Coffee focuses on serving affordable yet delicious and nutritious beverages to middle-income customers. This has been a key factor in the brand’s resilience, even after the chain cafe crisis in 2013. Currently, there are 18 Gemini Coffee stores nationwide, providing coffee lovers with a great selection of quality drinks.
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Aha Coffee
Aha coffee is a popular coffee chain in Vietnam that has gained a lot of attention recently. The cafes are designed with an open and simple space, incorporating wooden furniture and green trees to create a cozy and nature-friendly atmosphere. The menu at Aha coffee offers a diverse range of beverages including coffee, tea, ice cream, and cakes, with a focus on high-quality coffee.
The coffee beans used by Aha coffee are grown at an altitude of 1,500m, with a temperature difference of 15-20°C, ensuring that the collected beans are of the highest quality with over 90% ripeness. Visitors can also purchase ground coffee as a souvenir to take home.
Aha coffee shops are open from 7 am to 11 pm, and the prices of drinks are reasonable, ranging from 25,000 to 45,000 VND (~ $1.07 – 1.93). Whether you’re looking for a morning coffee, an afternoon tea break, or a sweet treat, Aha coffee is definitely worth checking out.
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Kafa Cafe
Kafa Cafe is a popular coffee chain in Vietnam with approximately 53 locations throughout Vietnam. The cafe features a fresh and youthful atmosphere with simple wooden furniture, providing a comfortable and welcoming space for customers. However, what sets Kafa Cafe apart from other coffee chains is its focus on high-quality coffee.
Kafa Cafe takes great care in selecting and processing its coffee beans to ensure the best taste and consistency in its coffee drinks. Their menu includes a variety of coffee options, including whole-grain coffee, machine-specific roasted coffee, and traditional Vietnamese coffee. Customers can also purchase these coffee products in packs, with prices averaging around 100,000 VND (approximately $2.15 USD).
Kafa Cafe is open from 7 am to 10 pm, and customers can enjoy their coffee drinks at affordable prices ranging from 15,000 to 40,000 VND (approximately $0.64 – 1.72 USD).