In today’s world, technology feels essential, but for me, life without it is a breath of fresh air. No endless screens, no buzzing notifications—just the serenity of creating something meaningful.
I often get asked how life would look without a computer, and my answer is simple: peaceful. I’ve found happiness in a slower, more intentional pace, dedicating my time to something tangible and full of life—coffee.
Becoming a Barista: A Dream Realized
The transition from a tech-heavy life to becoming a barista was not planned but felt right. I found joy in crafting each cup of coffee by hand, taking time to perfect every pour and brew.
Technology couldn’t give me the same satisfaction as the simple, timeless art of coffee-making. It’s a daily ritual I cherish, where I can focus on something grounded and real. Being a barista at my own café, Tonkin Coffee, allows me to connect with people, share stories, and create something with heart.
What people are saying about the coffee shops
kimberly lim.
“We are coffee lovers and this is our third time in Vietnam. This is so far the best coffee we’ve had in Vietnam. It has a distinct taste that makes it so delicious. Has the signature coffee, coconut coffee, and egg coffee. Egg coffee is better than the other famous egg coffee place, signature coffee is so soo good!!”
Lim Sarah.
“This place is such a gem. We’ve been to 2 of their branches because the coffee is just sooo good. The salted egg croissant is to die for – very flaky and just the right amount of filling that doesn’t make it too heavy. Decided to try the matcha egg cream this time and it’s insanely good. Highly recommend trying this place out for specialty coffee and croissants!”
Teejay Cabatingan.
“The egg coffee was superb. It’s not your ordinary coffee! Also, the Bánh mì was perfect with the spicy sweet sauce. I also commend Vinh, the manager and barista of the cafe. He was very friendly and gave important info as it is my first time in Ho Chi Minh. 🩵 much love Tonkin!”
The Beginning: Opening Tonkin Specialty Coffee (Tonkin Cottage) in 2022
In 2022, I finally made the leap to start my dream business: Tonkin Specialty Coffee. My vision was clear—bring something fresh to the coffee scene in Ho Chi Minh City by introducing the unique flavors of Fine Robusta beans from Dak Nong.
More than just a café, Tonkin became a place for coffee lovers to slow down, appreciate the craftsmanship behind every cup, and enjoy an atmosphere rich in Vietnamese culture. Each detail, from the menu to the decor, was curated to reflect the authenticity of Vietnam’s coffee heritage.
The café quickly gained attention, not just for its coffee but for the passion behind it.
Our signature egg coffee became a standout hit, blending tradition with innovation. This was more than just a place to grab a drink; it was a community hub where people connected over shared love for a bold cup of Vietnamese coffee.
Expansion and Growth: Tonkin Garden Coffee & Croissant in 2023
After the success of the first shop, I was ready to expand. In 2023, I opened my second café: Tonkin Garden Coffee & Croissant.
This new location took the Tonkin experience to another level by introducing freshly baked croissants and an inviting garden space. The concept was to create a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle—a hidden oasis where guests could enjoy a rich cup of coffee alongside warm, flaky pastries.
The croissants, made with a local twist, became as much of a signature as our coffee. Whether customers came for a morning pastry or an afternoon pick-me-up in the garden, this café became a beloved spot.
The greenery, natural light, and the comforting smell of freshly brewed coffee and warm croissants made it a destination for both regulars and newcomers.
2024: The Birth of Tonkin Egg Coffee and Vietnamese Delights
By 2024, it was time for a new chapter with the launch of Tonkin Egg Coffee and Vietnamese Delights. This café focused on our signature egg coffee, a beloved Vietnamese specialty.
Known for its creamy texture and rich taste, our egg coffee became synonymous with the Tonkin name. But we didn’t stop there. We added new items to the menu, including Vietnamese matcha—a vibrant, earthy beverage that captured the hearts of tea lovers.
The café’s late-night atmosphere added something special, with the introduction of Vietnamese wine after 5 pm. This expansion of the menu reflected Tonkin’s evolving identity, blending old favorites with exciting new offerings.
Each of our cafés now offered something distinct, but all stayed rooted in the values that shaped Tonkin from the start: quality, culture, and community.
Tonkin Coffee: A Café Rooted in Tradition
Tonkin Coffee isn’t just another café; it’s a vibrant reflection of Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage and timeless traditions. Every aspect of the space has been carefully designed to pay homage to the country’s deep-rooted history and artistic legacy. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted by the sight of traditional wooden furnishings, which have been thoughtfully selected to echo the craftsmanship and natural beauty found in Vietnam’s historic homes and communal spaces. These pieces are not just furniture—they are symbols of a culture that values artistry, community, and connection.
The walls are adorned with vintage art that captures the essence of Vietnam’s past, telling stories through images that reflect the country’s unique blend of tradition and modernity. Each piece serves as a window into Vietnam’s soul, bridging the gap between the old and the new. Together, these elements create an environment that transcends the ordinary café experience, transforming Tonkin Coffee into a space where Vietnam’s heritage truly comes alive.
“The best coffee in Ho Chi Minh city”
Guests at Tonkin Coffee are invited to do more than just grab a drink; they are encouraged to slow down and savor both the moment and the experience, much like they would with a perfectly brewed cup of coffee.
The warm, inviting atmosphere fosters a sense of calm and reflection, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the richness of Vietnamese culture. Whether it’s through the flavors of the coffee or the carefully curated ambiance, Tonkin Coffee offers a unique journey through time, culture, and tradition, creating a space where every detail reflects the country’s storied past and vibrant present.
Fine Robusta Beans from Dak Nong: The Heart of the Coffee
At the heart of Tonkin Coffee’s offerings is our unwavering commitment to using only the finest Fine Robusta beans, meticulously sourced from the lush highlands of Dak Nong. These beans are far from ordinary—they are the result of decades of tradition, craftsmanship, and an intimate connection to the land. Each cup brewed with these beans represents not just coffee, but a deeper story of Vietnam’s coffee-growing heritage, brought to life by the skill and dedication of local farmers.
Egg Coffee – 3 hidden gems you must visit in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam
Egg coffee : You’ve heard about it. Everyone recommend you to try it. But no specific place? In the bustling heart of Vietnam, cafes are more than just places to sip coffee—they are sanctuaries of culture, history, and community.Among these, Tonkin Coffee stands out, weaving a rich tapestry of Vietnamese tradition and modern charm.
Grown in the fertile, mineral-rich soil of Dak Nong’s highlands, these beans are nurtured by the perfect combination of altitude, climate, and terrain. The region’s unique conditions—cool temperatures, ample rainfall, and the ideal balance of sun and shade—help cultivate a bean that develops a robust, earthy profile unlike any other. These aren’t your typical beans; they carry a distinct richness and complexity that can only come from this special corner of the world.
“Vietnamese coffee at its best: Fine Robusta”
The elevation at which these beans are grown, combined with the volcanic soil they are rooted in, infuses them with an intensity and depth of flavor that defines the true essence of Fine Robusta.
The result is a bold, full-bodied coffee with hints of dark chocolate, nuts, and subtle spice—each sip revealing layers of character that reflect both the land and the hands that nurtured them.
This unique profile sets them apart from the milder, more commonly known Arabica beans, offering a flavor that is deeply connected to Vietnam’s coffee culture.
When you taste Tonkin Coffee’s Fine Robusta, you are not just drinking a cup of coffee—you are experiencing the soul of Vietnam in every sip. The robust flavor, with its earthy undertones and powerful aroma, brings each cup to life, creating an experience that tells the story of the land, the people, and the generations of coffee farmers who have perfected this craft. It’s a taste steeped in history, culture, and the enduring legacy of Vietnamese coffee, one that invites you to savor not only the beverage but the journey it represents.
Crafting Coffee by Hand: A Delicate Process
There’s something profoundly satisfying about brewing coffee by hand—it’s an art form, a ritual that allows you to connect with the raw ingredients in a way that machines simply cannot replicate. Every step in the process is an invitation to engage your senses: from selecting the perfect grind size to suit the brewing method, to watching as the hot water gently blooms over the freshly ground beans, releasing the rich aroma and unlocking the intricate flavors hidden within. In these moments, you become part of a time-honored tradition, one where craftsmanship and mindfulness come together to create something truly special.
Understand your coffee
At Tonkin Coffee, we take immense pride in this hands-on approach to brewing, recognizing that every cup tells a story. It begins with the careful attention to detail—choosing the finest beans, understanding the precise temperature and timing needed for each brew, and perfecting the technique to draw out the flavors that make our coffee unique.
There is a sense of meditation in the process, a calm focus that demands you to be present, ensuring that each step is performed with intention. The rhythmic pouring of water, the bloom of the grounds, the slow extraction—it all adds up to a moment of quiet satisfaction, a pause in the rush of daily life.
This method isn’t just about making coffee; it’s about creating a connection between the person brewing it and the ingredients. No machine can capture the nuance and precision that comes with the human touch. The tactile experience of brewing by hand invites a deeper appreciation for the complexities of coffee, from its origins to its final form in your cup.
The result of this mindful preparation is a flavor that is rich, complex, and rewarding—a direct reflection of the time and care put into crafting it. At Tonkin Coffee, we believe that coffee isn’t just a beverage; it’s an experience. By embracing the art of hand-brewing, we honor the tradition, precision, and passion behind each cup, offering our guests more than just a drink. We invite them to slow down, savor the moment, and taste the difference that careful attention to detail makes. It’s a process that celebrates both the craft of coffee and the simple joy of creating something beautiful by hand.
Maintaining a Vietnamese Cultural Space
Tonkin Coffee is much more than just a café—it’s a living celebration of Vietnamese culture, thoughtfully crafted to immerse visitors in the rich heritage of Vietnam. Every inch of the space has been designed with intention, paying homage to the traditions that have shaped the country’s identity for centuries. As soon as you walk in, you’re surrounded by elements inspired by Vietnamese folk traditions. The intricate woodwork, with its delicate carvings, reflects the craftsmanship passed down through generations, while the hand-painted murals that adorn the walls tell stories of everyday life, myth, and the natural beauty of the Vietnamese landscape.
These artistic details are not just decoration—they are expressions of Vietnam’s deep-rooted cultural values. At Tonkin Coffee, we are passionate about preserving these timeless aspects of our heritage, integrating them seamlessly with modern café design to create a space where the old and the new coexist in harmony.
The combination of traditional aesthetics and contemporary comforts gives the café a unique character, making it a place where history and modern life intersect.
At Tonkin Coffee, culture and coffee come together as one, creating an experience that reminds us of the value in slowing down
The space itself serves as a tribute to Vietnam’s past. The calming ambiance, warm tones, and thoughtful décor invite guests to step back from the fast pace of the modern world and reconnect with something deeper. It’s not just a place to grab a quick coffee; it’s a space designed to encourage reflection, connection, and appreciation for the craft of coffee-making and the cultural roots that inform it.
As the world races forward, Tonkin Coffee offers a gentle reminder that some things—like the richness of tradition, the beauty of craftsmanship, and the simple pleasure of sharing a well-made cup of coffee—are worth taking the time to savor. It’s a space where the past and present blend seamlessly, allowing visitors to enjoy a moment of calm while appreciating the cultural tapestry that makes Vietnam so unique.
The Importance of Supporting Farmers
Tonkin Coffee’s mission goes beyond simply serving exceptional coffee—we are deeply committed to supporting the farmers who make it all possible. Every cup we brew is made with beans sourced from a 20-year-old farm in Dak Nong, a region in Vietnam where coffee cultivation is a way of life, passed down through generations. These farming families, with their deep knowledge and tradition, are the true heart of our business.
We believe in more than just sourcing high-quality coffee
We are dedicated to ensuring that the farmers behind each bean are fairly compensated and supported.
This includes providing them with the resources, tools, and fair wages necessary to sustain their families and continue the traditions they have upheld for decades. By doing so, we not only contribute to their livelihoods but also help safeguard the rich legacy of coffee farming in Vietnam.
Our relationship with these farmers is built on trust, respect, and a mutual passion for the art of coffee cultivation. It’s a partnership that allows us to bring you coffee that is not only delicious but also ethically sourced, creating a positive impact that stretches from the highlands of Vietnam to your cup. At Tonkin Coffee, every sip tells the story of craftsmanship, tradition, and shared values.
Simplicity Brings Happiness
Without technology dictating my day, I’ve discovered the joy that simplicity brings. The rhythm of making coffee, greeting customers, and nurturing relationships is far more fulfilling than being tethered to a computer.
Life at Tonkin Coffee moves at a slower pace—one that invites reflection and mindfulness. There’s a satisfaction that comes from focusing on the present moment, and for me, that’s found in every cup of coffee I create.
At Tonkin Coffee, we believe that coffee is an experience to be enjoyed by everyone, no matter their preferences or dietary choices. That’s why we offer a diverse menu that caters to different tastes and lifestyles, including our Vegan Coffee and Salt Coffee, two unique offerings that reflect our commitment to innovation while honoring tradition.
Our Vegan Coffee options are thoughtfully crafted to deliver the same rich, full-bodied flavors you expect from Tonkin, but with plant-based alternatives. We understand that many of our guests are looking for ethical and sustainable choices, so we’ve created a selection of vegan-friendly beverages that don’t compromise on taste or quality.
Vegan coffee
We use high-quality plant-based milk options, such as oat, almond, and coconut milk, each chosen for its ability to complement the natural flavors of our coffee without overpowering it. These alternatives provide a creamy texture and subtle sweetness that pair perfectly with our fine Robusta beans. Whether you prefer a classic vegan latte or an iced coffee with a dairy-free twist, each cup is carefully brewed to highlight the rich, earthy notes of our beans, while maintaining the smooth, velvety mouthfeel that Tonkin Coffee is known for.
Our Vegan Coffee offerings go beyond just substituting dairy milk. We’ve created specialty drinks that explore new flavors, incorporating natural sweeteners, spices, and even vegan syrups to elevate the coffee experience. Each sip of our vegan coffee is a celebration of bold flavors, sustainability, and mindful choices—an option that reflects both the evolving preferences of our guests and our dedication to inclusivity.
Salt Coffee
Salt Coffee is one of our most beloved offerings at Tonkin, a true reflection of Vietnam’s creative and bold coffee culture. Inspired by a traditional Vietnamese preparation, Salt Coffee combines the rich flavors of our Fine Robusta beans with a surprising twist—a hint of salt. This unexpected ingredient enhances the coffee’s natural sweetness and brings out deeper, more complex flavors, creating a unique tasting experience that lingers long after the last sip.
Our version of Salt Coffee starts with a meticulously brewed cup of strong, flavorful coffee. To this, we add a light sprinkle of sea salt, which helps to balance the bitterness and intensify the richness of the coffee. The result is a harmonious blend of savory and sweet, with a smooth, velvety finish that is both intriguing and deeply satisfying.
For those looking to try something a little different, our Salt Coffee is an invitation to explore a new dimension of flavor. It’s a nod to Vietnam’s ability to transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The combination of salt and coffee might sound unconventional, but once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why it’s become a favorite among our guests.
At Tonkin Coffee, we’re always looking for ways to innovate while staying true to our roots. Whether you’re enjoying a vegan-friendly latte or a bold, savory Salt Coffee, every cup is a testament to our passion for crafting unique coffee experiences that honor both tradition and creativity.
Connection with Customers: Beyond Coffee
In a world filled with distractions, Tonkin Coffee offers something different—a place where genuine connections can be made. Our customers aren’t just people passing through; they’re part of the Tonkin family. Without the interference of technology, the conversations are deeper, the smiles more frequent, and the shared experiences richer. We welcome everyone to take a break from the rush of life, sit down with a cup of coffee, and savor the company of others.
In the end, my life without technology is one filled with purpose. As a barista, I’ve found a deeper connection to the world around me. I get to share the stories behind the beans, the farmers, and the rich culture that influences every aspect of Tonkin Coffee. Every day, I’m reminded that happiness isn’t about more technology—it’s about more connection, tradition, and craft. And for me, that’s enough.
Nestled in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Tonkin Specialty Coffee is one of the best coffee shops to experience authentic Vietnamese flavors. From the iconic egg coffee and refreshing coconut coffee to bold Vietnamese coffee and the unique salt coffee, every sip is a journey into tradition. For non-coffee lovers, our Vietnamese matcha offers a gentle alternative. Pair your drink with a freshly baked banh mi or a buttery croissant, and savor the true taste of Vietnam in a setting inspired by folk culture and Indochine charm.