Tucked away in the heart of District 1, Tonkin Specialty Coffee is where I found my perfect Saigon afternoon. This Tonkin Specialty Coffee reviews takes you beyond the menu — into the soul of a café that balances tradition and creativity. Whether it’s savoring their silky, velvety egg coffee on a lazy afternoon or simply soaking in the warm ambiance, every visit feels like a heartfelt conversation with the city itself.
Tonkin Specialty Coffee – My Peaceful Hideaway in Saigon
If Saigon is a city that never slows down, Tonkin Specialty Coffee is where time decides to take a break. Nestled at 91 Ly Tu Trong Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, right in the beating heart of Ho Chi Minh City, this café wasn’t something I planned to visit—I stumbled upon it while wandering the streets on a humid afternoon.
From the moment I pushed open the door, the outside chaos faded into a soft hum. The scent of freshly roasted coffee wrapped around me like a warm blanket. The décor struck me first—an effortless blend of vintage Vietnamese charm and modern comfort. Traditional pottery and woven textures told stories of heritage, while clean lines, muted tones, and thoughtful lighting made it feel fresh and current.
It’s the kind of place that invites you to linger. There are cozy corners for quiet reading, spacious tables for catching up with friends, and my personal favorite—a small balcony overlooking the busy streets of District 1. From up there, I could watch the river of motorbikes flow past, the street vendors setting up their stalls, and the constant heartbeat of Saigon, all while sipping my coffee in peaceful detachment.
My First Taste – The Egg Coffee That Won Me Over
Every traveler has that one food or drink memory that lingers, and for me in Saigon, it was Tonkin’s egg coffee. I’d tried this drink before in Hanoi, but here it felt different—more refined, more balanced. The creamy, golden foam was whipped so thick it could hold a spoon upright, while the coffee beneath offered a strong, slightly bitter kick. The first sip was indulgent, comforting, and distinctly Vietnamese.
On my second visit (just two days later), I went for the iced coconut coffee—rich espresso meeting silky coconut milk, cold and refreshing enough to tame Saigon’s midday heat. Between these two drinks, I realized Tonkin wasn’t just serving caffeine—it was crafting flavors that stayed with you.
And the Tonkin Specialty Coffee menu goes far beyond these favorites. For Vietnamese coffee lovers, their signature creations—from velvety egg coffee to bold salt coffee—honor local tradition with a modern twist. If you’re into European classics, you’ll find perfectly balanced lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas made with the same care. Matcha enthusiasts can explore creative blends like coconut matcha latte or honey cake matcha, while non-coffee drinkers have plenty to enjoy, from fragrant teas and fresh smoothies to indulgent hot chocolates. Add to that a tempting selection of pastries and light bites, and Tonkin becomes the kind of place where you can linger for hours, always finding something new to try.
More Than Coffee – Tonkin Specialty Coffee’s Personal Touch
The drinks might get you in the door, but the people make you stay. At Tonkin Specialty Coffee, service isn’t just friendly—it’s personal. The staff didn’t just take my order; they asked about my taste preferences, suggested drinks I might enjoy, and even shared tidbits about where the beans came from and how they were roasted. It felt less like a transaction and more like a conversation between people who love coffee and want you to love it too.
I noticed this wasn’t just for me—locals and travelers alike seemed to get the same treatment. I watched regulars greeted by name, their usual orders started before they even sat down. A group of foreign tourists got a mini coffee workshop from one of the baristas, complete with tasting notes and brewing tips.
The atmosphere reflects this same thoughtfulness. The music is soft enough to talk over, the lighting warm enough to relax under, and every corner seems designed to make you feel comfortable. Whether you’re there to work, chat, or just take a break from the Saigon heat, Tonkin adapts to your rhythm.
Why I’d Come Back – And Where Else You Can Go
By my third visit, Tonkin Specialty Coffee had become my little escape in District 1. It’s rare to find a café that nails every detail—quality drinks, inviting space, and genuinely warm service—but Tonkin manages to do it effortlessly. It’s not just about getting your caffeine fix; it’s about feeling a part of something local, authentic, and deeply rooted in Vietnamese coffee culture.
In writing these Tonkin Specialty Coffee reviews, I also discovered that Tonkin Coffee has two other branches, each with its own unique charm: Tonkin Garden Cafe at 135/50 Tran Hung Dao St, where lush greenery creates a peaceful escape from the city buzz, and Tonkin Egg Coffee at 1 Le Thi Rieng, a cozy spot devoted to perfecting Vietnam’s most iconic coffee drink. Visiting all three lets you experience their distinct atmospheres while still enjoying the same unwavering commitment to quality and the rich Vietnamese coffee culture that defines the Tonkin brand.
So if you find yourself in Saigon and need a pause from the city’s relentless energy, head to Tonkin Specialty Coffee. Grab a seat on the balcony, order the egg coffee, and watch the city flow past. It might just become your Saigon ritual, the same way it became mine.
Contact us:
Tonkin Coffee
Tonkin Specialty Coffee
- Add: 91 Ly Tu Trong St, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- Hotline: 086 799 0125
Tonkin Garden Cafe
- Add: 135/50 Tran Hung Dao St, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- Hotline: 087 992 4691
Tonkin Egg Coffee
- Add: 1 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- Hotline: 0815 841 909
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.