Tet in Saigon has a softer rhythm than usual. The traffic slows down, the streets glow with yellow blossoms and red decorations, and people seem to move with a little more ease. While many shops close to spend time with family, cafés remain one of the few places where the city’s social life continues. For many visitors, the question naturally arises: Where to drink egg coffee in Saigon during Tet? In this festive yet calm atmosphere, places like Tonkin Coffee offer a warm pause, where a cup of egg coffee helps capture the feeling of Vietnamese New Year in a simple, memorable way.
Why is egg coffee special to enjoy during Tet in Saigon?
Egg coffee feels especially fitting during Tet because it is warm, comforting, and deeply connected to Vietnamese tradition. The holiday invites people to slow down, reflect on the past year, and enjoy simple pleasures, and a cup of egg coffee naturally blends into that gentle rhythm.
The cultural story behind Vietnamese egg coffee
Egg coffee first appeared in Hanoi in the 1940s, when fresh milk was scarce. To adapt, baristas began whipping egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk, creating a creamy layer that could soften the intensity of strong coffee. What started as a practical solution gradually became a signature drink, loved for its rich texture and balanced sweetness.
As the drink traveled south, it found a place in Saigon’s vibrant coffee scene. Today, egg coffee reflects creativity and adaptability, values that feel especially meaningful during Tet, a time when tradition and renewal quietly coexist.
How the Tet atmosphere enhances the coffee experience
During Tet, cafés often feel warmer and more intimate. Golden apricot blossoms glow in shop corners, yellow chrysanthemums shine like southern sunlight, while a few peach branches bring a gentle Northern touch to the space. These seasonal details subtly transform the coffee experience.
Sipping egg coffee while watching people pass by in elegant Vietnamese áo dài, exchanging New Year greetings, or pausing for photos adds an emotional layer to the moment. It becomes less about the drink itself and more about being present in the holiday atmosphere.
What makes egg coffee different from other Vietnamese coffee drinks
Unlike iced milk coffee or coconut coffee, egg coffee is typically served warm and layered. The base is a bold, aromatic coffee, topped with a thick, velvety egg cream that feels almost dessert-like.
Rather than rushing through it, egg coffee encourages slower sipping, allowing the flavors to unfold gently. This unhurried pace mirrors the spirit of Tet, when taking time to sit, taste, and observe feels entirely natural.
Which cafés are known for serving egg coffee during Tet in Saigon?
During Tet, when many places close for the holiday, Tonkin Coffee remains open with all three of its District 1 locations, making it a reliable stop for visitors and locals who still want to enjoy egg coffee during the festive season. With stable opening hours and welcoming spaces, Tonkin Coffee is often mentioned when people look for Egg coffee shops open Tet Ho Chi Minh City.
Below are the three Tonkin Coffee locations in District 1 that continue serving egg coffee during Tet, each offering its own charm while staying true to the brand’s dedication to quality and culture.
Tonkin Specialty Coffee – 91 Lý Tự Trọng, District 1
Located on Lý Tự Trọng Street, this flagship Tonkin Coffee space sits right in the city center and is often the first stop for travelers exploring Saigon during Tet. The interior feels modern yet warm, making it easy to settle in even during a busy holiday.
The egg coffee here is carefully crafted, featuring a soft, airy egg cream with balanced sweetness and no lingering egg aroma. It is paired with a measured amount of Fine Robusta, around 15ml of coffee, equivalent to one espresso shot brewed strong enough to complement the richness of the cream without overwhelming it. During Tet, the café maintains a calm but lively rhythm that suits both quick visits and longer stays.
Tonkin Garden Cafe – 36 Trần Hưng Đạo, District 1
Tucked away on Trần Hưng Đạo Street, Tonkin Garden Cafe offers a quieter, greener setting that feels especially comforting during Tet.
Tonkin’s three District 1 branches remain open for Tet
Surrounded by plants and natural light, it provides a gentle escape from the holiday crowds while remaining close to the city’s center.
Tonkin Egg Coffee – 12 Lê Thị Riêng, District 1
Tonkin Egg Coffee on Lê Thị Riêng Street is a more intimate space designed for guests who want to focus fully on the egg coffee experience. The cozy atmosphere makes it an appealing stop for first-time visitors and returning regulars alike.
What else is on the menu at Tonkin Coffee?
Beyond egg coffee, Tonkin Coffee’s menu brings together familiar Vietnamese flavors and well-crafted café classics.
Guests can enjoy salt coffee, coconut coffee, and Vietnamese milk coffee, alongside espresso-based drinks, refreshing matcha options, and freshly baked pastries, all served in a relaxed, welcoming setting that reflects Tonkin’s everyday café culture.
Vietnamese Coffee Signatures
Tonkin’s Vietnamese coffee selection focuses on balance and approachability, offering drinks that feel both familiar and thoughtfully prepared.
Vietnamese Milk Coffee
Savor Vietnamese Milk Coffee, a creamy blend of strong coffee and sweetened condensed milk. Smooth, rich, and indulgent, it’s a must-try for coffee enthusiasts!
Salt Coffee – Cafe Muối
A distinctive blend of strong coffee and lightly salted cream, where a subtle savory note enhances the coffee’s natural sweetness and depth.
Coconut Coffee
Dive into the exotic Coconut Milk Coffee, a Vietnamese gem fusing bold coffee with silky coconut milk, crowned with crisp coconut flakes. A tropical delight for coffee aficionados.
Italian Coffee Classics
For guests who prefer timeless espresso-based drinks, Tonkin offers a clean and reliable Italian-style lineup.
Espresso, Americano, Latte, Cappuccino, and Mocha
Each drink is prepared with care, highlighting the coffee’s aroma and structure while keeping the flavors smooth and easy to enjoy.
Vietnamese Matcha & Non-Coffee Options
Tonkin’s matcha drinks offer a calmer alternative to coffee, blending earthy green tea flavors with creamy textures. Alongside matcha, the menu includes teas, fresh juices, smoothies, and chocolate-based drinks for those looking for something lighter or caffeine-free.
Fresh Pastries and Light Bites
Tonkin Coffee focuses on freshly baked croissants and Vietnamese baguettes rather than cakes. The croissants are crisp and flaky, available as a classic plain version served with condensed milk or filled with rich salted egg cream for a more indulgent bite.
For something heartier, the menu includes Vietnamese baguettes with chicken breast and cheddar cheese, as well as a vegan option featuring mixed mushrooms and plant-based pâtém, simple, satisfying choices that pair well with coffee.
Visit Tonkin Coffee Today!
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.