Ho Chi Minh Cong Cafe and Little Hanoi

Today, I'd like to share my experiences at two cafes I visited in Ho Chi Minh City. Initially, I had planned to enjoy coffee every day during my trip, but my busy schedule forced me to take a break at one of these cafes. Let's kick off this post by encouraging everyone to savor a more leisurely journey!

There are a few Cong Cafes in the vicinity of Vietnam's Reunification Palace. I suggest finding the one closest to your location, as it's a chain with consistent taste and decor, somewhat resembling the colors of Vietnamese police officers' attire. The one I visited was near Ben Thanh Market, unmistakably Cong Cafe.

While the first floor felt a bit cramped, the cafe offered a refreshing escape from the outdoor heat. They also sold various goods, showcasing Cong Cafe's remarkable evolution since my last visit to Da Nang in 2016. It's worth noting that while I preferred indoor seating due to the heat, it seemed that many Vietnamese patrons preferred sitting outside, with camping chairs readily available.

The menu at Cong Cafe is diverse, which is helpful for tourists, as it's a popular stop on Korean tour routes. They thoughtfully include English descriptions. I highly recommend trying the coconut coffee; it was so delectable that I returned for more. The cafe's clean bathrooms and hand-washing areas were a welcome feature in Ho Chi Minh City, and I recommend a visit if you're in need of such facilities.

The second-floor ambiance at Cong Cafe left a positive impression on me, especially as it was my last day in Ho Chi Minh. However, it was unsurprisingly frequented by more Korean tourists than locals, making it feel more like a cafe. The outdoor terrace, while aesthetically pleasing, was too hot and noisy due to heavy traffic.

We opted for coffee to-go and ordered two cups of coconut coffee. It was slightly less sweet than expected, possibly due to being takeout. Nonetheless, it provided a refreshing respite from the heat within Ben Thanh Market.

For those seeking a different coffee experience, I recommend exploring Little Hanoi, located directly across from Cong Cafe. This cafe is closer to the locals' hearts, with an open atmosphere and ample seating. It's a place where street-side smoking is common, offering a unique experience. I ordered an egg coffee, which I was told they were famous for, though I couldn't find it listed on their menu.

The cafe was clean, but not as refreshing due to the open setting. I also tried their coffee to-go, which had a strong Maxim mix coffee flavor, quite different from Cong Cafe's sweeter profile. I would categorize Cong Cafe's coffee as more suited to a younger palate, while Little Hanoi's coffee has a more mature, adult taste. I recommend making your choice based on your personal preference.