Vietnamese Racket Coffee: Saigon's Top 4 Must-Experience Hotspots!

In the hustle and bustle of modern Saigon, there is a unique culture that persists over time - racket coffee. This is not just a drink, but also a part of Saigon's cultural heritage. In this article, let's explore 4 famous long-standing racket cafes in Saigon that coffee lovers should try at least once.

Coffee is brewed with a cloth racket

What is racket coffee?

The name "coffee racket" or "coffee warehouse" actually comes from the way this type of coffee is brewed. This way of making coffee is characterized by using a large racket to filter the coffee and extract it twice, preserving the aftertaste with an earthen pot, creating a unique flavor compared to other methods. The flavor of racket coffee is typical, pure aromatic and has a sweet, smooth finish, with a bit of fat. Today, despite the development of many new coffee styles, racket coffee still maintains its position. So do you know about the oldest racket cafes in Saigon? If not, let's explore with CHUS right below!

4 must-try racket coffee shops in Sài Gòn

1. Cheo Leo racket coffee

Cheo Leo Coffee is located at 109/36 Nguyen Thien Thuat, Ward 2, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, established in 1938, considered the oldest racket cafe in Saigon. Located discreetly in an alley of District 3, Cheo Leo attracts diners with its ancient space and traditional coffee making method, preserving the old flavors of the city. Instead of using a filter, Cheo Leo uses a racket and ceramic pot to make coffee. This delicate brewing process helps create exquisite cups of coffee with flavors that have not changed for 80 years. Coming here, you will not only enjoy quality coffee but also immerse yourself in the nostalgic Saigon atmosphere, where every corner of the shop tells the story of a bygone era.

Detailed information:

• Address: 109/36 Nguyen Thien Thuat, Ward 2, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
• Price: 8,000 - 15,000 VND
• Opening hours: 05:15 – 12:00 | 13:00 – 18:45
• Advantages: Special flavor, low price.
• Disadvantages: The space is quite narrow and many people smoke.

2. Cà phê vợt Phan Đình Phùng

Phan Dinh Phung Racket Coffee in Phu Nhuan, Ho Chi Minh City is a destination for those who want to find the precious values of old Saigon. Over the past 60 years, the racket cafe of Ms. Pham Ngoc Tuyet and Mr. Dang Tran Con has become a place that preserves many memories of those who have visited. Although it does not have a beautiful and poetic space like many shops today, Racket Coffee still attracts a large number of regular customers. Customers come to the shop not only to enjoy quality coffee but also to feel the old, nostalgic Saigon space, experience a different pace of life, mellow and contrary to the excitement of a crowded city. people.

Detailed information:

• Address: 330 Phan Dinh Phung, Ward 1, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Price: 12,000 - 20,000 VND
• Opening hours: All day (24/24)
• Advantages: Rich coffee flavor
• Disadvantages: The shop is quite narrow and dusty.

3. Racket coffee of uncle Thanh

Discovering Chu Thanh Racket Coffee, one of the oldest racket cafes in Saigon, is an indispensable experience for anyone who wants to learn about typical Chinese coffee culture. Located at 480 Tan Phuoc, Ward 6, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City, Uncle Thanh Racket Coffee Shop is known as a familiar destination for many generations, with a rich history spanning more than half century.

The highlight of the shop is not only the affordable price but also the unique coffee flavor created from the traditional brewing process. Every step in the process from roasting by hand to brewing in a clay pot is meticulously done to bring the most authentic old Saigon coffee experience. CHUS recommends that you visit this racket cafe at least once to feel the special flavor and atmosphere it brings.

Detailed information:

• Address: 480 Tan Phuoc, Ward 6, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City
• Price: 4,000 - 6,000 VND
• Opening hours: 05:00 - 17:00
• Advantages: Unique flavor, low price
• Disadvantages: Small space, closes early

4. Ba Lù racket coffee

Ba Lu coffee shop is hidden in the bustling Phung Hung market (District 5). It has existed for nearly 70 years but up to now the shop still maintains the same roasting and mixing methods as when it was first sold. Established in 1953, this coffee shop is famous for its unique and manual coffee roasting method. Coffee is roasted with wood, adding a little butter and salt in esoteric proportions, so when enjoying it, everyone can immediately feel the rich, distinct flavor.

In addition, the restaurant space also bears an ancient impression with simple architecture and objects, creating a familiar and cozy feeling for customers. Ba Lu Coffee Shop is also a meeting place for the Chinese community in Vietnam, where they communicate in Cantonese mixed with Vietnamese, creating a unique cultural space. This is definitely an indispensable experience in the journey to explore Saigon. If you have the opportunity, please visit Ba Lu coffee shop to immerse yourself in the lively, historical space of Cho Lon.

Detailed information:

• Address: 193 Phung Hung, Ward 14, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
• Price: 15,000 VND
• Opening hours: 02:00 - 17:00
• Advantages: Delicious taste, cheap price
• Disadvantages: Closes early, quite noisy surroundings

Conclusion

Today, although a series of modern coffee shops are constantly opening with new spaces, services and brewing styles, racquet coffee still retains its appeal. Not simply a drink, racket coffee is also a part of the memories of the 90s, a place to preserve and share the special cultural values of old Saigon. Come and experience, you will feel the closeness and warmth that only these places have.

Hopefully, with the above article, you will have one more coffee place to visit in Saigon. Don't forget that on CHUS there are quality Vietnamese coffee products, grown in Vietnamese specialty regions and hand-roasted on request!