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The Alluring 73-Year-Old Vietnamese Coffee Experience That Captivates Saigon’s Heart

The 73-year-old Phan Dinh Phung strainer coffee has become a beloved destination for Saigonese. But what makes it so special? Let's find out!

Administrator

10 July, 2024

Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant and dynamic city, offering a diverse range of cultural and culinary experiences. Among its unique attractions, the 73-year-old Vietnamese drip coffee shop on Phan Dinh Phung Street stands out for its charm and appeal to locals and tourists alike. Over seven decades, this coffee shop has captured the hearts of Saigonese coffee enthusiasts.

1Introducing the Vietnamese Drip Coffee Shop on Phan Dinh Phung Street

Vietnamese Drip Coffee on Phan Dinh Phung Street

Restaurant Quality: 4.3/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: 330/2 Phan Dinh Phung, Ward 1, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City

Price Range: VND 7,000 – 16,000.

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Usually crowded at 8:00 PM)

Phone: N/A

Facebook: N/A

Delivery: N/A

Menu: Iced milk coffee, hot milk coffee, hot black coffee, fresh milk, iced silver coffee, peach tea, passion fruit juice

Signature Dish: Iced coffee (VND 12,000/cup)

Pros: Drinks are full of traditional flavors

Cons: During rush hours, you may need to wait a bit longer.

Located on Phan Dinh Phung Street, this coffee shop has endured for over 70 years, witnessing the city’s ups and downs and the passage of time. The old-fashioned drip filters are one of the distinctive features of the shop, creating a unique and captivating ambiance.

More than just a coffee shop, the Vietnamese drip coffee establishment on Phan Dinh Phung Street is a destination that embodies the essence of Saigon. Patrons visit not only to savor delicious cups of coffee but also to immerse themselves in the peaceful atmosphere and experience the city’s unique pace of life.

A destination that embodies the essence of Saigon.

2What Makes the Vietnamese Drip Coffee Shop on Phan Dinh Phung Street So Enticing?

Preserving Traditional Flavors

This coffee shop has maintained its unique coffee blending and brewing techniques for over 70 years. Mr. Dang Ngoc Con and his wife, Mrs. Pham Ngoc Tuyet, inherited the business from Mr. Con’s father, known as Mr. Ba. They continue to use a proprietary blend of four types of coffee beans: arabica, robusta, culi, and moka, to create a distinctive, flavorful, and robust taste.

What sets this coffee shop apart is its unique brewing method using drip filters. This technique is a specialty of the Vietnamese Chinese community and was introduced to the city in the early decades of the previous century. Mrs. Tuyet and Mr. Con proudly carry on the traditional brewing process, meticulously following the methods passed down from Mr. Ba since the shop’s early days as a small street-side cart.

The drip filter coffee brewing process at this shop is rather intricate and adheres to traditional methods. First, the filter is dipped into boiling water, then coffee grounds are added, and more boiling water is poured over the grounds to allow the coffee to bloom. The filter is then dipped a few more times into the boiling water. Finally, the drip filter is placed in an aluminum pot to collect the dark, aromatic brew.

Preserving Traditional Flavors

The shop also pays special attention to the water temperature during the brewing process. The boiling water is maintained at a stable temperature using a charcoal stove, which Mrs. Ba proudly claims has been in use for several decades and is as good as new. This ensures the unique flavor of the coffee is preserved during brewing.

Although Mr. Ba is less present at the shop due to his advanced age, Mrs. Ba continues to serve customers daily with dedication. Despite the constant stream of patrons, she meticulously brews each cup of coffee, never skipping any steps. In recent years, their son and daughter-in-law have joined the family business, taking over the afternoon and evening shifts. The son has mastered the drip filter coffee brewing technique over 30 years, and the daughter-in-law has been learning the craft for over a decade.

Renowned for its ancient tradition of brewing coffee with drip filters

Selling Coffee and a Sense of Tranquility to Generations of Vietnamese

This coffee shop offers not just delicious coffee but also a warm and friendly atmosphere cultivated by the owners and regular customers over the years.

Even during busy mornings when lines form out the door, the owners confidently maintain their own rhythm of brewing, neither rushing nor slowing down. For decades, the shop has retained its few old wooden tables near the counter and plastic chairs arranged along the narrow alley, providing a place for customers to lean against the wall and savor their coffee.

All the coffee-making equipment in the shop, from the drip filters to the cups, stove, and furniture, are several decades old, yet they are always kept clean. The owners focus on the quality of the drinks and the ambiance rather than the outward appearance of the shop.

Bustling atmosphere every morning

The menu here is simple and classic, featuring only coffee-based drinks such as , , silver coffee, and a special coffee blend infused with ginseng and deer antler, adding a touch of modernity. As they only serve 100% coffee without any other beverage options, the shop attracts true coffee aficionados and mostly regulars.

“In the past, we did it this way, and we still do it the same. From the blending to the brewing, that’s how we attract our loyal customers. I don’t just sell coffee; I also chat and catch up with my customers like family. I remember each one’s preferences. They sit down, and I know exactly how they like their coffee without them having to order. Our family business has spanned three generations, and we have customers spanning three generations as well. That’s my pride and joy,” says Mrs. Ba proudly.

Indeed, it is this warm and welcoming atmosphere that has made the small shop a popular meeting spot for people of all ages and walks of life. It offers a sense of tranquility, providing a moment of calm before a busy day or after a long one.

The clientele is diverse, ranging from well-dressed office workers to artists carrying their instruments for a spontaneous performance and even local motorbike taxi drivers taking a break. Around lunchtime, you might spot someone ordering a cup of coffee and placing it in front of them before dozing off into a peaceful slumber. They sit together in this familiar setting of the street-side shop, united by the affordable and delightful cups of coffee, sharing laughter and stories.

A beloved, friendly, and sincere coffee shop

This coffee shop has become a beloved destination for many, offering not just excellent coffee but also a warm and relaxed atmosphere. It’s more than just a place to drink coffee; it’s a sanctuary to unwind and enjoy a peaceful moment before tackling a busy day or unwinding after a stressful one.

Frequently asked questions

Vietnamese coffee has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century when Vietnam was a French colony. Over time, the Vietnamese adapted the French coffee-making techniques and created their own unique coffee culture, centered around robust dark roasts and distinctive brewing methods. The iconic Vietnamese phin filter was introduced in the 1940s, revolutionizing the way coffee is brewed and becoming an integral part of the country’s coffee tradition. Saigon, in particular, embraced the coffee culture, and it became a social ritual and a beloved pastime for locals and visitors alike.

Vietnamese coffee is renowned for its strong, bold flavors and the use of condensed milk, which gives it a distinct sweet and creamy taste. The slow drip brewing process using the phin filter enhances the richness and depth of flavor. The result is a thick, intense cup of coffee that is both a sensory and cultural experience. The unique combination of robust coffee, sweet condensed milk, and the leisurely drip-brew process has become synonymous with Vietnam and its vibrant coffee scene.

Vietnamese coffee has evolved to cater to modern tastes and trends while retaining its traditional roots. Specialty coffee shops and third-wave coffee concepts have emerged in Saigon, offering single-origin beans, experimental roasting techniques, and innovative brewing methods. At the same time, traditional coffee houses continue to thrive, preserving the classic Vietnamese coffee experience. The city boasts a diverse range of coffee establishments, from quaint sidewalk cafes to upscale specialty roasters, reflecting the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of Saigon’s coffee culture.

The most iconic Vietnamese coffee drink is cà phê sữa đá, which is brewed coffee mixed with condensed milk and served over ice. Cà phê trứng, or egg coffee, is another unique creation, featuring a creamy mixture of egg yolk, condensed milk, and coffee. For a more indulgent treat, there’s cà phê cốt dừa, which is made with coconut milk instead of condensed milk. These drinks are typically prepared using the phin filter, slowly dripping hot water through finely ground dark roast coffee, resulting in a rich and flavorful brew.

Coffee shops and cafes play a significant role in Saigon’s social and cultural landscape. They serve as gathering places for friends, family, and business meetings, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. The vibrant cafe culture reflects the city’s energetic pace and provides a space for relaxation, conversation, and creativity. Many locals start their day with a cup of strong Vietnamese coffee, and cafes are often bustling throughout the day and into the evening, reflecting the integral role coffee plays in the daily lives of Saigonese.