Cafe
Tonkin Specialty Coffee
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Tonkin Specialty Coffee sits on bustling Lý Tự Trọng Street in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City's District 1, steps from the iconic Bến Thành Market. With a near-perfect 4.8 rating from thousands of reviews, it has earned a reputation as one of the city's premier third-wave coffee spots. The cafe's design is understated and modern, white walls, wooden accents, and a streamlined counter where the focus is squarely on the coffee. Tonkin sources beans from Vietnam's Central Highlands and other regions, offering a rotating selection of single-origin pour-overs, espresso drinks, and traditional Vietnamese phin-filtered coffee. The baristas are knowledgeable and happy to guide you through the menu. Despite its central location, the cafe maintains a calm, almost meditative ambiance, making it a welcome retreat from the city's energy.
Don't miss
- Order a pour-over to taste the nuanced flavors of Vietnamese single-origin beans.
- Try the traditional phin coffee for an authentic local experience.
- Watch baristas meticulously prepare each drink at the brew bar.
- Take a photo of the minimalist interior, a favorite among Instagrammers.
- Grab a bag of beans to take home; they offer a variety of roasts.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Tonkin Specialty Coffee
You don't need a tour to visit, entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Tonkin Specialty Coffee with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inVietnamese Coffee Workshop in Ho Chi Minh City - Local Home Class5★ · 11 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$6 per personSee dates →
Most bookedHo Chi Minh City Food Tour By Motorbike | Saigon Adventure5★ · 10,269 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$30 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleSAIGON SHORE EXCURSION: Special Saigon City Tour Full Day5★ · 10 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$138 per personSee dates →Know before you go
- Opening hours vary; check Google Maps or their Facebook page before visiting.
- Prices are reasonable for specialty coffee; cash and cards accepted.
- Free Wi-Fi is available, though seating is limited.
- Street parking is scarce; consider walking or using a ride-share.
A bit of history
Tonkin Specialty Coffee is part of Vietnam's growing specialty coffee movement, which emphasizes high-quality, traceable beans and precise brewing methods. The name 'Tonkin' references the historical northern region of Vietnam, nodding to the country's rich coffee heritage.
Common questions
Do they serve Vietnamese egg coffee?
No, Tonkin focuses on pour-over and espresso-based drinks, not traditional egg coffee.
Is the cafe quiet enough for reading?
Yes, it's generally calm and conducive to reading or working, though it can get busy.
Can I buy coffee beans here?
Yes, they sell bags of their single-origin beans.
Is there seating for groups?
The cafe is small with limited seating, best for individuals or pairs.
Do they offer non-dairy milk options?
Yes, they typically have oat and soy milk available.
Is it easy to find?
Yes, it's located on a main street near Bến Thành Market, with a clear storefront.
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