Exploring Saigon’s Cafe Scene and Trends with Tri from @coffee.saigon
While unassuming and anonymous, @coffee.saigon is nothing but. Having amassed almost 65,000 followers in less than 18 months, founder Tri owes his ‘overnight success’ to his unique style of content and repertoire of cozy coffee gems that young Vietnamese locals love to visit
ABOUT @COFFEE.SAIGON
IT guy by day and serial cafe hopper by night and weekend, Tri is the man behind @coffee.saigon, one of Saigon’s most prolific food and drink content creators specialising in cafes and coffee in Vietnam. As a testament to his unique style of content and ability to scour interesting cafe gems, Tri has amassed a whopping 65,000+ organic followers in less than a year and a half or more accurately, 9 months seeing the rest of it was spent locked down.
Born out of a passion for both coffee and photography, Tri was inspired by other coffee creators in the same field and started his own to ‘practice’. Less than two years later, let’s just say his dedication to the craft - both coffee and photography - has more than paid off.
Below, I deep dive with Tri from @coffee.saigon about all things cafe culture and trends in Ho Chi Minh City, gathered from his two years of combing through more than 100 cafes and interacting with over 65,000 cafe lovers and coffee aficionados in the city.
CAFES AND COFFEE SHOPS
What is a good cafe to you?
First and foremost, the smell of coffee as soon as you walk into a cafe. Secondly, the vibe and atmosphere of the space. I typically like a space that’s cosy, intimate, small and receives a good amount of natural light. Last but not least, the quality of the products - it can’t be horrible but honestly, it just has to be good enough.
What do you look for when you check out a cafe?
The ambience. Typically, a nice cosy feel. My friends and I call it a ‘spark’, a certain je ne sais quois and we can feel it the moment we step into a cafe.
What makes a good cup of coffee to you?
Freshly roasted beans with fruity notes that are not overly sweetened from the use of sugar syrup.
What are some interesting coffee and drinks you’ve seen in cafes?
Manual coffee brewing methods using the likes of V60, Aeropress and Syphon are my current obsession.
How about food? - What are some interesting foods that you’ve seen in cafes?
Oh, I’ve seen a lot of different types of food in cafes in Vietnam. But to me, the perfect combo is still a cup of coffee paired with a fresh pastry.
After visiting more than 100 cafes, what are a few trends that you’ve seen?
Cafes with creative designs influenced by the West (Nordic minimalism, European architecture etc.) and the use of decorative items
Instagram-friendly, beautifully-presented colourful drinks
Garden cafes with a lot of greenery and open spaces
Specialty coffee (of course!)
One of the main trends noticed in Saigon’s cafe scene is the rise of Instagram-friendly drinks, says Tri of Coffee Saigon
What do you think is a good price for a cup of cappuccino, iced tea and espresso in your opinion?
This really depends on the type of coffee bean used but to me, a reasonable price for a good (not outstanding) cup of coffee (cappuccino, iced tea or espresso) is between 50-60,000 VND.
What are some districts that you believe have opportunities to open cafes?
District 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, Phú Nhuận, Bình Thạnh, Thủ Đức
What is something you want cafe owners to know?
Service really matters. Your products might not necessarily be the best but good service coupled with a charming personality will make your customers return.
What is one piece of advice anyone starting a cafe should know?
I believe there are three main things that anyone thinking to open a cafe should consider - customer service, product quality and ambience (not design). From music to the smell of fresh coffee, furniture pieces right down to interior design, creating a cosy and comfortable space is important for customers seeking to socialise and relax. If not, why would they leave their homes?
CAFE LOVERS
Every Half Coffee Roaster, one of @coffee.saigon’s favourite cafes in Saigon
Who are your followers?
Young Vietnamese who love cafe-hopping, drinking coffee and discovering new places.
What is the most common question your followers ask?
The most popular question I get is whether there is parking for their car (not bike!) and of course, whether there’s a full-length mirror for the cafe.
What do your readers want to know when they visit a cafe?
Price, variety and quality of products
How do you discover new cafes?
Mostly through Facebook, Instagram or my friends and followers.
What are your top 5 favourite cafes in Saigon?
1) Cafe Slow
2) Every Half Coffee Roaster
3) Bản Cà Phê
4) Ổn Áp
5) Soul Specialty Coffee
How can cafes get in touch with you?
They drop a message to me via instagram, facebook and sometimes email me too.
**All photos are courtesy of @coffee.saigon
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