3 of the most famous and oldest Vietnamese filter coffee shops in Ho Chi Minh City: Have you visited them yet?

Three traditional Vietnamese filter coffee shops in Ho Chi Minh City, with over half a century of history – Cheo Leo, Ba Lu, and Phan Dinh Phung – still retain their old-fashioned flavor. Have you tried them all yet?

Cheo Leo, Ba Lu, Phan Dinh Phung filter coffee… these famous, top-rated, and oldest filter coffee shops in Ho Chi Minh City have remained popular hangouts for many customers over the years.

1. Is Cheo Leo Coffee the oldest coffee shop in Saigon?

Located in alley 109 Nguyen Thien Thuat (District 3), Cheo Leo is known as the oldest surviving Vietnamese filter coffee shop in Saigon, having opened in 1938 and now being 87 years old.

Nestled in the peaceful alley of Nguyen Thien Thuat Street, Cheo Leo filter coffee shop is a familiar spot for many diners from near and far.

PHOTO: CAO AN BIEN

Ms. Nguyen Thi Suong (73 years old), along with her sisters who inherited the current coffee shop, said that the shop was founded by her father, Mr. Vinh Ngo. Back then, the Ban Co area was still remote and undeveloped, so Mr. Vinh Ngo named the shop Cheo Leo, and eventually people also called the owner "Cheo Leo".

In its early days, this was one of the most popular music cafes in the heart of District 3, a frequent hangout for arts and culture lovers, especially students from Petrus Ky and Chu Van An schools, and of course, residents of the neighboring Do Thanh residential complex.

"Since childhood, my sisters and I witnessed our parents selling coffee, and we helped them. Later, my parents continued selling coffee, while I worked as an accountant for over a decade. My father passed away in 1993, and my mother continued selling until 2013, at which point my sisters and I inherited the business. I quit accounting and returned to selling coffee because I wanted to preserve the reputation my parents had built over a lifetime," she recounted.

The restaurant has been passed down through many generations.

PHOTO: CAO AN BIEN

Today, Cheo Leo Cafe, run by the Suong sisters, still welcomes a steady stream of loyal customers every day. The owner says that the cafe remains a familiar hangout for those seeking to relive the memories and atmosphere of old Saigon.

2. Phan Dinh Phung filter coffee shop, a "hot" destination for young people.

The traditional Vietnamese filter coffee shop at 330/2 Phan Dinh Phung Street (Phu Nhuan District), famous in Ho Chi Minh City, is over 60 years old and is one of the few remaining traditional filter coffee shops in the city.

To preserve the authentic flavor of traditional Vietnamese filter coffee, Pham Van Quy (51 years old), a third-generation descendant of the family, has decided to continue his parents' legacy.

In an interview with Thanh Nien Newspaper, the owner shared that the shop was opened by his grandfather in 1954, then his parents took over in 1975, and in recent years, he and his siblings have taken over. Previously, the shop only operated during the day, but now, with the increasing number of customers, the whole family takes turns running it 24/7.

Phan Dinh Phung filter coffee shop is a familiar destination for many customers.

PHOTO: CAO AN BIEN

This cafe is currently a "hot" destination for young people in Ho Chi Minh City, especially on weekend evenings. The Le (20 years old) said he learned about the cafe through social media when he was still living in his hometown. Since moving to Ho Chi Minh City to study, he has had the opportunity to visit this cafe with his friends.

"Young people like us love things that are old and nostalgic, and this café, which is over half a century old, is the ideal destination. I came to the café because of the social media buzz, but I've become a regular because I like the drinks and the atmosphere here," the young man added.

3. Ba Lu Coffee in the heart of Cho Lon

Ba Lu coffee shop has a history of over 70 years in Phung Hung Market, Cho Lon area (District 5). To this day, the shop still maintains the old method of roasting and grinding coffee beans over a wood fire, adding butter, salt, and alcohol to enhance its distinctive aroma.

The Chinese-style coffee has a light, fragrant, and slightly creamy taste that easily pleases the palate. Although the original owner of the shop, Mr. Ba Lu, has passed away, his children remain faithful to the traditional roasting and grinding methods, so the flavor has remained the same over the years.

Ba Lu filter coffee evokes many memories for generations of Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City residents.

PHOTO: YOUTH

Mr. Chung Quoc Hung (52 years old), the second generation in his family to inherit the traditional craft of selling filter coffee, has attracted not only elderly and middle-aged customers but also many tourists and young people in recent years.

Which Vietnamese filter coffee shop impressed you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nhung-quan-ca-phe-vot-lung-danh-lau-doi-nhat-tphcm-ban-da-ghe-chua-185250616162555189.htm