XLIII Coffee: Two Peaceful Havens in the Heart of Saigon

Discover two must-visit tranquil coffee shops in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon): XLIII Coffee in District 1 and District 2. With modern black-and-white minimalist design in one location and nostalgic Vietnamese architecture in the other, both venues offer elegant, comfortable spaces filled with the aromatic scent of specialty coffee that will awaken your senses.

XLIII Coffee District 1: A Striking Black and White Aesthetic

You’ll likely be captivated by the District 1 branch on Pasteur Street from your first glance, with its glossy black exterior that envelops the entire space. The outside features pure black tones that never feel overwhelming thanks to transparent glass doors. Inside, the space incorporates clean white elements—the black and white combination creating a sense of depth. Any corner you choose feels sophisticated, comfortable, clean, and peaceful—the perfect environment to appreciate the pure flavors of specialty coffee.

The first floor surprises visitors with its unexpected décor. Rather than displaying art pieces, the café showcases coffee boxes from around the world for coffee enthusiasts to admire. The white coffee boxes stand out dramatically against the black walls. There are no traditional seats; instead, you’ll rest on hollow sections carved into the black walls. At the center sits a mini-ecosystem with refreshing greenery that impresses many visitors.

The second and third floors feature modern brewing equipment that blends seamlessly with the black walls. Guests can enjoy their coffee while watching baristas skillfully prepare drinks. The quiet atmosphere and spacious tables make this location perfect for studying, working, or reading. Overall, all three floors embrace minimalism without elaborate patterns—just simple monochromatic furniture creating a uniquely distinctive character.

Every corner of XLIII Coffee in District 1 effortlessly offers Instagram-worthy backdrops for stunning photos.

XLIII Coffee District 2: A Journey to Traditional Vietnam

When you step into XLIII Coffee in Thao Dien, you’ll immediately feel the shift from the city’s bustling rhythm to a peaceful space with nostalgic charm. Tucked away in a traditional architectural house at 19 Duong So 2, Lang Bao Chi (Press Village), this branch evokes the feeling of returning to an old Vietnamese home where time slows down through every architectural detail.

Completely different from the minimalist black and white space of the District 1 branch, XLIII Coffee Thao Dien takes visitors on a cultural journey through distinctive architectural elements. Wooden arched entrances, open verandas welcoming sunlight, and vintage geometric patterned tiles create a space where past and present converge. Pure white walls accented by climbing flower clusters paint a vivid picture, bringing a rare sense of tranquility to the upscale Thao Dien neighborhood.

Particularly impressive are the classic spiral staircase and bar counter with warm yellow tones as focal points, all preserved to honor the original beauty of the building. Though modest in size, the space is intelligently designed, with each small corner offering a private and meaningful experience. Here, visitors can sit by the window overlooking a quiet small garden or choose an indoor spot to admire the perfect blend of nostalgic design and modern coffee-brewing equipment.

Experiencing XLIII’s Distinctive Coffee Flavors

The beverages offered here are specialty coffees. Unlike the characteristic bitterness of Robusta beans popular in Vietnam, XLIII Coffee uses Arabica beans that contain less caffeine and offer a notably milder, smoother profile. This allows you to experience the coffee’s complex flavor notes.

Visitors can also observe how a fragrant cup of coffee is created by XLIII Coffee’s skilled baristas, or simply enjoy and listen to fascinating stories about the coffee in hand. This interesting and distinctive workshop provides an excellent place to work, relax, and experience many novel aspects of specialty coffee.

Finding Your Way to XLIII Coffee in Saigon

The café stands out with its artistic “dark room” exterior that catches the eye even when just passing by. This peaceful District 1 coffee shop is located at 178A Pasteur, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, right in the center of the bustling city. Don’t worry about losing your way—the delicate, innovative gear-shaped signage will guide you.

For the Thao Dien branch, you’ll easily spot a distinctive house with vintage beauty amid the upscale neighborhood at 19 Duong So 2, Lang Bao Chi (Press Village). About a 20-minute drive from District 1’s center, XLIII Coffee Thao Dien is an ideal stopping point for those wanting to escape the city’s fast pace. The path leading to the café is surrounded by shady green trees, creating the feeling of entering a peaceful oasis in the heart of the urban landscape.

Whether you choose the modern, minimalist artistic space in District 1 or the nostalgic Vietnamese-style space in Thao Dien, XLIII Coffee delivers an authentic specialty coffee experience where each cup tells its own story and each space carries its unique character, reflecting the philosophy that coffee appreciation is an art of living.

XLIII Coffee always welcomes you, offering authentic moments of peace that linger long after you leave. It’s a place where you can be true to yourself and find tranquility in daily life alongside aromatic, clean cups of coffee.