When the full moon lights up Saigon during the Mid-Autumn Festival 2025, the city doesn’t only glow with lanterns and lion dances—it also buzzes with the aroma of freshly brewed Vietnamese coffee. For travelers, this is the perfect time to immerse in Vietnam’s coffee culture, a ritual deeply tied to daily life and increasingly blended with festive traditions.

Coffee and Mooncakes: A Perfect Mid-Autumn Pairing

While tea has traditionally accompanied mooncakes, in modern Saigon many locals now enjoy pairing mooncakes with Vietnamese coffee. The richness of a cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with condensed milk) or the boldness of a cà phê đen đá (black iced coffee) balances the sweetness of lotus seed or mung bean mooncakes. For lighter options, fruity mooncakes or matcha-filled pastries pair beautifully with cold brew or coconut coffee.

Traditional Coffee Culture in Saigon

Vietnamese coffee is more than a drink—it’s a social ritual. During Mid-Autumn, families and friends often gather at coffee to share mooncakes, enjoy the evening breeze, and watch lantern-lit streets.

• Phin-brewed coffee: The slow drip method creates a strong, aromatic cup, best enjoyed while chatting with friends.
• Street-side coffee stalls: Small stools, bustling sidewalks, and the sound of traffic—this is the most authentic way to sip Saigon coffee.
• “Café bệt” in public squares: “Bệt” in Vietnamese means sitting directly on the ground. In Ho Chi Minh city, this style of drinking coffee has become a cultural icon where young people, students, and even office workers gather in open-air spaces. With just a plastic stool, a take away cup, and good company, “café bệt” embodies the relaxed and social side of Vietnamese life.

Let’s immerse yourself in Ho Chi Minh’s authentic vibe: enjoy takeaway coffee while mingling with locals, listening to live music, and celebrating Mid-Autumn together.

Modern Coffee and Festival Vibes

Ho Chi Minh’s coffee scene has exploded with creativity, making Mid-Autumn an exciting time to explore:

• Specialty coffee shops offer hand-brewed Arabica blends with contemporary interiors.
• Themed coffee decorate with lanterns and mooncake displays during the festival, creating a cozy festive mood.
• Luxury hotels and rooftop coffee serve curated mooncake-and-coffee sets, perfect for travelers looking for a refined experience.

Where to Enjoy Coffee During Mid-Autumn Festival 2025?

If you’re spending Mid-Autumn Festival 2025 in Saigon, there’s no better way to embrace the festive spirit than by enjoying coffee in some of the city’s most atmospheric spots. Beyond mooncakes and lanterns, coffee culture plays a huge role in Vietnamese social life, making cafés the perfect place to gather with friends and family.

Here are some top recommendations for travelers:

• Cộng Cà Phê – Famous for its retro decor inspired by Vietnam’s wartime era, this café offers a nostalgic yet cozy setting for sipping strong Vietnamese coffee.
• The Workshop – A modern hub for specialty coffee enthusiasts, where you can explore different brewing methods and savor unique flavors.
• Nguyen Hue Walking Street Coffee Shops – Ideal for people-watching, especially during lantern parades that brighten the bustling pedestrian street.
• Chợ Lớn (Chinatown) – Where traditional tea houses and coffee shops blend together, offering cultural depth and an authentic festival atmosphere.

And for those seeking rooftop views and festive vibes, these spots promise an unforgettable experience:

Trăng Non Rooftop (Nguyen Van Dau Street, Binh Thanh)

A stunning rooftop café blending modern design with Mid-Autumn touches. Lanterns, flower garlands, and creative lighting create a magical festival backdrop overlooking Ho Chi Minh’s skyline.

Chênh Vênh Rooftop (Thu Duc City) 

Perfect for a romantic date or fun night out with friends, featuring acoustic music, colorful lanterns, and an energetic yet cozy atmosphere.

Tiệm Cà Phê Cũ (Binh Tan District)

A nostalgic coffee decorated with a giant glowing moon and vibrant dragon displays, making it a top check-in spot this Mid-Autumn.

Saha Coffee (Binh Thanh District)

Brightly adorned with lanterns, carp motifs, and festive decorations, this coffee captures the warmth of traditional celebrations with a modern touch.

Each location not only offers delicious drinks but also transforms into a cultural showcase during the festival. Whether you prefer retro charm, rooftop city views, or lantern-filled courtyards, Ho Chi Minh’s coffee scene gives you countless ways to experience the magic of Mid-Autumn Festival.

Don’t just watch the festival - live it!

Visit Ho Chi Minh’s unique coffee shops this Mid-Autumn 2025 and sip, savor, and celebrate like a local.

Plan your Saigon trip this Mid-Autumn Festival 2025 now to enjoy not only the magic of lanterns and mooncakes but also the richness of Vietnamese coffee culture. From sidewalk phin coffee to chic rooftop cafés, every cup tells a story of tradition, modernity, and celebration.

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We hope that your experience will be nothing short of amazing

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