A coffee and a sandwich : the classic lunch combo. Here in Ho Chi Minh City, locals enjoy a banh mi and ca phe sua da for lunch or breakfast. The combo is widely loved and readily available all over the city. However, for those who crave a more Western-style offering, options can be limited.
Cofee and sandwiches in Saigon
Banh mi and ca phe sua da is a typically Saigonese combination. While it’s undeniably tasty, sometimes a change of pace is welcome. This can be complicated however, as Western-style sandwich ingredients like cold cuts or cheese are very expensive or outright unavailable in Vietnam, and must be imported at great cost.
This makes the options for a Western-style sandwich very limited or very expensive. The same goes for coffee. While the local Robusta certainly packs a caffeinated kick, the constant presence of sweetened condensed milk can get tiring. Despite the coffee scene in Vietnam being in the midst of a revolution, well-made Western-style Arabica coffee is still hard to find and expensive. There is however, a solution.
Where to get a coffee and sandwich in HCMC
We’ve compiled a list of the best restaurants to visit for a classic Western-style sandwich and coffee in Ho Chi Minh City. Here they are :
One of Saigon’s longest-standing and most beloved Western restaurants, Au Parc started as a deli-style restaurant, serving Italian coffee and classic sandwiches. Located right in-between the Independence Palace and the Notre-Dame Cathedral, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a hand-crafted sandwich with a cup of locally-sourced and expertly brewed Western-style coffee.
Another long-standing and well beloved Western Eatery, L’Usine has branches all over Saigon. Serving a modern take on Viet-Western fusion food, they offer a variety of sandwich classics and espresso-style coffees. From Central D1 to suburban D7, L’Usine offers modern, airy spaces to relax and enjoy a tasty Western-inspired meal in.
Au Parc’s sister brand, Central Parc operates as a delivery-only sandwich and coffee shop. Offering hand-crafted Western sandwiches, banh mi and coffees, Central Parc puts an emphasis on healthy, fresh, home-made ingredients. Available for delivery all over Saigon, Central Parc is the perfect solution for a quick lunch in the office or a snack at home.
