If you are looking for the absolute pinnacle of coffee quality in Ho Chi Minh City, your first stop must be The Workshop Coffee. This establishment is not just a cafe; it is widely recognized as a specialty coffee pioneer in the city. According to traveler rankings, it has been listed as number three in the "Asia Top 50" coffee shops, making it a legitimate destination for serious connoisseurs looking to buy high-quality beans.

Visitors have noted that you can specifically purchase coffee beans here, making it a primary shopping destination for those wanting to take the flavor of Vietnam home. The pricing is considered reasonable for the quality, with a cup costing around 20 RMB, which is quite accessible for a top-tier specialty venue.

However, taste is subjective, and it is worth noting that while some travelers consider it excellent, others have had mixed experiences. Some visitors found the taste to be "average" and were unimpressed by the food pairings, such as the pumpkin cake. Despite this, the consensus among specialty coffee lovers is that it is a "must-visit" location where the coffee is "very good" in its specific domain. If you are shopping for beans, this is the place to ask the baristas about roast profiles and origins.

• Quality: Ranked #3 in Asia Top 50.
• Shopping: Coffee beans available for purchase.
• Vibe: Specialty coffee focus, serious brewing methods.

For those seeking modern roasts and complex flavor profiles, Rang Rang Coffee is a standout recommendation. Travelers have highlighted their Cold Brew for possessing a very rich "berry aroma," indicating high-quality Arabica beans and a sophisticated roasting process that preserves the delicate fruit notes of the coffee cherry. If you are looking to buy beans that move away from the traditional dark Vietnamese roast towards something more fruity and complex, this is a brand to look out for.

Another spot that demonstrates high-quality espresso handling is iO Specialty Coffee. They are famous for their Coconut Coffee, but unlike the typical tourist versions, theirs involves pouring rich espresso over coconut slush. The coffee's bitterness melts perfectly with the coconut's sweetness, creating a smooth and icy texture. This attention to the espresso base suggests a high standard of bean quality.

• Flavor Profile: Berry notes, fruit-forward (Rang Rang).
• Signature: Espresso over coconut slush (iO Specialty).
• Recommendation: Try the Cold Brew to judge the bean quality before buying.

No guide to Vietnamese coffee is complete without mentioning the heavyweights of the traditional scene. Trung Nguyen Café Legend is the place to go for the quintessential Vietnamese coffee experience. Visitors describe the drip coffee here as having an aroma that "fills the room." It is a nostalgic flavor that many locals have been drinking since childhood, making it a cultural staple. Buying beans here ensures you are getting the authentic, strong Vietnamese profile that the world knows and loves.

For a more street-side but equally iconic experience, look for Cafe Linh. Located near the famous Pho Viet Nam, this spot serves a "salted cream" coffee that has been described as tasting like a "liquid coffee candy" from childhood. It offers a "concentrated" and rich flavor profile. Another notable mention for traditional style is Grandmum Cafe, where the brown coffee is noted for being fragrant with a slight acidity.

• Experience: Authentic drip coffee with room-filling aroma.
• Shopping: Trung Nguyen offers a wide range of packaged beans suitable for gifts.
• Location: Trung Nguyen Café Legend allows you to take a cup to go while exploring places like Ben Thanh Market.

When shopping for Vietnamese coffee, you are often buying into a specific brewing culture. To understand the potential of the beans you are buying, you must taste the local variations. Little HaNoi Egg Coffee is repeatedly recommended for its rich egg aroma and "healing" taste. It is considered a must-try for the famous egg coffee, which balances the strong Robusta beans with creamy, whisked egg yolk.

Other spots like Cộng Cà Phê offer unique frozen variations like Green Rice Slush and Coconut Slush, while Phê La is known for its Oolong milk tea if you need a break from coffee. Tasting these drinks helps you understand the versatility of the beans available in the Vietnamese market.

• Must-Try: Egg Coffee at Little HaNoi.
• Variety: Green Rice Slush at Cộng Cà Phê.
• Note: These shops are great for experiencing how local beans are used in creative beverages.

For a more conventional shopping experience, the newly renovated MUJI at Le Thanh Ton in District 1 is a surprising but reliable option. Following its reopening, the store has expanded its food section, which now specifically includes a selection of coffee beans. This is a convenient stop for travelers who want to buy beans in a familiar retail environment while browsing other goods.

For those interested in the broader industry or looking to source beans at a trade level, keep an eye on the Vietnam International Coffee, Tea & Bakery Expo. Scheduled for late October to early November 2025 at the SECC (Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center), this event is a prime opportunity to meet producers directly and see the latest in Vietnamese coffee trends.

• Retail: MUJI (District 1) stocks coffee beans.
• Event: Vietnam International Coffee, Tea & Bakery Expo (Oct 30 - Nov 1, 2025).
• Convenience: MUJI offers a high-standard shopping environment.

Part of the joy of buying coffee in Vietnam is discovering the hidden gems where the ambiance matches the quality of the brew. Dabao Concept offers a beautiful garden courtyard setting that is perfect for photos and enjoying a relaxing cup. Ngâm Cafe is another photogenic spot worth checking out.

For those who love a "vibe," Cafein & Nicotin and Cà phê Linh are frequently mentioned together as cool spots to hang out. The Workshop also requires a bit of a hunt, often described as a place you might need to "rush" to or find tucked away, but the reward is some of the best coffee in the city. Exploring these venues allows you to sample various beans in settings that range from colonial nostalgia to modern chic.

• Vibe: Garden courtyards and photogenic interiors.
• List: Dabao Concept, Cafein & Nicotin, Ngâm Cafe.
• Experience: Blend of visual appeal and quality drinks.