Ho Chi Minh City is a caffeinated wonderland where coffee is more than just a morning pick-me-up; it is a dessert in its own right. The city's cafe scene offers a spectrum of flavors that transform strong Vietnamese beans into sweet, creamy indulgences.

One of the most iconic experiences is Little HaNoi Egg Coffee. Travelers describe the egg coffee here as having a rich, thick egg aroma that is incredibly healing after a long day of walking. It is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to try this traditional Vietnamese specialty, often paired with a slice of sourdough or simply enjoyed for its creamy texture. Another variation of the coffee scene is found at iO Specialty Coffee, located at 230/12 Pasteur. This spot is hailed by visitors as serving the "best coconut coffee" they have ever tasted. The preparation involves pouring espresso slowly over a mound of coconut slush. As the ice melts, the bitterness of the coffee perfectly blends with the sweetness of the coconut, creating a refreshing and smooth drink ideal for the hot Saigon weather.

For those seeking a trip down memory lane, Cafe Linh offers a "salted cream coffee" that tastes remarkably like a Vietnamese coffee candy from childhood melted into a beverage. It provides a rich, nostalgic sensation described as a "concentrated children's coffee." Nearby, The Workshop Cafe is another top contender, ranked highly in Asia, where the salt coffee is a standout. Meanwhile, Cộng Cà Phê is famous for its Green Rice Smoothie (Cốm) and Coconut Smoothie. The green rice version features crunchy coconut flakes that add a delightful texture to the drink.

• Little HaNoi Egg Coffee: Famous for its rich, healing egg aroma.
• iO Specialty Coffee: Try the coconut coffee where espresso meets coconut slush.
• Cafe Linh: Known for salted cream coffee that tastes like liquid candy.
• Cộng Cà Phê: Don't miss the Green Rice Smoothie with coconut chips.
• Rangrang Coffee: Highly recommended for its Cold Brew with rich berry notes.
• Phê La: A local brand famous for its Oolong milk tea—ask for less sugar if you prefer a lighter taste.

If you are exploring the city, you might find yourself near Little HaNoi Egg Coffee, a perfect pitstop for a sweet energy boost.

No guide to Saigon's sweet side is complete without diving into its abundance of tropical fruits. For the ultimate smoothie experience, Five Boys Number One is a legendary street stall that constantly tops lists. Visitors rave about their Avocado and Mango smoothies, which are described as incredibly authentic, rich in material, and not diluted with too much water. Despite being a humble roadside stall with simple hygiene, the flavor is unbeatable and safe for most travelers.

For the more adventurous palate, Saigon offers hidden gems for Durian lovers. There is a specific spot located at 14 Hẻm 353 Phạm Ngũ Lão (and similarly noted as 353/3 Phạm Ngũ Lão) that is a haven for durian enthusiasts. Run by a couple where the female owner speaks good Chinese, this stall offers durian at incredibly low prices—around 70k-80k VND per kilogram (approx. 20-22 RMB). The fruit here is described as "giant sweet" and "giant fresh." If the durian you open isn't meaty enough, the owner will even fetch more from their freezer to top you up. It is a true hidden treasure where you can eat your fill of high-quality durian for a fraction of the cost elsewhere.

• Five Boys Number One: Order the Avocado + Mango smoothie for a creamy, rich treat.
• Durian Alley (353 Phạm Ngũ Lão): A fixed stall offering fresh, sweet durian at bargain prices.
• Rambutan: Travelers have also noted finding "pure sweet" rambutan in the city that is simply delicious.

Whether you are sipping a smoothie or feasting on the king of fruits, these spots offer a genuine taste of Vietnam's harvest. You can find the famous Five Boys Number One easily in the city center.

Beyond coffee and fruit, Saigon has a vibrant dessert scene that ranges from traditional jellies to surprisingly sweet pizzas. A local favorite for traditional sweets is Ngoc Thach Quan (specifically the District 1 branch). This dessert shop offers a huge variety of items, with their signature being a whole pudding served in the bowl. It is topped with coconut jelly, pearls, and fruits. The price is unbeatable, often costing less than 50 TWD (approx 15 RMB), making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Interestingly, one of the most celebrated "sweet" experiences in Ho Chi Minh City comes from a pizza chain: Pizza 4P's. While famous for their savory dishes, their sweet offerings are legendary. The 4 Cheese Pizza served with honey is a crowd favorite, described as fragrant and not greasy, with the honey adding a perfect sweet counterpoint to the savory cheese. Even more unique is their Durian Pizza, where the durian flesh is sweet and glutinous, wrapped in the crust with a cheese pull that can stretch for half a meter. Diners also rave about their pudding, calling it exceptionally delicious. It is highly recommended to make a reservation as this place is a queue-magnet.

For a quick street snack, there is even a Mango Sandwich mentioned by travelers. One popular sandwich shop serves a mango sandwich with a layer of cheese and freshly toasted bread that is incredibly fragrant, sometimes even surpassing the savory options in flavor.

• Ngoc Thach Quan: Try the pudding bowl with coconut jelly and pearls.
• Pizza 4P's: Don't leave without trying the 4 Cheese Pizza with honey or the Durian Pizza.
• Mango Sandwich: A toasted delight with cheese found at popular Banh Mi spots.

These treats prove that Saigon's sweet tooth is diverse and delicious. Check out Pizza 4P's for a unique fusion of Italian cuisine and Vietnamese ingredients.

As Ho Chi Minh City modernizes, international sweet trends are taking root alongside traditional favorites. A notable recent addition is CHAGEE (Ba Wang Cha Ji). This famous tea brand has opened multiple branches in the city, including locations in District 7 and mPlaza Saigon. Their "Qingmo Guanyin" (Tie Guan Yin) milk tea is praised for its strong, authentic tea flavor that is silky and smooth. They frequently hold promotions, such as buy-one-get-one-free deals, and have even collaborated with the City Sightseeing double-decker buses for special events.

For shopping enthusiasts, the MUJI store at Parkson Le Thanh Ton is a treasure trove of snacks. Recently renovated and reopened with a massive crowd, it offers a wide range of food items including strawberry chocolates, dried fruits, and cakes. It brings a slice of Japanese lifestyle sweetness to the heart of District 1.

• CHAGEE: Authentic Chinese milk tea with strong tea notes.
• MUJI: A great spot to pick up strawberry chocolates and dried fruit snacks.

These modern additions offer a comforting taste of home or a new international flavor to explore while wandering the bustling streets. You can find these modern treats at mPlaza Saigon.