In Saigon, unique and charming cafés in various forms seem to pop up every day. Each café strives to bring something new, both in terms of decor and menu, to the young crowd. In recent years, we have witnessed the rise of many vintage-style cafes, blending seamlessly with the simple, modern trend that permeates all of Saigon. But have you heard of cafes that incorporate cars as part of their concept?
These cafes are simply small establishments that transform cars into makeshift counters or use cars as their main attraction. Here are four such cafes in Saigon that you should visit.
The adorable light blue Volkswagen parked amidst the garden.
The car body is converted into a cake display cabinet, while the front of the car serves as storage. Surrounding the car are cute wooden tables and chairs, interspersed with lush green plants.
Here, you can only find cupcakes for sale.
You may be hesitant to visit Pacey Cupcake because of the hot weather. However, I recommend you come here in the morning, enjoy the gentle morning sun shining through the trees, savor a sweet cupcake, and read a few pages of a book. It’s a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling city.
Indulge in a cupcake in this picturesque setting.
Lam-Skin Tofu Boat – 70 Phung Van Cung St., Ward 7, Phu Nhuan District
An eye-catching Lambretta scooter welcomes guests at the entrance.
The name says it all: here, they sell tofu boats from an old scooter. These tofu boats are only available in the evening, but during the day, just passing by is enough to catch a whiff of the sweet aroma that fills the air.
The body of the old Lambretta scooter is repurposed as a beverage counter, while the front of the scooter is used for storage. Outside the café, minimalist and modern wooden tables and chairs are arranged. In the cool evening, many young people come here to sit on the veranda, enjoy tofu boats, and have lively conversations with friends, relieving the stress of a hard day’s work.
What makes the tofu boats at Lam-Skin Tofu Boat special besides the old scooter? Believe me, they are! And there are even more unique items on the menu. These fragrant tofu boats are served with fruit, jelly, and other sweet items. Just looking at them is a feast for the eyes. Not to mention, a serving of tofu boat in your favorite flavor will only cost you 10-25k per cup.
Vespa Sofar Bar – 99 Pham Ngu Lao St., District 1
Vespa Sofar has a small, but visually appealing space. To attract passersby, the front always showcases a range of colorful Vespas for tourists to admire. Due to space constraints, the Volkswagen bar counter has been split in half to save space.
Creativity extends to the seating as well.
However, this does not detract from the excitement of the place. The split Volkswagen still has a complete set of decorative lights, flashing on and off just like any high-end version.
The vintage car body serves as a decoration.
Although the main attraction is the Volkswagen, true to its name, Vespa Sofar is adorned with numerous Vespa-related decorations. Even individual parts of Vespa scooters have been repurposed as tables, chairs, and lighting fixtures.
Vespa scooters everywhere.
C.On Café – 23 Ngo Thoi Nhiem St., Ward 6, District 3
C.On café stands out with its colorful scooter at the entrance.
C.On café, despite its serene location on Ngo Thoi Nhiem street, immediately catches the eyes of passersby with its green lawn and lush trees. Amidst this soothing sight, you’ll find a colorful old scooter that offers Bingsu desserts in the evening.
The scooter serves Bingsu delights in the evening.
During the day, C.On café creates a tranquil atmosphere with its lush garden and fish pond. But if you prefer air-conditioned seating, C.On also has a spacious indoor area for you to relax in.
If you don’t want to sit in the garden like this…
… you can still enjoy a comfortable space indoors.
According to Kênh 14/Trí Thức Trẻ
Super charming retro car-inspired cafes in Saigon
Saigon is an enchanting city that holds a plethora of delightful surprises for coffee enthusiasts and cafe aficionados. If you’re seeking to elevate your space’s aesthetic or create a cozy ambience for patrons to relish delectable bites and beverages, thinking outside the box by utilizing a car as a one-of-a-kind setting is an ingenious concept. From trendy, chic cafes to charming, intimate hideaways, Saigon boasts an abundant array of options. Immerse yourself in the wonders of this dynamic city and revel in the sheer pleasure of dining and sipping in unparalleled style.
