Cheese Coffee is Vietnam's photogenic social-media mecca

If you'd like to learn more about Vietnam's cafés, take a look atCheese Coffee's gallery pageas well.

A cutting-edge, social-media-worthy café

Cheese Coffee is a café chain that was born in Ho Chi Minh City in 2016. If you are drawn to visit after seeing photos of the interior, the first thing to check is the branch name. Even within the same brand, the atmosphere varies between locations, so walking into a nearby branch does not guarantee you will be able to take the same photos. This article introduces the menu and the differences between branches for those considering it as an option in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi when they want to enjoy both creative drinks and the interior design. Note that the previously used figure of "16 or more locations" can no longer be used as a figure representing the current total number of stores. A Brandcoat resource updated in December 2024 describes Ho Chi Minh City alone as having more than 16 locations.

The founders are John Trung Nguyen and Jenny Tien Nguyen. In a December 2020 Kênh14 interview, it was explained that the name Cheese combines the "say cheese" of taking a photo with the memory of a cake John made for Jenny. It does not mean the store specializes exclusively in drinks containing cheese. With John handling management and Jenny handling product development, the brand has worked to build its stores as places to spend time, not just to drink, drawing on both of their perspectives.

What supports the visual impression goes beyond the interior alone. A Comma Media brand creation case study introduced by Brandcoat highlights the cohesion of the logo, typography, and promotional materials, which use gold and dark blue and a square grid. A notable characteristic is the combination of design evoking European cafés with Vietnamese coffee and milk tea. However, this is a brand design case study and does not mean that every current branch and every cup uses the same colors. When choosing which branch to visit, looking at Instagram posts with the branch name and the date of the post together will help you avoid confusing them with older interior photos.

A store concept aimed at younger generations pairs well with a style of visiting that is less about quickly drinking a coffee and more about meeting friends, enjoying the space, or appreciating the cup design. At the same time, even if you like the interior, whether it is a quiet place to work is a separate question. Deciding in advance whether it is a day for taking photos or a day for conversation will make it easier to find the right branch for your purpose, rather than choosing based on looks alone.

Recommended menu

Options range from coffee paired with cream and milk tea made to bring out the flavor of tea leaves, to fruit-based variations. Here we introduce six items worth knowing about—from coffee to baked goods—along with tips for choosing. Prices and product names are based on the Pasteur Street branch listing on ShopeeFood as confirmed on September 28, 2026, and may differ from in-store prices, sizes, and the selection at other branches. Items whose listings could not be found should be confirmed as available before ordering, but this does not mean they have been discontinued at all branches.

Salt Coffee
This is a coffee paired with a lightly salted cream. The listed menu includes "Salted Cream Caffè Homies Blend" at 69,000 VND, described as using honey-processed Robusta beans, cheese cream, and pink salt. There is also a separate "Salted Marble Caffè Homies Blend" at 59,000 VND, so rather than simply asking for "salted coffee," showing the product name is more reliable. This is a candidate when you want a drink with cream; salted coffee itself is not exclusive to Cheese Coffee.

Almond Macchiato
This is a menu item we have previously introduced to those curious about the combination of nutty aromas and cream. A 2023 iPOS menu feature described the "Almond Fomai Macchiato" as a drink combining almond-flavored coffee and cheese cream. Even with "almond" in the name, it is not necessarily dairy-free, so it cannot be recommended for those avoiding dairy products. As the same-named item could not be confirmed in the current Pasteur Street branch listing, the previous price of 55,000–69,000 VND is not presented as the current price. If you are able to order it, please check the ingredients for both the base and the cream on top.

Arabica Hazelnut Macchiato
This is a hazelnut-flavored macchiato introduced previously. However, this name could not be found in the sales listing confirmed this time, and neither the use of Arabica beans nor the price of 59,000–69,000 VND could be verified as current specifications. If you have seen a photo or an old menu and want to try it, the best approach is to show the name at a branch and ask whether it is available. If your goal is simply to order a cream-based coffee, the confirmed listing "Marble Caffè Homies Blend" at 52,000 VND is also a comparison option—though it is not a substitute for a hazelnut-flavored drink.

Avocado milk tea
"Trà Sữa Bơ / Avocado Milk Tea" is listed at 55,000 VND and described as combining Da Lat avocado with jasmine milk tea. It is a candidate for those who want to try a fruit-and-tea combination outside of coffee. Because tea is used, note that the absence of coffee and the absence of caffeine are two separate things. It was showing as sold out at the time of checking. If this is the drink you are after, confirm availability on the order screen or in store before deciding.

Cream cheese tiramisu
Cheese-based sweets are also worth keeping as an option. The listed menu features "Tiramisu Tan Chảy / Super Tiramisu Cake" at 75,000 VND, introduced as a product combining cheese cream and a cocoa base. "Mini Tiramisu" is listed at 79,000 VND—a smaller name does not necessarily mean a lower price. This differs from the 45,000–59,000 VND mentioned in earlier articles. Whether you pair it with a cream-based drink or accompany it with black coffee will change how you structure your break.

Almond croissant
An almond croissant could not be confirmed under that name in the current listing. Current croissant options listed include ham & cheese, matcha, avocado, and tiramisu, each at 89,000 VND. If you are looking for a light morning meal, ham & cheese is a natural choice; if you want something sweet on the side, tiramisu fits—choosing based on whether you want something more meal-like or more dessert-like makes it straightforward. Whether an almond version is available or whether a morning set exists requires separate confirmation, and it is safer not to use the previous figure of 39,000–49,000 VND for current budgeting.

A design that differs by store

One of Cheese Coffee's appeals is the distinct interior design at each branch. In interviews with the founder, the philosophy of giving each location its own character rather than fixing a single template has been discussed. Here we have compiled the addresses and reasons to choose four branches—several around Ho Chi Minh City's tourist areas and one in Hanoi. District and ward names in the addresses include older district names used in maps and branch introductions, so when booking a ride please cross-reference the street number and street name.

Pasteur Street store (15 Pasteur, District 1)
The address is 15 Pasteur, which also appears in the ShopeeFood listing. A 2023 visit review by ZoneVietnam describes the space as French-inspired with wooden furniture. It is a candidate to combine with a stroll around Ben Thanh Market, though during the hottest part of the day it is worth considering not just the distance but the effort of walking. Pasteur Street is long, so include "15" as well as the branch name when entering your ride destination. If you are visiting for the photos, looking at recent interior images of this branch beforehand will help you decide.

Le Thi Rieng Street store (41 Le Thi Rieng, District 1)
The branch is listed at 41 Lê Thị Riêng on ShopeeFood. It is a comparison option for those staying around Phạm Ngũ Lão, but note that the same chain also has a separate branch at 32 Bùi Viện, so be careful not to mix up photos and addresses. The brick-and-metal interior described in the original article has not been sufficiently verified for the current state of this branch. Even if you plan to use it for extended work, it is more reliable to judge based on this specific branch's seating, power outlets, and noise level rather than the brand's overall atmosphere.

Công Trường Lam Sơn Branch (9 Cong Truong Lam Son)
The address is 9 Công Trường Lam Sơn. It is conveniently located for combining with sightseeing around the Municipal Theatre (Opera House). A Space T branch feature describes a relatively small space with a yellow exterior wall and wooden elements. Rather than a large café for a long stay, it fits more naturally into your itinerary as a rest stop while walking around the theatre area. The interior differs from the Pasteur Street branch, so if the look of a particular photo is your deciding factor, confirming the branch name is important.

Hanoi Le Dai Hanh Street store (50A Le Dai Hanh, Hanoi)
The address is 50A Lê Đại Hành, which can also be confirmed on the ShopeeFood Hanoi branch page. A November 2022 article by Kênh14 introduced it as Hanoi's first branch, highlighting a classic interior in subdued tones. It is located on the Hai Bà Trưng district side rather than within the Old Quarter, so it is better planned separately rather than as a spontaneous stop during an Old Quarter stroll. If you are visiting both cities, it can be a candidate for enjoying not just the drinks but also the contrast in the look of each branch.

When comparing branches, it helps to think beyond "which one is the most photogenic" and consider whether you want to photograph the exterior or enjoy the interior atmosphere. Use the interior style and your destination for the day to narrow down your options—Lam Sơn if you are near the theatre, Pasteur if you are drawn to a French-style interior, Lê Đại Hành if you are staying in Hanoi. Since décor and seating arrangements change, photos from when a branch was first featured are best treated as a general sense of the atmosphere rather than a current guide.

Practical guide

Access
In Ho Chi Minh City, branches are also listed on Hồng Bàng Street, Sư Vạn Hạnh Street, and inside shopping centers, among other locations outside the city center. Not all of them are within a ten-minute drive of the tourist areas. When searching on Google Maps or Grab, try "Cheese Coffee" plus the street name, verify the street number, and then check the travel time. The reservation information below is for the branch at 307 Hồng Bàng and is a separate branch from the Pasteur and Lam Sơn locations introduced here. Please check the reservation listing for availability and any conditions.

Budget guide
Based on the listed prices at the Pasteur Street branch, black coffee at 35,000 VND plus Super Tiramisu at 75,000 VND comes to 110,000 VND in total. On the other hand, Salted Cream Caffè at 69,000 VND plus a croissant at 89,000 VND comes to 158,000 VND. It cannot be said that combining a drink and food will always come to under 150,000 VND. These are examples of adding up individual prices from the delivery menu and do not include delivery fees, additional toppings, or size changes. Rather than fixing a yen conversion rate, it is easier to budget by first confirming the VND total for the combination you plan to order.

Tips for photography
If you want bright photos, try sitting near a window and observing the direction of the light. Morning is not necessarily always the best time—it depends on which way the windows face and the weather. Shooting the whole interior tends to include other customers in the frame, so starting by framing just the cup and the area around the table makes it easier to compose your shot. If you want to move seats, move furniture, or use large equipment for shooting, check with staff first. It is also worth bearing in mind that you should not assume their cooperation is guaranteed.

Hours
Hours cannot be stated uniformly as 7:30–22:30. The ShopeeFood listings confirmed show the Pasteur Street branch as 7:00–21:45 and the Hanoi Lê Đại Hành branch as 7:00–22:00. However, delivery acceptance hours and dine-in hours do not necessarily match. If you plan to visit early in the morning or late at night, please check the operating hours for the specific branch you intend to visit. There is also no data to confirm crowd levels by day of the week or time of day, so it cannot be promised that a weekday afternoon will always allow for a relaxed visit.

How to order
The delivery menu confirmed includes photos alongside product names in both Vietnamese and English, so saving a screenshot of your candidate item and showing it in store makes communication easier. After the product name, confirm the size and whether you want to dine in or take away. "Ít ngọt" means less sweet, but whether the sweetness can be adjusted depends on the item. With a cream-topped drink, reducing only the sugar does not necessarily produce the flavor you are looking for, so asking specifically what can be reduced is more practical. Check whether card payments, MoMo, or ZaloPay are accepted at the specific branch and terminal, and confirm your payment method is available before ordering.

Summary

Cheese Coffee is a candidate for when you want to enjoy both creative takes on coffee and milk tea and the individual atmosphere of each branch. Start by deciding which branch you want to visit, then choose from that branch's menu whether coffee, milk tea, or sweets will be the centerpiece—this makes it easier to decide. Checking whether an item you noticed in a photo is still available, and whether a similarly named product might be something different, is a small but useful step to avoid minor disappointments.

There is a certain pleasure in adding a photogenic café to your itinerary, but social media buzz alone does not determine taste or comfort. Is it near somewhere you want to go? Is there a drink you want to try? Does the budget work out, food included? If those three points align, you do not need to push yourself to visit multiple branches—it becomes easy to choose as a rest stop for that day. Whether you are staying in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, try finding the one branch that catches your interest.

🗺️ For Cheese Coffee's basic information, signature menu, map, and reviews, seeShop guide (card)where we've put it all together.

🗺️ If you also want to compare it with other cafés,Vietnam's 30 Popular Cafés: A Thorough Comparison Guidelets you browse from a single list.