Ho Chi Minh City has many themed cafés, but the source for information on The Other Person, Dogi Coffee, Ailu Cat Café, Babo Café, and Chiêu featured in an older article wasan article from July 2014. There is no basis for treating them as "rapidly rising in popularity" in 2026, and their prices, addresses, number of animals, and operating status cannot be confirmed as current information. Rather than reading this as a guide to places to visit, treat it as a record of the concept café culture of that era.
Cafés Featured in 2014
Tuổi Trẻ newspaper introduced The Other Person with maid-style service, Chiêu with over 1,000 books, Dogi Coffee with over 30 dogs, Ailu Cat Café where guests could interact with cats and other animals, and Babo Café featuring reptiles. All descriptions reflect the situation at the time of reporting, approximately 12 years ago. It cannot be said that any of them are currently operating in the same location with the same offerings.
Why Caution Is Needed with Old Café Listings
Small cafés in Ho Chi Minh City not infrequently relocate, rebrand, close, or change their concept. Old photos and prices from past listings can be recirculated through search results and social media. Before visiting, cross-check three things: official posts from the past few weeks, the latest reviews on map services, and a phone number, then confirm the opening days and address. It is also important to note that even if an article has a recent update date, the original source it cites may be old.
Don't Choose an Animal Café Based on "Cute" Alone
If you are looking for a different animal café that is currently operating, check whether there is a space where animals can rest, limits on the number of people interacting with them, cleaning practices, handwashing facilities, and rules prohibiting forced holding. After contact with reptiles or small animals, always wash your hands and maintain hygiene before touching your face or food. Young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems should also consider the risk of zoonotic diseases before visiting.
If You're Looking for a Current Café
Searching based on what matters to you—not just the "concept" but also coffee quality, quietness, animal welfare, and accessibility—will reduce disappointment. If you want to read, check the lighting and spacing between seats rather than the number of books; if you want to work, check power outlets, Wi-Fi, and the policy on long stays. Using it alongside the standardHighlands Coffeeandspecialty shop from Tsukiji, Tokyo,is also an option.
How I would check things on the ground
For restaurants and food, I look at the condition of the shop rather than its reputation. I would check the price list, cooking and storage practices, how busy it is, and the ingredients, and if something seems off, I would choose a different shop or order a smaller portion. Since opening hours, prices, and menus change, I would not insist on old information when talking to staff. For food to bring home, even if it is pre-packaged, I would confirm Japan's animal and plant quarantine and customs conditions.
Sources
How to build your order
Deciding first on hot or cold, coffee or tea, sweetness level, and whether you want dairy will help you narrow down even a long menu. Even if you cannot pronounce the item name accurately, pointing at a photo and confirming size, ice, sugar, condensed milk, and toppings one by one is enough. Once you receive your order, compare the receipt against the product name.
Verify current operations before visiting
Relocations, closures, changes to opening hours, and discontinued menu items can occur after an article is published. Cross-check the official page with recent posts on the map listing, and confirm it is not a same-name shop at an old address. For late-night venues or elevated facilities, factor in your return journey, evacuation routes, luggage management, and alcohol consumption when making decisions.
