Highlands Coffee is Vietnam's largest coffee chain.
It's found in almost every major mall and landmark across Vietnam,so even travelers who find local shops hard to walk into can easily enjoy Vietnamese coffee.
For more details on Highlands Coffee, see the article below.
| Genre | Coffee |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1999 (Hanoi) |
| Origin | Hanoi, Vietnam |
| Coverage area | Ho Chi Minh City・Hanoi・Da Nang・Hai Phong・Da Latand other locations across Vietnam |
| Number of locations | About 1,000 stores |
| Signature menu | The standard signature drink is the Vietnamese-style phin sua da |
| Official site | https://highlandscoffee.com.vn/ |
What is Highlands Coffee | Vietnam's largest national chain
How Highlands Coffee Became Vietnam's Largest Coffee Chain
Highlands Coffee was founded in Hanoi in 1999 by Vietnamese-American David Thai. Its first Ho Chi Minh City store opened in 2002, and nationwide expansion took off from there.
When the Philippine restaurant giant Jollibee Foods Group took a stake in the 2010s, expansion accelerated, and it has since grown into the largest chain with a huge number of stores nationwide.
In cities, you can sometimes spot one every few hundred meters, making it an inseparable part of everyday life in Vietnam.
Features of the interior and design
The space has a clean, casual feel unified by the brand's red and brown color scheme. It's often busy with local customers and works just as well for chatting with friends as for meetings.
Full Wi-Fi Makes It Easy to Get Work Done
Most branches offer Wi-Fi and power outlets, making them well suited to working on a laptop. Avoiding the busy 1 to 4 p.m. window makes for a calmer visit.
Highlands Coffee's Signature Menu
| Menu | Price guide |
|---|---|
| Phin Series (Vietnamese Coffee) | 29,000–45,000 dong (about 175–270 yen) |
| Freeze (frozen) drinks | 45,000–55,000 dong (about 270–330 yen) |
| Tea | 45,000–69,000 dong (about 270–420 yen) |
Phin Series
A twist on traditional Vietnamese coffee, and Highlands Coffee's signature item.
Ca Phe Sua Da balances the richness of Vietnamese coffee, the sweetness of condensed milk, and the refreshing chill of ice, making it an easy first Vietnamese coffee for travelers to try.
The Freeze series
A lineup of house-made frozen drinks blended with ice.
The signature item is "Freeze Tra Xanh," a matcha-like green tea frozen drink that's perfect for the hot climate. Flavors like caramel, chocolate, and cookies and cream are also available, popular with those who love sweets and with younger crowds.
Tra (Tea) Series
You can enjoy distinctly Vietnamese drinks, like tea mixed with fruit or lotus seeds.
Food and sweets
For a light bite, banh mi que—a slim baguette filled with pate—is a staple. It's easy to snack on, making it perfect alongside coffee or when you just need something small.
Recommended Ways to Enjoy Highlands Coffee
If you want to enjoy Vietnamese coffee while traveling, we recommend the Phin Series to experience just how rich Vietnamese coffee can be.
If coffee isn't your thing, or you have a sweet tooth, try a Freeze frozen drink or one of the tea options.
Tips on Access and Ordering at Highlands Coffee
With stores in nearly every major mall, landmark, and tourist spot, it's easy to find even in the heart of sightseeing areas like Nguyen Hue Street in Ho Chi Minh City or around Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi.
How to Order and Pay
Order and pay at the counter first, take a number, and pick up your order when it's called.
In addition to cash, many stores accept card and QR code payments.
Since prices and menus can vary by store and season,the official websiteis the best place to check.
Points to note
Depending on the branch, 1 to 5 p.m. tends to get crowded, so a morning visit is recommended if you want to relax.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of chain is Highlands Coffee?
-
Vietnam's largest coffee chain, founded in Hanoi in 1999 with its first Ho Chi Minh City store opening in 2002. With a wide presence across major cities, malls, and tourist spots nationwide, it's a go-to place where travelers can easily enjoy Vietnamese coffee.
- What is the signature menu item?
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Phin Sua Da, iced coffee with condensed milk brewed with a phin filter, is a signature drink. The "Freeze" series, including green tea frozen drinks, and the light snack banh mi que are also popular.
- Is it expensive?
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Phin Sua Da runs about 300–450 yen, and Freeze drinks about 450–580 yen. That's a bit pricier than local street stalls, but reasonable given the quality and ease of access.
- Which cities is it in?
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Present across Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Hai Phong, and Da Lat. You can find one in nearly every major mall and tourist landmark.
