When people think of Vietnamese cafes, Highlands Coffee or The Coffee House often come to mind. If you want to peek into a more everyday neighborhood spot,Milano Coffeeis worth considering. Known for its black-and-white signage, the chain has spread across Vietnam through its franchise model. It has been reported as the largest domestic chain by store count at certain points in its history, though that ranking is presented separately from its current standing. For a first cup, the iced coffee with condensed milk—cà phê sữa đá—is a straightforward choice. Deciding in advance whether you want to grab a drink quickly or sit and take a break will also make it easier to choose the right location. Here we cover the chain's background, its menu, differences between branches, and how to order.
1. A Neighborhood Cafe That Grew from a Single Shop to a National Chain
The Milano Coffee story began in September 2011 with a single shop on Thong Nhat Street in Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City. Founder Lê Minh Cường had been involved in coffee roasting and distribution since 1996. The move was from supplying beans wholesale to delivering his own coffee directly to customers. Rather than a cafe in a large commercial complex, the starting point was the approachable feel of a cà phê cóc—a casual street-side cafe with low chairs.
In a 2023 interview published by Nhip Cau Dau Tu, Cuong recalled that being able to see the roasting process in the early stores drew customers' interest. The brand's official introduction also emphasizes the black-and-white design, making the most of small spaces for seating, and providing a clean and comfortable experience. The idea of keeping the casual feel of a street cafe while setting consistent standards for the look of the store and the way coffee is prepared led to the franchise expansion.
The store network grew through a franchise model, and a 2019 CafeBiz report noted that the chain had ranked first nationally by store count in 2017. A July 2024 official Milano article also cited a scale of over 2,000 stores across 57 provinces and cities at that time. However, an introduction by investment partner Maestro puts the figure at over 1,500 stores in 2025, and the numbers do not align across sources. It is best to avoid stating a single definitive current total or ranking. The official introduction confirmed in September 2026 cites operations across 32 provinces and cities. More relevant to travelers than the scale figures is the fact that this is a chain where small local branches, not just large stores, play a central role.
The small, accessible store model has also supported the chain's growth. In an official example published on September 28, 2026, the LEAN format starts from 73,440,000 VND and the KIOSK format from 115,560,000 VND. These are the listed figures for each plan and do not mean that any store can be opened for a total of 90,000,000 VND. For travelers, it is useful to know that this is why you will find both small takeaway-focused outlets and stores with seating under the same sign.
2. Don't Miss These! Recommended Menu
Milano Coffee is a brand built around accessible price points, but rather than assuming a universal lowest price across all locations, check the menu at the specific branch you plan to visit. The following draws on the brand's official product descriptions as well as beFood-listed prices for the 66 Huỳnh Mẫn Đạt branch in Ho Chi Minh City, confirmed on September 28, 2026. That branch's black coffee is listed at 26,000 VND. The prices shown are drink prices on a delivery service and do not represent in-store prices, prices at other branches, or totals inclusive of delivery fees.
① The royal road: ca phe sua da (Ca Phe Sua Da)
If you want to try a classic Vietnamese coffee, iced coffee with condensed milk—cà phê sữa đá—is a straightforward first choice. The delivery menu for the 66 Huỳnh Mẫn Đạt branch lists "Cà phê Sữa Đá pha Phin" at 29,000 VND. "Pha phin" means brewed using a Vietnamese phin filter. The brand's official product descriptions center on phin brewing, though some store formats are equipped with coffee machines. Since the coffee is not always dripped one cup at a time at your table, ask about the preparation method if you want to watch the brewing process.
If the condensed milk has settled to the bottom, stir it in with a spoon or straw before drinking to distribute the sweetness more evenly. This drink is about combining the bitterness of coffee with the sweetness of condensed milk, so approach it as something different from an unsweetened iced latte. If you prefer less sweetness, you can ask for "Ít sữa đặc" (less condensed milk). For a hot version, ask for "Cà Phê Sữa Nóng." Remembering that đá means iced and nóng means hot will help you order at other cafes too.
② The talked-about flavor: ca phe muoi (Ca Phe Muoi / salt coffee)
When you want something a little different from the classic, coffee with salted cream is another option. The delivery menu for the 66 Huỳnh Mẫn Đạt branch lists "Cà Phê Kem Muối" at 35,000 VND. "Muối" means salt and "Kem" means cream, so if similar names appear side by side on a menu board, these words can help you tell the products apart. Availability varies by branch, so if salted coffee is your goal, check the menu for that specific location beforehand.
The difference from a regular milk coffee is the addition of a salted cream layer. It is a good option for those who enjoy sweet drinks or cream-based beverages. On the other hand, if you want something clean and straightforward, choosing from the standard Cà Phê Đen range will likely suit your preference better. If the drink has a layered appearance, admiring it before stirring is part of the experience—though the exact number of layers and the amount of cream will not be identical at every branch. Rather than assuming what it will taste like, looking at the photos and description for that particular store will help set realistic expectations.
③ For Hot Days: Fruit-Based & Frozen Drinks
On a hot day of sightseeing, you may find yourself wanting a cold drink over ice. The official menu has a "Đá xay (blended crushed-ice drinks)" category, which includes not only coffee-based options but also items combining fruit. Examples include the peach-based "Hoàng Đào Đá Xay," the mango-and-coconut "Xoài Cốt Dừa Đá Xay," and the citrus "Tắc Đá Xay." Rather than searching by the word "smoothie" alone, you'll find it easier to look at the Đá xay section and its photos.
If you're choosing a fruit-based drink, try narrowing it down by whether you want to enjoy flavors like peach or mango, or whether you'd also like coffee. The official menu also includes "Cà Phê Đá Xay," which is a separate coffee-based option. Even if a product name includes a fruit, that doesn't necessarily mean it's made from fresh fruit alone. Ask about the combination of dairy, syrups, and sweetness adjustments for each item individually. When choosing for children, it also helps to distinguish between drinks that contain coffee or tea and those that don't. Prices and available items are determined by each location's menu, and if you want takeaway, saying "Mang đi" will get the message across.
3. The essence of a local experience: how to enjoy Milano
What makes a visit to Milano Coffee enjoyable is the chance to briefly blend into the everyday rhythm of the city between sightseeing stops. At an open-style café with low chairs lined up outside, you can sit back with a drink and watch the motorbikes passing by. That said, not every location has semi-outdoor pavement seating. Officially, there are multiple store formats, including the standard G1, a larger premium G1 model, the compact KIOSK, and the LEAN model that makes use of existing facilities. On days when you want to sit and relax, it's worth glancing at the seating from the entrance before going in, so you don't end up at a small takeaway-focused shop.
The interiors vary as well. The official KIOSK model features a black-and-wood-grain counter, while the standard G1 model is designed for premises of 30–70 m². The actual chairs, number of seats, and whether air conditioning is available are all things to check when choosing a particular location. If you want to enjoy the sounds of the street, an open-air seat works well; if you want to escape the heat and rest, look for a seat out of the sun. Note that having Wi-Fi and having a place to charge your smartphone are two different things, so if you need to work or charge your devices, ask about seats with power outlets before you order.
Combining a morning walk with a coffee stop is a great way to use these cafés. Choosing a location near your hotel means you can pop in without having to travel far to a well-known branch. Opening hours vary by branch, so if you plan to visit early in the morning, check the map listing or the sign at the door the day before. The official KIOSK description mentions light food such as bánh mì and snacks, but breakfast options are not guaranteed to be available. On days when you want a proper meal, confirm that both drinks and food are available before sitting down, so you can move on to your next plans smoothly. The same approach applies to an afternoon break — choose based on proximity and how easy the seating is to use.
The variation from one location to another, a natural result of the franchise model, is part of what makes visiting multiple Milano Coffee branches interesting. That said, franchisees don't have free rein over everything — the official franchise guidelines set out rules on brewing methods, quantities, pricing, and product supply. It helps to think of each location as that shared foundation combined with the particular premises, seating layout, and the owner's way of running things. If you have the chance to visit a few branches, try ordering the same drink at each one — you may discover not just differences in the drink itself, but also preferences in seating comfort and neighborhood atmosphere.
4. A Practical Guide for Japanese Tourists
Since Milano Coffee isn't a café for tourists, there's some information it's reassuring to know. For first-time visitors, we've compiled practical points.
How to find a store
Look for the "MILANO COFFEE" sign in white and black. Start by finding a branch close to your hotel or next destination using the "HỆ THỐNG ĐẠI LÝ (franchise network)" section of the official website or a map. When using a map, check not just the name but also the street name and number, so you don't confuse one branch for another with the same name. The Huỳnh Mẫn Đạt branch mentioned as a menu example is located at 66 Huỳnh Mẫn Đạt in Ho Chi Minh City. When saving the location, keeping the full address as "66 Huỳnh Mẫn Đạt" including the number will come in handy.
How to order
Even without an English menu, you can show the product name on your screen. For iced coffee with condensed milk, that's "Cà phê sữa đá"; for black iced coffee, "Cà phê đen đá." After that, let them know whether you're dining in or taking away and your order is complete. The customer-facing app is "MilanoCoffee – Tích điểm," and according to an official announcement from October 2024, it offers order and pickup reservation, points, and nearby branch search. Be careful not to confuse it with the separate app for franchise operators. If you're only stopping in once during a short trip, there's no need to start by downloading the app — pointing at the menu at the counter works just fine.
About payment
Having Vietnamese dong in small denominations on hand makes it easier to pay for a single drink. If you'd like to pay by card or QR code, ask before ordering whether it's accepted. At the counter, check the total including the item, size, and any add-ons; on delivery apps, make sure to factor in delivery and service fees as well. There's no need to decide on tipping based solely on nationwide customs. Simply confirm the amount shown at checkout and make sure it matches your order, and you can pay with confidence.
Manners and tips worth knowing
- Securing a seat: Even if a chair is free, it may be saved for someone else. Check with a staff member or the people at that table before sitting down.
- Takeout: For takeaway, say "Mang đi" (mang dee); for dining in, "Uống tại chỗ" (uong tai cho). Packaging and bags vary by location, so let them know you're taking away when you order to keep things smooth.
- Length of stay: If you plan to stay a while, keep an eye on how the seating is being used and what time the café closes. At smaller or busier locations, one drink doesn't necessarily entitle you to a seat for hours.
- Restroom situation: Smaller branches and kiosks may not have accessible restrooms. If you're traveling with children or planning a longer break, it's worth checking before you settle in.
Comparison with Highlands Coffee
If you're comparing Milano Coffee with Highlands Coffee or The Coffee House, rather than simply thinking "Milano is half the price," it's worth looking at the same type and size of drink alongside what the experience at each location is actually like. Milano's smaller branches suit the purpose of grabbing a quick drink nearby. On the other hand, if your goal is to sit in air-conditioned comfort for an extended break, comparing photos and facilities of candidate locations — rather than just the chain name — will help you choose more effectively. It's not a question of which is the "real" Vietnamese experience; the pleasure of a city with so many café options is being able to match the choice to your purpose, whether that's sightseeing, meeting someone, or getting some work done.
5. Summary
Milano Coffee is a down-to-earth café chain that started in Ho Chi Minh City in 2011 and has grown through a network of local franchisees. What defines the brand is not just the number of locations, but its role in supporting the everyday cup of coffee people enjoy close to home. The range of options has also expanded, from classic milk coffee to salted cream varieties and fruit-blended drinks.
If it's your first time, start with a cà phê sữa đá. Deciding just one thing — whether you want less sweetness from the condensed milk, whether you'd like to sit and linger, or whether you'll take it to go and move on — is enough to make choosing from the menu and picking a branch much easier. Taking a moment to watch the street from an open-air seat can make for a small but enjoyable break on your travels.
On your next trip to Vietnam, if you spot a black-and-white sign, take a peek at the menu and the available seats. You don't need to go out of your way to a distant branch — you may find the right spot near your hotel or on a casual walk. Embracing the differences between locations makes your usual coffee break a way to get to know the city a little better.
🗺️ For Milano 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.
