Since you've come all the way to Vietnam, wouldn't you like to try a Vietnamese café chain?
One chain that's easy for travelers to Vietnam to walk into is Cong Ca Phe.
The moment you step inside, you're transported to a space that feels like a time slip back to the socialist era of the 1970s and 1980s.
Be sure to enjoy this café chain, which hasn't yet reached Japan, during your trip to Vietnam.
What Is Cong Ca Phe? A Café That Takes You Back to Old Vietnam
Cong Ca Phe got its start in Hanoi in 2007.
It now operates around 60 stores across Vietnam and is expanding overseas as well, into markets such as South Korea, Malaysia, Canada, and France.
Since it hasn't opened in Japan yet, it's a café well worth visiting during your trip to Vietnam.
Interior That Evokes the Vietnam of Old
The theme is the "ration era" of the 1970s and 1980s, before the Doi Moi reforms.
The interior has a calm atmosphere based on greens and browns, but war-evoking motifs like guns and soldiers' caps are displayed here and there.
This decor is also said to reflect the pride of the Vietnamese people, who came through the turmoil of wartime and its aftermath.
"Cong Cafe Pattern" Cushions Add an Accent
Cushions in a vivid red-and-green design, known among Japanese residents as the "Cong Cafe pattern," can be spotted throughout the store.
It's originally a traditional Vietnamese design called "Chan Con Cong," long a familiar sight in Vietnamese homes. Against Cong Ca Phe's green-and-brown interior, it adds a vivid accent.
Don't Miss These! Recommended Cong Ca Phe Menu Items
Cong Ca Phe's menu is reasonably priced, from 29,000 to 70,000 dong (about 170 to 460 yen). It's affordable compared with Japanese café chains, which makes it easy to try without hesitation.
Here, we've picked out the menu items first-timers should definitely try.
① Signature Item: Coconut Coffee (Cot Dua)
If you visit Cong Ca Phe, the first thing to order is the coconut coffee, "Cot Dua."
It costs about 59,000 dong (roughly 350 yen). The combination of rich, distinctly Vietnamese drip coffee and crunchy coconut ice is irresistible.
Stir it with a spoon and the bitterness of the coffee blends beautifully with the tropical sweetness of the coconut, turning it into a luxurious, dessert-like treat.
The crunchy, frozen texture is also part of the fun, making it a perfect drink for Vietnam's hot climate.
It's so popular that people keep posting on social media saying they "want to go to Vietnam just to drink this."
② A rich variety: the coconut frozen series
Once you've fallen for coconut coffee, next try its variations. At Cộng Cà Phê, there's a full lineup of series that combine the base coconut frozen with various flavors.
For example, the frozen drink made with mung beans has a simple, gentle sweetness that recalls traditional Vietnamese desserts.
The chocolate-flavored coconut frozen drink is a good pick for anyone with a sweet tooth or for kids. Every one of these is a unique drink that condenses Vietnamese food culture in a way you can't experience in Japan.
Appealing Cong Ca Phe Souvenirs
Must-Buy: Instant Coconut Coffee
This instant product lets you easily enjoy Cong Ca Phe's popular coconut coffee at home.
Just add hot water and you can taste the coffee's mild bitterness alongside coconut's sweet, mellow flavor. It comes individually packaged, so it's light and easy to carry home, making it ideal for handing out as souvenirs.
It's sometimes sold in supermarkets, but not every supermarket carries it. If you spot it at an official Cong Ca Phe store, buy it while you can!
Cong Ca Phe's Original Water Bottle (Tumbler)
The tumbler, accented in green, looks like a souvenir that's practical as well as fun.
The colors and designs available vary slightly by store and season, so if you find one you like, go ahead and buy it right away.
How Japanese Tourists Can Order and Pay at Cong Ca Phe
We've put together practical information for Japanese tourists visiting Cộng Cà Phê for the first time.
Ordering tips
The menu is written in both Vietnamese and English, so you don't need to worry about a language barrier. On your first visit, don't hesitate — just order the signature coconut coffee.
You can also order smoothly just by pointing at the menu.
About payment
Besides cash (Vietnamese dong), credit cards are accepted at many stores. Prices range from a very reasonable 29,000 to 70,000 dong (about 170 to 460 yen).
Japanese travelersDo You Need to Tip at the Café...?
Tipping isn't customary in Vietnam, so paying the listed price is fine.
To avoid the crowds
Locations popular with tourists tend to get crowded on weekend and holiday afternoons. If you want to enjoy the atmosphere at a relaxed pace, aim for a weekday morning.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is Cong Ca Phe a quiet place?
Cong Ca Phe is a café used regularly not just by tourists but by locals as well.
Depending on the time and location, you'll likely feel Vietnam's distinctive energy more than a quiet, calm atmosphere.
Q. I'm not a coffee person. Does Cong Ca Phe have menu items besides coffee?
Yes, it does.
There's a full lineup of non-coffee options too, such as lime and orange juice and fruit-tea blends.
Q. Can I use Cong Ca Phe as a place to work?
It seems to be split about evenly between desks suited for working and low tables meant for chatting.
Locations near tourist spots are crowded and it can be hard to choose your seat, so it's a good idea to use a different café or aim for a quieter time, such as the morning.
[PR] Restaurant Reservation Service "AutoReserve"
If you're going on a weekend or holiday afternoon, you also have the option of reserving a table in advance. The original Hanoi location is listed on AutoReserve.
Bookable location: 31 Thái Phiên (Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi).
Summary
Cong Ca Phe is a one-of-a-kind café chain where you can experience Vietnam's history and culture through a single cup of coffee.
Sipping coconut coffee in a space that feels like a time slip back to the so-called ration era of the 1970s and 1980s is bound to be a highlight of your trip to Vietnam.
Precisely because it hasn't reached Japan yet, experiencing it on the ground is all the more special. Be sure to try Cong Ca Phe on your next visit to Vietnam.
