In coffee-powerhouse Vietnam, the world-shared green logo lit up in 2013. Starbucks Vietnam has built a presence in this country crowded with local cafés, armed with stable quality and unique brand power. In addition to the world-shared standards, Asia-exclusive menu items arranging Vietnamese coffee and local goods for each city are a pleasure for travelers.
| Genre | Coffee |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2013 (Ho Chi Minh City) |
| Origin | Seattle, USA |
| Coverage area | Ho Chi Minh City・Hanoi・Da Nang・Hai Phong・Da Lat・Hoi An |
| Number of locations | 150 outlets |
| Signature menu | The Vietnam-exclusive Asian Dolce Latte is the standard |
| Official site | https://www.starbucks.vn/ |
What is Starbucks Vietnam? A global brand taking on a coffee powerhouse
The founding story
Starbucks opened its first Vietnam store on January 31, 2013, in a prime location facing the Nha Sau–Phu Dong intersection in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The two-story, roughly 4,000-square-foot flagship was decorated throughout with elements drawn from Vietnamese culture—a teak community table repurposed from a local mansion, and a “ba gac (three-wheeled cycle)” once used for hauling goods.
In this country where traditional Vietnamese-style coffee dominates and countless local cafés are rooted, the challenge isn't easy. Even so, Starbucks has expanded its store network to about 150 outlets now, with high-quality service and a uniform experience as its strengths.
Why it's easy for travelers to use
For travelers unfamiliar with Vietnam, Starbucks is a presence you can enter with peace of mind. With stable Wi-Fi and a relatively clean interior, it's easy to use as a base for a break or work. Because the menu system is world-shared, it's also welcome that you're unlikely to get lost ordering.
Meanwhile, Vietnam-exclusive menu items and local goods are also plentiful, so it's “the usual Starbucks” yet brings travel-spot discoveries. It's easy to work in as a waypoint when you're tired of exploring local cafés.
Starbucks Vietnam's signature menu and flavors
A big feature is that, in addition to world-shared standard drinks, Asia- and Vietnam-exclusive menu items uniquely arranging Vietnamese coffee are available.
Asian Dolce Latte
A cup that debuted at the opening of the first Vietnam store, inspired by local coffee culture. To the standard latte, it adds a sweet, rich Asian taste reminiscent of Vietnamese-style coffee. It's designed to reach both local palates accustomed to the sweetness of condensed milk and travelers familiar with the world-shared latte.
Coconut Dolce Espresso
A limited-type menu item incorporating the feel of coconut coffee, a Vietnamese staple. It combines coconut flavor with espresso, finished as a sweet, refreshing taste suited to hot Vietnam's climate. A cup hard to encounter at Starbucks in Japan.
Other popular drinks
| Drink | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Dolce Espresso | A sweet, rich Asia-oriented espresso drink. The base of the limited line |
| Salted Caramel Cold Foam Dolce Espresso | A limited arrangement topped with cold salted-caramel foam |
| Cold Brew Coffee | A clean cold-brew type. For a refresh on a hot day |
Cups that win over reviewers
We have rounded up the well-reviewed items that come up again and again in travel and food-site reviews (focusing on dishes praised across multiple reviews).
| Menu | Why reviewers rate it |
|---|---|
| Asian Dolce Latte | An Asia-oriented cup inspired by Vietnam's cà phê sữa đá, praised for the good match of strong espresso and sweet dolce sauce |
| Dolce Misto | A layered iced drink inspired by cà phê sữa đá, Vietnam-exclusive—a cup that became a talking point among young people and on social media |
Starbucks Vietnam's locations and tips for stopping by
Scale and coverage area
It operates about 150 outlets centered on major cities—Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Hai Phong, Da Lat. With outlets in prime locations in commercial facilities, office districts, and tourist areas, many are easy to drop into along travel routes.
Its popularity means that depending on the outlet and time, it can be too crowded to sit. Positioned as an upscale café within Vietnam, it offers a corresponding stability of service and space.
Main cities where you can enjoy this store:Ho Chi Minh City・Hanoi・Da Nang・Hai Phong・Da Lat・Hoi An. You can check each city's tourist information from its city page.
Stores easy to visit while sightseeing
There are also shops with interiors mindful of Vietnamese character, such as the outlet around Bưu điện Hà Nội (Hanoi Central Post Office) across from Hanoi's Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Hoi An outlet. Reserve-type shops where you can enjoy coffee and cocktails have also appeared, offering an experience different from the standard Starbucks.
The atmosphere at Starbucks Vietnam and how to spend your time
Features of the interior and design
At flagships including the first store, decorations incorporating local materials and culture are a highlight. Repurposed teak tables and three-wheeled cycles—elements unique to the place blend into the world-shared design.
Some outlets have interiors that foreground Vietnamese character, letting you taste both “Starbucks-ness” and “Vietnamese-ness” at once. Many visit them as photo spots too.
Wi-Fi, power outlets, and how easy it is to linger
With stable Wi-Fi and a clean environment, it's easy to use as a base for a break or work. But popular outlets get busy, so to spend time at leisure, choose an early-morning hour or an outlet slightly off the busy area.
Starbucks Vietnam's price guide and payment
| Menu | Price guide |
|---|---|
| Dolce Espresso | 50,000–74,000 dong (about 300–450 yen) |
| Latte | 75,000–99,000 dong (about 450–600 yen) |
| Cold Brew Coffee | 65,000–89,000 dong (about 390–530 yen) |
Whereas a local café's latte runs 50,000–60,000 dong (about 300–360 yen), Starbucks is set a bit higher. Some outlets can't take cash, but they do accept credit cards, so it's reassuring to bring one.
Prices can change by store and season. Check the latest at the counter or on the official menu.
Starbucks Vietnam takeout and souvenirs
Local tumblers and mugs bearing the names and illustrations of major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are sold at each outlet. There are also limited goods like Bearista (a bear-shaped plush), popular with collectors and souvenir hunters. Items with Vietnamese designs are just right as a keepsake of visiting that city.
Starbucks Vietnam: map, access, and ordering tips
There are flagships in central areas like Nguyen Hue Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, easy to drop into along sightseeing routes.
Vietnamese phrases for ordering
Here are the basic phrases that come in handy locally. Pointing works, but adding a word makes ordering smoother.
| Vietnamese | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Cho tôi một … | One [drink], please |
| nóng / đá | Hot / iced |
| ít đường | Less sweet |
| không đường | No sugar |
| ít đá | Less ice |
| mang đi | Takeout |
| ở đây | For here |
| tính tiền | The check, please |
You can check the latest menu, prices, hours, and store listOfficial sitehere.
What to know before visiting Starbucks Vietnam
How to enjoy it smartly
To try Vietnam-exclusive menu items, start with the Asian Dolce Latte or the coconut-based ones. You can experience arrangements you can't taste in Japan.
Dropping in for stable Wi-Fi and a seat between local-café tours is the smart way to use it. The local tumblers are worth getting as a travel keepsake.
Points to note
Positioned as an upscale café within Vietnam, prices are higher than local cafés. If you prioritize cost, use it alongside standard local chains.
Depending on the outlet and time, it can be full with no seats. Some outlets can't take cash, so having a card ready avoids trouble at checkout.
📖 For the history, background, and ways to enjoy Starbucks Vietnam, see our feature column “More about Starbucks Vietnam.”
🗺️ 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.
Frequently asked questions
- When did Starbucks open in Vietnam?
-
The first store opened on January 31, 2013, in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. It drew attention as an entry into coffee-powerhouse Vietnam.
- Are there Vietnam-exclusive menu items?
-
You can enjoy locally exclusive drinks arranging Vietnamese coffee, such as the Asian Dolce Latte and coconut-based ones.
- Are there Vietnam-exclusive goods?
-
Tumblers and mugs bearing major-city names and illustrations, and Bearista, are sold at each outlet. Popular as souvenirs and for collections.
- Are prices higher than local cafés?
-
Set a bit higher. Whereas a local café's latte runs about 300–360 yen, a Starbucks latte is about 450–600 yen.
- What payment methods can you use?
-
It accepts credit cards, but some outlets can't take cash. Bringing a card is reassuring.
