If you'd like to learn more about Vietnam's cafés, take a look atPassio Coffee's gallery pageas well.
The appeal of a takeout kingdom
Sometimes you just want to grab a coffee before heading out for a morning of sightseeing. One option worth considering is Passio Coffee, a chain known for its takeaway coffee. It started in Ho Chi Minh City in 2006 with the aim of creating a place where busy people could stop in during their daily routine. Rather than planning a trip to a well-known café far away, the idea is to stop in on the way from your hotel to your next destination. This article introduces the menu options and ordering approach that suit that kind of use, as well as how to choose a spot if you want to sit and rest.
According to a 2007 Ngôi Sao article covering the brand shortly after its founding, the first store opened on December 27, 2006, on Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai Street in Ho Chi Minh City. Founder Đoàn Đình Hoàng had also worked at Trung Nguyên. The goal was to deliver coffee beloved in Vietnam through a convenient format suited to busy lives. The brand is sometimes described as a "Vietnamese first," but there is no need to interpret that as meaning a single company single-handedly created the takeaway coffee culture.
The brand name is derived from "Passion" with the "n" removed — a wordplay that is also explained on the company's recruitment page. The chain is known for its yellow-green signage, and a Brandcoat profile updated in December 2024 described it as having more than 80 locations nationwide. However, that figure does not guarantee the current number of operating stores. A brand profile published in Tuổi Trẻ in December 2025 also mentioned a plan, framed as a refresh heading into 2026, to change the symbol from P to N. When searching for a store, it helps to look up the name "Passio" together with the address rather than relying solely on older logo photos.
The key to understanding Passio is, above all, its takeaway offering. A 2014 VnExpress report noted that the early stores were mostly small — under 20 m² — and oriented toward takeaway. At the same time, that same article already reported an expansion into larger stores. Dine-in service did not begin for the first time in 2017. A late-2025 brand profile also lists dine-in and delivery alongside takeaway. Thinking of the chain as having both quick-stop locations and places where you can sit and linger is the most practical mindset for choosing a store.
If you are used to grabbing a coffee before work in Japan, the idea of picking one up and moving on should feel familiar. That said, Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk is quite different from a black coffee or a cappuccino in terms of sweetness and how it is drunk. Rather than judging by a café's rating or price alone, try comparing it to what you normally drink and choose from there. Go with a classic on the first day, and if you enjoy it, try something different next time. If you stop in several times during your trip, that kind of small tasting comparison can become one of the pleasures of the journey.
Recommended menu
The options range from Vietnamese-style milk coffee to cappuccino and cold blended drinks. The prices below are examples from the beFood listing for the 01 Đinh Lễ branch in Ho Chi Minh City, checked on September 28, 2026. These are individual item prices from the delivery menu and are not the standard in-store prices, prices common to all branches, or totals inclusive of delivery fees. Deciding first whether you want coffee or something sweet like a dessert drink will help you narrow down the menu.
Cà Phê Sữa Đá
If you want to try iced coffee with condensed milk, this is a useful name to remember. The 01 Đinh Lễ branch listing shows 29,000 VND. It combines the bitterness of coffee with the sweetness of condensed milk, so choose it as something distinct from an unsweetened iced latte. If you want less sweetness, you can ask for "Ít sữa đặc" (less condensed milk). If you prefer black coffee, "Cà phê đen đá" is listed at 25,000 VND at the same branch. Rather than making assumptions about the bean variety or blend across all items, choosing based on your preferred sweetness level makes ordering easier the first time.
Cappuccino
If you prefer coffee with milk rather than condensed milk, a cappuccino is another option. The "Cappuccino – đá viên" at the 01 Đinh Lễ branch is listed at 40,000 VND. Đá viên indicates it is served with ice cubes. If you want something hot, look for the "nóng" designation. If you are hoping to enjoy latte art, bear in mind that whether the photographed product is a hot version and whether the same finish is achievable for takeaway can affect your expectations. Rather than comparing prices alone with cafés in Japan, you will be more satisfied if you align your choice by temperature and size.
Passio Choco Chantilly
Previous articles introduced a chocolate-based drink under this name, but the same name did not appear on the delivery menu for the 01 Đinh Lễ branch checked this time. That branch lists "Choco đá xay" at 39,000 VND. Đá xay means a blended, crushed-ice style. If you are looking for a chocolate drink, this is an option, but it may not be the same product or have the same layered finish as Chantilly. If you want to enjoy a drink with a cream topping, check the product photo at the branch you plan to visit before ordering.
Yogurt smoothie
If you would like a cold fruit-based drink, take a look at the "Chiller" section of the menu as well. The 01 Đinh Lễ branch lists a mango-flavored "Mango chiller" at 45,000 VND. However, do not assume that all fruit-based blended drinks contain yogurt. Clarifying whether you want the tartness of yogurt or the flavor of a fruit like mango will make it easier to communicate your preference. Whether yogurt is used and whether the sweetness can be adjusted are things to check in the product description or by asking staff.
Italian panini
Panini is a light meal that appeared in coverage of Passio shortly after its founding in 2007, making it part of the brand's history. However, it did not appear on the delivery menu for the 01 Đinh Lễ branch checked this time, and it could not be confirmed that panini are available from 39,000 VND at all branches. If you want to take care of breakfast at the same time, first check whether the specific branch carries bread or light food before deciding on a drink. If you are ordering a set, pointing to confirm what bread, drink, and size are included will help you understand how it differs from ordering items separately.
A local experience on the way to work
Combining a morning walk with a stop at Passio offers a coffee break that feels a little different from visiting the sights. The brand's roots in serving commuters come through in coverage from its founding days and in VnExpress's on-the-ground reporting from 2014. That said, there is no guarantee you will see the same scene every morning between 7:00 and 8:30. If your plan is simply to buy a coffee near your hotel and head out, there is no need to set an early alarm just to catch the rush.
For takeaway, choose your drink, temperature, and size, say "Mang đi" (to go), and wait for your order. The convenience is a real draw, but preparation time depends on what you ordered and how long the queue is. In particular, blended drinks with crushed ice and regular coffee take different amounts of time to prepare, so avoid scheduling a tour pickup or transfer so tightly that you are counting on receiving your order in one or two minutes. Once you have your drink, check the order and the lid, and if you are carrying a lot, let them know if you need a bag.
Even if you plan to walk along Nguyễn Huệ or Lê Lợi, do not assume the branch you want is on that street — confirm the address before you leave. The branch used as a menu example in this article is at 1 Đinh Lễ, which is a different location. Rather than making a large detour just for a morning coffee, the most practical approach is to choose a branch that is open and on the route between your accommodation and your next destination. You can also take your coffee somewhere you can comfortably stop, or bring it back to your accommodation — there is no need to insist on drinking it while walking.
The member app "Passio Coffee Vietnam" is described in the App Store listing for the Vietnamese market as offering ordering, payment, and points features. However, what was checked this time was the listing page only; whether actual registration and ordering work in practice was not verified. If you are visiting just once on a short trip, it is easier to start by ordering at the counter rather than making app registration a required step. If you plan to use the chain multiple times, ask at that branch about the member services currently available and the registration requirements before signing up.
If you want to sit and drink, say "Uống tại chỗ" (drink here). Precisely because this is a brand known for takeaway, it helps to look at photos of the seating area in advance on days when you want to rest. Do not assume that air conditioning, Wi-Fi, or power outlets are available at every branch — check for what you need at the specific location. If you want to escape the heat, look for an indoor seat; if you only have a short break before your next plan, a seat near the entrance may work well. Takeaway is not the only right answer — use the café in whatever way suits your schedule that day.
Practical guide
How to find a store
Search for "Passio Coffee" on a map and look at the street name and number that follows the branch name. For example, the 01 Đinh Lễ branch and the 97 Đinh Tiên Hoàng branch are different locations, and leaving out the number or a similarly sounding street name makes it easy to mix them up. The green-toned signage is a useful landmark, but also check the operating status shown on the map and recent photos of the branch. Display the route from your current location, confirm whether it is within walking distance, and check that it is not in the opposite direction from your next plan before deciding — this will save you unnecessary detours.
Budget guide
In the 01 Đinh Lễ branch listing mentioned above, examples include black coffee at 25,000 VND, milk coffee at 29,000 VND, and iced cappuccino at 40,000 VND. Coconut coffee is also listed at 59,000 VND, so not all drinks fall within 55,000 VND. Set your budget based on the total of the items you actually order, including food and any size upgrades. Have cash on hand for payment, and if you want to use a card or an e-wallet such as MoMo, confirm whether it is accepted beforehand so you are not caught off guard at the register.
Ordering tips
If you are unsure about the language, point to the item name on the menu and then indicate, in order, the temperature and whether it is for takeaway or dine-in. Cold is "đá" and hot is "nóng." Choose your size from whatever options that branch displays, and do not assume there will always be three sizes — S, M, and L. "Ít đường" (less sugar) is a way to express a sweetness preference, but if the drink contains condensed milk, "Ít sữa đặc" (less condensed milk) is more specific. Some drinks use a pre-mixed base that cannot be adjusted, so it is worth asking when you order.
Hours
Opening hours need to be checked branch by branch. The Grab Dine Out listing for the 97 Đinh Tiên Hoàng branch, checked on September 28, 2026, showed daily hours of 6:15–16:45. Even a branch that is an option for early morning use may not be open until late at night. These are listed hours and do not guarantee the absence of temporary closures or changes. If you plan to stop in before a morning tour or after dinner, check the hours displayed for the specific branch you intend to visit on the day, rather than relying on chain-wide hours.
Recommended timing to visit
If you are combining a stop with morning travel, work backwards from your departure time and allow yourself enough buffer to receive your order. On days when you want to take your time, prioritize the size of the seating area and how busy it is at that moment, not just the opening hours. There is no guarantee that the café will be quiet between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. To avoid a rushed experience when you intended to relax, check in advance whether there are seats available and whether closing time is approaching.
Summary
Passio Coffee is one of the chains that helped popularize takeaway coffee in Ho Chi Minh City. From the small stores of its early days, the ways to use it have expanded to include dine-in locations and delivery. For travelers, it is a place that is easy to work into a morning departure or a break between destinations, not just on dedicated café-hopping days. On days when you want to enjoy the atmosphere, you can also choose a branch that has seating.
Start by deciding whether to try a cà phê sữa đá or go with your usual cappuccino. Once you have settled on a drink, confirming the branch address, opening hours, and prices will make your preparation much more concrete. There is no need to plunge into the commuter rush or download an app. Find a branch near your hotel or along a walk, and enjoy a coffee break that fits your own travel pace.
🗺️ For Passio 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.
