In recent times, Thao Dien Ward in Thu Duc City, home to the largest expat community in the city, has gained a reputation as a coffee lover's spot, boasting a growing number of cafés. Not only are the drinks well made, many cafés also invest in décor and photo-worthy corners. Despite higher-than-average prices, these places remain popular with young people.
Opened in mid-December 2024, ThisThat Bakery Café at 8 Dang Huu Pho Street stands out for its Korean-inspired style, with white tones dominating the space.
The café features two floors, offering both indoor and outdoor seating, including a garden area. Peak hours are usually from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., when both floors are often fully packed. The café is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The outdoor area is designed with long wooden tables, making it perfect for groups. A green planter at the center adds a touch to the space.
In recent years, villa-style cafés with modern designs have become popular in HCMC. These cafés, often located in prime spots around the city, attract customers with their layouts that are suitable for various purposes.
Right from the entrance, visitors are greeted with doodle-style murals covering the walls and glass surfaces.
The first floor includes a coffee bar, a pastry counter, a display area for décor items, and several seating options.
Apart from drinks and pastries, the café also has a space for merchandise like shirts, caps, gift boxes, plush toys, and mugs - all designed to match the café's signature style.
All pastries are made at the counter every day, with popular options including salt bread, lemon cake, and carrot cake.
The garlic bread is fragrant, though the bottom layer can feel a bit greasy. Meanwhile, the milk cream bun is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
From the gate to the smallest corners, every part of the café is designed for Instagram-worthy shots, yet it retains a peaceful atmosphere for those who want to linger.
Ho Trang, a visitor from Hanoi, discovered the café on social media.
"Whenever I'm in Saigon for work, I always look for new cafés. I was drawn to this one right from the first photos, with its minimalist yet elegant design. Experiencing it in person, I was impressed by the space, the greenery, and the photo spots. This will be my go-to place for afternoon tea with friends whenever I'm coming to this city," Trang said.
Targeting the affluent crowd and international visitors, the café's menu is entirely in English, featuring a variety of teas, coffees, smoothies, and cold brews, priced from VND69,000 to VND119,000 ($2.70 to $4.70)
Some recommended options include the Saigon Blue Sky Smoothie and Victoria Kisses U. The café follows a self-service model, where customers receive a table card and pick up their orders when the buzzer goes off.