Sitting on the sidewalk drinking 15,000 VND filter coffee all night in Ho Chi Minh City

For many years now, every evening, the sidewalk of Phan Dinh Phung Street (Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City) has become a gathering place for many young people in Ho Chi Minh City. There is a coffee shop here that is over 70 years old.

Although the coffee shop is located in an alley, most customers still prefer to sit on the sidewalk on the main road. The later it gets, the more young people gather.

Many people come here to relieve stress after working on a late night deadline. "Sitting outside like this makes us feel more comfortable and closer," a young person shared.

Unlike regular coffee shops, the coffee here is roasted and ground by the owner himself according to his own recipe. When brewing, he puts the coffee powder into a cloth filter and dips it in boiling water until the coffee releases all its essence. Having been in operation for 70 years, the coffee here still retains its original flavor, attracting many generations of Ho Chi Minh City diners to enjoy it every day.

According to Mr. Manh (owner of the restaurant), every day the staff is divided into 3 shifts to serve. In the evening, the number of customers gathers from 8pm to 4am the next day, peaking around 11pm.

"I ordered black coffee without sugar to experience the true taste of coffee. A cup of filter coffee costs only 15,000 VND but is very delicious," said Ms. My (District 1).

Diners here must serve themselves. After buying drinks, they will take plastic chairs and choose a suitable seat.

At nearly 2am, many young people struggled to find seats because the seats were full.

Huy (left) traveled from Binh Duong to the coffee shop with friends to spend the night. "We often gather here in the evening. The space is airy and easy to chat without disturbing others," Huy said.

Also regular customers of the coffee shop, Khoi and Duong (Binh Thanh District) often come here to enjoy coffee from 1-3am. "At the end of the day, after finishing work, I come here with my friends to relax and chat," Duong said.

This is also a place to enjoy the quiet atmosphere at night. There are groups of young people just sitting next to a cup of coffee and surfing the internet on their phones, there is hardly much conversation.