Modern Cafes for Getting Work Done

Sit down, slurp and focus, and do the things you’re avoiding!

Ho Chi Minh City is an electrifying city full of distractions and sometimes you gotta focus and bang out all that laptop or study work you’ve been avoiding. Here are a few cafes I feel are conducive to that vibe.

Now I know you may look at these delicious drinks and go, Benjo, whaaat are you doing NOT getting coffee in order to enhance your work sitch?? We know you love coffee! And my answer is that when I intend to work I get something sweet first. Strong coffee drink is a reward!

BEL

Hours: 7am-10pm M-F, 8am-10pm Saturday, 8am-9pm Sunday

https://maps.app.goo.gl/UhnC2QN2fbKkVxCL9?g_st=ic

Plenty of people already know: BEL is a great place to get work done, but you pay for the privilege. It’s spacious and comfortable, and a great place to have client meetings, dates, or just pound out those emails you’ve been avoiding while listening to some decent tunes (the in-house music playlist also tends to be pretty great imo).

The coffees are delectable and the specialty drinks are truly special - I’ve been drinking the pandan latte like I’M the one getting paid. They also have some light foods that are pretty good and complement the drinks well, including several fully vegan options, and a fairly nice patio out front, which, tbh, could use more umbrellas and bigger plants for the unusual but comfortable seating.

YASA CAFE'

Hours: 7am-10pm everyday

https://maps.app.goo.gl/XVZCucJn7tDsgKtv6?g_st=ic

A sweet, modern little addition to a busy alleyway (which will come up again soon in this series!). The drinks were fresh and delicious and the tiramisu was very nice, but the best part is it’s relatively peaceful and the tables are a good height and stable enough for most people to work comfortably.

I ended up getting a coconut smoothie, but they have a variety of coffee blends on their menu which I’m interested in trying. When we visited there weren’t many customers, so take advantage of the peaceful atmosphere if you’re in the neighborhood. There’s space for a few motorbikes directly out front if you’re driving.

Ollin Café

Hours: 7am-10:30pm Everyday

https://maps.app.goo.gl/AA5t8u1iGJBEztkc6?g_st=ic

If you’re down in District 7 you probably know about this cafe already - tailor-made for going hardcore mode on your tasks. Music is unobtrusive enough and I can personally attest to the quality of the blended ice coffee, which comes with a ridiculous mound of real whipped cream! Sit down, plug in, and get to work or studying. Don’t worry about finding a parking spot - space is ample.

Good luck with all your tasks this week and enjoy the coffee! This week I am on a motorbike trip, so please join me next weekend for our next installment: where to eat Vegetarian Banh Mi (banh mi chay)!

As always, please share with your friends that always seem to be in cafes, and see you next weekend!

Ben