“If you are cold, tea will warm you;
If you are too heated, it will cool you;
If you are depressed, it will cheer you;
If you are excited, it will calm you.”
(William Ewart Glastone)
And if you ever wish to find a sliver of peace in the emerging city of Saigon, tea will shelter you. The modern Saigonese have a daily habit of drinking coffee and milk tea. Because of this, many people assume that the people of this city do not know how to enjoy the original elegant flavor of tea. However, if you spend a little effort discovering deep into the alleyways of Saigon, you will find the tea gems that warm the heart of this city.
Dear Teahouse
Dear Teahouse appears at the end of a narrow and quiet alleyway in District 1. While Saigon is the busiest region of Vietnam, and District 1 is the busiest area of the city, this alley whispers the charm of a small town clinging to the past.
tea houses in ho chi minh city dear teahouse
In the historically old yet charming streets of Saigon, this teahouse welcomes customers with its pure white walls and simple decor. Open the door and you will be greeted with a very pleasant aroma and gentle music. The bar is in the back, where the tea makers will kindly explain their different sets of tea, and let you watch their clever manners while preparing your beautiful set.
While waiting, you can grab a travel book on their shelves. Each book was designed and written by a local artist, hence not only will you be exposed to a new destination, you will also experience a new point of view!
Address: 58/4 Truong Dinh, District 1, HCMC
Opening hours: 9:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Website: Dear Teahouse
Mzung Teahouse
In District 1 hides yet another silent alley. At no. 30, Pho Duc Chinh street, turn right onto a small alley, walk to the end of it, turn right and keep going to the wall at the end. There, look to your left, you will see a small stairwell that leads you upward, follow it. After you have ascended four floors, you will be rewarded!
tea in saigon district 1 mzung teahouse
On the rooftop of this four-floor house, Mzung Teahouse welcomes you with their handmade boho door, which introduces their blue and orange theme colors. Once you step inside, you will find yourself lost in another world – the world of realistic dreamers, the world of blue and green, books and tea, paintings and dry jams. This small world was born with the enthusiasm of a thoughtful film director (Ms. My Dung). And if you are a fan of the sustainable lifestyle, you probably will burst into happy tears with their little library just as I did upon discovering it.
There are various tea sets for you to try, most are for a group of two to four people. I highly recommend the brown rice tea, which gives a strong flavor of brown rice, beans, and herbs. The outdoor seats are perfect for a morning chill, and the indoor setting will set you at peace with your book if you go alone.
Address: Rooftop – 30/15 Pho Duc Chinh, District 1 HCMC
Opening hours: 8AM – 1PM & 4PM – 10PM
