Khoai - Gastropub in Ho Chi Minh City

Just east of District 1, I discovered Phan Viet Chanh Street, full of small pubs and restaurants. Khoai looked crowded and interesting — and I was not disappointed. Very cool interior design (can I call it a bit Berlin-style?) and a huge beer menu. I tried Bia Hoi for the first time in Vietnam and loved it. I’ll definitely be back for more.

Not the type of food I prefer, but they are open till late and I liked what I ordered. I was impressed by the staff attitude, well organized, very careful but not pressing: definitely uncommon for Vietnam. Environment is nice due to the greenery all around, but a bit messy and they should not forget to put soap next to the sink...

Wonderfully decorated bar in the heart of Thao Dien. Service is exceptional, their food is delicious and they’ve got a great selection of drinks including some European classics including Czech Budvar! Their coffee game is strong too with a wide variety of beans to choose from and a few different brewing methods (espresso, v60, cold brew, etc) This place is so good that we came here three times!

Khoai Bar in Thao Dien is one of those rare spots that nails the neighborhood vibe by seamlessly shifting gears from day to night. By morning, it’s a laid-back coffee shop where you can grab a strong Vietnamese drip or frothy latte amid minimalist decor and plenty of natural light—perfect for remote work, casual meetups, or just watching the expat crowd roll by. Come evening, it transforms into the ultimate hangout: dim lights, chill music (think lo-fi beats or acoustic sets), and a cozy, bohemian atmosphere with low-slung seating and greenery that makes you forget you’re steps from the main drag. The drinks menu shines here—craft cocktails with local twists, refreshing beers, and small plates like spiced nuts or grilled skewers that keep the night going without overwhelming the mood. What sets Khoai apart is its effortless duality: quality coffee by day, genuine community feel by night, all without pretension. Staff remember your order, the playlist always hits right, and it’s the kind of place where solo visitors blend into groups effortlessly. If you’re in Thao Dien and want a spot that feels like home (but better), this is it.

If I could put 6 stars, I would. This bar is super inspired by the ruin bars you can find in Budapest. Yet it has a very good Berlin vibe too. The staff is super nice and friendly and joined us for some super nice chats. Full of belgiums beers, quite affordable too given other locations in south east Asia. The music played is super nice too. I heard to owner goes from bars to bars to select the best tracks for his guest. Truly and passionate owner and you feel it in the vibe that I super nice. Best bar I did in Ho Chi Mind