NuAge Cafe sits on Nguyễn Bá Huân with seating both inside and on an outdoor terrace, drawing an afternoon crowd that tends to linger. The kitchen has a singular focus: Japanese-style soufflé pancakes, each batch made fresh after the order is placed, which means a 20-to-30-minute wait is standard. Regulars treat this as part of the ritual — a book, a card game, or a conversation stretched out over the wait.
The pancakes are the tall, airy variety associated with specialist cafes in Tokyo and Osaka, a style that has proved elusive in Ho Chi Minh City. Several visitors who had tried the original in Japan found NuAge's version a convincing match: stacks that hold their structure with a soft interior that yields slowly rather than collapsing. Matcha is the flavor that draws the most repeat visits, its mild bitterness cutting through the pancakes' sweetness and pairing cleanly with the cafe's teas. Caramel and strawberry versions are also on the menu, and the combination of strawberry pancakes with strawberry tea has developed its own following.
The cafe is largely a one-person operation — the owner handles preparation himself, which accounts for both the freshness and the wait time. Groups need to factor this in before arriving. Coffee sits to the side of the main offering; the teas are the more complementary pairing for the pancakes.
Not every palate will find the soufflé texture satisfying — some reviews note that the airiness reads as insubstantial rather than delicate, and a handful found the price point (around 109k VND per plate) steep for the portion. For those specifically seeking the soufflé pancake style done with genuine focus, however, this Thao Dien address fills a gap that few others in the neighborhood attempt.
So tried this place after seeing it a few times on Tiktok with low expectations and I was pleasantly surprised. It was pretty empty when we went so our order was quick and easy (you still have to wait for the souffle since they make them fresh). The souffle were pretty fluffy and not overly sweet, goes well with the cream and sauces. The ambiance was good though parking was quite confusing. Overall a good spot if you're craving some good dessert and affordable for the area.
A really nice spot in Thao Dien serving soft, fluffy pancakes and a simple menu done well. The iced teas are really good too—comforting, and perfect for a little break. The place has a relaxed, cozy feel that works just as well for a slow morning as for an afternoon stop or a light dessert after dinner. Staff are super friendly, warm, and welcoming every time, which makes the whole experience even better. I’ve been a few times now, and it’s always a pleasure to come back! :)
What a wonderfull moment. Quiet place with very nice persons for a Lovely pancake. 3 plates for 2 persons is a bit to much for us, but so good in taste ! I recommend this expérience for your brunch or breakfast !!!
Very delectable pancakes. The pancakes were airy, pillowy, and eggy. The sauce tasted very much homemade sauce.
This café is specialized in fluffy pancakes and they do them exceptionally well. So far the best fluffy pancakes I've ever eaten: light, airy and perfectly cooked, with just the right balance of sweetness. My favorite was the matcha flavor: delicate, subtly bitter and beautifully balanced with the pancakes' sweetness. It paired perfectly with their tea. The atmosphere is relaxed and cozy, a great spot to catch up with friends or enjoy a quiet morning. The staff greeted me with genuine smiles and attentive service throughout my visit. Prices are fair for the quality and portions are generous. I'll definitely be back. If you're in Thao Dien and craving exceptional fluffy pancakes served by welcoming staff, this place is a must-visit.
Open late: Doors stay open past 1 AM on at least one day — handy for after-work dinners.
Breakfast available: Opens by 1 AM — a viable breakfast stop in Saigon.
Reservations: Call +84 909 952 136 to book — recommended for weekend dining.
Best for: afternoon dessert, weekend brunch, catching up with friends, solo afternoon.
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