Viva Rena Coffee - Cafe in Ho Chi Minh City

Viva Rena Coffee occupies a quiet stretch of Đường số 10B in Thao Dien, running a longer day than most neighbourhood cafes — doors open at 6:30 AM and close at 9 PM, every day of the week. The menu straddles two worlds: espresso drinks, matcha, and blended frappuccinos on one side; proper Vietnamese plates on the other. The cơm tấm is the standout, with reviewers singling out juicy grilled meat, a soft fried egg, and well-cooked rice. Bún chả draws its own following — it arrives with fried spring rolls and is priced reasonably enough to bring people back weekly, though opinions on whether it clears the bar of Hanoi-style versions vary. The matcha drinks have developed a small diaspora fanbase; at least one regular misses them from Canada.

The setting tilts toward the relaxed end of Thao Dien's cafe spectrum. A spacious terrace offers greenery and shade, though the outdoor pavement is uneven and tables run on the low side — fine for a solo coffee, less so for a long working lunch. Inside seating is cleaner and more comfortable. Service has historically been quick, though some regulars have noted it has slowed in recent months and order tracking can slip during busy periods.

With 348 reviews and a 4.0 rating, Viva Rena holds its own in a neighbourhood saturated with third-wave coffee shops and expat brunch spots. What sets it apart is the honest Vietnamese food served without fanfare alongside the cafe menu — the kind of place where someone orders a frappuccino and the table next to them is halfway through a bowl of bún chả. It draws a mixed crowd of local families, expat residents, and drop-in visitors looking for an unfussy meal before noon.