The Running Bean Mạc Thị Bưởi - Coffee and Brunch — Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

🍴 Running Beans (Mac Thi Buoi) – Elevated Comfort Dining in the Heart of Saigon

Running Beans on Mac Thi Buoi is one of those rare gems that manages to strike a balance between casual elegance, flavorful comfort food, and top-notch service, all tucked within a chic, modern interior just a short stroll from the Saigon River.

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👨‍🍳 Service: Warm, Efficient, and Attentive

From the moment you’re greeted, the staff make it clear that hospitality is a priority here: • Friendly without being overbearing • Attentive to detail — refills, recommendations, and clearing dishes happen seamlessly • Orders arrive surprisingly fast, even when the restaurant is buzzing

It’s the kind of service that quietly enhances your meal and allows you to focus fully on good company and even better food.

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🥗 Dishes That Stand Out

Salmon Tagliatelle in Tomato Cream Sauce

A perfectly pan-seared salmon fillet crowns a bed of silky tagliatelle coated in a velvety, rich tomato cream sauce. Earthy mushrooms, fresh herbs, and a delicate edible flower elevate this dish both visually and in flavor. A warm, comforting plate with just the right amount of indulgence.

Garlic Shrimp Linguine with Cherry Tomatoes

This one shines for its fresh, zesty profile — sautéed shrimp, al dente linguine, and sweet cherry tomatoes balanced with just a touch of olive oil and garlic. Light but satisfying, this is a standout if you’re looking for something refreshing but not bland.

Rocket & Goat Cheese Salad

A generous bowl of arugula tossed with radish, heirloom tomatoes, cranberries, pistachios, and creamy goat cheese crumbles. This salad isn’t an afterthought — it’s packed with texture, flavor, and color.

Taiwanese-Style Fried Chicken

Golden, crispy, and boldly seasoned, this bowl of Taiwanese-style fried chicken is a crowd-pleaser. Fragrant fried basil adds an aromatic crunch, making it ideal as a shared starter.

Beef Steak Skillet with Egg, Pâté & Tofu

Served in a hot skillet, this dish fuses Vietnamese comfort with Western flair — tender slices of beef, creamy pâté, soft tofu, caramelized onions, and a perfectly runny sunny-side-up egg. Rich, hearty, and soul-satisfying.

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🌿 Ambience & Location

The restaurant’s earthy tones, clean design, and natural lighting make it equally suited for: • A weekday lunch meeting • A cozy date • A casual but elevated gathering with friends

Located just off Mac Thi Buoi, it’s conveniently central, but tucked enough to feel like an urban retreat. Whether you’re a tourist strolling through District 1 or a local looking for a quality spot without the fuss, Running Beans hits the mark.

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✅ Pros: • Professional, speedy, and friendly service • Beautiful presentation and thoughtful plating • Well-balanced menu: Western-inspired comfort with Asian touches • Lovely, modern atmosphere with great city-center location

❌ Cons: • May get crowded during peak lunch hours • Limited vegetarian options (though what’s available is fresh and high quality)

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⭐️ Final Verdict

Running Beans Mac Thi Buoi offers more than just a great meal — it delivers a consistently excellent dining experience that feels both grounded and refined. With delicious dishes, standout service, and a prime location, it’s a top choice for anyone seeking reliable quality in...

On the morning of Sunday, July 6, 2025, between 10:00 and 10:30 AM, my family and I visited The Running Bean Mạc Thị Bưởi by motorbike, hoping to enjoy a calm and pleasant weekend breakfast. Sadly, what should have been a relaxing start to our day turned into a frustrating experience due to the unhelpful behavior of the parking attendant on duty.

When we arrived, we noticed that a Ford Territory was parked across the sloped curb at the front of the café — the only safe and accessible path for motorbikes to ride up onto the sidewalk. I’ve visited this location regularly during weekdays and have always been impressed by how polite and professional the security staff were. However, today was different.

Despite the clear obstruction, the security guard made no attempt to ask the vehicle to move or assist us in any way. We waited for a bit, noticing that the motorbike parking area still had available space. Yet instead of helping us park there, the guard waved us away and insisted that we go further down the road to park elsewhere. When I asked why, his response was vague and unconvincing — something along the lines of “that spot’s already taken,” though it clearly wasn’t.

This was in stark contrast to the weekday experience, where I’m often greeted with a smile before I even stop the engine, with the guard kindly reminding me to kick the stand and inviting me in. That kind of attentive service is one of the reasons I’ve returned so often. It was disappointing to see that level of service fall apart on a weekend.

Ultimately, we chose to leave rather than let the experience sour our morning any further. We still made our way to the Hồ Tùng Mậu branch of The Running Bean, where we continued to enjoy the café’s offerings — a testament to how much we appreciate the brand overall.

That said, I sincerely hope the management team will review this incident and address it appropriately. A single employee’s lack of professionalism should not detract from the otherwise excellent customer service The Running Bean is known for. It's important that every point of contact with customers — including parking staff — upholds the brand's values and ensures a consistently...

I had the pleasure of discovering a modern Western-style restaurant and cafe during my time in Vietnam, and it quickly became a favorite spot for me. While the prices were relatively expensive by local standards, they were more reasonable for someone from the West. The establishment had a trendy and aesthetic ambiance, with a menu featuring modern and visually appealing dishes.

The staff at the restaurant were not only kind but also displayed a good command of English, which made the overall experience more comfortable for international visitors like myself. As a frequent patron, I even went so far as to purchase a tote bag as a souvenir.

The payment options included both cash and card, though it's worth noting that there might be a fee when using cards, so it's advisable to keep some cash on hand. Despite this, the overall quality of the food and the pleasant atmosphere justified the expense. I particularly enjoyed the smoothie bowl, although it tended to melt quickly, and the iced coconut coffee, which was robust and satisfying. The steak and pasta dishes, according to my friends, were equally delightful.

The restaurant and cafe were not only aesthetically pleasing but also clean and bright. I found it to be an ideal place to work on several occasions, enjoying a peaceful environment. The thoughtful inclusion of charging spaces in some areas was a practical touch, making it even more convenient for those who wanted to stay a while.

All in all, I highly recommend this establishment for anyone looking to experience a modern and stylish dining experience in Vietnam. Whether for work or leisure, it provides a welcoming atmosphere, delicious food, and...