Tonkin Specialty Coffee — Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

I’m not picky with food, but I am picky about how any sanitary process should go. Staff asked me if I wanted my veggies separate or included, and I said the latter; and then when it came out, it’s the exact opposite of what I’ve just told them. I get that we eat banh mi with our bare hands, but does the process of picking up wet, slimy veggies and then stuff them in the damn banh mi, in front of other guests, not look bloody disgusting to you?? Imagine I’m the mf you’re sitting next to doing that. At least the banh mi taste good. Did staff really not enjoy washing one single fork that much??? Not only your staff mistook my note for the order that they ASKED me, there was no utensils. The orange juice with salty plum is horrible too, it’s too freaking sour, I expected some salty flavour but no, the extremely sour taste of the juice couldn’t even balance it out, I followed one of the reviews and ordered that and holy shit, but that was my mistake, it’s on me, I set the bar too low. The WC floor is wet as if someone threw a slide party in there, I actually tripped and fell on my ass since the entire floor was flooded with water. Sink faucet is broken too, Idk if y’all are gonna do something about it, at least your humor saved me, and I noticed there were women’s tampons, so that’s a bonus. Both of the AC were on full blast as if it’s the North Pole. I’m skeptical on coming back, really, but I might come back for something different on the menu, staff’s knowledge on matcha menu is disappointing as hell, and I get that it’s more about the ‘specialty coffee’ and not the matcha, but when your staff doesn’t know the difference between Japanese matcha and Vietnamese, that’s a huge 🚩. :/ overall I did not have such a great time...

This is a highly reviewed & rated café. I can understand why. It's got kind of a different design and vibe than many other coffee shops. However, I felt it's kind of cramped. The space is smaller overall, but they have maximized the number of tables. All tables were occupied except one when I entered. Almost all non-Vietnamese.

Other than it being a little cramped, initially, I went to try to get some work done. Almost every table had 2 or more people. Thus, it was kind of distractingly loud. You should go here with other people and just to chat.

As for the menu, they have a nice menu. There's items I haven't typically seen from other places - one of the reasons I wanted to try it. Some of the food looks good.

I had a matcha with honeycomb (matcha bánh mật lai châu). The quality is good, but it's not the largest. Standard medium size beverage. I didn't see honeycomb, but there was a cube of it mixed in. I kind of wished it was a honeycomb stick or just a larger cube - however, it did resemble the menu photo. Kind of a fair price for the drink; 59K/$2.30. It tasted okay, different than I anticipated. The latte version is probably what I should have tried.

Ordered a coconut milk matcha (69K/$2.70) to go on my way out. Size was similar. Taste was similar to other places I've had...

At Tonkin Specialty Coffee, the early morning atmosphere is the perfect blend of tranquility and vibrancy. The moment you walk in, the gentle hum of relaxing music sets the tone for a peaceful start to your day. The shop's ambiance, combined with the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee, invites you to unwind and savor the moment.

I decided to try two unique offerings: the spice coffee and the egg coffee. The spice coffee was a delightful surprise—a harmonious blend of rich coffee with a subtle warmth from the spices, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy a little twist in their morning brew. It was comforting and invigorating, an ideal companion to the serene setting.

The egg coffee, a signature drink from Vietnam, was another highlight. Creamy and decadent, it felt like dessert in a cup. The smooth, velvety texture, combined with the strong coffee flavor, created a perfect balance that left a lasting impression.

Overall, Tonkin Specialty Coffee is a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to start your day with something familiar or are in the mood to try something new, this place offers an exceptional experience. The combination of great coffee, soothing music, and a welcoming atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to enjoy...