Trung Nguyên Legend Café — Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

This coffee shop caught our attention due to its numerous branches, prompting us to give it a try. We opted for the Zen coffee, which appeared to be their specialty, but it fell short of expectations, especially considering the steep price of VND 189,000. Given its status as a specialty coffee shop, we anticipated a more engaging experience. However, the server simply lit the burner and left without any explanation, leaving us unsure of how to enjoy the unique presentation.

The coffee itself was quite potent and not to our liking. On a brighter note, the Salt Coffee was enjoyable and somewhat redeemed the visit.

Overall, we wouldn’t highly recommend this place, as there are better coffee shops available.

Tip: If you're considering purchasing their packed coffee, it's more affordable at grocery stores like Co.OP Mart.

Warning for tourists: while crossing a pedestrian, we were suddenly "guided" by a local street peddler - we didn't ask for directions nor tell him where we were going but he just said "4 blocks away". I initially just said thank you because I had a bad feeling he will ask for something in return "in exchange" for the help. However, he suddenly talked to my companion and asked where we were from as we were walking. Before I knew it, we were being asked to pay for fresh coconut juice (VDN 150,000 each). He was so quick to open 2 coconuts that we didn't have a choice but as he was opening the 3rd one, we said "no need, just 2" but he got mad and proceeded to open the 3rd one anyway. All in all, we paid VDN 450,000 for 3 coconuts. Talk about highway robbery. So disappointing.

Lesson learned: really do not talk...

Omg, where to start.

Food options are limited, but well presented in the menu. However, in reality they are just ok (had some signature pho and bahn mi), even if that.

What is the appalling is the service. Close to zero English (which is OK), but they never non-verbally communicate if they understood you or not. And feels like a gamble each time. There was around 5 staff servicing the garden and maybe 4 tables occupied at the time. Had good 3 minutes of trying to get their attention while they were goofing at the bar, despite waving in the last minute. It only happened when the guy next table has yelled out in order to awake them from their world. Finally, they came to clean my table and eventually wanted to take unfinished bahn mi 😅 telling them in English that I did not finish clealry didn't help so it was an unpleasant scene where I had to re-occupy my plate 😂

It is truly shocking how this many staff badly handle a handful of customers.

Oh yes, coconut coffee thing was good. Not too sweet, about the right measure. I don't drink such drinks and wished to try, so not sure if I'm to be believed.

Maybe not a true 1 star, but given the Legend in its name...

This Trung Nguyên spot near Notre-Dame Cathedral is a familiar name in the area. It’s been around for quite a while and offers a classic setting, especially convenient if you’re meeting someone in the city center.

One plus: They offer table service – you order at your seat and pay after, which is convenient and makes things smoother when you’re hosting guests.

But the downsides? • Mosquitoes. Yes, even when you’re sitting in air-conditioned areas, you’re still getting bitten. No joke. • Staffing is thin – sometimes it’s hard to get a waiter’s attention. • And of course, Trung Nguyên prices are no joke – drinks can be pricier than Starbucks or most high-end coffee chains.

Overall: Great location and service concept, but between the high prices and the uninvited mosquito guests (yes, even indoors), it’s more of a once-in-a-while stop than a...