On my recent trip to Vietnam, my colleague and I had an hour to kill while waiting for the office car to pick us up for a trip to Long Dinh in Tien Giang province. So we decided to have coffee at the nearby Highlands coffee shop across from Rex Hotel. Highlands coffee shop, which has several branches all over HCMC, is always strategically located. The one we went to occupies the second and third floors of the Satra Tax building at the corner of Dung Du and Le Loi Streets. The interiors are quite modern, with walls painted deep violet on one side and avocado yellow on the other, modern pictures on the walls, upholstered seats, has free wifi, and large bay windows overlooking the rotunda.
We got there at 8 a.m., an hour after it had opened at 7 a.m. We ordered hot traditional Vietnamese coffee with sweetened condensed milk. The coffee was so reasonably priced at only VND18,000 or USD 1.12. But on this particular visit, the service was slow as it took 12 minutes for the coffee to be brought to our table. We followed it up but to no avail so we amused ourselves by saying that perhaps the Highlands baristas were still boiling a gallon of water.The long wait was redeemed by the great espresso-like coffee, full of body and aroma. We had to ask for some more hot water to dilute the strong taste. The coffee came with a small sugar cookie on the side. Not bad at all.
3 comments:
My experience with Highlands had been positive. Yea, there is a longer wait than usual, but it is worthwhile. Often I have to stand in line to wait in Starbucks. It is worth the wait.
True. The queue to buy a latte at Starbucks or Coffee Bean and Green Leaf is often longer than that at Highlands. You're absolutely right. Highlands coffee does not disappoint and the freebie sugar cookie is a kind thought.
Hi Moni,
Stumbled upon your Highlands Cafe blog entry from Vietnam. My wife and I were based in HCMC for nearly five years and HIghlands was one of those chosen cafes for us. The outlets in Hanoi by the lake gives a much better breeze and view.
Cheers,
Gil
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