Venture down any of the small hems/alleys in Vietnam’s major cities and you never know what you will find. One of my favourite local cafes is hidden down one such laneway, just off Pasteur Street in the heart of downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Located on the third floor of a quintessential 1960s Saigon apartment block, even scaling of the stairs is an experience as you wander past skittish cats and apartments inhabited by local families. You then reach the third floor and enter a sanctuary of calm that exudes the charm of old Saigon. A gorgeous retro rounded counter, the old floor tiles and the decorative metal window frames affirm this café’s vintage status.
The Old Compass Café. I am so enamored with this space that we arranged to have our first product shoot here. This is evident in a number of our website and social media images – a hand printed cushion cover propped on an old timber chair; a travel/make up pouch with a decorative metal frame and flowering tree on the balcony as a backdrop; Indochine tea towels hanging against the tastefully distressed pale green wall… I love it all!
Aside from the gorgeous aesthetic, I have also loved attending a number of events at the venue. While at this time, they are limited due to the current pandemic situation, in the past I have enjoyed talks by authors, insightful discussions about local architecture and women in Vietnamese art, and have loved attending small, intimate performances. It is definitely worth keeping an eye on The Old Compass’ Facebook page for upcoming events as many book out quickly.
There’s coffee, wine, craft beer, breakfast, lunch and dinner options, friendly staff and a chilled vibe. If you haven’t visited before, you know where to go the next time you are in town.
The Old Compass Café is located at:
63/11 Pasteur, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
* All of my reviews are done so independently and without any financial incentive. I simply like to share places that I enjoy and that I think are deserving of everyone’s love and support.
** Image of the gorgeous rounded counter was supplied by The Old Compass Café.
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