Raum Brunch Cafe: Where to Eat in Ho Chi Minh City

Why go

Raum Brunch Cafe sits behind a low wall on Đường số 16 in Phú Mỹ Hưng, the planned neighbourhood in the south of Ho Chi Minh City that used to be part of District 7. The building is one of the area’s tall white villas, and the café fills the ground floor and a small garden terrace by the gate.

It is a place to slow down: order brunch, sit for a while, and talk.

From our visit

Our editor, Pixer, came for brunch in early November. The first impression was how quiet it was. The room has real atmosphere, with terracotta tiles underfoot, a bare concrete ceiling, warm wood, and a big window behind the counter looking onto green plants.

The menu feels refined, and the food matched it. Our grilled cheese sandwich came off the press with dark grill marks and melted cheese, topped with a sprig of thyme and a drizzle of honey on a ribbed ceramic plate. An iced black coffee came alongside.

It is a very good place for an easy meal and a conversation. The tables are spaced apart, with light wooden chairs and woven seats.

On our visit, a tall spiral Christmas tree made of stacked wooden slats already stood in the middle of the room, with a red star on top.

Getting there

The café is at 27 Đường số 16 in Phú Mỹ Hưng, Tân Mỹ Ward. It is a long ride from the old District 1 center, so a Grab car or bike is the easiest way to get there.

Look for the street address printed on the concrete canopy over the gate and the RAUM BRUNCH CAFE sign on the curved wall beside it. A sign on the wall on our visit offered free motorbike parking.

Tips for your visit

Come when you have time to sit. This is a café for a long brunch and a talk, not a takeaway stop.

If the weather is kind, the garden terrace under the umbrella is a pleasant alternative to the indoor room.

The sign at the gate listed daily hours of 7:30am to 9pm, with last food orders at 8pm, while the sticker on the door said 8am to 9pm. Hours can change, so check a map app before you go.