The Curious Nest

I dropped by Huê Sắc in the early afternoon, just when the Saigon sun started to mellow out. Light slipped through the wooden windows, sketching soft golden streaks across the yellow walls. In the middle of a bustling alley filled with modern cafés stacked side by side, Huê Sắc stood out — classic, calm, and undeniably Huế. That contrast alone pulled me in.

The café has three floors, with warm yellow and red tones setting the mood. Dark wooden furniture, hanging lanterns, bundles of dried incense, and watercolor paintings all give the space a nostalgic yet refined feel. Every little detail is carefully thought out, just enough to remind you of the old capital without being over the top. Natural light floods the place, so your photos basically turn out “auto-pretty” without much editing needed.

A cool bonus — there’s even a separate smoking area, which you don’t usually see in places with this kind of vintage vibe.

I ordered the salt coffee, the café’s signature. The first time I ever had this drink was back in Huế, so I was a bit hesitant, worried it wouldn’t taste the same. But to my surprise, Huê Sắc nailed it. The coffee was bold and rich, blending perfectly with a creamy salty foam on top. Honestly, that foam is the star. The salty note is more pronounced here, with a creamy taste almost like cheese. If it feels strong, you can stir it in for a softer balance — but I liked it as is, to keep that real “kick.”

The dessert menu is simple — just croissants and cheesecake, enough to pair nicely with coffee. I also heard they make their own mulberry tea, but I’ll save that for next time. Because I know this won’t be my last visit.

In the middle of Saigon’s chaos, finding a peaceful spot that carries a soul of the past feels like a little stroke of fate. Huê Sắc gives you a space to slow down, breathe, and just be. Or maybe, if you’re missing Huế, it’s the perfect place to find a little piece of it right here in the city.