Vietnam is a vibrant destination known not only for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history but also for its distinct local brands that offer travelers an authentic taste of the country. From coffee and fashion to fast food and cosmetics, these homegrown businesses are deeply woven into the everyday lives of locals and provide fascinating cultural insights. Here are 10 commercial brands unique to Vietnam that you should explore on your next trip.
1. Highlands Coffee
Founded in 1999, Highlands Coffee is arguably Vietnam’s most prominent coffee chain. Blending Western café culture with traditional Vietnamese coffee recipes, it offers robusta-rich iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá), sweet milk teas, and cozy, air-conditioned seating perfect for a break from the bustling streets. With hundreds of locations across the country, it’s both accessible and reliably satisfying.
2. VinMart (WinMart)
This supermarket chain, now rebranded as WinMart, is part of the Vingroup conglomerate—Vietnam’s largest private enterprise. These stores are a convenient one-stop shop for everything from fresh produce and household goods to Vietnamese snacks and drinks. For travelers staying in apartments or hotels with kitchens, WinMart is a great place to stock up on local ingredients.
3. Pho 24
As Vietnam’s national dish, pho is a must-try, and Pho 24 makes it easy. This restaurant chain, owned by Masan Group, standardizes the experience of enjoying pho with consistent flavor, cleanliness, and service. While nothing replaces a steaming bowl from a street vendor, Pho 24 offers a reliable introduction to this beloved noodle soup.
4. The Coffee House
An upscale and trendy alternative to Highlands, The Coffee House appeals to Vietnam’s young, urban crowd. Their stores have a minimalist, modern aesthetic and serve locally sourced coffee and creative beverages like macchiato teas and cold brews. It’s also a popular co-working space, perfect for digital nomads and travelers needing a quiet moment.
5. Biti’s
This longstanding Vietnamese footwear brand gained international attention when pop star Sơn Tùng M-TP featured Biti’s Hunter sneakers in a music video. Known for affordability and comfort, Biti’s stores can be found in most cities and make for a unique fashion souvenir. The brand has reinvented itself to appeal to younger customers while remaining proudly Vietnamese.
6. Trung Nguyên Legend
Another coffee heavyweight, Trung Nguyên Legend takes a more premium, almost spiritual approach to Vietnamese coffee. Their café locations showcase the brand’s philosophy of “creative inspiration” with elegant interiors and signature brews like the “Legendee,” said to mimic the taste of kopi luwak. It’s a deeper dive into Vietnam’s rich coffee culture.
7. Kinh Đô
For lovers of sweets and baked goods, Kinh Đô is a household name. Known for its mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival, the brand also offers packaged snacks, cookies, and pastries year-round. You can find Kinh Đô products in supermarkets or specialty stores—ideal for gifts or a quick sweet bite.
8. Guta Café
Catering to the working-class crowd, Guta Café is a street-side chain that captures the essence of Vietnamese sidewalk coffee culture. With simple metal stools and strong iced coffee served in plastic cups, it offers a raw, unfiltered slice of daily life in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a perfect place for people-watching while sipping cà phê đá.
9. Thái Tuấn
If you’re interested in fashion or cultural wear, Thái Tuấn is a go-to brand for high-quality Vietnamese áo dài fabric and garments. Their stores carry an extensive range of materials with traditional patterns and modern designs, ideal for travelers wanting to bring home a truly Vietnamese fashion piece.
10. NauNau
Vietnam’s answer to eco-friendly skincare and home scents, NauNau is a local brand known for handmade products using natural ingredients. From essential oils and lip balms to scented candles and facial creams, everything is crafted with a focus on sustainability and Vietnamese botanicals. Their boutique shops are a peaceful oasis for self-care enthusiasts.
From sipping a rich cup of Vietnamese coffee to shopping for locally made sneakers or skincare, these brands provide a unique window into the culture and creativity of modern Vietnam. Engaging with them during your travels supports local enterprise and makes your journey even more memorable.
If you would like to experience a truly unique, customized experience in Vietnam, don’t hesitate to book a consultation right away!