Ho Chi Minh City is an epic coffee destination. Need proof? Our 2024 guide to coffee in HCMC is a great place to start, and this 2017 guide to the city provides a snapshot to an earlier area of Vietnam’s roaring specialty coffee scene. Multiple coffee bars from HCMC have been featured in past build-outs stories, including stories from 2021 and 2022, plus a deep dive on the design world of Bosgaurus from 2019.
Now here in 2025, we’re thrilled to be back in Ho Chi Minh City for a new Build-Outs of Coffee feature, this time taking a closer look at the fourth location of XLIII Coffee. Let’s dive in.
The 2025 Build-Outs of Coffee is sponsored by Pacific Barista Series, La Marzocco, Ceado, and Dona.
As told to Sprudge by XLIII Coffee.
For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?
XLIII Coffee is a coffee brand serving specialty coffee to customers who are always concerned about the taste of origin. With the continuous efforts of excellent farmers worldwide, we will experience the true taste of this fruit.
XLIII Coffee has been aiming to become a big, impactful company with social responsibilities, have access to high-quality raw materials, and convey the complete original values of coffee to our customers.
We follow the Five Strategies: Transparency | Traceability | Ethic | Responsibility | Transitioning Towards Sustainability
XLIII Coffee transforms from the original brand—43 Factory Coffee Roaster. We respect the achievements and values built since the beginning of the journey to discover the world of pure coffee and cherish the starting point of the first shop. On the journey ahead, XLIII Coffee continue to hold philosophy and maintain consistency in our overall activities, core values, and strategic direction.
Can you tell us a bit about the new space?
Nestled within a house exemplifying traditional Vietnamese architecture, XLIII Coffee’s fourth branch in Thao Dien delivers a visual experience distinctly different from its three predecessors. The space features characteristic architectural elements including elegant traditional daybeds, intricate lattice furniture, and majestic dragon-headed chairs, all harmoniously blending with XLIII Coffee’s signature refined wooden interior design. Both floors respect the original structure, creating a perfect fusion of specialty coffee within a heritage architectural setting.
Upon entering through the distinctive wooden arched gate, visitors are greeted by a charming courtyard—a hallmark of traditional Vietnamese architecture—where natural light filters through the eaves and lush green foliage. Pure white walls and floors laid with classic geometric tile patterns create a peaceful nostalgic atmosphere amid urban life.
The ground floor’s focal point is a counter with warm yellow tones standing out against black and white diamond-patterned tiles. The spiral staircase with glossy black handrails and delicate white balustrades serves not merely as access to the second floor but as a flowing sculptural element within the space.
The second floor functions as a quiet workspace with ample amenities, abundant natural light, and views overlooking the courtyard. Despite its modest size, the intelligently arranged space accommodates up to 15 guests simultaneously, offering rare privacy and tranquility in the heart of the city.
The fusion of heritage architectural elements with modern furnishings creates a space both nostalgic and contemporary. The carefully selected color palette features pure whites harmonizing with elegant grays, accented by warm cream and sophisticated amber tones. All elements are united by natural wood details, establishing an atmosphere both luxurious and welcoming—where Vietnamese architectural heritage and specialty coffee culture together write a story of modernity within classicism.
What’s your approach to coffee?
As direct partners with world-leading specialty coffee producers and traders, we purposefully maintain our focused operational scale at our fourth branch, dedicating our complete passion to developing nature’s exclusive products.
XLIII Coffee’s partners are producers who share our vision and commitment to quality. These partnerships are built on foundations of transparency and sustainable development. This ensures not only consistent quality source materials but also contributes to improving farming communities’ lives and protecting the environment.
Our aspiration extends beyond delivering perfect cups of coffee to honoring the stories of growing regions and dedicated farmers working towards a sustainable future. XLIII Coffee’s solid quality commitment is demonstrated through operating the entire system according to the strictest environmental standards. From energy-saving eco modes to single-dose brewing protocols, all operations aim toward sustainable development while maintaining the industry’s highest standards.
Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?
The equipment at XLIII Coffee exists at the intersection of technological artistry, carefully selected and calibrated to serve our mission of fully unlocking each specialty coffee bean’s potential.
At the heart of the space stands the La Marzocco Strada MP, a technological masterpiece with a minimalist yet powerful design where art seamlessly integrates with advanced shot and milkbase brewing technology, unlocking endless possibilities in exploring and honoring the authentic flavors of each specialty coffee bean.
To achieve perfection in every cup, we’ve equipped ourselves with the premium grinder duo of Mahlkönig E80 Supreme and Ditting 807 Lab Sweet. These “technological artisans” not only ensure absolute consistency in grinding but also maintain precise temperature control, preserving the complete aroma and characteristics of each coffee bean.
The brewing process at XLIII Coffee begins with pure water created by our specialized 30l/h RO filtration system, combined with the Geyser Ecotar 9 Ultra RO Home alkaline ionizer. Every drop of water is controlled and refined to become the perfect companion in liberating coffee flavors.
Completing our distinguished equipment lineup are our essential companions: Kinto ALFRESCO brewer and Fellow Stagg EKG electric kettle—masters of temperature and flow control, ensuring each drop of coffee is extracted to perfection.
How is your project considering sustainability?
XLIII Coffee marks a next chapter in its six-year journey of value creation with the opening of its fourth location in Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City’s premium expatriate district. This milestone not only represents significant growth but embodies our unwavering commitment to elevating specialty coffee standards and sharing authentic coffee values with both Vietnamese and global communities.
In launching our fourth branch, we reaffirm our pioneering position in developing an ecosystem where coffee’s true value is celebrated in its most authentic form. Our identity is shaped by five core values:
* TRANSPARENCY – More than a commitment, it’s our DNA. We ensure complete transparency across all aspects, from origin to process, production to supply. We believe transparency creates the foundation for a sustainable industry.
* TRACEABILITY – Every coffee bean tells a unique story. We don’t just trace origins; we share these stories comprehensively, making each cup of coffee an exploration of its roots.
* ETHICS – This isn’t optional but fundamental to our operations. From partner selection to product development and community relations, we adhere to the highest ethical standards.
* RESPONSIBILITY – We’re committed to our entire supply chain: from farmers to the environment and coffee enthusiasts. Every decision aims toward industry sustainability.
* SUSTAINABLE TRANSFORMATION – This isn’t a trend but a necessity. We’re leading this transformation, from implementing green technology to building sustainable communities.
These core values are supported by four strategic approaches that redefine the specialty coffee experience:
* FIND THE ORIGIN – We explore beyond quality sourcing to uncover each region’s hidden potential. Every sourcing journey represents our quality commitment.
* PROTECT THE ORIGIN – Preserving authenticity is our pride and responsibility. We safeguard coffee’s true values from harvest to final serve.
* DESCRIBE THE ORIGIN – Each bean tells a complete story of terroir, people, and passion. We’re authentic storytellers, offering customers an emotional journey of discovery.
* TASTE THE ORIGIN – The pinnacle of our authentic journey lies in each cup. We don’t just serve drinks – we deliver nature’s purest coffee expressions.
What’s your hopeful target opening date/month?
Our coffee shop is now open. We have opened to welcome everyone from 18/03/2025 at 19 Road No. 2, Lang Bao Chi, Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh.
Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you’d like to mention?
We just want to mention our strategic partners who we work with us. See more.
Thank you!
The 2025 Build-Outs of Coffee is sponsored by Pacific Barista Series, La Marzocco, Ceado, and Dona.
