Back when 2020 seemed like a year full of possibility, one of my goals was to travel to Vietnam for the first time. I couldn’t wait: ca phe sua da and pho all day, everyday? It sounded like such a dream! But alas, the pandemic struck — now it’s 2021, and I still have no idea of when I’ll finally be able to make that Vietnam trip happen.
As my dreams of indulging in authentic Vietnamese delights started to slip away, it turned out that there was still hope. Maybe I couldn’t travel to Saigon, but Saigon, it seemed, could travel to me. How? Through this gem of an IG store called Saigon Shop MNL!
Also read: A Pinoy Traveller’s Guide to Authentic Vietnamese Coffee
Saigon Shop MNL brings Vietnam to Manila
I experienced my first taste of authentic Vietnamese coffee when my mom and sister came home from a trip to Hanoi. They brought home several bags of ground coffee and instructed me to mix my brewed coffee with condensed milk — it was heaven at first sip. When we finished our last bag, I felt a sense of loss; I knew I had to visit Vietnam for myself and stock up on a lifetime’s supply of coffee!
Also read: I Almost Died in Vietnam, Here’s How It Restored My Faith in Humanity
Your new go-to for authentic Vietnamese goods
For now, I feel comforted knowing I have the option to get my caffeine fix from Saigon Shop MNL — their selection includes La Viet Coffee beans, Trung Nguyen ground coffee, and Cong Caphe instant coconut coffee. Not only do they sell authentic Vietnamese coffee; they even have phins (Vietnamese coffee filters) and Vietnamese condensed milk on hand, too. Starters may even opt to purchase their Vietnamese coffee set, which consists of (1) 500g Trung Nguyen coffee, (1) Vinamilk condensed milk, and (1) phin — all for just ₱650!
Other offerings include hot chocolate mix, instant pho, pho noodles and pho broth, rice noodles, Vietnamese condiments, and a whole bunch of snacks. What’s more, they sell gorgeous ceramics, too! Looking for something that wasn’t mentioned? Saigon Shop MNL can also shop for your other wants and needs from Vietnam — just send them a DM.
Also read: This Vietnamese Cafe in Taytay Will Make Your Day Sweeter
While they’ve got several products on hand, Saigon Shop MNL accepts pre-orders in batches; so make sure to follow them on Instagram to stay updated! All orders come with a fixed delivery rate of ₱185 for Metro Manila and ₱220 for provincial areas. Happy shopping!
All images credited to Saigon Shop MNL.
