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Ly Thanh Co, a famous travel blogger, is known for his journey exploring 39 countries and territories around the world by the age of 28. He is also the author of three books: "Youth in Your Wallet, What Can You Buy?", "The World is Big, Don't Travel Alone", and "Honeymoon with Yourself". Recently, the travel blogger opened "To Mo" (Curious), a coffee shop in Saigon.
Amidst the countless modern cafes located on main streets or in bustling shopping malls, there are still humble establishments nestled in old apartment buildings. Tò Mò, a cafe situated in the Tôn Thất Thiệp apartment building, manages to create its own unique atmosphere with its special location and interesting menu.
For those familiar with Saigon, the Ton That Thiep apartment building at 42 Ton That Thiep Street is no stranger. This old, quaint building nestled amidst modern skyscrapers creates a striking contrast, making it a highlight in the heart of Saigon. Here, one can witness the interplay between the old and the new, between modernity and antiquity in a constantly evolving Saigon. Despite having only a ground floor and two upper floors, this century-old building houses over 20 fashion brands and cafes.
Tò Mò Cafe is located on the first floor, inside the Ton That Thiep apartment building (inside the staircase).
Having fallen in love with this place, travel blogger Ly Thanh Co established To Mo Cafe on the first floor, near the inner staircase of the Ton That Thiep apartment building. The building has two sides, so residents refer to the "outer staircase" and "inner staircase" for easy identification. Finding To Mo Cafe isn't difficult. Go to the main gate at 42 Ton That Thiep, bypass the outer staircase, and go straight past the parking area. From there, go up the inner staircase to the first floor; the cafe is on your left.
There's a small passageway next to the staircase on the first floor leading into a very intriguing cafe.
Stepping upstairs, the space is flooded with light, and the cheerful chirping of birds fills the air amidst the lush greenery, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle just a few steps away. The atmosphere inside the apartment building is immediately noticeable. The sight of elderly people quietly contemplating amidst the vibrant energy of young people shopping or enjoying coffee creates a fascinating blend. "Tò Mò Cafe wants to be a part of it," the male travel blogger confided.
Curiosity Cafe space.
The cafe has a cozy atmosphere with a ground floor and a mezzanine. Despite its modest size, it offers various seating options for visitors. You can chat with friends in the main area, or watch the baristas prepare their drinks at the open bar. You can also sit comfortably on the wooden shelf in front of the cafe, looking out the glass window at the nostalgic apartment building staircase below. Or you can sit quietly on the mezzanine and enjoy a panoramic view of the space.
This is a special seating area in the cafe. From here, you can look down the stairs or gaze out at the green space at the back of the apartment building.
Besides its intriguing location and decor, the menu is a highlight. Ly Thanh Co shared: "We are passionate about the flavors of Saigon, so the drinks here are fusion with coffee and matcha, creating very unique beverage flavors." He gave the example of "Cho Lon Matcha," a combination of Japanese matcha with fragrant black sesame seeds and a layer of creamy topping, creating a unique taste. The name originates from a famous childhood treat in Cho Lon – black sesame sweet soup.
The dish "Cho Lon matcha" gets its name from an ingredient found in black sesame sweet soup – a childhood favorite for many people in Saigon.
Even more surprisingly, Tò Mò Cafe will offer a hidden menu featuring specially crafted drinks for customers. The cafe will shop daily, using fresh ingredients to create surprises for its patrons. In addition to the 8 existing signature drinks, the hidden menu with its mysterious beverages is sure to satisfy your curiosity. In terms of service style, Tò Mò Cafe's hidden menu can be compared to the famous Japanese "omakase" in the coffee industry.
Curious about the interesting things that exist at the intersection of the ancient and the modern, between the old and the new.
"Actually, the name 'Curious Cafe' represents the personality of someone who loves Saigon and wants to be a part of it," he shared. Walking past brightly lit buildings amidst the bustling streets, one suddenly finds peace in the midst of crowded Saigon. Finding a "shelter" allows one to freely explore both the ambiance and the menu of a cafe located in the old Ton That Thiep apartment complex.
