Embracing Authentic Vietnamese Coffee Culture in Central Auckland

Address: 15/90 Wellesley Street West, Auckland CBD

The new Vietnamese cafe in Auckland Central

Discovering Phin Café

Tucked away in the bustling heart of central Auckland, near Nelson-Hobson Street, lies Phin Café, a cosy spot that's quickly become a favourite among locals. Known for its authentic Vietnamese coffee and welcoming atmosphere, Phin Café stands out amidst a cluster of cafes and eateries in the area.

I found out about Phin through their Instagram, and from the name, I seemed to feel that this would be a new cool place. The first time I visited the restaurant, I was very pleased with the arrangement here. They offer a small yet inviting space spread over two floors. Outside is a comfortable “sidewalk” seating area and inside is filled with culturally inspired décor which creates a charming retreat reminiscent of Hanoi.

A passionate team

Opened earlier this year, Phin Café is a passion project of its dedicated owners. They prioritize using quality coffee beans originally sourced from Vietnam and offer a thoughtfully curated drinks menu. They offer a range of beverages that will keep you coming back and exploring. Options include Iced Tea, Milk Tea, Espresso, and Vietnamese specialities like Phin cold brews.

My favourite is the Coconut Matcha Cloud with refreshing coconut water and a layer of smooth, foamy Matcha on top. Besides the traditional Phin coffee with condensed milk, one of their signature drinks is egg coffee, a unique and aromatic treat that captures the essence of Vietnamese coffee culture. Made with care using traditional Phin coffee filters, each cup promises a rich and flavorful experience. I always feel welcome whenever visiting Phin, the owners are just enthusiastic and give great drink suggestions, sometimes with things that are not on the menu yet 👀.

A taste of Vietnam

Most cafes in Vietnam only offer beverages, but for those craving something more substantial, Phin Café serves up authentic Vietnamese dishes like Banh Mi and savoury sticky rice, all crafted with homemade flair. The traditional ham and pate baguette is particularly popular, ensuring a satisfying lunch that perfectly complements their robust coffee offerings. If you’re only craving for some light snack, they do have sunflower seeds on the side, which is quite an essential item for every time us friends gather to chat over coffee or iced tea.

Whether you're stopping by for a quick caffeine fix or a leisurely taste of Vietnam, Phin Café promises a warm welcome and flavours that transport you to the bustling streets of Southeast Asia. Discover this hidden gem and experience a piece of Vietnamese culture right here in Auckland's city centre.

Bac Xiu - Vietnamese iced white coffee

Scroll down to view more Phin photos~

Cultural Charm

Adorned with charming Vietnamese-themed decorations, including bamboo hats, straw bags, a newspaper-lined upper wall, and evocative photographs of Hanoi, Phin Café creates an immersive cultural experience. You will notice a shelf full of different Phin filters while ordering your coffee, before making your way through the metal stairway to the second level.

The cosy interior, complete with comfortable seating and ambient lighting, invites guests to linger and enjoy their coffee. My favourite and most random item is probably their water glasses, the little ones with colourful dots on them. I found them fascinating because you probably only see those back in the households in the 90s or at some old street vendor cafe in Vietnam.

A New Favourite Spot

Phin Café stands out not only for its exceptional coffee and flavorful dishes but also for its dedication to preserving Vietnamese coffee traditions and creating space to bring people together. Whether you're a coffee lover or simply seeking a serene spot to relax, Phin Café promises an authentic taste of Vietnam right in central Auckland.