San Diego's Vietnamese drink scene goes well beyond cà phê sữa đá. From sinh tố (fruit smoothies) to chè beverages, sugarcane juice, and Vietnamese iced tea, the Mira Mesa and City Heights corridors offer authentic Vietnamese drinks at sandwich shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Bale French Sandwich Mira Mesa top-pick
Bale is the one-stop shop for Vietnamese drinks in Mira Mesa. Their smoothie selection includes durian, strawberry, avocado, and tropical fruit smoothies with or without boba. The iced milk coffee is brewed through a filter at the counter. Their Vietnamese iced coffee and smoothie program is the most comprehensive in a grab-and-go format.
Thanh Tinh Chay Restaurant best-value
This vegetarian Vietnamese restaurant offers a range of fresh Vietnamese drinks including fresh-squeezed sugarcane juice (cane juice), soy milk (soy milk), and various herbal teas. The drinks are lighter and less sweet than typical Vietnamese cafe fare, reflecting the restaurant's clean, vegetarian philosophy. A refreshing stop after exploring the City Heights Vietnamese corridor.
Cali Baguette Express hidden-gem
Cali Baguette pairs their fresh-baked bread with proper iced milk coffee and smoothies. The Vietnamese iced coffee is brewed strong through a filter, and they offer a rotating selection of fruit smoothies. It's the kind of spot where you grab a sandwich and a drink and go, but both are done right.