To spot Phin, look for a small, stylish storefront tucked into the Thai Binh apartment building on South Jackson Street, featuring a welcoming sign that proudly announces “PHIN little saigon cafe.”
Now, take a deep breath and let your senses sharpen-because Phin is all about transporting you, not just across the city, but across the world to the bustling cafés of Vietnam with just one step through its doors. Picture it: a cozy little space, just 620 square feet, but bursting with personality. The vibe is tranquil and inviting, almost as though time slows down once you cross the threshold. If you peek inside, you’ll spot a faux balcony in one corner, painted a rich, nostalgic red and surrounded by muted, stylish colors that evoke the charm of old Saigon.
Phin’s story starts with Bao Nguyen, who opened this haven for Vietnamese coffee lovers back in October of 2020-smack in the middle of the pandemic. Now, opening a coffee shop during that time? That takes guts, a little caffeine, and maybe a pinch of magical thinking! But Bao, along with Hanh Hoang, had already won hearts by selling their signature pandan waffles at the Chinatown-International District Night Market, so launching Phin felt like the next delicious step. They source their coffee from Austin’s Phin Coffee Club, piling layer upon layer of flavor into every steaming cup.
The menu here is as creative as it is comforting. There’s cà phê sữa chua-Vietnamese coffee with house-made yogurt and condensed milk-that’ll wake you up faster than a rooster with a megaphone. Then there’s the coconut slushie coffee, black sesame coffee, and the delightfully green pandan latte. Of course, you can’t miss the pandan waffles, crisp on the outside, fragrant and chewy inside, featured in Seattle’s own guide to the best eats. Desserts like flan with shaved coffee ice sing with sweetness and nostalgia.
Standing here, you’re right where old traditions and new dreams meet, and you might just find your next craving waiting to be brewed. Ready for a taste of adventure-and maybe a waffle or three?
