Highlands

Highlands Coffee is a Vietnamese coffee shop chain founded in Hanoi in 1999. Vietnamese American David Thai established the company, initially as a packaged coffee producer. The first Highlands Coffee shop opened in 2002 in Ho Chi Minh City. The company’s founding was the first time an overseas Vietnamese registered a private company in Vietnam. Today, it ranks as one of the country’s largest coffee chains by number of locations.

The menu features traditional Vietnamese coffee made with a phin filter. It also includes modern espresso-based drinks, teas, and ice-blended beverages called “Freeze”. The chain serves food items like bánh mì and pastries. Highlands Coffee uses both Robusta and Arabica beans. A dedicated roasting facility in Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu Province ensures product consistency across all stores. The chain operates hundreds of locations throughout Vietnam and has expanded internationally.

In 2012, Philippine multinational Jollibee Foods Corporation acquired a major stake in the company. Founder David Thai continues to lead the brand as CEO. The stores blend modern design with traditional Vietnamese elements. This design approach creates a space for both social gatherings and work. Interiors often feature a mix of natural timber, warm lighting, and decorative tiles. The brand presents itself as a community hub that balances Vietnamese heritage with a contemporary feel.