A new concept blending Vietnamese coffee tradition with Japanese tea culture is coming to Austin’s East Village. District 1 Coffee & Co. plans to open at 3500 E. Parmer Lane, Unit 1164.
What Now Austin spoke to the team behind the concept, who confirmed the permit was recently approved, with a four-month build-out currently underway, targeting a possible opening in October. The location sits at the heart of East Village, directly across from the development’s center stage — where concerts and community events draw steady foot traffic — and near a Samsung facility and two hotels currently under construction in the area.
The concept was born out of a deeply personal journey. Founded by Hue Nguyen and Scott Chu, the brand draws its name and spirit from District 1, the largest and most vibrant district of Ho Chi Minh City, known as Saigon, and the epicenter of Vietnam’s thriving coffee culture.
Nguyen, anchors the Vietnamese side of the menu, while Chu, based in Japan, brings the matcha and hojicha expertise that gives the brand its East-meets-East identity. “I thought, why not do a fusion where it is Vietnamese coffee plus Japanese tea?” Nguyen told What Now Austin. “Combined together, it has something more to offer the community rather than just the normal, regular coffee.”
The menu leans into customization, built over two and a half years of recipe development to suit all ages and preferences. Signature creations include a crème brûlée Vietnamese coffee — a refined, approachable take on the traditional Vietnamese egg coffee — alongside matcha and hojicha drinks sourced directly from Japanese suppliers through Chu’s network.
“Customer feedback always comes first,” the team said. “The taste has to be consistent.”
Before opening its doors, District 1 has already tested its concept through pop-ups and catering events, receiving overwhelmingly positive responses. The East Village location is the team’s first U.S. outpost, with an eye toward franchising the brand in Austin and beyond.
Follow District 1 Coffee & Co. on Instagram and Facebook for updates.
