Among the dozens of modern Ho Chi Minh City cafés, M&M Saigon in District 10 stands out for its distinctive mini-movie theater.

Though not the only cafe in town that’s now screening movies, M&M Saigon is a new kind of Vietnamese café.

The cafe in District 10 opened late last month and features a mini-cinema. The cafe selects films to screen and customers can also bring their own DVDs, but must sign up at least one day in advance.

Screenings are often spontaneous and not scheduled for specific times, so show up early and request one.

Phuong, the cafe’s 26-year-old owner, says, “The cafe is new and doesn’t have the most convenient location, but I think its originality can still draw customers.”

The decor is a cozy blend of unassuming reds and yellows with an array of decorative plants. The cafe is spacious and airy with plenty of room between tables so customers can talk freely and privately without disturbing others nearby.

Patrons can adjust the brightness of their own table lamp and an employee is always on duty in the cinema.

M&M Saigon Cafe devotes one Sunday a month to showing children’s films from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

M&M Saigon Cafe serves a wide range of beverages and ice-cream, including vanilla, caramel and almond-flavored mochas. Its fruit juices are blended with fresh milk from Australia. Most beverages cost between VND30,000 and 40,000 (US$1.90-2.50).

The cafe also serves office lunches from Monday to Friday at VND28,000 ($1.80) per helping.

Reported by Diem Thu