Prepare your palate for an exploration of the delicious and invigorating world of Vietnamese beverages. From the robust and aromatic Vietnamese coffee, a global favorite, to a wide selection of locally sourced and naturally crafted drinks, Vietnam offers a refreshing escape from the tropical heat. Discover the unique flavors and cultural significance of these beverages, a crucial component of any authentic food tour Vietnam.
Contents
1. Tea – Traditional Vietnamese drink
1.1. Vietnamese iced green tea
Known as “tra da,” Vietnamese iced green tea is a ubiquitous beverage, enjoyed from trendy cafes to bustling street-side stalls. This traditional drink can be brewed with fresh or dried leaves, with dried leaves often preferred for their unique dry, subtly bitter flavor profile.
Served in tall glasses, tra da offers a quick and budget-friendly refreshment, typically costing between 3,000 and 5,000 VND. Its delicate floral aroma and smooth, mellow taste make it the ideal Hanoi drink for hot days or whenever you need a revitalizing break. Experience the authentic taste of Vietnamese tea with every sip.
1.2. Kumquat tea
Experience the invigorating taste of kumquat tea, a traditional Vietnamese drink crafted by steeping dried kumquats in hot water. Often enhanced with honey or sugar, this beverage delivers a unique balance of tartness and sweetness. A popular choice, particularly during cooler months, kumquat tea offers a warm and comforting experience.
1.3. Vietnamese lotus tea
Indulge in the serene experience of Vietnamese lotus tea, a fragrant and subtly sweet infusion crafted from delicate lotus petals. This calming beverage offers a moment of peace, reminiscent of a quiet lotus pond, making it the perfect way to unwind after a day of Hanoi sightseeing. Discover the soothing essence of lotus tea in Vietnam, a must-try cultural experience.
2. Coffee—stronger than any you’ve ever tasted
2.1. Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Dive into the heart of Vietnamese coffee culture, where each cup is a moment of pure enjoyment. More than a beverage, coffee is woven into the fabric of daily life. Witness locals leisurely savoring iced Vietnamese coffee at bustling street vendors and charming cafes, relishing the robust flavors while engaging in the timeless art of people-watching. This authentic experience showcases why Vietnamese coffee is a national treasure and a must-try for any visitor.
The distinct flavor of Vietnamese iced coffee originates from its meticulous brewing process. Coarsely ground robusta coffee is slowly dripped through a traditional metal phin filter, extracting a concentrated and intensely aromatic brew. This unique technique is the cornerstone of the drink’s bold character.
The rich, concentrated coffee is then expertly blended with sweetened condensed milk, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and strength. Finally, it’s poured over ice, resulting in a refreshingly invigorating beverage. Enjoy this iconic Hanoi coffee at street vendors for 20,000 to 35,000 VND, or experience a more upscale version at cafes, where prices vary based on ambiance and reputation.
2.2. Egg Coffee – An Iconic Vietnamese Drink
Experience the unique and iconic “ca phe trung,” or Vietnamese egg coffee, a beloved Hanoi specialty. Born in the 1940s amidst wartime scarcity, this inventive beverage emerged as a creamy alternative when milk was scarce. A resourceful Hanoi barista, Nguyen Van Giang, masterfully blended egg yolks, sugar, and robust coffee, creating a rich and delightful concoction. This Hanoi egg coffee is a testament to culinary ingenuity and a must-try for any visitor.
The resulting egg coffee offers an unparalleled taste sensation, a harmonious blend of sweet, airy egg foam and the bold, invigorating flavor of Vietnamese coffee. This distinctive beverage, while now enjoyed throughout Vietnam, remains intrinsically linked to its birthplace. For the most authentic and memorable Hanoi egg coffee experience, explore the city’s cafes, where traditional recipes and skilled baristas ensure a truly exceptional taste. A true Hanoi culinary experience not to be missed.
2.3. Vietnamese Coconut Coffee
Seeking a lighter coffee option? Vietnamese coconut coffee offers a delicious and cholesterol-friendly alternative to the traditional egg coffee. Enjoy the creamy texture and natural sweetness of coconut milk, paired with the rich flavor of Vietnamese coffee, for a guilt-free indulgence. Experience the unique variations of coconut coffee in Vietnam and choose a healthier, yet equally satisfying, caffeine boost.
3. Beer
In Vietnam’s tropical climate, cold beer is the quintessential way to cool down and socialize. Sharing a refreshing beer with friends or colleagues after a long day is a cherished cultural tradition. Offering a beer is a gesture of hospitality, especially in business and celebratory settings, making it a key part of Vietnamese social etiquette.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of “bia hoi” joints, bustling street-side beer gardens where locals from all walks of life gather. Relax on casual plastic chairs and tables while enjoying a glass of affordable draft beer, typically around 10,000 VND. Pair your beer with classic Vietnamese snacks like peanuts, rice crackers, or fried tofu. For a more adventurous culinary experience, sample local delicacies such as fried frog or fermented sausage, showcasing the diverse flavors of Vietnamese street food.
4. Rice wine
Rice wine plays a central role in Vietnam’s drinking culture. Made by fermenting rice, it comes in three primary types:
- Plain rice alcohol: Experience the authentic taste of Vietnamese rice alcohol, known as rượu gạo in the North and rượu đế in the South. This traditional spirit is crafted from freshly harvested rice, meticulously cooked, mashed, and combined with water and yeast. The mixture is then fermented in ceramic pots for several days, resulting in a distinct, locally-produced beverage. Enjoy the fresh, potent flavor of this traditional Vietnamese drink, consumed directly after fermentation.
- Jar-brewed wine (rượu cần): Immerse yourself in the cultural traditions of Vietnam’s hill tribes with rượu cần, a distinctive jar-brewed wine. This unique beverage, crafted from fermented black sticky rice, honey, lemongrass, and natural herbs, offers an authentic taste of the region’s culinary heritage. Enjoyed through traditional bamboo straws from large ceramic jars, rượu cần provides a communal and unforgettable drinking experience. A must-try Vietnamese beverage for adventurous travelers.
- Herbal or medicinal wine (rượu thuốc): Explore the unique world of rượu thuốc, Vietnamese herbal or medicinal wine, a traditional beverage steeped in cultural significance. This distinct rice wine, infused with carefully selected medicinal herbs and sometimes animal ingredients, is believed to offer a range of health benefits. Notably, it’s often associated with promoting vitality and virility, making it a fascinating aspect of Vietnamese traditional medicine. A must-try Vietnamese drink for those interested in local customs and wellness practices.
5. Vietnamese Gin
Experience the exceptional flavors of Sông Cái Gin, Vietnam’s leading artisanal spirit, crafted to showcase the country’s diverse botanicals. Created by Daniel Nguyen, this premium gin features distinctive ingredients like jungle pepper, heirloom pomelo, black cardamom, and indigenous woods, offering a true taste of Vietnam’s natural richness.
With a foundation in agroforestry and sustainable agriculture, Daniel Nguyen harnesses the versatility of gin to highlight Vietnam’s unique botanicals. His expertise allows for the creative freedom to blend traditional ingredients into a modern, globally recognized spirit, emphasizing Vietnamese gin’s connection to its natural origins.
Indulge in the complex flavors of Sông Cái Gin, featuring jungle pepper, black cardamom, green turmeric, heirloom pomelo, local cinnamon, indigenous woods, and white licorice root. Enjoy it with tonic or lime juice, and elevate the experience with a pinch of salt. This Vietnamese craft gin offers a sophisticated and uniquely local cocktail experience.
For Daniel Nguyen, Sông Cái Gin is more than a beverage; it’s a narrative of Vietnam’s culture and biodiversity. Internationally acclaimed, with Platinum and Double Gold wins at the 2020 Sip Awards, this exceptional gin is celebrated for its distinctive flavor profile and perfect pairings with tonic or lime, making it a must-try for any gin enthusiast.
From tea and coffee to innovative spirits like Sông Cái Gin, Vietnam offers a diverse and exciting beverage landscape. Whether you’re a connoisseur or an adventurous traveler, don’t miss the opportunity to savor these refreshing and authentic local drinks during your Vietnam travel experience.