Beer Drinking
Vietnam has remained one of the top countries in the world for beer consumption. Since the introduction of beer in the early 1900s, drinking beer has become a significant aspect of Vietnamese culture.
In a tropical climate like Vietnam, where the weather is predominantly hot and humid year-round, beer is particularly popular for its refreshing taste and ability to cool off the heat and quench thirst. Several renowned beer producers operate in Vietnam, with the most popular being Hanoi Beer, Saigon Beer, and Huda Beer. Hanoi Beer was the pioneer of beer production and has been celebrated in the Northern regions of Vietnam since the last century. Their product range includes traditional options such as draught beer (known as bia hoi) and modern choices like bottled or canned beer. The prices for bottled and canned Hanoi Beer range from 10,000 to 25,000 VND (approximately 40 to 1.00 USD), and a 50-liter keg of draught beer costs around 600,000 VND ($25). In Central and Southern Vietnam, Huda (Hue Beer) and Saigon Beer are preferred, with similar pricing for bottles and cans compared to Hanoi Beer.
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In Vietnam, one might jokingly say that a man's next favorite spot after his mother's or wife's kitchen is the neighborhood bia hoi establishments located on busy sidewalks or at street corners. These places tend to be lively and bustling in the early evenings when people unwind after work. It’s common to see groups gathered, enjoying cold beer, sharing cheers, and discussing their day while snacking on plates of roasted or steamed peanuts.
The affordability and accessibility of these eateries are major draws for beer enthusiasts: a glass of bia hoi (approximately 400ml) costs about 10,000 to 15,000 VND (43 to 65 cents), with roasted peanuts priced at 15,000 to 20,000 VND (65 to 85 cents) per serving. A quick snack alongside a mug of beer typically won’t set you back more than 30,000 VND (around $1.30); it's tough to resist such a deal, even for those who enjoy Buffalo wings!
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Some famous spots for enjoying beer include the bustling Old Quarter in Hanoi and the Pham Ngu Lao area in Ho Chi Minh City. Notable places include the Lan Chin and Hai Xom restaurant chains in Hanoi, as well as sidewalk venues along Cay Tram Street in Ho Chi Minh City. While it's a fun experience to mingle with locals, be aware that many waitstaff may not speak English. On the bright side, they will certainly understand if you order a beer!
In recent years, more upscale restaurants have emerged to cater to higher-end clientele, offering a wider selection of beer options. These establishments typically provide craft beer bottles, cans, small kegs (2 liters) of fresh draught beer, and imports from countries like Germany, the Czech Republic, and Australia. While these venues tend to be cleaner and quieter than the street-side options, prices can be about 15 - 20% higher. If you prefer a relaxed setting or are in the mood for some nostalgic tunes from your home country, consider visiting: in Hanoi – Czechoslovakia Beer on Lang Ha Street or Red Beer on Ma May Street; and in Ho Chi Minh City – Germany Beer on Ton Duc Thang Street or Lan Anh Beer on Cach Mang Thang Tam Street.
