In Vietnam, beer is really inexpensive, and beer culture of Vietnam embraces beer enthusiasts of all kinds, whether you prefer basic light beer or fancy craft brews at various prices and service styles. Let’s delve into Vietnamez’s exploration of the beer-drinking customs among our Vietnamese folks.
Caution: Beer products are intended only for individuals aged 18 and above.
The Arrival of Beer in Vietnam
Beer was introduced to Vietnam by the French in the late 19th century. During that time, beer production was entirely manual without the use of machines. This marked the beginning of two prominent domestic beer brands in Vietnam, Habeco (Hanoi Beer) and Sabeco (Saigon Beer).
In 1970, as Vietnam adapted to new economic policies and welcomed an influx of foreign tourists, various industries underwent changes. This transformation had a significant impact on Vietnam’s beer industry, leading to job opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, engineering, and packaging. Joint venture companies were established, and the brewing systems were upgraded with new tools and equipment.
When Do Vietnamese Consume Beer?
While beer is a popular choice for quenching thirst during hot summer days, it holds deeper cultural significance and has become a habit for many Vietnamese people.
In Vietnam, it is considered customary and polite to offer each other beer when conducting business, attending events, celebrating, or meeting friends.
After work, individuals, mostly men, often gather with clients and friends to enjoy a beer together. Consequently, it is common to see streets filled with plastic tables and chairs on sidewalks, crowded with people from various social backgrounds.
Vietnamese Beer Drinking Traditions
In Vietnam, beer drinking customs vary across different regions. While people in the Northern region typically prefer chilled draft beer, those in the Central and Southern regions have a preference for beer poured into mugs with ice cubes, rarely consuming cold beer straight from bottles or cans.
When sharing a drink with locals, it’s not uncommon to hear them say “yo” or “mot hai ba do” which translates to “congratulations” in English. As a gesture of hospitality or simply out of courtesy, they may refill your glass to gauge your beer drinking prowess. If this practice is unfamiliar to you, you can always opt for a chilled beer instead.
Moreover, beer drinking in Vietnam often involves a festive atmosphere accompanied by delicious food. It is customary to consider beer sessions as a celebration with an array of tasty dishes.
Popular choices include grilled, steamed, or stir-fried snails and scallops, duck eggs, salted fish, fried rice, deep-fried salted chicken legs, frogs fried with fish sauce, and fermented pork rolls (occasionally grilled) wrapped in greens and dipped in fish sauce or chili sauce.
The variety of beer snacks is also diverse, ranging from boiled or roasted peanuts, beef jerky, grilled dried squid, fried tofu, and fried okra to French fries and cheese sticks. The selection of lighter dishes and accompanying food may differ across the various regions of Vietnam.
Beers in Vietnam
Draft Beer (Bia Hoi)
Bia Hoi is a type of beer that is brewed for a short period (around 7-10 days), pasteurized, resulting in a shorter shelf life, lower alcohol and sugar content compared to other beers.
Bia Hoi is regarded as one of the authentic Vietnamese beers as it doesn’t contain preservatives during the fermentation and brewing process, ensuring a fresh taste.
After fermentation, the beer is transferred to tanks and sterilized using compressed air, hot water (at 80°C), a 2-3 percent sodium hydroxide solution, and hot steam (at 135°C). It is then cooled with carbon dioxide gas.
This beer is most popular in the northern region of Vietnam and is the cheapest, priced at around 10,000 – 12,000 VND per cup. You can also find draft beer produced in small breweries with brewing equipment, but these may be slightly more expensive compared to those served at sidewalk restaurants.
Bottled and Canned Beer
Bottled and canned beer typically contains around 30% more hops compared to draft beer. It undergoes a longer aging process, with primary fermentation lasting approximately 5-7 days and secondary fermentation lasting over 6 days.
The beer is then filtered, carbonated with carbon dioxide gas, and extracted. In Vietnam, canned beer is more commonly consumed than bottled beer. The price of canned beer in restaurants is approximately 15,000 VND, while bottled beer is around 20,000 VND.
Some well-known local brands of bottled/canned beer that tourists can find in Vietnam include Saigon Red, Saigon Special, Hanoi Beer, 333, Huda, and White Lion. Many people also enjoy the taste of imported or international brands such as Heineken, Tiger, Larue, Budweiser, and Sapporo beer.
Craft Beer
Craft beer brands like Platinum, Pasteur Street Brewing, East West Brewing, Winking Seal, Heart of Darkness, and Fuzzy Logic have become more popular among Vietnamese consumers, especially in Ho Chi Minh City.
These breweries offer Vietnamese consumers new flavors, including Indian beer, German beer, and over 70 flavors infused with local fruits, cocoa beans, coffee beans, passion fruit, and durian.
Due to the intricacies of the brewing process and the quality of ingredients used, a pint of craft beer can cost around 100,000 VND.
Where Do Vietnamese People Typically Drink Beer?
Sidewalk Eateries
Unlike in other countries where people visit restaurants or bars to drink beer, in Vietnam, it is common for individuals to gather at “beer bars” or “pubs” set up on the sidewalks along the streets. The distinctive aspect is that these establishments also offer food to accompany the beer, and they don’t have a traditional bar counter.
Just as there are streets selling electronics, flowers, and clothes, there are also streets brimming with beer restaurants where you can enjoy affordable Vietnamese beers alongside delicious local snacks.
In Hanoi, you can find numerous beer shops on popular “backpacker” streets like Ta Hien beer street and others in the Old Quarter. Sidewalk beer establishments are scattered throughout the city.
In Ho Chi Minh City, many restaurants with outdoor seating can be spotted on sidewalks along streets such as Bui Vien, Truong Sa, and Hoang Sa. These places offer the opportunity to enjoy a pint of draft beer or indulge in delectable food. Seafood restaurants and other eateries also serve canned or bottled beer, albeit at slightly higher prices.
Upscale Bars and Restaurants
With the influence of Western culture, many young Vietnamese people prefer to frequent more upscale venues for beer consumption, such as sports bars or trendy sky bars. Naturally, the prices in these establishments are higher compared to smaller sidewalk eateries.
Conclusion – Beer Culture of Vietnam
Vietnamese beer may have a shorter history compared to other countries, but it has grown into a thriving industry in Vietnam since the 1990s.
There is a wide range of beer options available, including “bia hoi” (fresh beer), draft beer, packaged beer, and craft beer. Among these, “bia hoi” holds a special place as the most popular beer in Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi, due to its affordability and lower alcohol content.
The culinary culture surrounding beer in Vietnam is diverse and delicious, offering a variety of dishes to accompany the beverage. Even if you don’t consume alcohol, you can still enjoy these flavorful dishes.
Beer prices can vary depending on the type of beer and the establishment you choose to visit. Fancy bars tend to be more expensive compared to roadside beer halls.
It is important to note that drinking and driving is illegal and dangerous, so it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the laws and ensure that your alcohol consumption remains within the legal limits. It is always advisable to avoid driving if you have been drinking.
