Vietnam is known for its rich and vibrant culinary scene, and that extends to its beverages as well. While the country is famous for its traditional coffee, there are many other delicious and refreshing drinks that you can find in Vietnam.
One of the most popular drinks in Vietnam is, of course, Vietnamese coffee. Made with strong, dark coffee and sweetened condensed milk, it is a unique and addictive beverage. Whether enjoyed hot or over ice, Vietnamese coffee is a must-try for any coffee lover.
In addition to coffee, Vietnam is also known for its refreshing fruit shakes and smoothies. Made with tropical fruits such as mango, pineapple, and dragon fruit, these drinks are the perfect way to cool down on a hot day. They are often blended with ice and served with a few sprigs of mint for added freshness.
Another unique drink to try is “bia hoi,” which is a type of Vietnamese draft beer. Bia hoi is a light and crisp beer that is made fresh daily and sold by the glass at roadside stalls. It is a popular drink among locals and tourists alike, especially in the hot and humid summer months.
Whether you are a coffee lover or looking for a refreshing fruit shake, Vietnam has a wide range of delicious beverages to offer. From traditional Vietnamese coffee to tropical fruit shakes and crisp bia hoi, there is something to suit every taste and preference.
Traditional Vietnamese Drinks
Vietnam is known for its wide variety of traditional drinks that are both refreshing and delicious. These beverages are often enjoyed throughout the day and can be found at local street stalls, bustling markets, and cozy cafes.
1. Ca phe sua da: This popular Vietnamese iced coffee is made by brewing coarsely ground robusta coffee beans directly into a cup of condensed milk. The mixture is then poured over ice to create a rich and creamy beverage that is perfect for hot weather.
2. Tra da: Known as Vietnamese iced tea, tra da is a refreshing drink made from black tea and sweetened with sugar. It is often served with a slice of lemon and is a favorite choice among locals and tourists alike.
3. Nuoc mia: A true Vietnamese classic, nuoc mia is a sweet and tangy sugarcane juice that is made by passing sugar cane stalks through a press. The resulting juice is incredibly refreshing and is often garnished with a squeeze of lime.
4. Bia hoi: Bia hoi is a light and refreshing beer that is popular in Vietnam. It is brewed fresh and has a low alcohol content, making it a great option for those looking for a lighter beer.
5. Sinh to: Sinh to is a delicious Vietnamese smoothie made from a combination of fresh fruit, ice, and sweetened condensed milk. It comes in a variety of flavors, including mango, avocado, and durian.
6. Sua chua nep cam: Sua chua nep cam is a traditional yogurt drink that is sweetened with purple sticky rice. It has a creamy texture and a slightly sweet and tart flavor that is perfect for a refreshing pick-me-up.
7. Rau ma: Rau ma is a refreshing herbal tea made from the leaves of the rau ma plant. It has a grassy and slightly bitter taste and is often served hot or cold with a squeeze of lime.
These traditional Vietnamese drinks are a true reflection of Vietnamese culture and are a must-try when visiting the country. Whether you’re relaxing at a street-side cafe or exploring a bustling market, be sure to quench your thirst with one of these refreshing beverages.
Popular and Refreshing Choices
When it comes to popular and refreshing beverages in Vietnam, there are several options that locals and visitors alike enjoy. These drinks are perfect for quenching your thirst in the hot and humid climate of Vietnam.
1. Ca Phe Sua Da: This is Vietnam’s famous iced coffee. It is made by combining strong Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk and serving it over ice. Ca Phe Sua Da is rich, creamy, and a favorite among coffee lovers.
2. Tra Da: This is the classic Vietnamese iced tea. It is made by brewing black or green tea and then serving it over ice. Tra Da is often sweetened with sugar or honey and can be enjoyed plain or with a slice of lemon.
3. Vietnamese Fruit Smoothies: These refreshing smoothies are made with a blend of fresh tropical fruits, ice, and condensed milk. Popular fruit choices include mango, pineapple, dragon fruit, and avocado. Vietnamese fruit smoothies are deliciously sweet and perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
4. Sinh To: Sinh To is a traditional Vietnamese fruit shake. It is made by blending a variety of fresh fruits, such as bananas, strawberries, and papayas, with ice and condensed milk. Sinh To is a healthy and refreshing choice for those looking to enjoy the flavors of Vietnam’s delicious fruits.
5. Coconut Water: Vietnam is known for its abundance of coconuts, and coconut water is a popular choice for hydration. This clear and sweet liquid is extracted from young coconuts and is packed with electrolytes, making it a natural and refreshing thirst quencher.
6. Beer: Beer is also a popular choice among locals in Vietnam. The country has a thriving beer culture, and there are several local brands to choose from. Bia Hoi, a light and inexpensive draft beer, is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
7. Chè: Chè is a traditional Vietnamese dessert soup that is often enjoyed as a refreshing drink. It is made by combining various ingredients such as beans, glutinous rice, coconut milk, and fruit in a sweet broth. Chè is a unique and delightful beverage that offers a combination of flavors and textures.
These popular and refreshing choices are just a few examples of the delicious drinks you can enjoy in Vietnam. Whether you are looking for something sweet, creamy, or healthy, Vietnam has a wide variety of options to satisfy your thirst.
Unusual and Unique Flavors
In addition to the well-known drinks like coffee and tea, Vietnam is also known for its unusual and unique flavors in beverages. One popular choice is coconut water, which is not only refreshing, but also rich in electrolytes. Another interesting option is the durian smoothie, made from the famously pungent durian fruit. Despite its strong smell, durian smoothie is loved by many locals and tourists.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try snake wine, a unique Vietnamese specialty. It is made by infusing whole snakes in rice wine, resulting in a strong and potent drink. Snake wine is believed to have medicinal properties and is often enjoyed as a health tonic.
For those with a sweet tooth, che is a must-try. Che is a dessert beverage that comes in many different flavors. From the popular sweet corn and mung bean che to the more exotic varieties like lotus seed and seaweed che, there is something to satisfy every craving.
Another unique flavor to explore is trà đa sắc. This colorful drink consists of layers of different herbal teas and flowers, creating a visually appealing and aromatic experience. Each layer has a distinct flavor, making trà đa sắc both beautiful and delightful to drink.
Finally, if you’re looking for a refreshing and healthy option, try sugarcane juice. Made by pressing sugarcane stalks, this drink is sweet and naturally hydrating. It’s a popular choice on hot summer days and can be enjoyed plain or with a hint of lime juice for extra zing.
When visiting Vietnam, don’t miss the opportunity to try some of these unusual and unique flavors. They will give you a taste of the country’s vibrant and diverse drink culture.
Famous Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnamese coffee is known for its unique and strong taste. It has gained popularity all over the world due to its distinctive preparation method and flavor. Here are some of the famous Vietnamese coffee varieties:
- Ca phe sua da: Ca phe sua da is a popular Vietnamese iced coffee. It is made by combining freshly brewed dark roast coffee with sweetened condensed milk. The drink is then poured over ice, creating a refreshing and creamy beverage.
- Ca phe trung: Ca phe trung, also known as egg coffee, is a specialty of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. It is made by beating egg yolks with condensed milk and coffee, resulting in a rich and frothy drink. Ca phe trung is often enjoyed hot and is a perfect choice for coffee lovers looking for a unique and indulgent experience.
- Ca phe sua nong: Ca phe sua nong is a traditional Vietnamese coffee made with hot water and sweetened condensed milk. The coffee is brewed using a metal filter called a phin and is served steaming hot. It is a popular choice during colder months and is often enjoyed with a traditional Vietnamese breakfast.
Vietnamese coffee is typically made with robusta beans, which give it its strong flavor and distinctive aroma. The coffee beans are often grown in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam, which has the perfect climate and soil conditions for coffee cultivation.
When visiting Vietnam, trying a cup of famous Vietnamese coffee is a must. The unique preparation methods and flavors will leave you with a memorable coffee experience.
Strong and Aromatic Robusta
Vietnam is known for its production of Robusta coffee beans, which are strong and aromatic. Robusta coffee is made from the Coffea canephora plant, which is native to Africa but is now widely grown in Vietnam. The Robusta beans have a higher caffeine content compared to Arabica beans, which gives the coffee a bold and intense flavor.
In Vietnam, Robusta coffee is typically prepared using a special brewing method called phin. The phin is a small metal filter that sits on top of a cup or mug. Ground coffee is placed in the phin, and hot water is poured over it. The water slowly drips through the coffee, resulting in a concentrated brew.
Robusta coffee in Vietnam is often enjoyed in the form of Vietnamese iced coffee, known as ca phe sua da. This beverage is made by adding sweetened condensed milk to the brewed coffee, which creates a creamy and sweet taste. The strong and aromatic flavors of Robusta coffee are complemented by the rich and indulgent flavors of the condensed milk.
Whether enjoyed hot or cold, Robusta coffee is a popular choice among locals and tourists alike in Vietnam. Its strong and bold flavor makes it a great choice for those who prefer a powerful cup of coffee.
Sweet and Creamy Egg Coffee
Egg coffee is a unique and popular Vietnamese drink that combines the rich flavors of coffee with the sweet and creamy texture of egg. It is a specialty of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, and has become a must-try for many visitors.
The secret to making egg coffee lies in the preparation of the egg yolk mixture. Vietnamese people use the yolks of chicken eggs, which are whisked together with condensed milk and sugar until frothy and creamy. This mixture is then combined with a strong cup of Vietnamese coffee, typically made using a traditional drip filter.
The result is a delicious and indulgent beverage that has a silky-smooth texture and a sweet, creamy taste. The combination of the bitter coffee and the sweet egg mixture creates a unique and harmonious flavor profile that is unlike any other drink.
Egg coffee is typically served in a small cup, with the creamy egg mixture floating on top of the strong coffee. Some people like to sprinkle a little cocoa powder or cinnamon on top for added flavor and presentation.
Trung Nguyen Café in Hanoi is one of the most famous establishments for egg coffee in Vietnam. The café has been serving this drink for decades and is known for its perfectly balanced concoction. Many locals and tourists flock to Trung Nguyen Café to enjoy a cup of this delectable beverage.
If you ever find yourself in Vietnam, don’t miss the chance to try the sweet and creamy goodness of egg coffee. It’s a unique and delightful experience that will leave you craving for more!
Tropical Fruit Juices
When it comes to refreshing beverages in Vietnam, tropical fruit juices are a popular choice among locals and tourists alike. The country is blessed with an abundance of exotic fruits, and this is evident in the variety of delicious fruit juices available.
One of the most widely enjoyed tropical fruit juices in Vietnam is fresh mango juice. Made from ripe, succulent mangoes, this juice is known for its vibrant color and sweet, tangy taste. It’s perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot day.
Another popular choice is pineapple juice. Made from juicy pineapples, this tropical fruit juice is the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. It’s often served with a splash of lime juice for an extra refreshing twist.
For those looking for a unique and refreshing experience, jackfruit juice is a must-try. Jackfruit is a tropical fruit with a sweet and fragrant taste. Its juice is known for its rich and creamy texture, making it a delightful treat.
Mangosteen juice is another tropical fruit juice that’s worth trying. Mangosteen is a small, purple fruit with a juicy white flesh. Its juice has a unique flavor profile, combining sweetness with a hint of sourness.
Finally, dragon fruit juice is a visually appealing option. Dragon fruit, with its vibrant pink or white flesh, is a tropical fruit that’s low in calories and high in antioxidants. Its juice is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits.
Overall, Vietnam’s tropical fruit juices are a must-try for anyone visiting the country. From mango and pineapple to jackfruit and mangosteen, there’s a juice to suit every taste preference. So, don’t miss out on trying these refreshing beverages during your time in Vietnam!
Luscious and Refreshing Sugar Cane Juice
Sugar cane juice is a popular and refreshing drink in Vietnam. Made from the juice of the sugarcane plant, this drink offers a burst of luscious sweetness that is sure to please your taste buds. The juice is extracted by pressing the stalks of sugar cane, resulting in a vibrant and flavorful beverage.
What makes sugar cane juice so special is not just its taste, but also its health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for maintaining a healthy body. Additionally, sugar cane juice is a natural source of energy, making it the perfect thirst quencher on a hot day.
In Vietnam, you can find sugar cane juice vendors in almost every corner. They often have fresh sugar cane stalks piled up, ready to be crushed and transformed into a refreshing drink. It’s common to see people enjoying sugar cane juice on the streets, sipping it through a straw or pouring it over ice.
To enhance the flavor of sugar cane juice, some vendors add a hint of lime or lemon, giving it a tangy twist. Others may also offer variations such as mixing it with coconut water or adding a scoop of ice cream on top. Regardless of how you choose to enjoy it, sugar cane juice is a must-try beverage when visiting Vietnam.
Next time you find yourself in Vietnam, don’t forget to indulge in the luscious and refreshing sugar cane juice. It’s the perfect way to beat the heat and experience the flavors of this vibrant country.
