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Mot Hoi An: A simple drink that draws every traveler

15/11/2025

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Mot Hoi An is a unique drink that has become a must-try for every visitor to Hoi An Ancient Town. Famous for its refreshing blend of traditional herbs and flavors, Mot perfectly captures the essence of the town’s serene and peaceful vibe. Read on to discover some fascinating facts about this special drink!

1. Origin of Mot Hoi An and its name
2. Distinctive features and flavors of Mot Hoi An
3. Essential information about the eatery of Mot Hoi An

1. Origin of Mot Hoi An and its name

The origin of Mot Hoi An is rooted in tradition and family legacy. When people first hear the name “Mót,” many might assume it refers to an ingredient, similar to ginseng or other herbal drinks like iced tea or artemisia tea. However, few know that “Mót” is actually the childhood name of Mr. Nguyen Huu Xuan, the creator of this beloved drink.

Mr. Xuan’s family has a long history in traditional medicine, running a shop called “An Thai Ong Thay Tai,” which has been famous in Hoi An for over a century. Wanting to honor his grandfather’s legacy, Mr. Xuan created Mot tea, not as a cure for diseases but as a refreshing herbal remedy meant to soothe the souls of visitors in the serene Hoi An Ancient Town.

Visitors to Mot Hoi An often rave about the unique herbal tea (Source: Collected)

Drawing from his childhood experiences and the knowledge passed down from his grandfather, Mr. Xuan initially mixed the herbs and ingredients to make a drink for his family to enjoy on hot summer days. It was meant to cool them down and relieve common ailments like colds.

However, as friends and neighbors began to taste the drink, they praised it for its refreshing flavor. This inspired Mr. Xuan to take a step further and open a small stall, serving the herbal drink to the public.

While creating the recipe, Mr. Xuan took into account the needs of tourists, who often experience indigestion or bloating after trying the many local street foods. Mot Hoi An herbal tea not only quenches thirst but also helps with digestion and eases the stomach.

Many people take photos with their drinks at Mot Hoi An (Source: Collected)

Let’s explore exciting things to do in Hoi An!

2. Distinctive features and flavors of Mot Hoi An

Mot stands out due to its unique blend of ingredients and the simple yet intricate cooking process. While the drink is made from a variety of herbs, some key ingredients are lemongrass, lemon, monk fruit, licorice, cinnamon, honeysuckle, chrysanthemum, dried summer grass, ginger, green tea leaves, lotus flowers, and jujubes.

The combination can include up to around 20 ingredients. Although these components are easy to find and relatively affordable, their fusion creates a distinctive, fragrant drink.

The cooking process, though seemingly simple, demands precision and patience. Mr. Xuan, the creator of Mot, prefers using firewood to prepare the drink, as the gentle heat helps bring out the flavors.

First, fresh tea leaves are boiled to infuse the water with a green hue and a refreshing taste. Then, lemongrass, licorice, monk fruit, ginger, and other herbs are added with careful timing to ensure none of the flavors overpower each other and that the tea remains clear.

The final touch is honey, which adds both sweetness and nutritional value. The combination of herbs creates a layered fragrance, like a natural perfume with top, middle, and base notes. The tea takes on a shimmering yellow color, a harmonious blend of the green tea leaves and the brown tones of the herbs.

Mot Hoi An showcases the beauty of traditional Vietnamese herbs (Source: Collected)

In terms of flavor, Mot herbal tea is a delightful combination of the sourness of lemon, the floral aroma of chrysanthemum, and a lingering sweet aftertaste from the herbs’ natural sugars. This famous drink in Hoi An is both refreshing and soothing, offering a unique sensory experience for those who try it.

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3. Essential information about the eatery of Mot Hoi An

If you are planning to include your Hoi An itinerary, the below information will help you make the most of your visit.

3.1. Address, opening hours

Address: No. 150 Tran Phu Street, Hoi An Dong Ward
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Getting to the Mot Hoi An stall is easy due to its prime location in the heart of Hoi An’s ancient town. Starting from the iconic Japanese Bridge, visitors can simply walk about 130 meters straight along Tran Phu Street to find the shop.

Mot herbal tea has been serving its famous herbal drink since 2015, and in 2017, lemongrass herbal tea was registered for intellectual property rights. You will find the only authentic stall at 150 Tran Phu, making it a must-visit stop for those exploring the old town.

It is convenient for tourists to visit Mot Hoi An (Source: Collected)

3.2. Eatery space

The charm of Mot Hoi An goes beyond just a refreshing drink. Mr. Xuan has created a space that appeals to today’s travelers, who appreciate both aesthetics and ambiance. The stall is decorated with plenty of greenery, flowers, and herbs, giving it a fresh and inviting look. At the center of the setup is a bamboo tray filled with herbs, surrounding a pot of herbal water. Next to it, there is always a vase of bright pink lotus flowers, which adds a beautiful touch and often catches the attention of visitors.

Mot Hoi An has become a must-visit spot in the ancient town (Source: Collected)

Tourists also love snapping photos with their Mot drinks, which come in paper cups and reed straws. These eco-friendly options are a small but meaningful way the shop supports local environmental efforts. Overall, Mot’s simple, charming decor makes it a great spot for both enjoying a drink and taking in the lovely surroundings.

3.3. Menu and prices

Mot Hoi An’s menu features not only the signature herbal tea but also a variety of local dishes that highlight the flavors of Hoi An. The Mot herbal drink is priced at just 18,000 VND per cup, making it an affordable and refreshing choice.

In addition to Mot, the eatery offers other popular Vietnamese dishes, including cao lau, banh mi, pho, and chicken rice. These dishes are also reasonably priced, typically costing just a few tens of thousands of VND. This variety allows customers to enjoy a delightful meal while experiencing the authentic tastes of Hoi An, all in a charming setting.

After a long day of exploring, stopping by Mot Hoi An is a great way to relax (Source: Collected)

Read more: Hoi An cafes: 15 places to satisfy coffeeholics and shutterbugs

Mot Hoi An is more than just a drink or an eatery; it offers a delightful experience that embodies the spirit of Hoi An. With its unique herbal concoction, charming decor, and commitment to sustainability, Mot has become a must-visit spot for both locals and tourists alike. Its affordable prices, paired with a menu of traditional Vietnamese dishes, make it the perfect place to relax and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the ancient town.

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