Vietnamese drinks: TOP 20+ exotic and delightful beverages you have to try

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What to drink in Vietnam: The question tourists often ask when planning a trip to this country

While you are busy exploring the country’s incredible cuisine, do not overlook the amazing Vietnamese drinks and beverages. From the eminent Vietnamese coffee to the lesser-known but equally delicious sugarcane juice, the Vietnamese drink culture is as diverse and flavorful as its cuisine. Get ready to satisfy your thirst with a range of mouth-watering drinks that are waiting to be discovered when planning your Vietnam travel!

1. Get boozy with the most popular alcoholic Vietnamese drinks

Vietnam has a rich culture of alcoholic beverages that have been enjoyed for centuries. From rice wine to draught beer, there is no shortage of delicious and distinctive Vietnamese drinks.

1.1. Vietnamese liqueurs – Among the must-try traditional Vietnamese drinks

Vietnamese drinking culture would not be complete without mentioning rice wine, a liquor that is distilled from fermented rice. There are three main types of rice wine in Vietnam, each with its own unique taste and characteristics.

Ruou can is a local drink that can be found in the Central Highlands and the Northwest region of Vietnam (Source: Collected)

• Plain Rice Wine: This type of drink in Vietnam comes in two main types: sticky rice wine and ordinary rice wine. Sticky rice wine is made from glutinous rice and is typically consumed during special occasions, while ordinary rice wine is made from regular rice and is enjoyed as a casual drink.

• Herbal Wine: Vietnamese herbal wine is a traditional drink made from a combination of medicinal herbs and rice wine, believed to have various health benefits. The herbs used vary by region and include ginseng, goji berries, and lotus seeds.

• Tube Wine: Tube wine, also known as ruou can, is a traditional Vietnamese drink that is fermented with a mixture of herbs and served by sipping it directly from a long bamboo tube using a small reed straw. This communal drinking experience is often enjoyed at social gatherings and celebrations and is a must-try for tourists interested in exploring Vietnam’s rich traditions and customs.

>>> Read more: Vietnam where to go 2025: TOP extraordinary places for travel lovers

1.2. Vietnamese beer – An indispensable beverage in the life of Vietnamese people

If you are a foodie, then Vietnamese beer is an absolute must-try! From classic street-side draught beer to artisanal craft beer, there is something for everyone. And, what better way to enjoy your Vietnam trip than by sipping on a refreshing, ice-cold beer while socializing with locals or fellow travelers?

In a tropical country like Vietnam, beer is popular for its taste and coolness (Source: Collected)

• Canned/Bottled Beer: Canned beer is a more convenient option and is widely available in supermarkets and convenience stores. Popular brands include Hanoi Beer, Saigon Beer, and 333 Beer. Canned beer is often consumed at home or at outdoor gatherings and is a great way to beat the heat in Vietnam’s tropical climate.

• Vietnamese Draught Beer (Bia hoi): Draught beer is typically made by brewing beer in large batches for around 7 to 10 days, then transporting it to bars and restaurants in kegs or tanks. In Vietnam, the beer is usually served in chilled glasses or mugs, which are stored in freezers to keep them at a cold temperature. 

For tourists looking to try draught beer, you can easily find it in most bars and restaurants across the country, particularly in big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Some popular places to enjoy draught beer include Ta Hien Street in Hanoi and Bui Vien Street in Ho Chi Minh City.

1.3. Exotic Vietnamese cocktails – Among the unmissable Vietnamese drinks for a night out

There are numerous bizarre Vietnamese alcoholic drinks that adventure seekers can try:

Pho Cocktail is a one-of-a-kind drink in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

• Pho Cocktail: This one-of-a-kind cocktail was created by mixologist Pham Tien Tiep at the Diageo World Class Cocktail Competition in 2012, and it soon earned recognition. The Pho Cocktail is created by infusing traditional Pho flavors into a mix of gin and Cointreau. It features cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise, along with syrup, lime juice, and fresh coriander. 

• Coconut Worm Shot: The coconut worm shot is a local delicacy that contains duong dua, a type of coconut larva. This bizarre drink is served with a mixture of rum, coconut milk, and even fish sauce.

• Vietnamese Balut Quail Egg Cocktail: This cocktail is a twist on the classic Bloody Mary that features a delightful combination of quail eggs, Western rice wine, tamarind juice, spicy Sriracha chili sauce, and lemon.

>>> Read more: Things to do in Vietnam: A fully updated guide for your trip

2. TOP non-alcoholic Vietnamese drinks that you will love

2.1. Vietnamese coffee – The best Vietnamese drink to keep you sober all day long

As one of the largest coffee exporters worldwide, Vietnamese coffee is renowned for its exceptional and delightful flavors. The diverse ways of relishing this special brew are a testament to the creativity of the Vietnamese people.

Egg coffee, a popular drink in Vietnam, is a symbol of Hanoi’s culinary art and culture (Source: Collected)

• Iced Coffee: Vietnamese iced coffee, also known as “ca phe sua da”, is a staple in Vietnamese coffee culture and can be enjoyed at streetside vendors. The brewing process involves slowly dripping hot water through a metal filter filled with coarsely ground coffee, which is then mixed with sweetened condensed milk and poured over ice. 

• Egg Coffee: Egg coffee, or “ca phe trung”, is a unique and creamy coffee that originated in Hanoi. It is made by whipping egg yolks with sugar and coffee to create a frothy and velvety texture. The combination of the sweetened egg foam and the bitter, strong coffee creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is truly memorable. Although it was originally invented to compensate for the lack of milk during French colonial rule, egg coffee has become a popular drink throughout Vietnam, and Hanoi is still the best place to try it.

• Coconut Coffee: This type of coffee is a delightful and tropical twist on traditional coffee. The coffee is brewed in the same way as iced coffee, but instead of using sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk is added to provide natural sweetness and a unique flavor.

• Yogurt Coffee: Vietnamese Yogurt Coffee is a refreshing and healthy drink that combines creamy yogurt and rich coffee. It is a perfect drink to cool off on a hot summer day.

2.2. Vietnamese tea – The best morning drink to get your day started

Vietnamese tea is a vibrant and integral part of Vietnamese culture, dating back thousands of years. It is known for its rich and diverse flavors, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for tea lovers around the world.

Lotus tea, one of the most well-known Vietnamese drinks, is a light and calming drink that helps you unwind after a long day (Source: Collected)

• Lotus Tea: Made from delicate lotus flower petals, lotus tea has a pure aroma and a mild floral flavor. As the unofficial national flower of Vietnam, lotus tea is deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture.

• Artichoke Tea: This drink is renowned for its detoxifying properties. There are two types of artichoke tea, one made from flowers with a sweet flavor, and the other made from stems with a slightly bitter taste.

• Oolong Tea: This is a popular variety of tea grown in Vietnam, made from large leaves that bloom in late spring. It has a wonderful flavor that is less bitter than black tea, with a lingering sweetness.

• Ginger Tea: Ginger tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea that is an essential part of daily life and culture in Vietnam. Ginger is grown throughout the country and is used to treat various health issues.

>>> Read more: Vietnamese street food: 15 good-tasting dishes that can be hardly ignored

2.3. Best drinks in Vietnam to quench your thirst? Juices and smoothies

Vietnam’s abundance of fresh fruits offers a wide range of juices and smoothies for tourists to rejuvenate and unwind after a long day of wandering around. Here are some options you can opt for:

Coconut water is an irresistible drink when visiting a beach destination in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

• Coconut Water: Freshly served in a coconut shell with a straw, coconut juice provides a cool and simple way to quench your thirst. Do not forget to enjoy some mouth-watering coconuts from beachside and roadside vendors when traveling to a beach in Vietnam.

• Lime Juice: Often served with ice, limeade is a truly refreshing drink that cools you down after a long walk. 

• Sugarcane Juice: As you wander through the bustling markets and vibrant streets of Vietnam, it is hard to miss numerous street vendors using hand-powered cranks to crush sugarcane stalks. This light and golden-hued juice is a staple Vietnamese drink that you cannot miss.

• Smoothies: For health-conscious foodies, Vietnamese fruit smoothies are a must-try. Made with fresh, locally-sourced fruits and vegetables, they are a delicious and refreshing choice. Some popular smoothies you can try are made with jackfruits, durians, and avocados.

2.4. Dessert drinks – Among the most popular energy-boosting drinks in Vietnam

Make sure you save room for Che, a sweet and delicious treat (Source: Collected)

Vietnamese sweet soup, also known as “che,” is a popular dessert that can be found at many street vendors and restaurants in Vietnam. It is made with a combination of various ingredients, including beans, fruits, jellies, and tapioca pearls, and sweetened with sugar or coconut milk.

Some popular varieties of sweet soup include black bean sweet soup (che dau den), which is made with black beans, coconut milk, and sugar; lotus seed sweet soup (che hat sen), which is made with lotus seeds, longan fruit, and rock sugar; and Vietnamese three-color dessert (che ba mau), which is made with mung beans, red beans, and pandan jelly in coconut milk. These Vietnamese drinks are not only delectable but also offer a refreshing way to cool down on a scorching day.

>>> Read more: Vietnamese food: List of 17 must-try specialties over three regions

Vietnam offers not only delightful beverages but also a plethora of captivating tourist destinations that will make your vacation truly unforgettable. Do not miss out on visiting some enchanting places such as the quaint Hoi An Ancient Town, the vibrant city of Da Nang, the crystal-clear beaches of Nha Trang, and the mesmerizing Phu Quoc Island.

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Indulging in Vietnamese drinks is a must-do for any traveler looking to immerse themselves in the country’s rich culture and cuisine. From an invigorating caffeine boost to heavenly sweet treats, there is a beverage for every mood and moment in this tropical paradise. Do not miss out on this opportunity to quench your thirst for adventure and tantalize your senses with the unique and exquisite flavors of Vietnamese drinks.

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