A Taste of Vietnam: Exploring Traditional Vietnamese Beverages

Whilst Vietnamese cuisine often takes centre stage, the country’s diverse and flavourful beverages deserve equal attention. From the bold richness of its coffee to the subtle elegance of its teas and the refreshing kick of local beers, Vietnamese drinks offer a fascinating glimpse into the country’s geography, history, and culture. Let’s embark on a journey through Vietnam’s liquid landscape.

Vietnamese Coffee: A Bold, Regional Brew

Vietnamese coffee has gained global recognition for its distinctive preparation methods and robust flavours. The Central Highlands, particularly Buôn Ma Thuột in Đắk Lắk province, is the heart of Vietnam’s coffee production. Known as the nation’s coffee capital, this region’s volcanic soil and ideal climate create the perfect environment for growing robusta beans. These beans, known for their bold, bitter taste and high caffeine content, form the backbone of traditional Vietnamese coffee drinks.

Two iconic Vietnamese coffee preparations are:

1. Cà phê sữa đá: Iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk
2. Cà phê trứng: Egg coffee, a Hanoi speciality featuring a creamy egg-based foam atop strong coffee

For those seeking a milder brew, the city of Đà Lạt in Lâm Đồng province is renowned for its high-quality arabica beans. The cooler, misty climate results in a smoother, more nuanced coffee that’s gaining recognition both domestically and internationally.

Unique Experience:

Cà Phê Chồn (Weasel Coffee): For the adventurous coffee enthusiast, Vietnam offers cà phê chồn, or weasel coffee. This luxury coffee is made from beans that have been eaten and partially digested by civets (erroneously called weasels). The resulting brew is said to have a uniquely smooth and less bitter taste. While ethical concerns surround its production, some plantations offer tours where visitors can learn about the process and sample this rare coffee.

Tea: A Tradition of Elegance

Tea, or trà, is integral to Vietnamese culture, often enjoyed at family gatherings, celebrations, or as part of daily life. Green tea is the most popular variety, with the northern provinces like Thái Nguyên being famous for producing high-quality leaves.

Some notable Vietnamese teas include:

1. Trà sen (Lotus tea): A Hanoi speciality where green tea leaves are scented with lotus flower petals
2. Trà lài (Jasmine tea): A fragrant variety enjoyed across the country
3. Trà atisô (Artichoke tea): A speciality of Đà Lạt, known for its health benefits

Vietnamese teas are typically enjoyed in small sips, often paired with light snacks like dried fruits or sunflower seeds.

Beer: A Refreshing Companion

Beer is hugely popular in Vietnam, with both local and international varieties readily available. The most well-known local beers include:

1. Bia Saigon: From Ho Chi Minh City
2. Bia Hà Nội: From Hanoi

These light, crisp lagers perfectly complement Vietnam’s hot, humid climate and bold street food flavours.

A unique drinking experience in Vietnam is bia hơi (fresh beer). These small, often street-side establishments serve freshly brewed beer in small glasses, offering a glimpse into local drinking culture.

For craft beer enthusiasts, Vietnam’s growing craft beer scene offers unique brews often infused with local ingredients like passion fruit and lemongrass.

Wine: From Grapes to Fruits

While less prominent than beer or coffee, Vietnam has a growing wine industry. Đà Lạt, in the Central Highlands, is home to Vietnam’s primary grape wine production, with Đà Lạt Wine being a popular brand.

In addition to grape wines, Vietnam produces a variety of fruit wines made from local produce such as:

1. Sim wine: Made from rose myrtle berries on Phú Quốc Island
2. Mulberry wine: A speciality of Đà Lạt
3. Rice wine: Found throughout the country, with regional variations

These wines are often enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations.

Pairing Vietnamese Drinks with Food

The pairing of beverages with food in Vietnam is an art form. The strong, bitter notes of Vietnamese coffee pair beautifully with sweet treats like bánh mì or rich desserts. The light, refreshing nature of Vietnamese beer makes it a perfect match for savoury dishes like phở or bún chả. For tea, subtle jasmine or lotus flavours complement the delicate freshness of spring rolls or herb-infused salads.

Whether you’re indulging in the robust flavours of Central Highlands coffee, sipping a fragrant lotus tea, or enjoying a cold beer at a bustling street-side bia hơi, the world of Vietnamese beverages offers a journey as rich and diverse as the country’s culinary landscape itself.

For those unable to visit Vietnam, many of these drinks have made their way into international markets, allowing you to experience a taste of Vietnam wherever you are. Look for Vietnamese coffee brands like Trung Nguyên in speciality shops, or seek out Vietnamese restaurants that offer authentic beverage options alongside their food menus.