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Explore all Vietnamese drinks from the most famous ones to some lesser-known impressive beverages of Vietnam.
Vietnamese cuisine has made such a strong impression on tourists worldwide, and Vietnamese drinks will astound you all with a wide range of options and flavors.
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1. Vietnamese coffee
In Vietnam, coffee is much more than a simple beverage; it's an essential part of everyday life. Vietnamese coffee is special with a secret in the ingredients, and the processing method. Strong and bitter taste is the signature of this Vietnamese drink.
Vietnamese drip coffee
In Vietnam, the most common method of making coffee is with a filter drip called a "Phin”. It is strong with very nuanced flavor notes that can be bitter, sweet, refreshing, and savory all at once.
1.1. Vietnamese milk coffee
Vietnamese iced milk coffee was ranked 2nd in the world's list of the 10 best coffees on Taste Atlas. Imagine the bitterness and astringency of coffee perfectly blended with the sweet and fatty taste of condensed milk. It is no wonder that this drink is loved by coffeeholic around the world.
Condensed milk is the key ingredient in creating this most popular drink in Vietnam. It helps enhance the coffee taste by adding a rich and moderately sweet flavor. Plus, you can tell the barista to adjust the sweetness of your cup to your liking.
Vietnamese condensed milk coffee
The interesting thing is that Vietnamese iced milk coffee can be found in every corner of the country, in the form of a sideway vendor or a luxury cafe. This offers you chances to enjoy this great coffee when you are in a hurry.
See more: The 11 Best Cafes in Hanoi - From Specialties to Coffee Chains
1.2. Vietnamese salt coffee
If you crave for something new and exciting, Vietnamese salt coffee should be on your list of must-try Vietnamese drinks. Salt coffee originated in the ancient capital of Hue and quickly spread throughout major cities. This Vietnamese drink is made by brewing strong coffee with condensed milk and a hint of saltiness creating a rich, aromatic flavor.
Vietnamese salt coffee
The taste of salt reduces the bitterness of the coffee and makes it more passionate, while the milk becomes more fragrant and sweet. Though “salty” as it seems, this refreshment is quite easy to drink. If you try tasting enough, you will find out that each coffee shop in Vietnam has a unique recipe and the secret to making the perfect cup of salted coffee.
1.3. Vietnamese coconut coffee
Vietnamese coconut coffee is a highly sought-after drink among foreigners visiting Vietnam. One of the most famous coffee chains in Vietnam, the Cong Cafe, is known for making the perfect coconut coffee. If you love coffee but also have a sweet tooth, then coconut coffee is the perfect choice for you.
Vietnamese coconut coffee
Instead of simply stirring the ingredients, the barista grinds them finely with a little ice before adding that mixture to the pre-poured coffee cup. The result is an exquisite blend of flavors that is not too greasy nor bitter and easy to drink. The balance of bitterness and sweetness involved in this beverage brings about a lingering aftertaste of both coconut and coffee, delving you into a sensory journey.
1.4. Vietnamese egg coffee
Hanoi egg coffee is one of the most popular coffee recipes in Vietnam. This Vietnamese drink has taken the cake on Buzzfeed list of the 17 best types of coffee to try around the world.
Hanoi egg coffee
You should drink this type of coffee while it remains hot. If not, a fishy taste can appear. The ways to keep it most tasty are to savor the coffee immediately or keep the cup of coffee warm for as long as possible. Therefore, many places serve egg coffee with a bowl of hot water.
While the iced version of this coffee does exist, the hot version remains much more popular. On chilly days, a cup of egg coffee served with warm green sticky rice is a must-try for international visitors who want to try the typical local breakfast. For the most authentic taste of Hanoi egg coffee, visit Giang Cafe, where it was originally invented.
Read more: Top Five Cafés that Serve the Best Egg Coffee in Hanoi
2. Vietnamese juice
As a typical tropical country, Vietnam is famous for its fresh fruit. You can easily enjoy a cup of fruit juice in every corner of Vietnam. The following are the most popular Vietnamese juices.
2.1. Sugarcane juice
In Vietnam, sugarcane juice is the street drink of choice to stay cool and hydrated in the summer. Sugarcane juice is also well-known in Europe and Korea. This Vietnamese drink is affordable, making it a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.
Vietnamese sugar cane juice
Vietnamese sugarcane juice is much more delicious when added with kumquat and just a little salt. These ingredients work wonders for balancing the sweetness of the juice to create a unique flavor that is somewhat savory and sweet.
So, be sure to try a glass of Vietnamese sugarcane juice. It's the perfect way to cool down and satisfy your thirst with the unique Vietnamese flavor.
2.2. Coconut water
If you are looking for a familiar refreshing beverage to quench your thirst, Vietnamese coconut water is an excellent choice. You can enjoy it straight out or mix it with your favorite fruit juice for a tasty and healthy twist.
Vietnamese coconut water
The coconut water is extracted from the young green coconuts that grow in Vietnam's tropical climate, providing a taste that is unique and authentic to the region. This Vietnamese drink contains natural electrolytes that help keep you hydrated and energized.
After drinking all the water, people can eat the coconut meat inside. The most common technique is to use a spoon to scoop out each bite and savor the deliciousness.
Read more: Ben Tre - Vietnam's Coconut Kingdom
2.3. Pennywort juice
Besides being used as an ingredient in various dishes, pennywort is also a popular ingredient for refreshing and healthy drinks in Vietnam.
Gotu kola or pennywort juice, is known for its slightly sweet and bitter taste and is best enjoyed when served chilled with ice.
Vietnamese pennywort water
The original taste of pennywort juice can be a bit “weird” and challenging to drink, even for a few locals as well. However, many sellers have come up with creative recipes to make this Vietnamese drink much more delicious.
By adding a little coconut milk and mashed green beans, people can create a delicious coconut pennywort juice that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Plus, it is packed with nutrients and health benefits, making it a great choice for those looking to stay hydrated on summer days.
2.4. Passion fruit
Passion fruit juice is a perfect summerbeverage in Vietnam. This delicious Vietnamese drink boasts a sweet and relaxing aroma, along with a mild sour taste that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Vietnamese passion fruit water
The making of this drink is not complicated at all. By mixing passion fruit juice with sugar, water, and ice, you complete a cup of sweet and sour passion fruit. Passion fruit contains a lot of edible seeds, but some people find them quite annoying. Anyway, you can enjoy the drink after waiting a few minutes for these seeds to settle. With a flavor that is more special than that of lemons or limes, passion fruit juice is a must-try Vietnamese drink.
2.5. Kumquat tea
Whether you are sipping kumquat tea hot on a chilly day or iced on a hot summer afternoon, Vietnamese kumquat tea is a true delight for your senses. With each sip, the initial taste is a burst of tangy sour notes, which gradually give way to a subtle sweetness that lingers on your tongue. This Vietnamese drink has a bright and refreshing aroma that instantly transports you to a sunny citrus grove
Vietnamese kumquat tea
Vietnamese kumquat tea is an interesting mix of sour lemons and the sweetness of oranges. They use only the freshest kumquats, expertly blending them with tea and the right amount of sugar. The result is a beverage that is both invigorating and satisfying, leaving you feeling refreshed and energized.
2.6. Iced tamarind juice
Another popular drink in Vietnam every summertime is iced tamarind juice. Hardly found in famous restaurants or cafes, you can only enjoy this beverage at some street vendor carts or markets.
The drink is made with real sweetened tamarind, which gives it a sweet and sour taste that bursts with flavor in every sip. In addition, this Vietnamese drink comes with crunchy peanuts that add a lovely texture to the enjoyment.
Vietnamese iced tamarind
It is important to note that there are seeds in the tamarind, so one must take care to split them out while enjoying the drink. This unique Vietnamese beverage is a must-try for anyone visiting Vietnam during the summertime.
3. Vietnamese herbal tea
While savoring the scrumptious specialty, remember to drink a refreshing glass of herbal tea. This drink promises to refresh your taste buds and soothe your body. Made from a mix of natural ingredients such as green tea leaves, cinnamon, lemongrass, and so on, it offers many health benefits.
Vietnamese herbal tea
The versions of Vietnamese herbal tea include Hue royal tea, Vietnamese ginger tea, artichoke tea, and chamomile tea. If you visit Hoi An, don’t miss the chance to try their famous "Mót" water, which is a type of herbal water that is popular here. In other cities, you will find a similar one called "Sâm" water, which offers a cool taste and a distinct herbal aroma. It is perfect for unwinding after a long day of sightseeing and helps in balancing your health.
4. Vietnamese beer
The beer culture in Vietnam is deeply ingrained in the local lifestyle, with people gathering to enjoy a cold brew with friends and family.
The light and refreshing flavor of Vietnamese beer pairs perfectly with the daily spicy and flavorful cuisine. The beer is also brewed with a variety of local ingredients, such as rice, cassava, and maize besides malt and barley, which lend it a distinct taste and aroma that is uniquely Vietnamese.
Vietnamese beer brands
There are plenty of options to choose from beer brands in Vietnam. Bia Hơi, a light and refreshing beer that is brewed fresh daily, is a popular choice among locals and visitors alike. Meanwhile, Saigon Beer, or Hanoi Beer, with its crisp and clean taste, is a staple in many bars and restaurants throughout the country.
Vietnamese fresh beer called Bia Hơi
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Vietnamese beer is the way it is packaged. Not only being served in bottles or cans, but it is also often poured into cups with ice cubes and served at street-side stalls. This casual and quirky approach to serving beer is a reflection of the laid-back and friendly culture, and it's an experience that visitors are sure to remember.
Once you visit Vietnam, be sure to grab a cold glass of beer and join in on the fun. It's the perfect way to cool down, relax, and experience the unique flavors and Vietnamese culture.
5. Vietnamese rice wine
Vietnamese rice wine is a true reflection of the diverse regions and climates. The incubation method used in each region, combined with the local climate, results in a wide range of flavors and aromas.
Vietnamese rice wine
This diversity is what makes Vietnamese rice wine so exciting to try. Each city and region has its signature style, from the sweet and fragrant rice wine of Hanoi to the fiery and potent rice wine of the Central Highlands.
Locals use their unique recipes, often passed down through generations, to create the perfect blend of rice, yeast, and water. Regardless of where you try it, one thing is for certain: the quality of the rice used is essential to producing a delicious batch of rice wine.
6. Bubble tea
Though it is not a traditional Vietnamese beverage, bubble tea has become popular among Vietnamese youth. Originating from Taiwan, bubble tea is then adjusted in recipes to Vietnamese tastes. Many sellers use Vietnamese highland tea such as Oolong tea, black tea, and green tea,... grown in Thai Nguyen, Da Lat, Ha Giang. You can easily find a place that offers bubble tea in every corner of the city from a street vendor cart or a well-known brand store.
Vietnamese bubble tea
The tea brewing process gives it a slightly acrid taste that is balanced out by the addition of just the right amount of flavorsome and rich milk. With each sip, you can appreciate the nuances of the tea and milk flavors blending in perfect harmony. Despite its strong tea flavor, this Vietnamese drink is not bitter at all but a unique and impressive aftertaste.
Conclusion
Vietnamese drinks are a delightful and unique aspect of Vietnamese cuisine that features a diverse range of flavors. The unique blend of ingredients and preparation methods used in popular Vietnamese drinks offer a unique sensory experience that cannot be found anywhere else. So, give these flavorful beverages a try and experience the true taste of Vietnam.
If you have any more questions, feel free to comment below for instant assistance.
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