Beer is ubiquitous in Vietnamese life. A stroll through the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hue, or Hoi An, you’ll find its omnipresence through the sounds of animated conversations, laughter, and the constant clinking of glasses, whether at bustling roadside stalls or chic rooftop bars.
Vietnam’s Beer Through the Ages
When did beer become as integral to Vietnamese food and drink culture as coffee, pho or bun cha? While dishes like pho and bun cha are well-known staples of Vietnam’s diverse cuisine, Vietnamese beer has established itself as a classic element of the country’s drinking culture. However, few people realize that this popular beverage wasn’t originally native to Vietnam. Let’s explore how beer made its journey from a foreign import to becoming a defining trait of Vietnam’s culinary landscape.
The South:
In 1875, it was a Frenchman named Victor Larue who sparked this beer revolution in southern Vietnam. His journey began with a small brewery located in Saigon, known as BGI Brewery. The brewery soon flourished with its first label, “33 Export,” which became quite popular with Southern people, especially American soldiers during wartime. The name “33” originated from the beer’s packaging, as it was sold in the original 33-centiliter (or 330-milliliter) bottles.
While the presence of 33 Exports was so prominent, not as much is known about a second label introduced by Larue in 1909, which still exists in Vietnam today—Biere Larue, named, of course, after Victor Larue himself. In its former glory, Biere Larue had in fact surpassed the initial “33” beer due to its special European brewing recipe using rice instead of malt barley like these days. Therefore, it was very popular among locals at that time and is often affectionately called “The Tiger Beer”.
After Vietnam was reunified, the Southern Beer and Alcohol Company—now known as the Saigon Beer and Beverage Joint Stock Company (SABECO)—took over the brewery. From there, “33 Export” entered a new chapter with a different name signifying luck and prosperity: Bia 333. Moreover, the company also launched a new national homegrown local beer, Bia Saigon, which quickly became a national favorite. The Biere Larue label, on the other hand, came to be owned by the Dutch beer giant Heineken Vietnam and continues to be retailed across Vietnam.
The North:
If the South is famous for Victor Larue’s BGI brewery, it is the North where Alfred Hommel’s family started their own beer empire. In 1890, Alfred Hommel opened the first brewery in Hanoi to serve French soldiers and sell his product to the locals. Although this foreign drink was a bit strange at first, gradually, beer also captured the taste of local people and remained popular even among the middle-class.
By 1957, the government took control of Hommel’s brewery, making it the official brewery of Hanoi. Bia Hanoi was the first locally styled beer produced by Hanoi brewery or today’s Hanoi Beer, Alcohol, Beverage Joint Stock Corporation (HABECO).
With the effort to make this drink accessible to everyone, the company then produced it in a whole different way to reduce the price of Bia Hanoi. The low-alcohol beer was created every day with brief fermentation periods and quickly delivered in reusable metal kegs rather than glass bottles. It was no longer pasteurized, which made it a draft or draught beer as opposed to Bia Saigon, which is a pasteurized lager. From there, the name Bia Hơi originated and became one of the most well-known names to the foreigners today.
The “Nhậu” Culture and Its Art of Socializing
At the heart of Vietnam’s drinking culture lies the concept of “nhậu” – a social gathering centered around food and drinks, particularly beer. “Nhậu” is a Vietnamese slang for “drinking beer”, and if someone invites you to “đi nhậu” that means “let’s go get a beer”. More than just a form of alcohol consumption, “nhậu” embodies an art of socializing and relationship-building. It’s a Vietnamese way of bringing people together, strengthening social bonds, forging friendships, and relieving stress after a long day. In Vietnam, “nhậu” typically occurs during occasions such as birthday parties, New Year celebrations, weddings, and football games. It enhances a spirit of joy, carefree, and celebration, and also the essence of endless stories. Nhậu sessions typically involve groups of friends or colleagues gathering at local “Bia Hơi” joints, taprooms, or even sidewalk stalls.
Now, let me tell you the lesser-known aspect of ‘nhậu culture’, drinking beer in Vietnamese style is quite unique, often involving up to three rounds of beer drinking! (Vietnamese call it “tăng 1,2,3”) It’s a bit confusing, isn’t it? In the first session (tăng 1), they usually visit a Vietnamese-style local tavern, known as a“ quán nhậu” or “quán bia”, where people are more focused on eating than drinking. In the next session (tăng 2), they might move to another place to enjoy more beer. And for the final session (tăng 3), they tend to head to a karaoke bar, where they continue to drink beer while singing their hearts out.
How to Drink Beer Like a Local
1. Ice in beer
Ice and beer in Vietnam are like bestfriends. So, it’s not uncommon for you to encounter a glass of beer with a huge chunk of ice at restaurants or local eateries in Vietnam. This is the Vietnamese way to both enjoy beer and cool down from extremely hot weather. The servers might have some sneaky looks to check and refill your smelted ice with a fresh one. Don’t worry about that, it’s just our way to make sure your glass remains cold!
2. 1,2,3 dzo!!!
Leave the word ‘cheers’ in your pocket when you are surrounded by Vietnamese people. Instead, during drinking, we might say “mot, hai, ba, dzo!” or just simply “dzo!” repeatedly. It is a lively way to express the drinking spirit.
3. Enjoy with local street food
Popular drinking dishes include grilled food, seafood, hotspot, or snacks such as peanuts, dried squid and beef jerky. Make sure you try them while sipping beer!
Sipping around Saigon (local recommendations)
Are you a beer lover looking to explore Saigon’s diverse drinking scene? We’ll help you navigate the bustling streets and find the best beer-drinking spots, from trendy craft brew destinations to authentic local haunts.
1. Quán Bia Hoa Lùn
For a more authentic Vietnamese beer experience, head to Quán Bia Hoa Lùn. This is a fantastic stop for anyone looking to experience Saigon like a local, the charm of this place lies in its simplicity. You’ll be sitting on small stools at low tables right on the footpath, enjoying the sights and sounds of passing vehicles. The place exudes a welcoming, unpretentious vibe, filled with authentic Saigon-style food and beer at affordable prices.
Google Map rating: 5/5
Address: 50 Street, Vinh Hoi Residential Area, Ward 5, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
2. Quán Bia Sệt
This restaurant features a more modern infrastructure than the previous one while still retaining the original and typical Vietnamese tavern feel, the ambiance is spacious and open. It offers nicely portioned family-style dishes with the rich flavors of Southern Vietnamese cooking. Plus, prices are reasonable, making it an excellent choice for larger groups.
Google Map rating: 4.1/5
Address: 2 Nguyen Huu Tho Street, Tan Hung, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
3. Reham Saigon Taproom – Local Craft Beer
If you’re a fan of craft beer, this spot should be at the top of your list. This trendy hidden bar has quickly become a favorite among locals and expats alike, offering a wide selection of locally brewed craft beers with distinctive Vietnamese flavors. At Reham Saigon Taproom, you’ll find a rotating selection of unique flavors that showcase the creativity of Vietnamese brewers. From hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, there’s something for every palate. The knowledgeable staff can guide you through their offerings, helping you discover new favorites.
Google Map rating: 5/5
Address: 165/41 Nguyen Thai Binh Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
4. Ẩm thực Hải Dương Quán
This place is famous for its fantastic array of fresh fish and good beer, all served in a spacious and comfortable setting with beautiful decor. You won’t find many tourists here, most patrons are locals. The staff are lovely and attentive, helping you choose the best dishes to suit your taste, all at sensible prices. This spot also shows live football games, making it a great choice for football enthusiasts.
Google Map rating: 4.2/5
Address: 118A Trieu Quang Phuc Street, Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
5. Thương Rooftop
For those who prefer to enjoy their beer with a side of panoramic city views, Thương Rooftop is a must-visit destination. With its low-key and cozy vibe and great music, it’s the perfect spot for a date or a casual hangout with friends. The bar also offers an impressive selection of both local and imported beers, catering to a diverse range of tastes.
Google Map rating: 4.8/5
Address: 258 Ton Dan, Ward 8, District 4, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
If you’re eager to experience authentic Vietnamese food and drink culture, especially Vietnamese Beer, join us at Cào Cào Adventures’ Saigon Beer Culture Walk. We’ll take you to hidden local spots with our guided beer tours and food pairings!