‘Booming’ is the exact word to describe Vietnam’s craft beer market … And it’s true.
Understanding Craft Beer: What Sets It Apart?
What is Craft Beer?
More than just a beverage, craft beer is an art form that blends creativity, skill, and passion. Each brew is a unique expression of the brewer’s vision, reflecting a meticulous balance of flavors and aromas. The brewing process itself is akin to a painter’s canvas, where ingredients are thoughtfully selected and combined to create complex profiles that tell a story. Here are some characteristics that make craft beer ‘craft’:
Small independent breweries
Craft beer is made by small, independent breweries that value quality, creativity, and traditional brewing techniques. Unlike commercial brands, these breweries focus on producing unique, handcrafted beverages that showcase their creative spirit and passion. In contrast to the bulk volumes produced by their counterparts, craft breweries typically produce only 5 to 6 million barrels of beer yearly and usually remain local.
Diversity in ingredients and style
Craft beer uses the same basic ingredients as commercial beer such as water, hops, malts, and yeast. However, the liberal nature of craft beer allows it to have some more additional components, which depend on the brewer’s creativity. This unique feature has not only captivated seasoned beer enthusiasts but has also attracted a new wave of consumers who want to explore the new, fascinating tastes of experiences.
The passion and creativity of brewmasters
The brewmasters are the crucial factor that decides the style, tastes, or even the message conveyed through the beer that we drink. Sometimes, it is the brewers’ experience what makes their craft different. Their passion for the craft is evident in every step of the brewing process, from selecting the finest ingredients to meticulously balancing flavors. Some brewmasters often experiment with new techniques, ingredients, and aging processes resulting in unique brews that reflect their personal touch. This creativity not only sets each brewery apart but also allows them to tell a story through their beer—whether it’s a nod to traditional brewing methods or a bold step into new flavor territories.
The Rise of Craft Beer in Vietnam
In recent years, the craft beer movement has been blooming across the globe, especially in countries with a rich and thriving beer culture, such as the United States, Britain, Germany, Belgium, and Australia. The movement is not only a response to the dominance of giant corporations but also acts as a form of ‘provocation,’ challenging the widespread presence and standardization of commercial beer. Amid the prevalent surf of craft beer, Vietnam is eagerly catching the rhythm.
‘Booming’ is the exact word that the foreign press describes the development of Vietnam’s craft beer market. Although it has only been imported for the past 10 years, craft beer, or so-called ‘Bia thủ công’, has stirred up the Vietnamese market and became an appealing choice for beer enthusiasts. It is now the playground of more than 30 craft beer producers ranging from Danang, Hanoi, HCMC or even Ha Giang, and the number of people nurturing the dream of starting their own craft beer brand continues to grow.
For all that, you might be wondering: What’s so special about Vietnamese craft beer?
Let me explain. Vietnam has a vibrant cuisine culture, which of course, influences tastes and preferences. Therefore, there’s been quite a variety of craft beers that have been developed to cater to both locals and expats. In craft brewing, brewers often incorporate locally sourced, natural ingredients alongside the traditional beer components. These can include a wide range of distinctive flavors such as pepper, mango, passion fruit, dragon fruit, and cucumber. Sometimes, brewers even infuse their creations with local specialties like cacao or coffee to reflect a rich regional character to their beers.
These artisanal brews are primarily influenced by the liberal spirit of the West while still carrying a distinctly Vietnamese essence. You can easily encounter all kinds of craft beer with unique flavors, unique ingredients, or even unique names. Recently, we have also witnessed the famous ‘pho’ dish being combined with craft beer. This unique blend comes up with a light sweetness, and a medley of herbs and spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and star anise. So, if you want something cool? Hear me out, don’t hesitate to try Vietnamese craft beer.
Top Vietnamese Craft Beer Breweries ( our pick! )
Hoa Viên Brauhaus
In 1995, Hoa Vien introduced Pilsner Urquell draught beer to Vietnam. Since then, they have partnered with licensed brewers from the Czech Republic to learn the craft of brewing their own beers. Hoa Vien became a pioneer of the craft beer movement in Vietnam. Most known for its authentic Czech-style lagers and pilsners, it opened its doors in 2001, well before craft beer became a trend in the country.
A must-try: Hoa Vien Pilsner
Taproom Address: Alley 18 Bis/30A1, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Da Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Hoai – Brewery
Hoai was born from love, passion, and young hands. This craft beer brewery is distinct because they are young and bold, and so is the taste of their beer. It brings a fresh, innovative flavor profile with unique aromatic notes while still embodying a strong Vietnamese character through a subtle combination with tropical fruits.
A must-try: Honey Passion fruit
Taproom Address: House M09, 101 Bung Ong Thoan, Park Riverside Area, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Fuzzy Logic Brewing Co.
Fuzzy Logic Brewing Co. was one of the first pioneers in the Vietnamese craft beer scene back in the year 2012, focusing on bold flavors, this brewery excels in producing American-style pale ale. Their beers are well-balanced, with a citrusy kick that makes them particularly enjoyable during Vietnam’s hotter months.
A must-try: Revolution Rye IPA
Taproom Address: 67 Nguyen Cu, Thao Dien Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Biacraft Artisan Ales
Having nearly 150 artisanal brews, Biacraft is a haven for craft beer lovers, with an extensive selection of local and international brews on tap. Biacraft emphasizes quality and variety of ales, stouts, and IPAs. They’re also the only brewery that offers on-the-spot canning so you can take home any beer you wish.
A must-try: Dung Choc Tao Pale Ale
Taproom Address: 300-302-304 Truong Sa, Ward 02, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Heart of Darkness Craft Brewery (HOD)
This Saigon-based brewery is famous for their innovation, producing over 150 styles of beer and having 20 taps on site. This is the go-to place for those who want to challenge their palate, especially for fans of strong hop presence as they offer a wide range of daring beers with complexity and depth of the flavors.
A must-try: Loose Rivet New England IPA
Taproom Address: 31D Ly Tu Trong, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Pasteur Street Brewing Company
Pasteur Street Brewing Company blends traditional American brewing techniques with local Vietnamese ingredients, such as passion fruit and jasmine, resulting in a standout combination of fragrant local flowers and hoppy bitterness. Founded in 2015, the brewery soon received three gold medals at the Asian Beer Medals in 2016, proving that they are not just a novelty.
A must-try: award-winning “Jasmine IPA” or the unique “Cyclo Imperial Chocolate Stout”.
Taproom Address: 144/3 Pasteur, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Belgo The Belgium Craft Beer Brewery
Belgo brings a Belgian twist to Vietnam’s craft beer scene as one of the only Belgian breweries and gastropubs in the city. They specialize in authentic Belgian beers with rich, malty, and perfectly suited for those who enjoy Belgian classics.
A must-try: Royale Belgian Tripel
Taproom Address: 159A Nguyen Van Thu Street, Da Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
East West Brewing Co
East West is known for their fusion of European (East) and new American (West) brewing techniques with local ingredients, bridging the gap between global brewing traditions and local tastes. Here, you will have a unique experience watching brewmasters make beer right in front of you.
A must-try: Far East IPA
Taproom Address: 181 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Furbrew Beer Bar
Outside the busy city center in Hanoi’s Tay Ho district, Furbrew embraces creativity and local inspiration. They are at the forefront of pho-flavored beer and are always pushing the boundaries of flavor, making it a favorite brand among adventurous beer drinkers.
A must-try: Bia Pho
Taproom Address: 68 Alley 2 Lane 238 Au Co Street, Quang An, Tay Ho, Hanoi, Vietnam
Rooster Beers
Founded in 2015, Rooster Beers focuses on crafting accessible, easy-drinking beers that cater to the Vietnamese palate by blending American brewing traditions with local preferences. Their range includes six classic styles—blonde, pale ale, dark, wit, IPA, and pilsner—making it a go-to for those who appreciate straightforward, quality craft beer.
A must-try: Rooster IPA, Rooster Blonde Ale
Taproom Address: 40 Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, 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!