Hanoi’s Top 8 Must-Try Drinks for a Flavorful Journey

If you’re planning a visit to Hanoi and wondering what to drink, you’re in for a treat! Hanoi, a city steeped in rich culinary traditions, offers a diverse array of beverages to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a fan of exotic cocktails, freshly brewed beer, or unique local concoctions, this article unveils the top 8 drinks that make Hanoi famous.

1. Bia Hoi (Fresh Beer): A Local Favorite

Join the locals on tiny plastic stools and savor Bia Hoi, Hanoi’s signature fresh beer. With a light and refreshing taste and an alcohol content of about 3%, Bia Hoi is brewed daily and delivered to street corners throughout the city. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and pair your beer with some delicious street food at popular spots like Bia Hoi Bat Dan on 50 Bat Dan Street.

Recommended Locations:

King Pirate Club (No.24b Hang Giay Str., Old Quarter, Hanoi): Join the lively atmosphere of this street known for its bustling beer culture.

Bia Hoi Corner (No.14 Dong Thai Str., Old Quarter, Hanoi): Explore another vibrant corner famous for its fresh beer and street food scene.

2. Caphe Trung (Egg Coffee): Indulge in a Unique Treat

Experience the decadence of Hanoi’s famous Egg Coffee. Born out of necessity during wartime, this delightful concoction includes raw chicken egg yolk, Vietnamese Robusta coffee, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and cow cheese. The result is a liquid-tiramisu-like taste that you can savor in the best cafes across Hanoi.

Recommended Locations:

Cafe Giang (No.39 Nguyen Huu Huan Str., Old Quarter., Hanoi): Visit the birthplace of Egg Coffee at this historic café in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Cong Caphe (No.54 Hang Dieu Str., Old Quarter, Hanoi): Enjoy a contemporary twist on traditional Egg Coffee in the artistic ambiance of Cong Caphe.

3. Nau Da (Sweetened Condensed Milk Coffee): A Hanoi Classic

Dive into the strong and robust flavor of Nau Da, Hanoi’s version of iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk. The brewing process involves a metal drip filter, dark roast Robusta coffee, and the addition of sweetened condensed milk. Try this iconic coffee at one of Hanoi’s renowned coffee shops.

Recommended Locations:

Giang Cafe (No.39 Nguyen Huu Huan Str., Old Quarter, Hanoi): Dive into the authentic Nau Da experience at this famous coffee spot.

Loading T Coffee (No.8 Chan Cam Str., Old Quarter, Hanoi): Savor the rich flavors of Hanoi’s classic iced coffee in a cozy and modern setting.

4. Tra Da Via He (Sidewalk Iced Tea): Embrace Hanoi’s Daily Life

Immerse yourself in the simple charm of Hanoi’s daily life with a visit to a sidewalk iced tea spot. Witness locals of all ages enjoying tea on little plastic stools, accompanied by sunflower seeds, peanut candies, and more. Explore these sidewalk gems scattered around your hotel for an authentic experience.

Recommended Locations:

Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street: Wander along this bustling street and discover various sidewalk iced tea spots.

Hanoi Old Quarter: Explore the heart of Hanoi’s daily life, where sidewalk tea vendors are scattered around every corner.

5. Nuoc Mia (Sugarcane Juice): Refreshing Sweetness

Beat the warmth of Hanoi with Nuoc Mia, a fresh and sweet sugarcane juice. Squeezed from locally sourced sugarcanes, this syrupy liquid is a popular street beverage. Visit Nuoc Mia Hang Dieu on 77 Hang Dieu Street for a taste of this refreshing drink, often flavored with green kumquat and a hint of salt.

Recommended Locations:

Sugarcane Juice Stalls on Hang Dieu Street (No.77 Hang Dieu Str., Old Quarter, Hanoi): Quench your thirst with fresh Nuoc Mia at these popular street stalls.

Hanoi Night Market: Enjoy sugarcane juice while strolling through the vibrant Night Market, a hub of local culture.

6. Nuoc Sau (Dracontomelon Juice): Taste the Unique

Discover Hanoi’s local treasure with Nuoc Sau, a juice made from the dracontomelon fruit. Harvested during June and July, this unique fruit is soaked in sugar and ginger, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and sourness. Uncover this hidden gem at any family-run coffee shop in the city and enjoy a truly authentic Hanoi experience.

Recommended Locations:

Street Vendors in the French Quarter: Sample authentic Nuoc Sau from street vendors amidst the charming French Quarter.

Hanoi Botanical Garden: Relax with a dracontomelon juice amidst the greenery of this historic garden.

7. Chanh Muoi (Salted Lemonade): A Zesty Refreshment

Beat the heat with the zesty kick of Chanh Muoi, Hanoi’s salted lemonade. This unique beverage combines the tangy goodness of lemons with a hint of salt, creating a thirst-quenching delight. Find Chanh Muối at street vendors and beverage stalls throughout the city.

Recommended Locations:

Trang Tien Street: Beat the heat with Chanh Muoi from vendors along this bustling street.

West Lake: Enjoy a refreshing stroll around West Lake while sipping on zesty Chanh Muoi.

8. Che: Hanoi’s Sweet Soup Sensation

Indulge your sweet tooth with Che, a popular Vietnamese sweet soup. Hanoi boasts a variety of Che options, from mung bean to coconut and glutinous rice variations. Explore local dessert shops or Che stalls to discover the rich and diverse world of this sweet Hanoi delicacy.

Recommended Locations:

Che 1976 (No.72g Tran Hung Dao Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi): With a lifespan of half a century, holds flavors inseparably linked to the upbringing of the native people.

Vietnamese Women’s Museum: Combine cultural exploration with sweet delights by trying Che near this museum.

Don’t miss the chance to elevate your Hanoi visit by indulging in these iconic drinks. Join Flavors of Hanoi’s personalized foodie tour to explore the best of the city’s culinary offerings. Cheers to a delightful gastronomic journey in Hanoi!

EHG – Elegance Hospitality Group.

Image source: Collected.