Let’s embark on a flavorful journey across Vietnam through its iconic beverages. From the unique taste of egg coffee to the elegant fragrance of lotus tea, these 7 must-try Vietnamese drinks will elevate your travel experience and offer a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s vibrant culinary culture.
Authentic Vietnamese cuisine is much more than just pho and banh mi—it’s a symphony of flavors, textures, and traditions that tell the story of this beautiful land. During your trip to Vietnam, don’t miss the opportunity to taste these 7 unforgettable Vietnamese drinks.
This article is brought to you by Private Tour Asia, your trusted travel companion. Let’s dive into the world of traditional Vietnamese beverages!
Top 7 Must-Try Vietnamese Drinks
1. White Coffee (Bac Xiu)
Bac Xiu is a delightful drink that perfectly balances the bitterness of coffee with the creamy sweetness of milk. Originating in the vibrant streets of Saigon, Bac Xiu reflects a simpler, nostalgic era of Vietnam’s bustling coffee culture.
The name Bac Xiu comes from the full phrase Bac Tay Xiu Phe, meaning “a white cup with a touch of coffee.” True to its name, Bac Xiu contains much more milk than coffee, creating a light and aromatic drink that even non-coffee drinkers adore.
Initially crafted using condensed milk and hot water with a splash of strong coffee, modern Bac Xiu often replaces hot water with fresh milk, adding a rich, velvety texture. Served hot or over ice, Bac Xiu is accessible to everyone, from young children to the elderly, offering a gentle introduction to Vietnam’s deep-rooted coffee traditions.
Whether you’re sipping Bac Xiu at a trendy Saigon cafe or on a small plastic stool by a bustling sidewalk, this drink will instantly connect you to Vietnam’s urban charm.
2. Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung)
Egg coffee is one of Vietnam’s most fascinating and indulgent inventions. Combining the boldness of robusta coffee with the rich creaminess of whipped egg yolks, egg coffee offers a luxurious, velvety drinking experience unlike anything else.
Created by Mr. Nguyen Van Giang in Hanoi during the 1940s, egg coffee was a creative solution during a milk shortage. Inspired by Italian cappuccinos, Mr. Giang whipped egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk to create a rich, creamy topping for strong Vietnamese coffee.
Today, this iconic drink is a must-try when visiting Hanoi. Served in small ceramic cups, egg coffee is often placed in a bowl of hot water to maintain its warmth. With each sip, you’ll taste a harmonious blend of bittersweet coffee and luscious egg cream that will leave you craving more.
The original Giang Café still serves the most authentic version, but you’ll find egg coffee on menus across Vietnam’s major cities.
3. Lotus Tea (Tra Sen)
Lotus tea (Tra Sen) embodies the essence of Vietnamese elegance and serenity. Crafted through a meticulous process, it involves marinating high-quality green tea leaves inside fresh lotus flowers so the tea absorbs the delicate, ethereal fragrance.
Traditional preparation requires artisans to gently separate the lotus “rice” (stamens), which carry the flower’s strongest aroma, and mix them with tea leaves. This marination is repeated several times over days to fully infuse the floral notes into the tea.
Sipping a cup of lotus tea is a meditative experience—its soft, soothing aroma and gentle taste transport you to peaceful lakes and ancient pagodas. Beyond its flavor, lotus tea symbolizes purity, spiritual balance, and the rich cultural tapestry of Vietnam.
Whether enjoyed during a traditional tea ceremony or a quiet afternoon by Hoan Kiem Lake, lotus tea offers a profound glimpse into Vietnam’s centuries-old tea culture.
4. Sugarcane Juice (Nuoc Mia)
On a hot and humid day in Vietnam, nothing beats the refreshing taste of sugarcane juice (Nuoc Mia). Pressed fresh from green sugarcane stalks, this naturally sweet drink is often served with a squeeze of lime or kumquat to add a zesty twist.
Vendors operating simple roadside machines crank out this golden liquid right before your eyes, ensuring its freshness. Watching the process is almost as enjoyable as drinking the juice itself.
Sugarcane juice is beloved not just for its thirst-quenching properties but also for the nostalgic memories it evokes for many Vietnamese, who grew up sipping nuoc mia after school or during family outings.
Accessible, affordable, and authentically Vietnamese, sugarcane juice embodies the vibrancy and spontaneity of street life in Vietnam.
5. Fresh Beer (Bia Hoi)
Vietnam’s Fresh Beer (Bia Hoi) is more than just a beverage—it’s a way of life. Brewed daily and delivered directly to local bars and eateries without preservatives, Bia Hoi offers a light, crisp taste that’s perfect for the tropical climate.
In Hanoi, Bia Hoi corners like Ta Hien Street come alive each evening as locals and travelers gather around low plastic tables, clinking glasses and sharing plates of grilled meats, peanuts, and fried snacks.
Priced incredibly low, a glass of Bia Hoi is not just about drinking but about community, laughter, and storytelling. Experiencing Bia Hoi culture provides insight into the sociable, fun-loving spirit of Vietnamese people.
For a truly authentic taste of Vietnam, nothing compares to sipping a glass of fresh beer as the sun sets over the city.
6. Vietnamese Sweet Soup (Che)
Che is a vibrant, colorful dessert that showcases Vietnam’s love for sweet, refreshing treats. Made from a diverse combination of ingredients—mung beans, lotus seeds, coconut milk, tapioca pearls, jelly, and tropical fruits—each bowl of Che tells a different story.
In the Central region, you’ll find Longan Sweet Soup with Lotus Seeds and the famous Corn Sweet Soup, known for its natural sweetness and creamy texture. In the South, sweet soups adapt to seasonal ingredients, offering refreshing chilled varieties during the hot dry season.
Che can be served warm on chilly evenings or iced for a cool treat during the blazing afternoons. With its varied textures and flavors, Che is not only a dessert but a testament to Vietnamese culinary creativity.
Trying different kinds of Che during your journey is a delicious way to explore regional diversity and the sweet side of Vietnamese life.
7. Iced Tea (Tra Da)
Simple yet deeply embedded in daily life, Vietnamese iced tea (Tra Da) is the ultimate refresher. Brewed from black or green tea and poured over ice, it’s enjoyed everywhere—from family meals to business meetings to casual chats on the sidewalk.
Tra Da is often lightly sweetened but can also be left unsweetened, depending on the drinker’s preference. It’s more than a thirst-quencher; it’s a symbol of hospitality and casual camaraderie.
Even with the rise of global coffee chains, a humble glass of iced tea still remains a staple in Vietnamese daily life, proudly holding its ground as the drink of the people.
No matter where you go—from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the sun-drenched avenues of Ho Chi Minh City—you’re never far from a refreshing cup of Tra Da.
Conclusion
These 7 must-try Vietnamese drinks each offer a distinct flavor and cultural story that together paint a vivid picture of Vietnam’s culinary diversity. From sophisticated lotus tea ceremonies to lively Bia Hoi nights, your taste buds will embark on an unforgettable journey.
Private Tour Asia invites you to pack your bags, open your heart, and explore the S-shaped wonder that is Vietnam through its iconic beverages. Contact us to craft your personalized and authentic travel experience in Vietnam!
Last Updated on April 27, 2025 by Elena
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