Exploring The Beer Choices Of Vietnam

Vietnam has a thriving beer culture, with a range of breweries controlling different market segments across the country. The country's most popular beer brands include Bia Saigon, Bia Hanoi, Bia Hoi, Heineken, and Tiger Beer. Beer in Vietnam is often consumed in social settings, with people gathering around low tables at outdoor restaurants to share meals and snacks, making it an integral part of the local experience and a symbol of togetherness and celebration.

Popular beer brands in Vietnam

Vietnam has a well-established beer culture, with a range of breweries controlling different market segments across the country. The most popular beer brands in Vietnam include a mix of local and international labels.

Sabeco Brewery

Sabeco Brewery is the dominant player in Vietnam's beer market, with a 43% market share. The company produces a range of lagers, most notably the Bia Saigon range and 333 Beer. Sabeco's products are especially popular in the southern region of the country. 333 Beer, first produced in 1893, is known for its rich aroma and distinctive flavour, and is widely consumed in both urban and rural areas. The brand has a long history in the country, with its name originally being Beer 33 before an additional digit was added later.

Heineken

Heineken is a well-known foreign beer brand that is popular among foreigners, expatriates, and Vietnamese beer enthusiasts. The brand has established a strong presence in Vietnam through its marketing campaigns and community events such as music concerts and adventure runs. Heineken also produces Tiger Beer, another popular brand in Vietnam.

Habeco (Hanoi Beer)

Habeco, based in northern Vietnam, is known for its Hanoi Beer, which is the most popular local beer brand in the region. Their flagship products include draught beer, bottled Hanoi Beer, Hanoi Beer Premium, and canned Hanoi Beer. With a combination of traditional brewing techniques, modern technology, and skilled brewers, Hanoi Beer has gained a loyal following both domestically and internationally.

Carlsberg Group

The Carlsberg Group holds an 8% share of Vietnam's national beer market. Their Huda Beer is particularly well-known and widely consumed in the country.

Local Favourites

Some other popular local beer brands in Vietnam include Saigon Special, Saigon Lager, Truc Bach, and Biere Larue. Saigon Beer, with its 145-year history, is a source of pride for the Vietnamese people and is consumed widely both within and beyond Vietnam's borders. Truc Bach, named after an ancient landmark in Hanoi, is a high-end beer known for its golden, transparent colour and gentle bitterness. Biere Larue, despite belonging to the lower segment, is also considered one of the best Vietnamese beer brands.

Craft Beer

Vietnam's craft beer scene is rapidly growing, with many independent microbreweries emerging. Notable craft beer producers include Platinum, Pasteur Street Brewing, East West Brewing, Winking Seal, and Heart of Darkness. These breweries experiment with unique ingredients such as local fruits, cocoa beans, coffee beans, passion fruit, and durian, offering beer lovers a wide range of flavours to explore.

The history of Vietnamese beer

Vietnam's beer culture emerged during French colonisation in the late 19th century. The French introduced beer production to the country, with manual brewing giving rise to major local beer brands like Habeco (Hanoi Beer) and Sabeco (Saigon Beer). Over time, beer production became modernised, leading to new local brands like 333 and Truc Bach.

After the Vietnam War, the government implemented changes in the tourism industry, which also boosted the beer industry. The influx of foreign tourists and business owners led to an increase in foreign beer imports and the production of new beer types in Vietnam.

Today, Vietnam's beer industry is large and technologically and commercially developed. Beer holds cultural significance in Vietnam and is often associated with events, celebrations, and gatherings. It is customary for people to invite each other for a beer during business meetings, and it is common for men to drink with clients and friends after work.

The most dominant brewery in Vietnam is Sabeco, which has a 43% market share and produces lagers like the Bia Saigon range and 333 Beer. Heineken N.V. and Habeco control 25% and 15% of the market, respectively, while the Carlsberg Group is known for its Huda Beer and has an 8% share.

The price of beer in Vietnam varies depending on the type, with draft beer (Bia Hoi) being the cheapest and most authentic option, typically found in sidewalk beer joints. Canned and bottled beers, both domestic and international, are more expensive, while craft beer is the most costly due to its sophisticated brewing process and unique ingredients.

Vietnam's craft beer scene is rapidly growing, with many independently owned microbreweries producing beer with European-style influences. Notable Vietnamese craft breweries include Platinum, Pasteur Street Brewing, East West Brewing, and Heart of Darkness, which have expanded onto the international stage.

Beer drinking culture in Vietnam

Vietnam's beer culture emerged during French colonisation, when beer was first introduced to the country by the French. Initially, brewing was done manually, which was a slow process but resulted in perfect beer. The two big brands that emerged during this time were Habeco (Hanoi Beer) and Sabeco (Saigon Beer).

Since then, Vietnam's beer industry has grown and developed technologically and commercially. Beer holds a significant place in Vietnamese culture and is associated with events, celebrations, friendly gatherings, and reunions. It is customary for people, especially men, to have beer with clients and friends after work, and inviting each other for a beer is a common courtesy during business meetings.

The Vietnamese prefer to drink their beer in mugs with ice cubes, rather than drinking refrigerated beers straight from bottles or cans. When drinking with locals, it is common to say "yo", which means "cheers" in English. Beer is often accompanied by snacks such as boiled peanuts, grilled squid, and sour fermented pork rolls.

Some popular beer brands in Vietnam include Bia Saigon, Bia Hanoi, Heineken, and Tiger Beer. Draft beer, or Bia Hoi, is also widely consumed and can be found on sidewalks throughout the country. It is brewed in 7-10 days and is therefore very fresh, but it has a shorter shelf life. It is also very cheap, costing around VND 10,000 per mug.

The craft beer scene in Vietnam is also growing rapidly, with many independently owned microbreweries producing beer with unique flavours.

While Vietnam's beer industry has struggled post-COVID due to stricter drink-driving laws and an increase in beer imports, it is clear that beer holds a significant place in the country's culture and social life.

Where to drink beer in Vietnam

Vietnam has a thriving beer culture, with a range of breweries controlling different market segments across the country. The country's beer output increased from 3.4 billion litres in 2015 to 4.4 billion litres in 2019.

If you're looking for where to drink beer in Vietnam, you're in luck! Here are some places to consider:

Quan Bia (Bia Restaurants)

These unique establishments are the go-to spots for the authentic Vietnamese beer experience. "Quan Bia" are beer restaurants that offer a wide variety of beers, from local favourites to international brands. They also serve delicious complementary food, making them a popular choice for social gatherings. You can find them on bustling streets, especially in cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The beer restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City often feature outdoor seating along popular streets like Bui Vien, Truong Sa, and Hoang Sa. Hanoi's old quarter and backpacker streets, like Ta Hien, are also famous for their vibrant "Quan Bia".

Street Stalls and Local Stores

For a truly local experience, join the Vietnamese locals at the street stalls and local stores that line the sidewalks. Grab a plastic stool, order a cold beer, and enjoy it with some tasty snacks. This is the most "Vietnamese" way to enjoy your beer, as it embraces the communal and social nature of drinking in Vietnam. You'll find these street stalls and local stores everywhere, making it easy to immerse yourself in the beer culture.

Bars and Pubs

While not as traditionally "Vietnamese" as the previous options, bars and pubs are still great places to enjoy a beer in Vietnam. These establishments cater to a variety of preferences, from sports bars to trendy sky bars. The prices tend to be higher than the street stalls and "Quan Bia", but they offer a different ambiance for those seeking a more upscale experience.

Cities with Vibrant Beer Culture

When it comes to drinking beer in Vietnam, some cities stand out for their vibrant beer culture:

• Hanoi: The capital city is famous for its beer, with Hanoi Beer being one of the most popular local brands.
• Ho Chi Minh City: The southern metropolis offers a wide range of beer options, from sidewalk "Quan Bia" to trendy bars.
• Phu Quoc: This island paradise provides a unique setting for enjoying a cold beer, especially at the stunning Vinpearl resorts.
• Nha Trang: With its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, Nha Trang offers a variety of beer-drinking venues.
• Hoi An: This charming city is known for its ancient architecture and vibrant beer scene.
• Ha Long: The breathtaking Ha Long Bay is a perfect backdrop for enjoying a refreshing beer.
• Da Nang: With its stunning beaches and vibrant city life, Da Nang offers a range of beer-drinking options.

So, whether you're looking for a traditional "Quan Bia", a lively street stall, a trendy bar, or a relaxing beachside setting, Vietnam has endless options for enjoying a cold beer and immersing yourself in the country's vibrant beer culture.

How much is Vietnamese beer?

Vietnam has a wide range of good-quality local beers, as well as imported beers available in shops, bars, and nightclubs across the country. The price of beer in Vietnam is generally affordable, but varies depending on the type of beer and where it is purchased.

Draft Beer (Bia Hoi)

Bia hoi is an authentic Vietnamese local beer with a short shelf life, as it is brewed over a period of about 7 to 10 days. It is commonly found in sidewalk beer joints and is the cheapest option, typically costing around 10,000 VND (approximately $0.61) per mug.

Bottled/Canned Beer

These beers undergo longer fermentation and contain preservatives. There are various domestic and international brands available. Canned beer typically costs 15,000 VND (around $0.90) or more, while bottled beer starts from 20,000 VND (approximately $1.20) or more.

Craft Beer

Vietnamese craft beer is gaining popularity, especially in Western-style restaurants, offering unique flavours. Due to the sophisticated brewing process and ingredients, craft beer is more expensive, with a pint costing around 100,000 VND (about $6.10).

Beer Prices by Brand

The price of beer in Vietnam can also vary depending on the brand. Here are some average prices for popular beer brands in Vietnam:

• Hanoi Beer: 15,000 to 30,000 VND in bars, up to 100,000 VND in nightclubs and hotel bars.
• Saigon Beer: 14,000 to 30,000 VND in bars, up to 100,000 VND in nightclubs and hotel bars.
• Biere Larue: 10,000 to 25,000 VND in bars, up to 80,000 VND in nightclubs and hotel bars.
• Tiger Beer: 11,000 to 25,000 VND in bars, up to 85,000 VND in nightclubs and hotel bars.
• Huda Beer: 11,000 to 25,000 VND in bars, up to 85,000 VND in nightclubs and hotel bars.
• Zorok Beer: 11,000 to 25,000 VND in bars, up to 80,000 VND in nightclubs and hotel bars.
• 333 Beer: 12,000 to 30,000 VND in bars, up to 95,000 VND in nightclubs and hotel bars.

It is worth noting that the prices mentioned above are averages and may vary depending on the specific location and establishment. Additionally, imported beers, such as Heineken and Carlsberg, tend to be more expensive than local Vietnamese beers.

Frequently asked questions