Drinking alcohol is rooted into Vietnamese culture. It’s a communication tool, a way to bond with peers and family. From weddings to business parties, drinking is enjoyed to the fullest by everyone! This blog will walk you through the streets of Vietnam and give you glimpses of their drinking culture.
A Glance at History
Talking of a healthy relationship, the one between Vietnam and liquor goes way back. It’s an interesting story if you’re into alcohol and some rebellion. But on a serious note, Vietnam was introduced to drinking culture in the 1900s.
In 1980, before đổi mới (economic reforms), the liquor production was in complete control of the government. What that means is no one outside the government could make or sell liquor, or you’d be the next “wanted”. But even then, the Vietnamese couldn’t be stopped. The people would have “rượu đế” which literally means – “illegal alcohol”. And even before that, from the period of French colonialism in the early 1900s, the Vietnamese were drinking liquor.
Also read: Beer and Germany: A Taste of German Alcohol Culture
Cultural Etiquettes of Drinking
The Vietnamese love their liquor, okay. So, it doesn’t matter if it’s just another regular day or if there’s something to celebrate, they’ll have a drink any chance they get. It’s their way of bonding with the people and they’ll even share some fun stories while doing so. So, if your next trip is to Vietnam, this is what you’re signing up for.
1. Beer & Ice
How do you drink your beer? Chilled, and straight from the bottle, correct? But not the Vietnamese! The people in Vietnam have their beer with ice. That’s right, a blob of ice in the glass, along with your beer. Strange but hey, tradition is tradition. And we will respect that.
The logic behind it is Vietnam tends to have warm temperatures. This means the beer will not stay chilled for a longer period of time. So, the ice helps with that.
2. Beer Culture
Beer is adored by the Vietnamese so much, that it deserved its own section. Although influenced by traditional European styles, Vietnam has its own unique beer culture. A big part of this is Bia Hoi – the soul of street drinking in Vietnam. It’s a draft beer that is known for being cheap, and extremely delicious. Brewed fresh every day, the alcohol content hovers around 2%, making it the perfect drink no matter the time of day. You’ll find Bia Hoi in stalls all around the country, and you’ll always find people enjoying it too.
Also read: Best Craft Beer Flavors in Mumbai
3. It’s a Community Thing
If you walk into a bar in Vietnam, sit in your corner, and drink beer alone, the locals might push you to join them. Drinking is about being together, and celebrating moments together. In Vietnam, if there’s a group of people sitting on a table, every single person will order a drink and they’ll wait till everyone has got their drinks. And then, you raise your hand to toast and chug it down!
4. Một, Hai, Ba, Vô!
“Một, Hai, Ba, Vô!” (pronounced as moht – hi – bah – yo) means “1, 2, 3, cheers!” Now, that is a phrase that you’ll often hear when you go to any local bar. It’s a Vietnamese phrase that people use to toast, before they have their drink. So, if you want to make some new friends in Vietnam, try this phrase and see where it lands you! Don’t forget to make sure that you have your glasses full before though, that’ll be embarrassing.
5. Eat Something Too
If you’re having a drink, you should definitely try some of the Vietnamese cuisine too. Vietnam has some delicious dishes to offer you with alcohol. So, don’t worry, they won’t make you leave hungry! As beer is the most common drink, we’ll talk about the dishes you can have with it. Đậu phộng rang (roasted peanuts), Thịt bò khô (beef jerky), Chân gà nướng (grilled chicken feet), Nem chua (pork), and Mực nướng (grilled squid) are some of the popular dishes.
6. Be Like the Locals
As we have already gathered, drinking is a very communal thing in Vietnam. People don’t take small sips like it’s a lavish drink, and well it’s not, it’s probably beer or plain rice wine. You chug it down like a bad boy and you do it with everyone together! For the locals, it’s all about getting some drinks and having the best time of their lives. So, the aesthetic doesn’t really matter. Just free your soul, and let yourself absorb this atmosphere.
Also read: Mead Vs Beer: What’s The Difference?
Summing Up
Vietnam and its drinking culture are something to be known and admired around the world. The way people gather around and celebrate each other so freely, it’s something to look up to. So, what did we understand so far? When in Vietnam, drink like it’s the last day of your life!
FAQs
1. What alcohol do Vietnamese people drink?
The people in Vietnam popularly drink plain rice wine or beer.
2. What is the Vietnamese drinking term?
Drinking in Vietnam is called as “rượu chè”.
3. What are some of the traditional drinks of Vietnam?
Rice wine and Vietnamese coffee are some of the traditional drinks of Vietnam.
4. What is the signature drink of Vietnam?
The signature drink of Vietnam is called “cà phê trứng” which means “egg coffee”.
5. What is the most popular beer in Vietnam?
Saigonese lager “333” is the most popular beer in Vietnam.
6. Why is beer so popular in Vietnam?
Beer became popular first among the French soldiers and local Vietnamese, in the 1930s. Later, it just got carried forward.
7. What is beer called in Vietnam?
Beer in Vietnam is called “bia”.
8. What is the cheapest beer?
“Bia hoi” is the cheapest beer in Vietnam and also the most popular.
9. Which city has the best nightlife in Vietnam?
Ho Chi Minh City is known for the best nightlife in Vietnam.
