10 Drinks You Can ONLY Get in Vietnam 🇻🇳

As the weather heats up in Vietnam, especially in the south, reaching temperatures up to 40°C, there are many refreshing drinks available to help cool down. One of the oldest establishments in Ho Chi Minh City is a cafe that still uses the traditional "ca phe bot" method to brew coffee. This involves draining coffee through a bag, a technique passed down through generations. This cafe, run by the children of the original owners, has been operating for 80 years and offers a balanced "ca phe sua da" (iced coffee with condensed milk) for 25,000 VND (about $1 USD). While it's a good value, robusta coffee can be quite strong, so caution is advised for those not used to it. For fresh juices and smoothies, a popular fruit cart on Phan Xich Long street in the Phu Nhuan area offers a wide variety of options. A standout is the "sinh to bo," an avocado smoothie, which can be enhanced with durian for an extra special treat. Vietnamese avocados are rich and creamy, and when blended with condensed milk and ice, they create a delicious and subtle flavor, especially with the addition of durian. This particular vendor is known for her affordable and authentic drinks, operating with plastic chairs and a family-run business model. Another highly refreshing option is "nuoc tac," a drink made from coconut water, coconut meat, and calamansi or kumquat, often with a touch of sugar syrup. Pasteur Street is particularly known for this drink, with several vendors, but "Nuoc Tac 250 Pasteur Street" is considered the original spot. A large cup costs 20,000 VND and provides quick hydration, especially on a hot day. The prevalence of similar businesses on the same street is a common observation in Vietnam, where successful concepts are often replicated nearby. The Cafe Apartments on Nguyen Hue street offer a unique experience with numerous cafes housed within a single building. While traditional "ca phe sua da" is widely available, modern Vietnamese coffee drinks are also popular. One cafe within the apartments serves a unique egg coffee, which is a modern twist on the Hanoi classic. This version features strong robusta coffee topped with a salted cream custard, beautifully caramelized. The combination of bitter coffee and sweet, smooth custard creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile. Another coffee offered is "cafe moi," a salted milk coffee. While interesting, it is noted to be less sweet and less appealing than the egg coffee for those who prefer sweeter drinks. For a healthy and refreshing green drink, "Rau Má" is a famous franchise that specializes in pennywort drink. This drink, though green and potentially off-putting in appearance, has a unique and delicious flavor, unlike typical vegetable shakes. It's known for its health benefits and can be made even creamier with the addition of mung bean. Asking for less sugar is recommended for those not accustomed to the local preference for sweetness. A large cup costs a little over $1 USD, making it an affordable and beneficial option. "Sữa đậu nành," or rich soy milk, is another popular drink, often served as a dessert due to its variety of flavors. A long-standing establishment, open since 2000, offers numerous soy milk combinations, including those with coffee, Milo (cacao), yogurt, and even durian. The durian, condensed milk, and soy milk blend creates a refreshing and balanced drink. Other flavors include mung bean, peanuts, and black sesame. These drinks are often very affordable and the stalls can get very busy, especially in the evenings. An interesting and health-focused drink is "chanh tắc xí muội," a dried plum and calamansi iced tea. One particular vendor in District 10 is renowned for her unique variations of this drink, incorporating nutritional benefits. Her versions often include passion fruit seeds, jellies, tamarind, and even ginger and jujube, creating a complex and flavorful experience. These drinks are significantly cheaper outside of the main tourist districts, with a jam-packed cup costing only 15,000 VND. The blend of sweet, sour, and salty flavors, along with herbal notes, makes for a distinctive and refreshing beverage. Finally, "nước sâm" is a legendary herbal drink with ancient Chinese roots, popular for its cooling properties. Made from a blend of leaves, roots, and other healthy ingredients, it is brewed for hours to extract its benefits. While a sugar-free version is available for those who appreciate its bitter, earthy taste and health benefits, a sweetened version is recommended for most. This drink is believed to help balance body temperature, making it ideal for hot days. A glass costs around 10,000-20,000 VND. The ultimate refreshing drink in Vietnam, widely available everywhere, is "nuoc mia," or sugarcane juice. This classic drink is made by pressing pure sugarcane through a machine, with no added sugar. A cup typically costs 15,000 VND. Modern variations sometimes include additions like durian or strawberry for extra flavor.