Top 10 Vietnamese Drinks in Ho Chi Minh City You Can’t Miss

Vietnam boasts a vibrant culinary scene, and its drinks are no exception. As you explore the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll discover a delightful array of beverages to quench your thirst and tantalise your taste buds. From sweet and creamy to tangy and refreshing, these ten must-try Vietnamese drinks in Ho Chi Minh City are sure to become your new favourites.

Vietnamese Coffee (Cà Phê)

Coffee is one of the most famous Vietnamese drinks in Ho Chi Minh city, a captivating brew that transcends the ordinary. From the classic iced coffee, a potent combination of strong brew and condensed milk, to the lighter, milkier bac xiu, there’s a flavour to suit every palate. 

Discover hidden gem coffee shops, nestled in bustling city streets or perched on rooftop terraces, offering stunning city views as you sip your coffee. Immerse yourself in a book, a perfect companion to your coffee, as you explore the depths of flavour and the richness of the Vietnamese coffee experience. It’s more than just a beverage; it’s a cultural journey, a moment of tranquillity, and a taste of Vietnam’s soul.

>>Read more: Where To Get The Best Egg Coffee In Saigon?

Recommended places to drink coffee in Saigon:

• Little Hanoi Egg Coffee: 212 Le Lai, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• The Hidden: 158/37 Tran Huy Lieu, Phu Nhuan, Ho Chi Minh City
• Nắng Rooftop Coffee: 326 Le Van Luong, Tan Hung Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Slowee Coffee & Books: 53 Loc Hung, Ward 6, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City

2. Beer  (Bia)

Beer, or bia, is deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture. Since its introduction in the early 1900s, it has become a staple of social gatherings, from casual hangouts to important business meetings. The relaxed Vietnamese lifestyle is perfectly encapsulated in the image of locals sharing laughter and stories over cold beers at street-side stalls.

Saigon, a vibrant hub for Vietnamese drinks, offers a beer lover’s paradise with a diverse range of options to suit every taste. Classic Vietnamese lagers like Saigon Red and Saigon Special remain popular choices, while the sweeter 333 has its own dedicated following. However, the city has also embraced the craft beer revolution, with local breweries producing innovative and flavorful brews. Best of all, enjoying a cold one won’t break the bank, with most beers costing around 16,000 VND a can.

Beyond the ubiquitous street stalls, Saigon boasts a vibrant bar scene. From bustling rooftop bars offering stunning city views to hidden speakeasies promising a more intimate atmosphere, the city has something for everyone. Whether you’re craving a classic cocktail or exploring the world of craft beer, you’ll find a welcoming bar to suit your mood. So, raise a glass and experience the lively spirit of Ho Chi Minh City’s nightlife.

>>Read more: Discovering Thao Dien’s awesome Bar Scene 

Recommended places to drink beer in Saigon:

• Broma Not A Bar: 41 Nguyen Hue Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

• Le Café des Stagiaires: 10 Street 54, Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Jackalope Bar: 56 P.Duc Chinh, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

3. Sugarcane Juice (Nước Mía)

Sugarcane juice is an absolute must-try Vietnamese drinks when you’re in Ho Chi Minh City. This delightfully refreshing drink is widely available from street vendors, particularly in local markets. The juice is extracted using a special machine that crushes the sugarcane, and the addition of a touch of kumquat provides a lovely balance to the sweetness.

Incredibly affordable, a glass of sugarcane juice typically costs around 20,000 VND. It’s no wonder this drink is a firm favourite among locals, offering a delicious and cooling escape from the city’s heat.

Recommended places to drink sugarcane juice in Saigon:

• Mr Mia & More: 70A Binh Thoi Street, Ward 14, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City
• Nuoc Mia Phu Nhuan Market: 125A Phan Dinh Phung Street, Ward 17, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Nuoc Mia Mix: 12 Au Duong Lan Street, Ward 3, District 8, Ho Chi Minh City

4. Fresh Coconut (Nước Dừa)

The Mekong Delta, often dubbed the “coconut kingdom”, supplies Ho Chi Minh City with an abundance of fresh coconuts. You can find them almost everywhere, from bustling markets to upscale restaurants. Expect to pay between 10,000 and 15,000 VND for a coconut at a local market, with prices increasing in more upmarket establishments.

Coconut water is a world away from ordinary water. Its unique, slightly sweet flavour makes it the perfect thirst-quencher on a hot day. Packed with vitamins and minerals, coconut water is a healthy and delicious choice. Whether you opt for a street vendor’s simple offering or a restaurant’s more elaborate presentation, there’s no denying the appeal of this tropical treasure.

Recommended places to drink coconut in Saigon:

• Supermarkets and convenience stores: A hassle-free way to grab coconut water on the go.
• Street vendors: Experience authentic local life while enjoying a fresh coconut, often sold by mobile carts. Bui Vien Street is a popular spot to find these vendors.
• Local markets: Discover a vibrant atmosphere and a wider selection of fresh produce, including coconuts.
• Cafés and restaurants: Many eateries offer coconut water as a refreshing beverage or incorporate it into their menus.

5. Herbal Tea (Nước Sâm)

Herbal tea is one of the most popular and affordable Vietnamese drinks in Ho Chi Minh city, offering both refreshment and potential health benefits. Typically made from a blend of sugarcane, pandan leaf, corn silk, and other herbs and roots, it’s a delicious way to cool down and detoxify.

While exploring the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, be sure to treat yourself to a refreshing bottle of herbal tea. These are widely available from street vendors for the bargain price of around 15,000 VND.

Recommended places to drink herbal tea in Saigon:

• Hoa Hung Herbal Tea: 480 Ba Hat Street, Ward 8, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
• Dong Y Khiet: 1 Block B, Apartment Building 518 Vo Van Kiet Street, Cau Kho Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Hong Phong Herbal Tea: 154 Le Hong Phong Street, Ward 3, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City

6. Pennywort juice (Rau Má)

Exploring Ho Chi Minh City in the heat can be tiring, but a glass of pennywort juice is the perfect antidote. This refreshing beverage is a simple blend of pennywort and sugar, providing instant hydration and a much-needed energy boost. In recent times, vendors have become more creative, adding ingredients like green beans, condensed milk, and even boba pearls for extra flavour.

You’ll find pennywort juice stalls conveniently located around parks, schools, and markets. With prices starting from around 15,000 VND, this is one of the most affordable Vietnamese drinks to cool down and recharge.

Recommended places to drink pennywort juice in Saigon:

• Phuc Rau Ma: 196 Xom Dat Street, Ward 10, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City
• Dat Thanh: 277 Vo Van Tan Street, Ward 5, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

7. Smoothie (Sinh Tố)

Vietnam is a fruit lover’s paradise, and nowhere is this more evident than in the abundance of delicious smoothies on offer. From humble street vendors to upscale cafés, you’ll find a wide variety of refreshing options.

While classic smoothies made with strawberries, bananas, or avocados are popular worldwide, Vietnamese fruit smoothies offer a unique and exotic twist. Soursop, sapodilla, jackfruit, and dragonfruit are just a few of the tropical fruits that make for incredibly tasty blends. These are typically combined with ice and sweetened condensed milk, creating a creamy and indulgent treat.

Prices for these refreshing beverages vary depending on where you buy them. Street vendors usually offer the most affordable options, with prices starting around 15,000 VND. For a more upscale experience, cafés and restaurants tend to charge around 30,000 VND or more.

Recommended places to drink smoothie in Saigon:

• 142 Ly Chinh Thang Street, Ward 7, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
• Alley Fruit Cocktail: Alley 177 Ly Tu Trong Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Banana’s Juice Shop: 102B Le Thi Rieng Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

8. Bubble Tea (Trà Sữa)

Bubble tea, or trà sữa trân châu as it’s known locally, has taken Vietnam by storm, and Ho Chi Minh City is no exception. This delightful beverage, consisting of tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls, has become a beloved treat for people of all ages.

The city is brimming with bubble tea shops, ranging from small, family-owned stalls to international franchises. The variety of flavours and toppings is endless, catering to every taste preference. From classic milk tea with tapioca pearls to fruit-infused options with jelly or pudding, there’s something to satisfy every craving.

Bubble tea has become such a popular Vietnamese drink that it’s now considered a quintessential part of Ho Chi Minh City’s street food scene. Whether you’re exploring the city or simply looking for a refreshing pick-me-up, a cup of bubble tea is a must-try.

Recommended places to drink bubble tea in Saigon:

• Sharetea: 113 Nguyen Hue, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Koi Thé: 76 Ngo Duc Ke, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Toocha: 53 Ho Tung Mau, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

9. Soybean Milk (Sữa Đậu Nành)

Unlike its Western counterpart, Vietnamese soy milk boasts a unique twist: the addition of pandan leaf extract. This fragrant herb imparts a subtle sweetness, elevating the drink to new heights. Renowned for its health benefits, soy milk is one of the most popular Vietnamese drinks for locals. You can enjoy a bottle of homemade soy milk for the affordable price of around 15,000 VND.

Recommended places to drink soybean milk in Saigon:

• Hoa Hung: 79 Hoa Hung Street, Ward 12, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
• Mint soybean milk: on the pavement at 710 Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
• Soya Garden: 27B Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Da Kao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

10. Rice Wine (Rượu Gạo)

Rice wine, or rượu gạo in Vietnamese, holds a special place in the hearts and stomachs of many locals. While it might not be as widely consumed as beer or other spirits, it’s a drink with a rich cultural significance.

In Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll find a variety of rice wines, from the potent and clear rượu trắng (white rice wine) often enjoyed with meals, to sweeter, more aromatic versions infused with herbs or fruits.

You can find rice wine in various places around the city:

• Local markets: Offers a wider selection of traditional rice wines.
• Specialty liquor stores: These stores often carry a variety of rice wines, including premium brands.
• Restaurants and bars: Some establishments serve rice wine as part of their beverage menu.

Final thought

Ho Chi Minh City is a veritable treasure trove for beverage enthusiasts. From the rich, complex flavours of Vietnamese coffee to the refreshing simplicity of sugarcane juice, the city offers a diverse and delicious range of Vietnamese drinks to suit every taste. Whether you’re seeking a caffeine fix, a thirst-quenching refreshment, or a vibrant nightlife experience, you’ll find it all here. So, immerse yourself in the local culture and embark on a delightful culinary adventure through the city’s vibrant drink scene.

With its affordable prices and abundance of options, Ho Chi Minh City invites you to explore and experiment with different flavours. So, raise a glass and savour the unique taste of Vietnam.

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