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What could be better than a glass of beer on a hot sunny day? It’s a glass of Bia Hoi on a hot sunny day in Hanoi! As a foreign traveler reading a Vietnam travel guide, you may want to try some glasses and soak up the lively atmosphere of local beer joints just like the Hanoians do. Read on as Asia King Travel introduces you to one of the city’s most unique street culture experiences that you shouldn’t miss on any Hanoi tour.
Every afternoon, Hanoi’s Bia Hoi stalls start filling up with customers
Beer was introduced to Vietnam by the French in the 19th century. Alfred Hommel built the first brewery in Hanoi in 1890. But at that time, the Vietnamese were not yet receptive to this drink because they were still more accustomed to traditional beverages. In 1958, the brewery came under Vietnamese control and was renamed Hanoi Brewery (HABECO). Then they introduced bia hoi, which quickly became immensely popular.
People lining up to buy beer during the subsidy period in the 1980s
Bia Hoi (literally meaning “draft beer” or “fresh beer”) is a distinctive type of fresh beer in Vietnam, most common in the northern region. Its key characteristic is the low alcohol content – around 2–4%. After fermentation, the beer is stored in steel kegs and consumed on the same day. That’s why, when you drink it, you will experience a refreshing taste and a naturally fragrant aroma.
The first glasses filled with white foam poured after opening the keg are considered the best
Due to its low alcohol content, Bia Hoi is remarkably affordable compared to Western standards. A glass usually costs around VND 10,000, which is less than half a dollar. Its affordability makes it a drink for everyone; even a worker can enjoy a few glasses after a hard day’s work. But don’t be fooled, the drink can get you tipsy faster than you might expect.
The way Hanoians enjoy Bia Hoi is truly unique, and while no one officially recognizes it, everyone acknowledges it as part of the capital’s culture. Today, the word “bia hoi” stands shoulder to shoulder with “pho” and “banh mi” in terms of international fame.
Bia Hoi stalls usually display the sign 'Bia Hoi Ha Noi'
Every evening, both the young and the old start flocking to the beer stalls. What drinkers look for is comfort, and any authentic Vietnamese bia hoi joint will always be spacious and airy, not a quiet, hidden place for sipping a craft beer. The seating is nothing fancy either, just simple plastic tables and chairs spread from inside out onto the sidewalk. Order and formality don’t matter. What matters is fitting in as many people as possible to enjoy their beer.
People don’t just come to drink, they come to share the joy of drinking together. For a toast, everyone shouts loudly in unison: “Mot, hai, ba, Dzo!” (one, two, three, Dzo!) The louder the cheer, the more excited the drinking becomes, and then everyone tries to finish their glass in one shot. There’s also a longer version: “Mot, hai, ba, dzo. Hai, ba, dzo. Hai, ba, UONG!” (one, two, dzo. Two, three, dzo. Two, three, DRINK!)
Don’t be shy, shout as loud as you can
Among close friends, there are playful, drawn-out chants they invent themselves, such as:
- Suuuut, vao! (“shoot, goal!” because people often drink beer while watching football)
- Troi oi, hom nay lai say nua roi! (Oh no, we are all drunk again!)
There’s also a style where one person calls out a toast and the rest respond with a long, cheerful chant. Sometimes, even tables of strangers will compete to see who can shout louder, then raise their glasses to wish each other an empty cup. This kind of friendly, lively atmosphere is something you’ll rarely find in regular restaurants.
Another cool thing you can notice is the beer glass. This cloudy glass with air bubbles inside may look unattractive, but it carries a whole history. During the 1970s–1980s subsidy period, beer in Vietnam was sold in whatever container was available, so the drinking experience sometimes felt quite off.
Therefore, Artist Le Huy Van was then tasked with designing a standard beer glass. He studied foreign glass designs and researched affordable materials to make them. In just one day, he sketched the design, and three days later the first glasses came out of production.
Artist Le Huy Van and the legendary beer glass
The glass has a capacity of 0.5 liters, with a flared rim and thick base, made from recycled glass. Its ridged sides make it easy to grip and allow the glasses to be stacked without sticking together. The bluish-gray hue and the bubbles trapped inside from simple glass processing unexpectedly became popular, as they give drinkers a refreshing, cool feeling. To this day, the glass has been used for 50 years and still can not be replaced.
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Boiled peanuts are the “perfect match” for Bia Hoi. Usually, as soon as you order a glass of beer, they will serve you a free plate of peanuts. The peanuts are nutty, rich, with thin, easy-to-peel shells. And you can snack on them endlessly without getting bored. Their earthy flavor balances out the slight bitterness of Bia Hoi, so each sip you drink feels smoother and more satisfying.
Fried tofu is usually the first dish people order. Depending on preference, it can be lightly fried (often called “tofu surfing the pan”), fried until golden and crispy, or topped with plenty of scallions. Each piece is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and best enjoyed hot with shrimp paste. Like peanuts, the rich, savory taste of fried tofu balances out the bitterness of the beer.
Crispy fermented pork rolls (nem chua) are easy to eat, with a tangy, appetizing flavor that only fermented foods can offer. They’re also light on the stomach, which makes them especially popular among beer lovers. For that reason, nem chua has naturally become a simple, rustic companion to Bia Hoi sessions. A cool sip of fresh beer after tasting the sour and spicy kick of nem chua creates an instant feeling of refreshment.
The best snacks on the drinking tables
Don't forget to try Bia Hoi with dried squid while on a Hanoi food tour. Once grilled, it gives off a hypnotic aroma that tempts even passersby to sit down at a beer stall. Just one hand-sized squid, torn into strips and dipped in chili sauce, is enough for a small group of friends to enjoy over drinks. Every casual beer joint keeps a stockpile of dried squid all year round to make sure their guests are always satisfied.
Pork cracklings have become a popular drinking snack in recent years, with the best ones made in Trieu Khuc Village, south of Hanoi. Each piece is golden and crispy on the outside yet tender inside. You don’t have to worry about it being too greasy, as most of the fat has already been fried out, and it’s often served with pickled vegetables on the side.
Trieu Khuc pork cracklings are incredibly addictive
Evening is when Ta Hien Street begins to come alive. Sidewalk beer joints switch on their lights and set out tables and chairs. No matter if you’re Vietnamese or a foreign traveler, everyone sits together to enjoy this magical drink. Laughter, chatter, and shouts of “one, two three, Dzo” fill the entire street. Ta Hien becomes an endless playground, at least until you’re too drunk to continue.
Head to Ta Hien Street for a sleepless night
Tu Do Beer Hall has dozens of branches across Hanoi, catering mainly to young people. Its open and creative decor is a big plus for gatherings. The menu is diverse, from Vietnamese to Asian and European dishes, so it can be a great place to get acquainted with Bia Hoi if it’s your first time traveling to Vietnam. Sometimes, the venues even host live music events, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Though newly established, Tu Do Beer Halls have become popular
In fact, you don’t need to worry too much about where to drink beer in Hanoi. Just walk a little and you’ll easily spot a place. Choose the one packed with locals because that’s a good sign of quality and avoid being overcharged compared to more tourist-oriented spots.
-Drink with at least one friend. Drinking alone is no fun at all.
-Don’t order too much food. Focus on the beer because eating too much can make you feel sick.
-Stop when you have had enough. If others invite you to drink, politely decline, they won’t take it the wrong way. Forcing someone to drink is now considered bad manners at the table.
-The most important rule: never drive after drinking alcohol! Vietnam imposes very heavy penalties for driving under the influence, and no one will sympathize with you for any reason. Always book a taxi to take you home safely.
Let every Bia Hoi session be a complete celebration
The bustling, crowded Bia Hoi stalls have naturally become a part of Hanoi culture. They reflect a city full of friendly people, always ready to welcome guests over a glass of beer. Contact Asia King Travel to experience this wonderful feeling you are surely craving!
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