Bia Hoi, also known as the cheapest beer in the world, is particularly popular in Hanoi. These bars are typically crowded with people from all walks of life, making them a great place to meet local people and experience Vietnamese beer culture.
This article will provide readers with comprehensive information about Bia Hoi, including its history, brewing process, drinking beer, and Bia Hoi culture. It will also discuss the different ways to enjoy Bia Hoi and some of the best places to drink it in Ha Noi, North Vietnam.
Plan your hassle-free trip to Vietnam with e-Visa!
Let our extensive 10+ years of experience in visa services be your guiding light as you book with us, guaranteeing a smooth and worry-free trip to Vietnam!
Contents
What Is Bia Hoi?
Bia Hoi, also known as fresh beer, is a popular draft beer in Vietnam. It is brewed daily and served unpasteurized, giving it a light and refreshing flavor. The beer is typically low in alcohol content, around 3-4%, and is very affordable, making it a popular choice for both Vietnamese people and tourists alike.
Bia Hoi in Hanoi is typically served in small plastic glasses. Ice cold Bia Hoi is a popular drink to enjoy at any time of day, but the beer-drinking time is often in the evenings when people are relaxing after work or school.
History & Cultural Importance
Bia Hoi has a long and rich history in Vietnam. The first Bia Hoi breweries were established in Hanoi – the capital city of Vietnam, in the early 1900s by French colonists. Bia Hoi Ha Noi quickly became popular among both locals and French colonialists, and it remained so even after Vietnam gained independence from France in 1954.
Today, it is a significant part of Vietnamese culture. It is a symbol of Vietnamese hospitality and friendship, and it is often used to celebrate special occasions. Beer is also a popular drink to enjoy with street food, and it is often paired with Vietnamese snacks and street food such as bean sprouts with delicious beef, and sunflower seeds.
The Popularity
Bia Hoi is popular on street corners for a number of reasons. It is a light and fresh beer that is perfect for enjoying on a hot day. It is also very affordable, making it accessible to Vietnamese people of all socioeconomic backgrounds. Additionally, the beer is a great way to experience Vietnamese culture and socialize.
Beer bars are typically crowded with people from all walks of life, making them a great place to meet new people and learn about bia hoi culture in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
History Of Bia Hoi
Bia Hoi, or fresh beer, was first introduced to Vietnam during the French colonial period in the late 19th century. The French brought their own culinary traditions with them, including their love of beer. In 1890, Alfred Hommel, a French brewer, established the first brewery in Hanoi.
It quickly became popular among both French colonists and Vietnamese people. It was a refreshing and affordable alternative to traditional Vietnamese alcoholic beverages, such as rice wine. Bia Hoi was also seen as a symbol of modernity and sophistication.
Influence Of European-style Lagers & Brewing Techniques
Bia Hoi is a type of lager beer, which is a type of beer that is bottom-fermented and typically has a light and refreshing flavor. European-style lagers were brewed using a different process than traditional Vietnamese alcoholic beverages, such as rice wine. European-style lagers are brewed using yeast that ferments at cooler temperatures, which results in a cleaner and more refreshing flavor.
The French brewers who introduced beer to Vietnam used European brewing techniques and ingredients for beer production. This resulted in a beer that was similar to European-style lagers in terms of flavor and aroma. However, Bia Hoi is typically lower in alcohol content than European-style lagers.
Evolution From Homemade Brews To A Popular & Affordable Beverage
In the early days, it was primarily brewed at home. However, as this beer became more popular, commercial breweries, such as Hanoi Brewery or Hommel Brewery, began to produce it. Commercial breweries were able to produce beer on a larger scale and at a lower cost, making it more accessible to people of all socioeconomic backgrounds.
Today, beer is one of the most popular drinks in Vietnam. It is enjoyed by people, both young locals and foreign tourists alike. Bia Hoi is typically served at Bia Hoi Junction on Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen Street. It is also available at some Bia Hoi restaurants.
The Bia Hoi Drinking Experience
First, Bia Hoi is very affordable. It is typically sold for a fraction of the price of bottled or canned beer. This makes this beer a popular choice for people of all socioeconomic backgrounds.
Second, Bia Hoi is typically served in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. Bia Hoi bars are typically small and unpretentious, located near street vendors and far from bustling streets. This makes it a great place to meet new people and experience Vietnamese culture.
Third, Bia Hoi is a very fresh beer. It does not contain any preservatives. This gives it a light and refreshing flavor. However, this also means that it must be consumed fresh, as it will not keep for very long.
Served In Simple Glasses Or Mugs
Bia Hoi is typically served in simple glasses or mugs. The glasses are typically made of plastic or glass, and they are usually small in size. This is because it is best to take one sip of fresh beer in small quantities.
Bia Hoi bars typically have a large keg of beer on tap. When a customer orders a Bia Hoi, the bartender will simply pour the beer from the keg into a glass. It is often served with a few peanuts or sunflower seeds, which are typically complimentary.
Absence Of Preservatives & Need To Consume It Fresh
As mentioned above, Bia Hoi is a very fresh beer. It is brewed daily and served unpasteurized, meaning that it does not contain any preservatives. This gives Bia Hoi a light and refreshing flavor. However, it also means that Bia Hoi must be consumed fresh, as it will not keep for very long.
Bia Hoi is typically best consumed within 1-2 days of being brewed. After this, the beer will start to lose its flavor and freshness. It is important to note that Bia Hoi should not be consumed if it has a sour or unpleasant smell.
Where To Find Bia Hoi?
When it comes to tracking down the best Bia Hoi in Hanoi, you’ll want to start with iconic spots like Ta Hien Beer Street. This lively Old Quarter street is a hub for authentic Bia Hoi experiences. But the Bia Hoi adventure in Hanoi doesn’t end there. In the following section, we’ll guide you to other hidden gems and must-visit locations where you can indulge in this iconic brew, ensuring your journey is full of flavor and cultural discovery.
Beer Corner, Hanoi
Beer Corner, also known as Bia Hoi Junction or Bia Hoi Corner, offers a wide selection of Bia Hoi, as well as other Vietnamese and international beers. The beer is served in traditional plastic glasses, or it can be bottled beer in glass bottles. Beer Corner also offers a variety of Vietnamese snacks and dishes, such as roasted peanuts, and spring rolls.
Beer Corner has a casual and relaxed atmosphere. It is a great place to meet new people and drink Bia Hoi after a long day of sightseeing.
- Address: 20 Le Van Huu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price range: around 10,000 VND (less than $0.50 USD) per glass
Bia Hoi 50 Bat Dan
This is a popular spot, located at Bia Hoi Joint between Bat Dan and Duong Thanh Street. The Bia Hoi is brewed fresh daily and is served in traditional plastic glasses. The Bia Hoi Junction also offers a variety of Vietnamese snacks and street food, such as sunflower seeds, and grilled meat.
Bia Hoi 50 Bat Dan has a lively atmosphere. It is a great place to people-watch and enjoy the bustling energy of Hanoi. The bar is typically crowded with people from all walks of life, and the staff is friendly and welcoming.
- Address: 50 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price range: around 10,000 VND (less than $0.50 USD) per glass
Huy Beo – Bia Hoi Ha Noi
Huy Beo – Bia Hoi Ha Noi is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to enjoy a refreshing glass of Bia Hoi. The Bia Hoi is brewed fresh every day and is served in traditional plastic glasses. Huy Beo–Bia Hoi Ha Noi also offers a variety of Vietnamese snacks and dishes, such as peanuts, sunflower seeds, grilled meat, and spring rolls.
- Address: 59 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price range: Slightly more expensive than the other places listed, around 15,000 VND (less than $0.75 USD) per glass
Bia Tuoi 437
Bia Tuoi 437 is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to enjoy refreshing bia hoi glasses of Bia Hoi. The Bia Hoi is brewed fresh every day.
- Address: 437 Hoang Van Thu, Ward 4, Tan Binh, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price range: Similar to Bia Hoi 50 Bat Dan, Bia Tuoi 437 offers very affordable Bia Hoi at around 10,000 VND (less than $0.50 USD) per glass. Snacks and dishes range in price from 20,000 VND to 50,000 VND (approximately $1.00 USD to $2.50 USD).
Tips For Enjoying Bia Hoi
Bia Hoi is a light and fresh beer. It is typically served as cold beer, so it may have a slightly cloudy appearance. Bia Hoi is best enjoyed fresh, so it is important to drink it within a few days of being brewed.
It is important to drink responsibly when enjoying Bia Hoi. This beer is a fresh beer with a low alcohol content, but it is still possible to get drunk if you drink too much. Here are some tips to drink bia hoi responsibly based on the bia hoi drinking culture in Ha Noi Old Quarter.
It is a good idea to eat some street food while you drink Bia Hoi. This will help to slow down the absorption of alcohol and prevent you from getting drunk too quickly. Everyone has different limits when it comes to alcohol. It is important to know your limits and stick to them.
Before you start drinking, have a plan for how you are going to get home safely. If you are drinking bia hoi with friends, make sure that someone has a designated driver.
Ready To Experience Authentic Vietnam The Bia Hoi Way?
In closing, our journey through the vibrant world of Bia Hoi has been a delightful one, full of flavors, culture, and memorable moments. We’ve discovered that this unique beer isn’t just a beverage; it’s a gateway to experiencing the heart and soul of Vietnam. Bia Hoi has brought people together, fostering connections, and sharing the essence of Vietnamese hospitality. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a cultural experience, a cherished part of the country’s heritage!
As you explore the Bia Hoi scene on your own, remember that each sip is a connection to the local community and a celebration of tradition. So, the next time you find yourself in Vietnam, be sure to raise your glass of Bia Hoi, savor the refreshing taste, and toast to the incredible experiences this brew has to offer. Cheers to your Bia Hoi adventure!
