Picture this: You are sitting on a tiny plastic stool on a vibrant street corner in Hanoi. Motorbikes weave past you, the air is thick with the smell of grilling pork, and in your hand is an ice-cold glass of Bia Hơi. For decades, this 50-cent, freshly brewed, ultra-light lager has been the undisputed king of Vietnamese drinking culture.
But the times, they are a-changin’. Over the last decade, the Vietnam craft beer scene has quietly transformed into one of Asia’s most dynamic and exciting culinary trends. What started as a small movement led by passionate expats and globally trained local brewers has exploded into a nationwide revolution. Today, you are just as likely to find a locally brewed Jasmine IPA, a robust Imperial Stout, or a tart Passionfruit Ale as you are a standard local lager. Best of all? The movement has spread far beyond Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Here is your ultimate guide to sipping your way through the local flavors.
The Birthplace of the Vietnam Craft Beer Scene: Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon is the undisputed birthplace of Vietnam’s craft beer renaissance. The scene here is mature, bold, and wildly creative, blending Western brewing techniques with hyper-local Vietnamese ingredients.
East West Brewing Co.
A true powerhouse in the Vietnamese craft scene, East West Brewing operates a stunning downtown taproom that feels like it belongs in Brooklyn. They never compromise on flavor, beautifully balancing traditional English malts and American hops. Don’t miss their Saigon Rosé, a vibrant wheat ale loaded with fresh raspberries and mulberries, or their perfectly balanced East West Pale Ale.
Heart of Darkness & Pasteur Street
We can’t talk about Saigon without tipping our hats to these legends. Pasteur Street Brewing Company was one of the first to infuse local flavors into beer—their Jasmine IPA is a rite of passage. Meanwhile, Heart of Darkness caters to the hop-heads with their unapologetically bold, high-ABV IPAs and rich stouts.
Coastal Cool: Da Nang & Nha Trang
There is nothing quite like a cold beer after a day of surfing or lounging on the beach. Vietnam’s central and southern coastlines have embraced the craft movement with open arms, offering beers that perfectly complement the salty sea breeze.
7 Bridges Brewing Co. & Brewhaha (Da Nang)
In Da Nang, 7 Bridges Brewing Co. offers an award-winning core range alongside highly experimental seasonal beers. Their taprooms are legendary—especially the ones with rooftop views of the city’s illuminated bridges. For a uniquely local touch, visit Brewhaha, a taproom serving Bia Ngũ Hành (5 Elements Brewing Co.). They focus on natural, indigenous ingredients to tell a uniquely Vietnamese story through every pour.
Louisiane Brewhouse (Nha Trang)
Right on the golden sands of Nha Trang Beach sits Louisiane Brewhouse. While they serve a fantastic array of international food, the real star is their house-brewed craft beer, including refreshing Pilsners that pair perfectly with a plate of fresh local seafood and live evening music.
Highland Hops: Da Lat
Da Lat’s cool, misty pine forests and stable temperatures make it a surprisingly perfect environment for brewing and fermenting beer. The craft scene here is quieter, more thoughtful, and deeply tied to the region’s agricultural abundance.
Trạm Men
Trạm Men is Da Lat’s shining craft beer star. They brew in small batches, allowing the beers to mature at the slow rhythm of the highlands. The brewers utilize native herbs and flowers, creating incredible seasonal brews like their vibrant Hibiscus Beer (Red Ale), tart Passionfruit Beer, and even a nostalgic Xá Xị (Sarsaparilla) Herbal Beer. Pair these with their refined local cuisine—like Red Artichoke Beer-bathed Pork Ribs—for an unforgettable mountain dining experience.
Island Pints: Phu Quoc
Even Vietnam’s premier tropical island getaway has caught the craft beer bug. As the island’s culinary scene elevates, so does its beer.
East West Brewing (Phu Quoc Brew House)
East West Brewing has expanded to the “Pearl Island,” recently inaugurating a beautiful beachfront taproom right on Sunset Beach. Imagine sipping a crisp, classic Summer Hefeweizen while watching one of Phu Quoc’s famous neon-pink sunsets drop into the Gulf of Thailand. It is the ultimate capstone to any Vietnamese adventure.
Conclusion
From the bustling, scooter-filled alleys of Ho Chi Minh City to the misty valleys of Da Lat and the white-sand beaches of Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s craft beer scene is a journey in itself. It is a testament to the country’s incredible ability to take international concepts, infuse them with rich, local heritage, and create something entirely new and spectacular. So, next time you visit, pull up a chair—plastic or otherwise—and say “Một, Hai, Ba, Dô!” (Cheers!).
