Vietnam is a land of diversity, known for its rich culture and cuisine. The country’s love for food and drink is evident in its streets, where you can find vendors selling delicious and refreshing drinks at every corner. From sweet and milky Vietnamese iced coffee to refreshing pennywort drink, Vietnam has an array of unique and exotic beverages that are loved by locals and tourists alike. In this article, we will explore some of the top drinks and juices of Vietnam and their distinct flavors.
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photo: Mạnh Mốc
- Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Ca Phe Sua Da)
- Sugarcane Juice (Nuoc Mia)
- Pennywort Drink (Nuoc Rau Ma)
- Coconut Water (Nuoc Dua)
- Jackfruit Smoothie (Sinh To Mit)
- Lemon Tea (Tra Chanh)
- Soy Milk (Sua Dau Nanh)
Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Ca Phe Sua Da)
Vietnamese Iced Coffee, also known as Ca Phe Sua Da, is a staple beverage in Vietnam. Its unique blend of strong coffee and sweet condensed milk creates a rich and creamy flavor that is hard to resist. The beverage is made by brewing coarse coffee grounds in a Vietnamese coffee filter, also known as a phin, and pouring it over a glass filled with ice and condensed milk. The coffee is slowly dripped into the glass, giving it a strong and intense flavor that is balanced by the sweetness of the condensed milk. Vietnamese Iced Coffee is enjoyed throughout the day and is often served alongside a bowl of pho, a popular Vietnamese noodle soup.
Sugarcane Juice (Nuoc Mia)
photo: Vinh Thang
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Sugarcane Juice, or Nuoc Mia, is a refreshing and sweet beverage that is made by pressing sugarcane stalks and extracting their juice. The juice is then mixed with lime and served over ice, creating a sweet and tangy flavor that is perfect for hot summer days. Sugarcane Juice is a popular street food in Vietnam and is often sold by vendors who use manual sugarcane crushers to extract the juice. The beverage is a great source of natural sugar and is believed to have health benefits such as improving digestion and boosting energy levels.
Pennywort Drink (Nuoc Rau Ma)
Pennywort Drink, or Nuoc Rau Ma, is a green and refreshing beverage that is made from pennywort leaves, which are believed to have medicinal properties. The leaves are boiled in water and then blended with sugar, creating a sweet and slightly bitter flavor that is often compared to matcha tea. The drink is believed to have a cooling effect on the body and is often consumed in the summer to combat the hot and humid weather. Pennywort Drink is a popular traditional Vietnamese beverage that is enjoyed not just for its taste, but also for its health benefits.
Coconut Water (Nuoc Dua)
photo: Craig Adderley
Coconut Water, or Nuoc Dua, is a refreshing and hydrating beverage that is made from the water inside a young green coconut. The water is clear and slightly sweet, with a nutty flavor that is distinct to coconuts. Coconut Water is believed to have numerous health benefits, including hydration, electrolyte replenishment, and aiding in digestion. It is a popular beverage in Vietnam and is often sold by street vendors who cut open the coconut and serve the water in its shell with a straw.
Jackfruit Smoothie (Sinh To Mit)
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Sinh To Mit, also known as Vietnamese jackfruit smoothie, is a popular drink in Vietnam. It is made from ripe jackfruit blended with condensed milk, sugar, ice, and sometimes coconut milk or yogurt. This refreshing and sweet beverage is commonly sold by street vendors and in coffee shops throughout the country. The addition of ice helps to chill the drink and give it a slushy texture, while coconut milk or yogurt can be added for a richer flavor. Some variations of the drink also include other fruits such as mango, pineapple, or banana.
Lemon Tea (Tra Chanh)
Lemon Tea, or Tra Chanh, is a simple yet refreshing beverage that is made by mixing tea with lemon and sugar. The tea used in Tra Chanh is often black tea or green tea, and it is steeped in hot water before being mixed with freshly squeezed lemon juice and sugar. The beverage is served over ice, creating a sweet and tangy flavor that is perfect for hot summer days. Lemon Tea is a popular Vietnamese drink that is enjoyed throughout the day, and it is often served alongside meals.
Soy Milk (Sua Dau Nanh)
photo: Trình Minh Thư
Soy Milk, or Sua Dau Nanh, is a popular alternative to dairy milk in Vietnam. The beverage is made by soaking and blending soybeans with water, creating a creamy and nutty flavor that is similar to dairy milk. Soy Milk is often served hot or cold and is enjoyed for its health benefits, including its high protein content and its ability to lower cholesterol levels. In Vietnam, Soy Milk is often sold by street vendors who offer a variety of flavors, including pandan and black sesame.
Vietnam’s top drinks and juices are a reflection of the country’s rich cultural heritage and its love for refreshing and flavorful beverages. From sweet and creamy Vietnamese Iced Coffee to exotic and hydrating Coconut Water, each beverage offers a unique flavor profile that is hard to resist. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer drink or a healthy alternative to dairy milk, Vietnam’s beverages have something to offer for everyone. So, the next time you find yourself in Vietnam, be sure to try some of these delicious and unique beverages and experience the flavors of this beautiful country.
The only one on the list that I never tried was a Nuoc Rau Ma. I am just not sure that I would like it. I really don’t know what pennywort tastes like. I heard it was bitter which I am not a fan of.
I love Vietnamese drinks. Many of them are like spins on classics I grew up on. So it is new but also familiar. A friend of mine who lived in Vietnam for 10 years makes some amazing Vietnamese inspired drinks.
I love coconut water but it does not agree with me for whatever reason. I have tried it all over and have not been able to find one that doesn’t give me stomach trouble. It is a shame too because Vietnam has some of the best I had ever tasted.
I’ve always been a fan of Vietnamese coffee, but now I’m excited to branch out and try some of the other drinks on this list.
The photos in this article are making my mouth water!
I am not sure if the drink falls in this list or not, I don’t remember the name if it. It was a very fruity drink that had seeds in it. I think the main flavor was almost peach like and I know it was one you could get with alcohol but I didn’t get it with any.
My favorite drink from this list is the jackfruit smoothie but it’s not easy to come by in Vietnam. You’re better off finding sugarcane drink, Vietnamese coffee or coconut water at most vendors/cafes.
I’ve tried a few of these drinks before like the nuoc rau ma, but now I know there are so many more I need to try!
I’m not a big fan of sugary drinks, but some of these fruit juices look like they might be worth the extra calories.
I have a had a few on the list, the iced coffee being my favorite. I have grown to love cold coffee and prefer it. I seldom drink it hot anymore.
Nuoc Mia reminds me of lemonade. It is a bit more refreshing though. Whereas lemonade tends to make me feel more thirsty, this sweet drink does not.