When the French arrived in Vietnam in the late 19th century, they introduced a range of Western influences, including beer, which quickly became popular. Today, Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant place for craft beer lovers.
Join us as we explore the history, charm, and flavors of craft beer in Ho Chi Minh.
Craft Beer in Ho Chi Minh: From Colonial Beginnings to Crafty Heights
Craft Beer In Ho Chi Minh City
Sipping on a cold beer, whether alone or with friends, is a common pastime for many young Vietnamese. Beer, now a staple in both urban and rural areas, has sparked endless conversations. The emergence of the local craft beer industry highlights Vietnam’s growing fondness for this beverage.
But how did beer become as integral to Vietnamese culture as coffee and pho?
Early Beginnings in the North
The French, along with bread, brought beer to Vietnam in the late 19th century. Alfred Hommel established the first brewery in Hanoi in 1890 to supply French soldiers and sell to locals. At the time, beer was unfamiliar to the Vietnamese, who traditionally drank rice wine.
Beer gradually became favored due to its milder taste compared to strong rice wines and its affordability compared to imported wines. By 1957, Hommel’s brewery was state-owned and became the official brewery of Hanoi, leading to the creation of today’s Hanoi Beer, Alcohol, Beverage Joint Stock Corporation (HABECO). The brewery launched its first locally styled beer in 1960, and it quickly gained popularity.
Expansion to the South
The introduction of beer to Saigon followed a similar path. In 1875, Frenchman Victor Larue opened a small brewery in Saigon, which grew to include a beverage and ice factory by 1910. After the Vietnam War, the company became the Southern Beer and Alcohol Company, now known as the Saigon Beer and Beverage Joint Stock Company (SABECO).
The North is known for Bia Hanoi and Bia Hoi, while the South is famous for Bia Saigon and Bia 333.
Bia 333 has a rich history, originally called “33 Export” and made with French recipes and German ingredients. During the Vietnam War, it was popular among American soldiers. After reunification, the beer was rebranded as Bia 333 to symbolize luck and prosperity.
New Waves
Craft Beer In Ho Chi Minh City
Throughout the 1990s, Vietnam’s most consumed beers included both domestic and international labels. However, in the early 2000s, Saigon saw the emergence of restaurants serving Czech beer brewed on-site. Hoa Viên Brauhaus, the first beer brewing pub in Vietnam, exemplifies this trend, born from cultural exchange between Czechia and Vietnam.
The most significant shift in Vietnamese beer culture began around 2015, with the rise of craft beer capturing the attention of both locals and foreigners. Starting with Platinum, the craft beer scene in Vietnam has grown to include nearly twenty different brands and breweries, most of which are based in Saigon.
Vietnam’s craft beer scene is not just about replicating Western processes but involves incorporating unique local ingredients like tropical fruits and spices to create flavors that complement the local climate, cuisine, and traditions.
Top Craft Breweries to Visit in Ho Chi Minh
Craft Beer In Ho Chi Minh City
Let’s dive into the vibrant world of craft beer in Ho Chi Minh City and explore some must-visit breweries that are making waves in the scene.
Pasteur Street Brewing Company
- Address: 144/3 Pasteur, Ben Nghe, District 1
- Hours: 11 AM – 11 PM
- Price ranges: 100,000 – 200,000 VND (4 – 8 USD)
Walking into Pasteur Street Brewing Company feels like stepping into a world where Eastern ingredients meet Western brewing techniques in perfect harmony. This pioneer in the Saigon craft beer scene offers a lineup that’s as impressive as it is diverse.
Jasmine IPA – 6.5% ABV | 50 IBU
- This flagship brew is a delightful blend of floral jasmine notes with the hoppy bitterness of an IPA. Imagine the scent of jasmine flowers wafting through the air as you sip, creating a sensory experience that’s uniquely Vietnamese. Every sip tells a story of craftsmanship and innovation.
Passion Fruit Wheat Ale – 4% ABV | 15 IBU
- Perfect for the local climate, this award-winning wheat ale is a refreshing mix of sweet and tart, thanks to the fresh passion fruit from Da Lat. Its crisp, clean finish makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Jasmine Amber Ale – 4.5% ABV | 27 IBU
- With a bold ruby hue and a gentle sweetness from special caramelized malts, this red ale is rich and drinkable. The addition of jasmine flowers adds a fragrant touch, making it a truly sensory experience.
Tropical Seltzer – 4% ABV | 0 IBU
- This Tropical Seltzer is a sun-soaked oasis in a glass, featuring a guava, kumquat, and pineapple trio that creates a flavor explosion. It’s the perfect drink to cool down on a hot day.
Pomelo IPA – 6.2% ABV | 31 IBU
- The fresh pomelo juice in this IPA lightens the usual bitterness, allowing the hops and fruit to dance together in harmony. It’s a refreshingly drinkable beer that’s perfect for any occasion.
Bia Chanh Muoi – 2.2% ABV | 11 IBU
- For the summer season, try the Chanh Muoi, a super light, low-alcohol, wonderfully refreshing salted lime beer. Whether you’re at the taproom or lounging by the pool, this is the perfect summer beverage.
East West Brewing Company
- Address: 181 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Nghe, District 1
- Hours: 11 PM – 1 AM
- Price ranges: 100.000 – 200.000 VND (4 – 8 USD)
East West Brewing Company is where East meets West in the craft beer world. Head brewer Patrick Barnes, with his extensive experience from Portland, Oregon, and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, brings world-class brewing techniques to Vietnam. His passion for innovation and quality shines through in every brew.
Summer Hefeweizen – 5.9% ABV | 20 IBU
- This classic German wheat ale is perfect for Vietnam’s warm climate. Floral with clove, pepper, and banana aromas, it delivers a mildly sweet, slightly nutty grain flavor with a clean, refreshing finish.
India Session Lager – 4.9% ABV | 13 IBU
- This unique fusion of West Coast and New Zealand hops results in a crisp, refreshing beer. Citrus notes dance alongside herbal undertones, all balanced by a subtle malt backbone, making each sip a journey of discovery.
Mosaic Pale Ale – 5.4% ABV | 28 IBU
- As vibrant as Vietnam itself, this golden amber ale features a bready malt backbone that balances strong hop aromas and flavors. It’s a true representation of the collaboration and creativity that defines the Saigon craft beer scene.
Wit Blanc – 4.7% ABV | 12 IBU
- This refreshing and crisp beer has orange citrus tones and coriander spice notes. It’s perfect for those looking for a light, flavorful drink.
Pacific Pilser – 5% ABV | 26 IBU
- With cracker-like malt aromas and light honey, spice flavors, this pilsner is dry and crisp yet full, allowing the flavors to linger. It’s a well-balanced beer that’s perfect for any beer lover.
Tips for Beers Lovers in Ho Chi Minh
Craft Beer In Ho Chi Minh City
Participate in a Homebrew Workshop
For a truly unique experience, participate in a homebrew workshop where you can learn how to brew your own craft beer. Several breweries and beer academies in Ho Chi Minh City offer workshops that teach the basics of brewing, from selecting ingredients to the fermentation process. This hands-on experience not only deepens your appreciation for craft beer but also gives you a chance to create your own personalized brew.
Suggestion: Pasteur Street Brewing Company
Craft Beer and Mekong Delta Day Trip
Embark on an exciting day trip to the Mekong Delta, where you can explore lush landscapes, bustling floating markets, and tranquil rivers. The Mekong Delta is renowned for its vibrant scenery, offering a glimpse into rural Vietnamese life with its winding waterways, verdant rice paddies, and traditional stilt houses. As you navigate through this picturesque region, you’ll encounter friendly locals, fresh tropical fruits, and the unique charm of the delta’s ecosystem.
Suggestion: Mekong Brewing Company
Join a Craft Beer Bike Tour
Take your bicycle tour up a notch by joining a night-time craft beer bike tour. The city transforms after dark, with cooler temperatures and vibrant nightlife. These tours often include stops at hidden gem breweries and bars that are off the beaten path, providing a more intimate and adventurous beer tasting experience. You’ll also get to see the city’s landmarks illuminated, adding a magical touch to your journey.
Suggestion: Jackfruit Adventure
Let’s Wrap It Up
Ho Chi Minh City’s craft beer scene is more than just a trend – it’s a testament to the city’s creativity, resilience, and passion for flavor. If you’re planning a visit to Saigon, make sure to explore its craft breweries. Better yet, why not combine your love for beer with a bit of adventure? Join a cycling tour around Saigon, and experience the city’s vibrant culture, scenic beauty, and, of course, its incredible craft beer offerings.
Ready to pedal through Saigon’s streets, sipping on some of the finest brews the city has to offer? At Jackfruit Adventure, we organize Ho Chi Minh City Cycling Tour and Team Building Ho Chi Minh. With a deep knowledge of Saigon city and local connections, we believe we can give you an awesome bonding time together. Click to book cycling tour and let the adventure begin!
