Egg Coffee, Cà Phê & Bia Hơi

Vietnam is the second-largest coffee producer in the world — and the coffee culture is unique:

Cà Phê Sữa Đá — Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Strongly brewed coffee from a Phin (small metal drip filter), slowly dripping onto sweetened condensed milk in a glass. Stir, add ice — done. The coffee is stronger and more bitter than European, the condensed milk balances it out. Every sip is a kick. 15,000–30,000 VND (0.55–1.10 €).

Cà Phê Trứng — Egg Coffee

Hanoi's most ingenious invention: egg yolk, sugar, and condensed milk, whipped creamy and set atop hot black coffee. Tastes like liquid tiramisu. Invented in 1946 at Café Giảng, when milk was scarce during the war. Today a cult — and still best at Café Giảng (39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hanoi). 30,000–50,000 VND (1.10–1.85 €).

Bia Hơi — The Cheapest Fresh Beer in the World

Bia Hơi means "fresh beer" — freshly brewed daily, light (about 3% alcohol), served from large metal kegs on the roadside. There is no brand, no bottle, no advertising — just plastic chairs, a tap, and a glass for 5,000–10,000 VND (0.19–0.37 €). The cheapest fresh beer in the world!

The Bia-Hơi culture is a social ritual: In the evenings from 5 PM, Vietnamese gather on the sidewalks, drink, talk, eat snacks (dried squid, peanuts). The most famous spot is Bia Hơi Corner in Hanoi (intersection of Tạ Hiện / Lương Ngọc Quyến).

Bottled Beers

• Bia Hà Nội: The beer of the North — light, refreshing. 15,000–20,000 VND (0.55–0.74 €).
• Bia Sài Gòn: The beer of the South — slightly fuller-bodied. 15,000–25,000 VND (0.55–0.93 €).
• 333 (Ba Ba Ba): The classic — available everywhere. 12,000–18,000 VND (0.44–0.67 €).