In Vietnam, the term “Giai khat,” meaning “quench your thirst,” is commonly seen on signs at stands selling fresh juices, cold bottled drinks, or at outdoor cafés and bia hoi (draught beer) spots. Many beverages come with ice, which is generally safe to consume in hotels, bars, and restaurants. However, it’s advisable to be cautious with ice from street vendors. If you’re unsure, simply say “dung bo da, cam on” (“no ice, thanks”) to avoid it.

Bia Hoi Culture and Know-How

Despite the growing popularity of canned beer, bia hoi (draught beer) remains a staple in most major cities in Vietnam, from casual beer gardens to small, informal spots with low stools gathered around a barrel on the pavement. What sets bia hoi apart is that it’s unpasteurized, which means it’s intended to be consumed quickly as it doesn’t last beyond a day. The quality tends to be more reliable at larger establishments supplied by well-known breweries like Beer Ha Noi and Halida (under the Viet Ha brand), compared to smaller venues that often source from microbreweries. Typically, the higher the price and colder the beer, the better the taste.

The experience of enjoying bia hoi is centered around socializing with friends, and it remains predominantly a male activity. However, in the cities, you will occasionally spot local women joining in, and female travelers are welcome to participate without concern. In Vietnam, it’s uncommon to drink alone, and drinking is almost always accompanied by food. Many bia hoi outlets serve a variety of snacks and dishes to pair with your drink.

The menus in these venues are typically in Vietnamese, but here’s a selection of classic bia hoi dishes you can find. Usually, dishes are available in small, medium, or large portions, depending on the size of your group, so ordering a variety of small portions to share is a good way to maximize your experience. If the menu doesn’t indicate prices, it’s wise to ask beforehand. Many places leave a note on the table with a running total so you can keep track of your spending.

Popular Bia Hoi Dishes:

  • Bo luc lac – Spicy stir-fried beef cubes with green pepper
  • Ca bo lo – Oven-cooked fish
  • Dau chien ron – Fried tofu
  • Dau tu xuyen – Tofu in a Chinese pork and tomato sauce
  • De tai chanh – Lightly cooked goat with green banana, pineapple, and lemon
  • Dua chuot che – Sliced cucumber
  • Ech chien bo – Deep-fried battered frogs’ legs
  • Ech xao mang – Frogs’ legs with bamboo shoots
  • Ga xe phay – Shredded chicken salad with peanuts and basil
  • Khoai tay ran – Chips/French fries
  • Lac – Peanuts
  • Muc chien bo – Squid fried in butter
  • Muc kho – Dried squid
  • Muc tam bot – Battered squid
  • Nem chua – Minced spicy cured pork wrapped in banana leaf
  • Nom du du – Papaya salad
  • Nom hoa chuoi – Banana-flower salad
  • Nom ngo sen – Lotus-stem salad
  • Oc xao xa ot – Stir-fried snails with lemongrass and chili
  • Rau bi xaoi – Leaf fried with garlic
  • Tho quay – Roast rabbit
  • Tom hap bia – Shrimp steamed in beer
  • Tom nuong – Grilled shrimp