15 Local Drinks You Should Try in Vietnam for an Authentic Travel Experience

Discover the best Local Drinks You Should Try in Vietnam, from famous egg coffee and sugarcane juice to lotus tea, fresh coconut water, and tropical fruit smoothies.

When people think about Vietnam, delicious street food usually comes to mind first. But there’s another side of Vietnamese cuisine that’s just as exciting—the drinks! From world-famous egg coffee to refreshing sugarcane juice and fragrant lotus tea, local drinks you should try in Vietnam are full of unique flavors you won’t easily find anywhere else.

Whether you’re exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter, relaxing in Hoi An, or enjoying the beaches of Da Nang, tasting these drinks is one of the easiest ways to experience local culture. If you’re wondering which local drinks you should try in Vietnam, this guide has you covered.

1. Vietnamese Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)

If there’s one drink you absolutely can’t miss, it’s Vietnamese coffee. Brewed slowly with a traditional phin filter and often mixed with sweet condensed milk, it’s rich, bold, and incredibly smooth.

Whether you like your coffee hot or iced, it’s one of the first local drinks you should try in Vietnam.

Don’t miss:

• Iced coffee with condensed milk (Cà phê sữa đá)
• Black iced coffee (Cà phê đen đá)
• Hot Vietnamese coffee

You’ll find great coffee almost everywhere—from tiny street-side cafés to modern coffee shops.

2. Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng)

Have you ever tried coffee topped with a creamy egg foam?

It might sound unusual, but egg coffee is one of the most famous local drinks you should try in Vietnam. Invented in Hanoi, it’s made with whipped egg yolk, condensed milk, sugar, and strong Vietnamese coffee.

The result? A rich, velvety drink that tastes more like dessert than coffee.

Best place to try: Hanoi.

3. Salt Coffee (Cà Phê Muối)

Originally from Hue, salt coffee has become popular across the country.

Don’t worry—it doesn’t taste salty! A tiny pinch of salt enhances the sweetness of the milk and softens the bitterness of the coffee, creating a perfectly balanced flavor.

If you’re a coffee lover, this is definitely one of the local drinks you should try in Vietnam.

4. Fresh Sugarcane Juice (Nước Mía)

Walking around Vietnam on a hot afternoon? Grab a cup of fresh sugarcane juice.

Pressed right in front of you and served over ice, this naturally sweet drink is one of the most refreshing local drinks you should try in Vietnam. Some vendors even add kumquat for a slightly citrusy twist.

It’s cheap, delicious, and available almost everywhere.

5. Fresh Coconut Water (Nước Dừa)

Vietnam is a tropical country, so fresh coconuts are never far away.

Served straight from the fruit, coconut water is naturally sweet, refreshing, and perfect after a day of sightseeing.

If you’re visiting the Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc, or Da Nang, this is one of the local drinks you should try in Vietnam without thinking twice.

6. Pennywort Juice (Nước Rau Má)

Don’t let the bright green color scare you!

Pennywort juice is a favorite among locals because it’s cool, refreshing, and believed to help beat the summer heat. Some versions are blended with coconut milk or mung beans, making the drink even creamier.

It’s one of the more unique local drinks you should try in Vietnam if you want to experience everyday Vietnamese life.

7. Kumquat Tea (Trà Tắc)

Simple, refreshing, and loved by almost everyone.

Kumquat tea combines black tea, fresh kumquat, sugar, and lots of ice to create the perfect drink for Vietnam’s warm weather.

You’ll spot it at street stalls, cafés, and local restaurants all over the country.

8. Lotus Tea (Trà Sen)

Looking for something more traditional?

Lotus tea has been enjoyed in Vietnam for generations. The delicate floral aroma makes it one of the most elegant local drinks you should try in Vietnam, especially if you’re interested in Vietnamese culture and traditions.

9. Artichoke Tea (Trà Atiso)

Da Lat is famous for its cool climate and fresh produce, including artichokes.

Artichoke tea has a light herbal flavor and is popular among locals as an everyday drink. Whether served hot or cold, it’s a relaxing way to take a break while exploring Vietnam.

10. Herbal Tea (Nước Sâm)

Made from a mix of traditional herbs, roots, and flowers, herbal tea is another refreshing drink you’ll often see at local stalls.

Many Vietnamese people enjoy it during hot weather because it’s believed to help cool the body naturally.

11. Avocado & Young Coconut Smoothie (Bơ Già Dừa Non)

If you’re looking for a drink that’s both refreshing and filling, don’t miss Bơ Già Dừa Non. This popular Vietnamese drink blends creamy ripe avocado with fresh young coconut, creating a rich and naturally sweet flavor that’s perfect for hot tropical days.

Unlike a regular smoothie, Bơ Già Dừa Non often includes soft young coconut flesh, giving it a deliciously chewy texture. Some cafés also add condensed milk or coconut ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

You’ll find this drink in many cafés across Vietnam, especially in Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City. It’s becoming one of the local drinks you should try in Vietnam if you want to experience a modern favorite loved by both locals and visitors.

12. Fresh Fruit Juice (Nước Ép)

Fresh fruit juice is easy to find throughout Vietnam and makes a healthy alternative to soft drinks.

Some of the most popular choices include watermelon, pineapple, guava, orange, and passion fruit.

Everything is freshly squeezed and served over ice—perfect for cooling down after exploring.

13. Soy Milk (Sữa Đậu Nành)

Warm in the morning or cold in the afternoon, fresh soy milk is a comforting drink that’s especially popular in Central Vietnam.

It’s simple, affordable, and surprisingly delicious.

14. Rice Wine (Rượu Gạo)

If you’d like to experience traditional Vietnamese celebrations, try a small glass of rice wine.

Often homemade and served during family gatherings or festivals, rice wine gives visitors a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural traditions.

Just remember—it can be much stronger than it looks!

15. Vietnamese Craft Beer

Vietnam’s craft beer scene has grown rapidly in recent years, especially in cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.

While traditional drinks remain popular, trying a locally brewed beer is another fun way to discover Vietnam’s modern food and drink culture.

Tips for Enjoying Local Drinks in Vietnam

To make the most of the local drinks you should try in Vietnam, keep these simple tips in mind:

• Visit busy local cafés or street vendors for the freshest drinks.
• Don’t be afraid to try something you’ve never heard of.
• Ask for less sugar if you prefer a lighter taste.
• Carry some cash, as many street stalls don’t accept cards.
• Pair your drinks with local street food for the full Vietnamese experience.

Trying the local drinks you should try in Vietnam is about more than just quenching your thirst—it’s a chance to experience the country’s culture, traditions, and everyday life. Whether you’re enjoying a creamy egg coffee in Hanoi, sipping fresh coconut water by the beach, or cooling off with sugarcane juice after a busy day of sightseeing, every drink tells its own story.

So next time you visit Vietnam, skip the bottled soft drinks for a while and explore these amazing local drinks you should try in Vietnam. You might just discover your new favorite beverage along the way!