Bia Hơi Culture Explained: How to Order Beer Like a Local in Vietnam
Vietnam’s vibrant and lively beer culture is one of the most defining aspects of its social life. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the relaxed corners of Ho Chi Minh City, one drink reigns supreme — bia hơi. Known as “fresh beer,” bia hơi is more than just a beverage; it’s a way of life. If you want to experience Vietnam like a true local, understanding how to order and enjoy bia hơi is essential. This guide will take you through the history, culture, and etiquette of bia hơi, so you can confidently raise a glass and toast alongside the locals.
Inside This Guide
What is Bia Hơi?
Bia hơi (pronounced bee-uh hoy) literally translates to “fresh beer” in Vietnamese. It is a type of draft beer that is brewed daily and delivered to bia hơi establishments across Vietnam. The beer is made using a simple brewing process that includes malt, rice, and hops, resulting in a light, crisp taste with a low alcohol content of around 3%.
The key feature of bia hơi is its freshness. Unlike commercial beers, bia hơi is unpasteurized and contains no preservatives, which means it must be consumed quickly — usually within 24 hours of brewing. This also explains why it’s so cheap and widely available. A glass of bia hơi typically costs between 5,000 to 10,000 VND (about $0.20 to $0.40), making it one of the cheapest beers in the world.
The History of Bia Hơi in Vietnam
Bia hơi has been a favorite in Vietnam for decades. It all began back in the early 1900s during French colonial times when beer was mainly a treat for the elite. After Vietnam gained independence, locals took those brewing tricks and transformed them into something uniquely theirs—a fresh, light beer known as bia hơi.
Hanoi quickly became the heart of bia hơi culture. Small, family-run breweries started brewing fresh beer every day, and local vendors set up their little stalls on busy street corners. Today, bia hơi is everywhere. You’ll find it at countless street-side joints, or quán bia, where people gather after work or in the evening to kick back, chat, and enjoy a cold glass of beer. It’s all about that laid-back, friendly vibe—a place where you can feel at home and become part of the local scene.
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Where to Find Bia Hơi
If you want to experience bia hơi culture like a local, head to the street corners and back alleys of major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hue. Some of the most famous bia hơi spots include:
Bia Hơi Junction in Hanoi
Located at the intersection of Ta Hien Street and Luong Ngoc Quyen Street in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Bia Hơi Junction is the epicenter of bia hơi culture.
Plastic stools line the streets, and locals and tourists alike sit shoulder to shoulder, raising glasses of beer and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Bia Hơi Hai Xom in Ho Chi Minh City
It is a popular spot for locals and expats in Ho Chi Minh City.
Offers a more modern take on bia hơi culture, with chilled glasses and a wide variety of local snacks.
Local Quán Bia – found throughout the country
Every city and town has its own version of a quán bia — a simple open-air shop with plastic chairs and tables, where fresh bia hơi is poured straight from the keg.
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How to Order Bia Hơi Like a Local
Ordering bia hơi isn’t complicated, but there’s an unspoken etiquette that locals follow. To start, you need to find a quán bia by looking for small, unpretentious establishments with rows of plastic stools and tables, often marked with a sign that reads “Bia Hơi.” If you see locals gathered there, you know you’re in the right place.
Once you’ve found a spot, take a seat. The seating is informal, so simply grab a plastic stool and make yourself comfortable. Don’t be surprised if you’re invited to share a table with strangers; this is all part of the communal atmosphere that makes bia hơi culture so unique.
When it’s time to order your beer, keep it simple. You can say, “Cho tôi một cốc bia hơi,” which means “Please give me one glass of bia hơi.” If you’re ordering for more than one person, just adjust the number accordingly by saying, “Cho tôi hai cốc bia hơi” for two glasses, and so on.
Bia hơi is almost always served with a selection of snacks, known as mồi nhắm. Popular choices include nem chua (fermented pork sausage), lạc rang (roasted peanuts), chả cá (fried fish cakes), bò khô (dried beef), and bánh đa (rice crackers).
An important part of the tradition is the toasting. When you raise your glass, join in the customary cheer by saying “Một, hai, ba… dzô!” which means “One, two, three… cheers!” It is customary to make eye contact while toasting, and after the initial cheer, you might find that smaller toasts continue throughout your time there.
Finally, remember to pace yourself. Since bia hơi is a light beer, it’s easy to enjoy several glasses over the course of an evening. Take your time and immerse yourself in the relaxed, social environment – after all, bia hơi drinking is meant to be a leisurely and communal experience.
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Bia Hơi Etiquette and Unspoken Rules
Don’t pour your own beer – In Vietnamese culture, it’s polite to pour beer for others at the table before filling your own glass.
Keep your glass full – If someone pours you a drink, it’s respectful to take a sip or drink it quickly so they can refill it.
Avoid drinking alone – Bia hơi is a social activity, and drinking alone is uncommon.
Leave the formality at home – Bia hơi joints are relaxed and informal. Conversations are lively, and laughter is encouraged.
In major cities, you’ll also find Western-style pubs serving bia hơi alongside imported beers, showing how the culture is evolving while staying rooted in tradition.
Ordering bia hơi in Vietnam is more than just getting a drink — it’s immersing yourself in a deep-rooted cultural tradition. By understanding the history, etiquette, and local customs surrounding bia hơi, you’ll not only enjoy a refreshing beer but also connect with the heart of Vietnamese society.
So next time you’re out and about – ignore the fancy places, grab a plastic stool, raise your glass, and say “Một, hai, ba… dzô!” You’ll be drinking not just a beer, but a piece of Vietnamese culture.
