Having travelled largely around South East Asia between 2019 and 2020, we can say without a doubt that craft beer in Vietnam wins the prize in the region.
Vietnam consumes about 4 billion litres of beer each year, ranked third in Asia, just behind China and Japan. Although most of what was consumed up to now has largely been commercial brands, producing lager style beers. This is now changing. In the past five years, the country has seen the rise of local microbreweries, many which are led by American, British and Australian expats. The local community is now also thirsty for something different, granting Vietnam one of the most promising craft beer scenes in Southeast Asia.
Craft Beer Bars in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
We start with Saigon as the heart of the craft beer movement in Vietnam. Saigon is a big city, easy to get lost in, so not many tourists spend a lot of time here. But there are so many bars, breweries and taprooms to explore for craft beer lovers.
Heart of Darkness
One of our favorite breweries in Vietnam, Heart of Darkness has a taproom right in the city centre. There is always something new to try here, with 10 flagship beers and 10 rotating taps available all-year round. They offer something for every taste. From big, bold, crafted brews to thirst quenching, session beers, as well as hop bombs that are well balanced. We particularly appreciated their Loose Rivet NEIPA, brewed in a true “New England” fashion, do not miss it! The owner and founder is American and this shows in the know-how and quality found in their ingredients and beers. It is with good reason they are one of the top rated breweries in Vietnam by Untappd.
Heart of Darkness brewery in Saigon
Belgo – The Belgian Craft Beer Brewery
Belgo is inspired by the beer culture of Belgium. They have replicated a Belgian brewery by bringing the equipment from Belgium, traditional recipes, premium ingredients and a Belgian Brewmaster to craft their authentic Belgian beers in Vietnam. Their pub in Saigon blends cozy atmosphere with surrealism, offering a classy experience ideal for an afternoon business lunch or after work get together. While the beers were adequate, the pub is worth a visit just in itself.
Impressive Belgian brewery in Saigon @ Belgo
Ong Cao
If you find yourself strolling the unfamouns Bui Vien Street, Ong Cao is your best bet for a good craft beer. They pour a hand picked selection of the best beers the city has to offer, with breweries like Pasteur Street Brewing Company, Fuzzy Logic, Tê Tê and more. We loved the urban vibe matched with a good selection of hip hop and RnB music. A great place for an introduction to craft beer in Vietnam.
Best place to grab a craft beer on Bui Vien street @ Ong Cao
There are many more options to grab a fresh craft beer in Saigon. Check out our complete map to find the nearest bar:
Craft Beer Bars in Hanoi
Hanoi has long been a busy tourist hotspot, but Vietnam’s capital was slower to develop it’s craft beer scene. Although it still has a bit of catching up to do with Saigon, craft beer drinkers do have a range of choice to grab a fresh beer in Hanoi.
Pasteur Street Brewing Co.
Pasteur Street Brewing Co. is Vietnam’s pioneering craft brewery, established in Saigon in 2015. However, its location in Hanoi is our favorite and this is why we feature it here. The two story venue located right by St Joseph’s Cathedral in the old quarter includes a lovely terrace and is quite impressive. Founded by an American expat, the brewery started with the simple idea to combine American craft brewing techniques with fresh and exotic Vietnamese ingredients to create amazing craft beer. Their Jasmine IPA is the most popular and best-selling IPA in Vietnam and our trip’s “coup de coeur”. Pasteur Street has three taprooms in Saigon and one in Hoi An, plus there is no shortage of their brews available on tap in many bars around the country.
Amazing taproom and green terrace @ Pasteur Street Brewing in Hanoi
The Hill Station
At last it is possible to grab a craft beer on Ta Hien street, the most famous nightlife street in Hanoi. The Hill Station Tapas & Taps focuses on draught craft beer & cider paired with tapas made exclusively from high quality produce from their own farm in Sapa or sourced locally north of Hanoi. This small and cozy bar is the perfect place to soak in Ta Hien atmosphere and do some people watching with a high quality beer in hand. They also have the best happy hour in town, buy 1 and get 1 free from 2pm to 6pm. You will find a great selection of Pasteur Street and Heart of Darkness brews on tap.
Best Happy Hour in town @ The Hill Station
Lua Craft Beer
A bit hidden, Lua Craft Beer is located on the night market street of Hanoi on a second floor with a small balcony overlooking the street. The bar has a laid back atmosphere and is frequented by locals. They offer a small selection of craft beer on draught – some of which they make themselves – and some bottles too. From their homebrews, the IPA and Black were our favorites and the Lemongrass was interesting. Prices were quite cheap for their own beer compared to other bars. A good place to relax after visiting the old quarter. The staff was very friendly and attentive and brought us some free snacks.
A hidden gem @ Lua Craft Beer
These are only a couple of the places we had time to check out. There are many more bars serving some of the best craft beer in Vietnam. Check out our complete map of Hanoi to find them:
