BeerStreet Food

    Bia Hoi

    Bia Hơi

    4.5₫5k-15kBest from late afternoon into the evening. Pairs perfectly with đậu phộng rang (roasted peanuts), lạc luộc (boiled peanuts), or grilled skewers.
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    Overview

    Hanoi's ultra-fresh draught beer — brewed daily, served ice-cold on the pavement

    Bia Hơi is a light, fresh draught beer brewed daily by Hanoi breweries like Bia Hà Nội and Việt Hà, then delivered in large kegs (boong) to street-side stalls across the city. With no preservatives, low alcohol (3-4%), and a price as low as 5,000-10,000 VND a glass, it is one of the cheapest and most refreshing beers in the world. Each morning the kegs arrive fresh, and by afternoon the pavement stools fill up. Bia hơi must be consumed the same day it is brewed — there is no bottling, no shelf life. That freshness is exactly what makes it special.
    Gallery

    Photos

    What's in it

    • malted barley
    • hops
    • water
    • yeast
    • rice
    When to eat

    Best moments to enjoy it

    AfternoonEvening

    Best from late afternoon into the evening. Pairs perfectly with đậu phộng rang (roasted peanuts), lạc luộc (boiled peanuts), or grilled skewers.

    The story

    Origin & history

    Bia hơi was introduced to Hanoi in the late 19th century during French colonial rule, drawing on Czech brewing techniques. The Hà Nội Brewery (founded 1890) and later Việt Hà Brewery became the main suppliers. Beer is brewed fresh each day and distributed in large kegs (boong) to street stalls across the city. During the subsidy era after 1954, bia hơi became the drink of the working class — affordable, communal, and deeply woven into Hanoi daily life.

    At the stall

    How to order & pay

    Ordering

    Say 'một bia hơi' to order. Beer is poured straight from the keg on the spot. Say 'một nữa' for a refill. Ask which brewery the keg is from — Bia Hà Nội and Việt Hà are the two most common.

    Paying

    Cash only at most stalls. The vendor keeps a running tally — pay at the end. Keep 10,000-50,000 VND notes.

    Good to know

    Allergens, nutrition & health

    Allergens

    Contains gluten. Alcoholic beverage — not suitable for minors.

    Nutrition & benefits

    Low alcohol content (3-4%), lighter than most commercial beers. Best enjoyed fresh and cold.

    Health notes

    No preservatives — must be consumed the day it is brewed. Avoid on an empty stomach. Alcohol content is low but refills come fast.

    Where to eat it

    Best spots in Hanoi

    • Bia Hơi Nam Còi

      4.5

      11 Phố Đường Thành, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

      Hours
      11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
      View on map

    • Bia Phượng Hàng Vải

      4.5

      Phố Hàng Vải, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

      Hours
      11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
      View on map

    • Bia Hơi Ngọc Linh

      4.5

      Phố Đường Thành, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

      Hours
      11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
      View on map
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