First look about the beer industry in Hanoi

‘Drinking a Hanoi cold beer on a weekend afternoon has become a common habit for many people. However, when exactly did beer become part of Vietnamese life? — that’s a question not everyone can easily answer…’

For many years, Bia Hoi has not only been a favourite local Hanoi beer, but visiting a Bia Hoi shop has also become a popular social activity. It represents an important part of Hanoian culture and everyday life.

What is Bia hoi ?

“Bia hơi,” also known as “fresh beer.” Unlike bottled or canned beer, it is brewed every day, served in metal kegs, and is intended to be enjoyed within 24 hours. This beer has:

•  a light body
• a low alcohol content (typically about 2.2%)
•  crisp, refreshing flavor. 

However, Hanoi fresh beer is more than just a drink; it symbolizes connection, community, and conversation.

History of Hanoi Bia hoi

Similar to Vietnamese coffee and banh mi, Hanoi bia hoi has roots in the French colonial period. Its history can be traced back to Alfred Hommel, a French colonialist. In 1890, Hommel Brewery was founded and mainly served French soldiers and officers living in Hanoi.

After 1954, Hommel Brewery was renamed the Hanoi Brewery and continued producing bottled beer. However, beer was still considered a luxury product, and many local Hanoi residents paid little attention to it.

As Vietnam’s economy opened up after the ‘Doi moi’ policy in 1986,  small local breweries began producing fresh draft beer for neighborhood consumption. Bia hoi was affordable, easy to drink and appeared in street shops.  It quickly became the drink for everyone.

The iconic glass: A symbol of Hanoi bia Hoi

Have you ever wondered what makes Hanoi bia hoi different from other types of beer? The answer is the beer glass. ‘Hanoi’s iconic bia hoi glass is more than meets the eye’. ‘Coc vai’ , the name of this special glass, was first designed by artist Le Huy Van. After studying at Burg Giebichenstein Kunsthochschule Halle, an art school in Germany. He came back to Vietnam and worked for the department of the government’s industrial cooperative, the place where Bia hoi glass was developed.

During the 1970s period, Hanoi had only one beer factory located in Hoang Hoa Tham street. According to Van, at that time the resources were limited and local people did not have proper glasses to drink beer. As a result, the simple and durable ‘coc vai’ was created.

The glass is made from recycled glass that has green color (sometimes dark green, sometimes light green)

The glass features:

• Recycled green glass material
• Thick walls and ridged base
• Tiny air bubbles
• Capacity of 330–500 ml

Because of its affordability and durability, it quickly became the standard way to serve Hanoi bia hoi.

One of the most famous glass-making villages producing Hanoi bia hoi glasses is located in Nam Định Province. For over half a century, the village was famous for ‘Coc vai’ products that were used for drinking Bia hoi.In the 1980s, more than 40 families participated in glass production. Today, only a few elderly craftsmen continue the tradition, preserving an important part of Vietnam’s traditional craft heritage.

However, the glass doesn’t have a fancy look but it is easy to handle and slightly frosted from the cold beer. The iconic Bia hoi glass reflects Hanoi’s street culture: modest, authentic, and unpretentious.

More than a drink

When you come to Hanoi, you often see the beer shop in an open air space with a plastic chair and table combined with the cheerful sound ‘ Mot, Hai, Ba dzo’ ( One, two, three cheers !). Together, it shows the city lifestyle and  atmosphere: friendly and relaxed.

Nowadays, Hanoi is becoming one of the biggest cities in Southeast Asia with modern skyscrapers and trendy cafe shops, Bia hoi remains a comforting constant.

While modern craft breweries and imported beers have gained popularity in Vietnam, Bia hoi still holds a special place in Hanoi’s heart. It represents tradition, resilience, and the spirit of everyday life.

You are not just drinking beer — you are tasting the culture of Hanoi.

Want to experience Hanoi’s street culture like a local? Join us for our Sunset Motorbike Tour where we’ll uncover hidden bia hoi spots, savor delicious local food, and take in breathtaking sunset views at West Lake. Or, if you’d prefer a leisurely stroll, our Afternoon Food Walking Tour is a good way to explore bia hoi and Hanoi street food when the city comes alive at night. 

For a deeper experience, join us for our 10 Days Beer Tour In Vietnam through Vietnam, where you’ll explore local breweries, savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine, and immerse yourself in the vibrant beer culture from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, book your spot today!