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I casually asked ten men of all ages around me: "How many beers do you drink a week in the summer?" And the answer certainly won't disappoint you: once a week, or maybe two, three, or four times. So, what is it about draft beer that makes it so appealing?
Draft beer is not just a beverage; it's a cultural treasure, or simply a simple joy for Vietnamese people during the hot summer days. From humble sidewalk stalls to luxurious restaurants, it permeates every alleyway, reflecting the longing of countless people to meet, chat, and enjoy happy moments with friends and family. Some say draft beer is like a companion, listening to confidences and sharing joys and sorrows. In those moments, all worries and anxieties vanish, giving way to relaxation and happiness.
Draft beer is not just a beverage, but also a cultural highlight.
In Hanoi, draft beer culture is deeply ingrained in the hearts of everyone. From young to old, men and women, all boundaries are erased at the drinking table.
It can be said that, more than just a refreshing drink, draft beer is a symbol of connection. This beverage is like an invisible thread binding souls together, erasing age and social status boundaries, bringing people closer. A cold glass of beer, with its frothy white foam, the slightly bitter taste blended with the sweet flavor of malt, seems to melt away all the worries of life. The boisterous laughter, the cheerful clinking of glasses, and witty stories create a lively atmosphere like never before.
In Hanoi, draft beer culture is deeply ingrained in everyone's hearts. From young to old, men and women, office workers to laborers, or anyone else, all boundaries are blurred at the drinking table. When Hanoians drink draft beer, they must drink from a rough, mint-green glass mug, with bubbles seemingly rising to the inside of the glass. It looks ordinary, but no other product is as visually appealing or distinctive as that mug, especially at sidewalk draft beer stalls. What people find endearing is not only the draft beer itself, but also the rough, mint-green glass mug that has served it for years. Over time, many types of large mugs have been created, but none can replace that handcrafted glass mug.
A glass of ice-cold beer, frothy with white foam.
Draft beer acts like an invisible thread, binding souls together, erasing age and social status barriers, and bringing people closer.
Later, after graduating and starting work, whenever I returned home, my parents would often invite me for a few beers during lunch on hot summer days. In truth, I understood implicitly that my father wanted someone to drink with to liven things up, making the meal atmosphere much more cheerful. Or simply, whether you had good or bad news, a beer could lift your spirits. Sometimes, my best friend of over a decade would lament about trivial matters in life. We'd stop by a nearby beer pub, order some snacks, and enjoy a few glasses of ice-cold draft beer with frothy white bubbles. And indeed, our moods improved afterward!
A round of beer and some typical snacks.
It's often said, "Alcohol loosens the tongue." Based on my observations and personal experience, I find this saying to be quite true. After a few beers, many people tend to be more open, share more, and express their emotions more easily. Everyday psychological barriers and shyness seem to disappear, allowing people to feel free to express their thoughts and feelings.
A simple beer gathering at a sidewalk stall requires only a few plastic chairs, some rough-textured mugs, gray-shelled Hanoi draft beer kegs, and a few indispensable "signature" snacks like peanuts, fermented pork sausage, and fried tofu... yet it's captivating and attractive to anyone. The sidewalk draft beer culture of Hanoi probably originated from there. Seeking out a cold glass of draft beer, besides its characteristic flavor, also evokes curiosity and a feeling of freedom and liberation with each sip. The lively chatter, the clinking of glasses, the calls of the staff inviting customers... all are characteristic features of the capital city that make everyone reluctant to leave.
A simple beer session at a sidewalk stall only requires a few plastic chairs, some rough-textured mugs, a plate of roasted peanuts, and a few spring rolls.
It seems that the rich flavor, delicate aroma, golden color, and smooth white foam have elevated draft beer to the status of a "national treasure," a "culinary delight" for generations in Hanoi. Drinking a full glass of beer, the culture seems to permeate one's mind. Hanoi may have pho or bun cha as its signature dishes, but draft beer remains an indispensable part of daily life.
