A random question to 10 men of all ages around me: In the summer, how many beers do you drink a week? And the answer will certainly not disappoint you: 1 beer a week or maybe 2, 3, 4. So, what is the attraction of draft beer that is so attractive?
Bia hoi is not only a drink, but also a cultural beauty, or simply a simple joy of Vietnamese people in hot summer days. From the humble sidewalk stalls to the luxurious restaurants, in every corner is the voice of countless people who are eager to meet, chat and enjoy happy moments with friends and relatives. Some people say, bia hoi is like a companion, listening to confidences, sharing joys and sorrows. In that moment, all worries and sorrows disappear, giving way to relaxation and happiness.
Draft beer is not only a drink, but also a cultural beauty.
In Hanoi, beer culture seems to be deeply rooted in the hearts of everyone. From young to old, male and female, all boundaries are erased at the drinking table.
It can be said that, more than a normal soft drink, draft beer is also a symbol of connection. This drink is like an invisible thread that binds souls, erases the boundaries of age and social status, and brings people closer together. A cold, foamy glass of beer, feeling the light bitterness mixed with the sweetness of malt, all the worries in life seem to disappear. The cheerful laughter, the sound of beer glasses clinking, and witty stories create a more bustling atmosphere than ever.
In Hanoi, draft beer culture seems to be deeply rooted in the hearts of everyone. From young to old, men and women, office workers to laborers or anyone else, all boundaries are erased on the drinking table. When Hanoians drink draft beer, they must drink from a rough, mint-green glass cup, with bubbles inside. It looks normal, but there is no product as beautiful and distinctive as that cup, especially in the sidewalk draft beer shops. What people find familiar is not only draft beer but also the rough, green glass cup that holds the beer over the years. Over time, many types of mugs have been born, but they still cannot replace that handmade glass cup.
A cold glass of beer with white foam
Draft beer is like an invisible thread that binds souls, erases the boundaries of age and social status, and brings people closer together.
Later, after graduating and working, every time I went back to my hometown, my parents often invited me to have a few beers during lunch on a hot summer day. In fact, I understood that my father wanted to have friends to drink with for fun, so the atmosphere of the meal was much more lively. Or simply, when you have something happy or sad, drinking beer also makes you feel better. Sometimes, my best friend of more than a decade and I would lament about some trivial things in life. We would stop by a beer shop near my house and order some snacks along with cold, white-foam draft beers. And yet, our moods were much better afterwards!
A round of beer and some typical snacks
People often say "when alcohol goes in, words come out". From my own observations and experiences, I find this saying to be true. When drinking a few beers, many people tend to open up more, share more and express their emotions more easily. The psychological barriers and everyday fears seem to disappear, making people feel free to express their thoughts and feelings.
A simple round of draft beer at a sidewalk shop only requires a few plastic chairs, rough mugs, gray-shelled Hanoi draft beer kegs, along with a few indispensable "characteristic" dishes such as peanuts, fermented pork rolls, and floating beans... to create fascination and attraction for anyone. The sidewalk draft beer culture of Hanoi people probably originated from there. Finding a cool glass of draft beer, besides the inherent characteristic flavor, also evokes curiosity, a feeling of openness and freedom when sipping. The bustling chatter, the sound of glasses clinking together, the sound of staff calling out to customers... all are characteristics of the capital that make everyone reluctant to leave.
A simple beer party at a sidewalk stall only requires a few plastic chairs, rough mugs, a plate of roasted peanuts and some spring rolls.
It seems that the strong yeast flavor, gentle aroma, golden color and smooth white foam have made draft beer the "national spirit", "human delicacy" for many generations of Hanoians. Drinking a whole glass of beer, the culture seems to permeate the mind. Hanoi may have pho or bun cha as its typical brands, but draft beer is always an indispensable image in daily life.
