A COMPLETE GUIDE TO HANOI CRAFT BEER FROM A LOCAL 



Craft beer doesn’t have a long history in Vietnam, but in recent years, it has begun to gain popularity among young, middle-aged locals and beer connoisseurs. In particular, Hanoi craft beer has a unique taste, different not only from beer in other parts of the world, but also from craft beer of other regions of the country. There are currently many craft beer pubs in the capital, with unique brewing methods, attracting not only men but also women.

Table Contents
hanoi craft beer
Source: biasanhdieu.com

It is obvious that more and more people are starting to love craft beer in Vietnam. As a result, craft beer shops have appeared everywhere in the country, especially in key cities such as Hanoi, Danang or Ho Chi Minh. Below, let's learn about craft beer in Hanoi and the best places to enjoy it.

I - What's special about Hanoi craft beer?

On the market in Vietnam in general and in its capital in particular, there is a wide range of beer brands, but craft beer has recently become the first choice of beer connoisseurs. Craft beer Hanoi is brewed or produced in small volumes, often in independent breweries and without a large and modern production line like other beer brands. The reason why is because Hanoi craft beer focuses more on quality and taste - a factory often can only produce a maximum of 1000 liters / time and no more than 6 million liters / year.

 

craft beer in hanoi

Source: @CBrewmaster

As the name suggests, craft beer in Hanoi is handcrafted using a traditional brewing process, combining a variety of all-natural ingredients more than just water, hops, malt and yeast like typical beers. Distinct flavors, alcohol, and colors appear depending on the region, ingredients and brewing method - brewers can unleash their creativity to create the most delicious and unique batches of beer, bearing their own style. They can freely add fruit, flavorings or herbs, so craft beer will clearly represent the characteristics of each region and become the highlight of that land. Many Hanoi craft beer makers have combined lemons, oranges, cocoa beans, papaya, passion fruit... to create products with unique and novel tastes. Industrial beer cabinets often look quite similar, while craft beer cabinets have all kinds of colors such as yellow, black, orange... with strange flavors including ginger, lemongrass, chili, licorice, mint, and so on. That is why, with this Craft beer Hanoi, people often enjoy it subtly like with wine or cocktail, rather than drink it as a refreshment.

So, what is the difference between Saigon and Hanoi craft beer?

Developed after Saigon, craft beer in Hanoi inherits a lot of experience, is less bitter and more suitable for Vietnamese tastes, but still retains the unique aroma of typical beer. Craft beer produced in the capital also has more varieties and is influenced and adapted to the climate with 4 seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter here. There are craft beers designed just for the summer, characterized by low alcohol, light scents of banana, passion fruit or light florals, perfect for hot days. There are also Hanoi craft beer types that have a smoky scent that is suitable for outdoor camping and barbecue parties. For winter, Belgian-style craft beers dominate, because of the sweet taste, the aroma of malt or a bit of spice, and most notably, the high alcohol content.

Due to its hot climate all year round, Saigon craft beer has a strong bitter taste and aroma that fits foreign guests, served very cold with not too high alcohol content, creating a feeling of lightness and refreshment. Craft beer has a floral fragrance that favors light, imaginative flavors such as jasmine, fresh fruit with a light sour taste like orange or lime, …

However, whether it's craft beer Saigon or craft beer Hanoi, they all carry a captivating yeasty taste of individual and distinct beers.

II - The #6 best places to enjoy Hanoi craft beer 

1 - C-Brewmaster Craft Beer - a leading brand of craft beer in Hanoi

craft beer hanoi

Source: @CBrewmaster

C-Brewmaster is home to more than 50 types of beer, which are all produced in standard processes, with a variety of flavors, aromas, and colors coming from high-quality ingredients. Some of the most famous C-Brewmaster craft beers with unique local flavors can be named such as acerola, mulberry, honey, lemon, and so on, which are should not be missed in a Hanoi craft beer tour. There are many establishments across the country, with the one in Hanoi having a luxuriously warm space with golden and brown tones, offering not only beer but also grilled dishes, stews, ...

- Address: No.1 Pham Huy Thong Street, Ngoc Khanh Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

- Price range: 50,000 - 90,000 VND / bottle ($2.2 - 3.95)

- Opening hours: 4pm - 11pm

- Contact: 090 441 5555 - 024 3200 1222

- Website: http://c-brewmaster.vn/

2 - IBiero - top best Hanoi craft beer restaurant

ibiero craft beer hanoi

Source: @IBiero_

IBiero craft beer Hanoi is now considered the best craft beer restaurant in the city, using exclusive beer recipes from famous and long-standing Czech and Belgian craft breweries. From that, beer products with a rich and nutritious flavor typical of the tropics of Vietnam, have been born with more than 10 different flavors, notably Hanoi IPA and Passion fruit Ale. Both facilities of IBiero have a fanciful and modern design with light music, and are the ideal coordinates to enjoy Hanoi craft beer and relax on the weekend.

- Address 1: No.99 Le Duan Street, Cua Nam Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

- Address 2: No.48 Le Van Luong Street, Nhan Chinh Ward, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi

- Price range: 70,000 - 85,000 VND / 330ml bottle

- Opening hours: 10am - 11pm

- Contact: 091 222 9900 - 024 2266 4848 - 024 3880 2222

- Website: https://en-ibiero.mysapo.net/

3 - Craft Beer Pub - best craft beer Hanoi Old Quarter

Craft Beer Pub Hanoi is loved by many young people, with 8 types of craft beer poured straight from the tap, prepared according to the recipe with the talent of the bartender to make you fall in love. In addition to delicious burgers and food, Craft Beer Pub offers many outstanding and unique Hanoi craft beer flavors such as pineapple, cinnamon, ginger, local apple (tao meo), nhan tran, ... The shop is designed like an old French farm with lots of wood, while still having modern features with minimalist decor combined with lights and soft music, creating a romantic feel.

- Address: No.26 Hang Buom Street - Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

- Price range: 65,000 - 120,000 VND / 330ml bottle ($2.85 - 5.26)

- Opening hours: 9pm - 0am

- Contact: 0963 124 838

- Website: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerpubhanoi/

4 - Standing Bar - top 6 Hanoi craft beer shops

craft beer station hanoi

Source: @standingbarhanoi

Standing Bar seems to be a familiar name to young people when they intend to drink craft beer in Hanoi, with a diverse menu including delicious grilled food. The bar serves 19 taps of Craft Beer / Cider, including outstanding delicious flavors, only available here such as Hoi Hoi IPA, Independence Shout, Saigon Bose,… Standing Bar has 2 floors, with a unique modern design and open balcony overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, welcoming cool and fresh air.

- Address: No.170 Tran Vu Street, Truc Bach Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

- Price range: 50,000 - 95,000 VND / glass ($2.2 - 4.17)

- Opening hours: 3pm - 9pm

- Contact: 024 2219 1486

- Website: https://www.facebook.com/standingbarhanoi/

5 - Sanh Dieu Beer - top best Hanoi craft beer  

As one of the leading brands in craft beer in Hanoi and Vietnam, Sanh Dieu Beer (Stylish beer) is fermented and handcrafted with ingredients imported from Europe, America, and Australia. The bar serves an extremely diverse amount of beer, not only from famous brands but also its own products such as Apple and Chilli Cider, Snow White, Devil's Lake IPA,… Sanh Dieu Beer has two facilities with a large space, a view of the busy streets, and sparkling lights in the evening, making this place even more romantic when enjoying Hanoi craft beer.

- Address 1: No.13, Block 12B Trung Yen 3, Trung Hoa Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi

- Address 2: No.183 Nguyen Tuan Street, Nhan Chinh Ward, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi

- Price range: 40,000 - 110,000 VND / glass ($1.75 - 4.83)

- Opening hours: 10am - 11:30pm (11pm on weekends)

- Contact: 0848 322 322

- Website: https://biasanhdieu.com/

6 - Pasteur street brewing Hanoi - top 6 Hanoi craft beer shops

best craft beer hanoi Source: @PasteurStreetBrewing

Pasteur street brewing is among the first craft breweries in Southeast Asia, which is dedicated to integrity and innovation thanks to the harmonious combination of American brewing with fresh Vietnamese ingredients. Particularly, beers here use roasted malt from Germany and Belgium, Australia and New Zealand, combined with high-quality Vietnamese fruits, spices, and herbs. Therefore, Pasteur street beer has a very distinctive character and well-rounded flavor. It must be a great pity if you miss Pasteur street brewing in your Hanoi craft beer tour. 

- Address: No.01 Au Trieu Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi 

- Price range: 100,000 - 500,000 VND/ glass 

- Opening hours: 11am - 11pm 

- Contact: 024 6294 9462

- Website: https://pasteurstreet.com/

Above is information about craft beer Hanoi and the bars with the most popular flavors and spaces. You can freely visit and enjoy, grasping the opportunity to chat with the brewer about interesting facts, experiences, and history of the brand. Hopefully, with these suggestions, you will have a comfortable experience when enjoying Hanoi craft beer.

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Being born and living here in Vietnam, I got a chance to see lots of beautiful places, try countless great dishes, & experience many interesting things in places I visited. And It's so great to share all things I know about Vietnam to you.

Giang Pham — Giang Pham

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