Four must-try unique drinks in Ho Chi Minh City

03/01/2025

In addition to its entertainment venues and delicious cuisine, Ho Chi Minh City is also known for its unique local drinks. These specialty beverages, reflecting the city's character, are sure to spark curiosity and excitement for those having a teaching job in Ho Chi Minh City. They also inspire a deeper passion for experiencing all that the city has to offer.

What unique aspects lie behind these drinks? The following article will recommend a few places where you can experience them to the fullest.

1. Vietnamese Iced Milk Coffee

When talking about Vietnam, it's impossible to overlook its traditional drink: iced milk coffee. For anyone pursuing a teaching job in Ho Chi Minh City, this is a must-try drink that you shouldn’t miss while living here.

Iced milk coffee in Vietnam is renowned for its distinctive qualities compared to other countries. Vietnamese coffee is brewed using ground coffee in a special filter, and hot boiling water is poured over it. Instead of fresh milk, condensed milk is added during preparation, enhancing the coffee's flavour and giving it a unique, rich taste.

Experience the ultimate flavours of the traditional Iced Milk Coffee

If you find yourself in Ho Chi Minh City, you absolutely must visit "Lao Hac Quan," a fantastic spot for iced milk coffee. This café not only delights with its rich coffee flavours but also charms with its distinctive decor, making it a popular destination for visitors who come to savour the drinks and snap some photos.

Address: 299B Hoang Sa, District 1, HCMC

Opening hours: 6:30 a.m - 11:30 p.m

2. Kumquat Tea

Kumquat tea is the perfect refreshing beverage for scorching summer days. Its subtly tangy kumquat flavour blends seamlessly with the delicate astringency of black tea, resulting in a drink that's both crisp and soothing.

Kumquat tea - a fresh and popular drink in HCMC city

If you're looking to add a must-try drink spot to your list in Ho Chi Minh City, consider "Tuan Kiet Kumquat Tea," a renowned shop that's been delighting visitors for nearly 30 years. What sets this Kumquat tea shop apart is its unique preparation: the tea and kumquat juice are blended with ice to create their signature "Iced Kumquat Tea", a refreshing and distinctive treat that's kept customers coming back for decades.

Address: 25 Co Giang, Cau Ong Lanh Ward, District 1, HCMC

Opening hours: 8:00 a.m - 11:30 p.m

3. Kalamasia Coconut Water

Kalamasia Coconut Water is a beloved homemade drink unique to the people in Saigon, perfect for cooling off in the hot weather year-round. Making Kalamasia Coconut Water is quite simple: just use fresh coconut water for a pure base and mix it with kumquat to achieve a delightful, sweet flavour.

A nutritious and hydrating drink choice for overall well-being

Those having a teaching job in Ho Chi Minh City, absolutely must visit “Dua Tac” at 250 Pasteur to experience their delectable coconut kumquat treats. The aromatic blend of coconut and kumquat has become a beloved staple in the city's street food scene.

Address: 250 Pasteur, Ward 8, District 3, HCMC

Opening hours: 6:00 a.m - 9:00 p.m

4. Sugarcane Juice

Sugarcane juice is a popular and refreshing drink in Ho Chi Minh City, thanks to the consistently hot climate throughout the year. As a result, it's common to see rows of sugarcane juice stands lining every street.

For over 50 years, "Phu Nhuan Sugarcane Juice" has been a trusted name in quality and consistency. The shop owner emphasises that the sugarcane used is imported daily to ensure top-notch quality. The juice is freshly pressed only after customers place their orders, guaranteeing a taste that is both exceptionally fresh and richly flavorful.

Address: 125A Phan Dinh Phung, Phu Nhuan District

Opening hours: 9:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m