Craft Beer in Saigon: A Guide to the Best Crafted Pints

Craft beer may not be the first thing that comes to mind when pondering over your trip to Saigon. Believe it or not, Saigon has experienced a boom surrounding the craft beer movement. What began as a small niche market has exploded onto the scene and is being enjoyed by locals and expats alike.

Ride into Saigon’s hidden craft beer gems: Unique adventure in Saigon

Saigon is now home to several local breweries bringing with them a diverse beer culture that shines a light on the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the city. We’ll take you on a tour of the history of craft beer in Saigon and let you in on some of the best craft beers to try during your travels!

The rise of craft beer in Vietnam

Vietnam has always had a strong beer-drinking culture. The streets of most cities in Vietnam are lined with stalls with blue chairs selling light and extremely cheap lager beer known as Bia Hơi. However, while these lagers dominated the market for decades, they are relatively low in alcohol. Craft beer, which brewer’s tend to seek out quality ingredients, bold flavors, and experimental brewing techniques, wasn’t something many Vietnamese people had experienced so there wasn’t a demand for it in the marketplace.

Brewing combines science and craftsmanship, allowing brewers to create unique flavors and styles of beer.

The tide began to change in the early 2010s when some expats, along with a few locals who had developed a taste for craft beer abroad, decided to introduce Saigon to the world of small-batch brewing. The idea was to create flavorful alternatives to the mass-produced lagers (think Heineken or Budweiser) that dominated the market, using local ingredients and innovative brewing methods. What started as a niche trend among the expat community quickly gained momentum as more Vietnamese drinkers became curious about what all the fuss was about.

The birth of Saigon’s first craft breweries

Their original taproom is tucked away in an alley on Pasteur Street in District 1, making it a bit of a hidden gem in the city.

Notably the “OG” craft brewery in Saigon’s craft beer scene is Pasteur Street Brewing Company, which opened its doors in 2015. Drawing its name from Pasteur Street in District 1, this brewery led the beginning of the craft beer movement in Vietnam. The brewers sought to merge American brewing techniques infused with Vietnamese flavors which helped to create beers that were both familiar to international palates but with a Vietnamese twang. Their signature beer, the Jasmine IPA, quickly became a hit for its fragrance and remains a staple in many establishments throughout the city.

Key breweries shaping the craft beer scene

1. Pasteur Street Brewing Company
Pasteur Street remains a cornerstone of Saigon’s craft beer community. Beyond their flagship Jasmine IPA, they produce a wide range of beers, including the Passion Fruit Wheat Ale, which is a fruity, refreshing brew perfect for hot days in the tropical climate. Pasteur Street Brewing has expanded to multiple taprooms across the city, allowing you to enjoy a beer throughout Saigon’s many districts.

2. Heart of Darkness Brewery
Heart of Darkness is known for its bold and rich flavors, pushing the envelope with beers - many of which can be meals within a beer! The brewery also fosters a creative and collaborative spirit, often partnering with other breweries to create limited-edition beers. Their taproom in District 1 is always busy with a mix of locals and expats enjoying their brews.

3. East West Brewing Co.
East West Brewing Co. takes inspiration from both Eastern and Western brewing traditions, reflecting the cultural blend of Saigon itself. The brewery is located in the heart of the city, and their spacious taproom offers a range of beers brewed on-site. From San Diego, California to Saigon, you can enjoy beers and international flavors sure to make for a great night out.

4. Winking Seal Beer Co.
Winking Seal Beer Co. is a fun, laid-back brewery known for producing approachable, flavorful beers with a focus on Southeast Asian ingredients. Easy to drink beers in the heart of the city plus equipped with a rooftop view!

5. BiaCraft Artisan Ales
BiaCraft is another key player in Saigon’s craft beer scene, known for its wide selection of beers and a rotating list of guest brews from other local breweries. BiaCraft is the epitome of a local vibe. Their vibrant taprooms throughout various districts offering amazing service, are perfect for a night out with friends or a casual beer-tasting experience. They also offer a wide variety of food items from Western to local favorites - makes for a perfect beer pairing!

Craft beer and bites?

BBQ and craft beer unite to create a flavor explosion that’s smoky, rich, and unforgettable.

We’re going to go out on a limb and assume when you’re enjoying a pint, you may get a little twinge of hunger. Here are some popular establishments to keep your buzz but also indulge in some delicious bites.

The Hungry Pig: This laid-back bar in District 1 specializes in craft beer and drum roll…. BACON. Beer and bacon? It’s heavenly. They offer a selection of beers from local breweries like Pasteur Street and Heart of Darkness, along with some imported options.
Belgo: A Belgian-style brewery and bar, Belgo brings European influences to Saigon’s craft beer scene. Known for its rustic vibe, Belgo offers a variety of Belgian-style beers brewed in-house, including strong ales (upwards of 14%!) and a variety of wheat beers and their newly crafted take on hard sodas.
Rooster Beers: Rooster Beers has carved out a niche with its easy-drinking, sessionable beers that are perfect for Saigon’s hot climate. We highly recommend the Rooster Blonde - perfect for hot days or rainy nights!

Why craft beer is here to stay

More and more people are enjoying craft beer, not just tourists but also locals

It’s safe to say that the craft beer movement in Saigon isn’t just a passing trend but something that is here to stay. As more locals discover the quality that craft beer offers and tourism continues to boom, the demand continues to grow. Local breweries are constantly experimenting with native ingredients such as lemongrass, dragon fruit, and passion fruit, creating beers that resonate with the local palate while also appealing to the international crowd.

The future of craft beer in Saigon looks promising, with new breweries and bars popping up regularly, contributing to the growing beer culture. Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur or just looking to try something new, we’re pretty sure you’ll enjoy Saigon’s craft beer scene, pint by pint!

Come drink craft beer with Vespa A Go Go!

And don’t worry, we will not be drinking on the tour!

Saigon’s craft beer revolution is still in its early stages, but its legacy has been cemented in the culture. Whether you’re enjoying a jasmine-infused IPA or a rich chocolate porter, the craft beer movement in Saigon offers something for everyone. The next time you’re in the city, be sure to join us on tour for some Bia & Bites with a lot of laughs on the side!

Travel Tips