Bia Hoi @ Old Quarter, Hanoi

Bia Hoi which means "Fresh Beer" in English, is Vietnam's version of draft beer. Each morning, large beer barrels and kegs are distributed by the local breweries such as Hanoi Brewery, Viet Ha Brewery and South East Asia Brewery to thousands of Bia Hoi outlets. 

Unlike canned or bottled beer, Bia Hoi has no additives or preservatives. Hence, it is essential to consume everything on the same day and as early as possible before the flavors begin to stray. 

Bia Hoi has an alcohol content somewhere between 4 to 4.5% and it only cost 5,000 VND per glass ( ~ less than RM1 or 72 cents to be exact! ). This might be the world's cheapest beer!

Bia Hoi Corner situated between Luong Ngoc Quyen and Ta Hien streets is the gathering place for beer drinkers. It is truly a luxury to sit on a tiny plastic chair, watching the world go by. 

 This unpasteurized and unpreserved brew was light, slightly bitter and had a subtle notes of malt and rice. 

After a few glasses of Bia Hoi, we were enlightened and ready to start exploring Hanoi's charms.

Verdict: TOTALLY SMITTEN

Bia Hoi Corner

Address: Intersection of Luong Ngnoc Quyen and Ta Hien Streets

**Bia Hoi outlets are often nameless, so look for store with a large sign reading Bia Hoi.