The Complete Guide to Craft Beer in Saigon
Strap in. In this guide we are talking about all things craft beer in Saigon. Craft beer culture in Saigon is booming. No one will ever go thirsty here. I guarantee it. From a Belgian brewery serving up wheat beers in a 1.5 liter drum, to a slick gastropub with more than 100 craft beers to choose from, all the way to a popular craft beer haunt on the infamous Bui Vien Street, consider this your ultimate guide to craft beer in Saigon!
I consumed far more beer than I’m proud to admit in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (although I guess I just admitted it), so that you know where to go next time you are fiending for an IPA, sour, lager, or all of the above.
Delay no more! Below is a list of my favorite bars and breweries for craft beer in Saigon.
Malt Saigon Bar
Photo courtesy of Malt Saigon’s Facebook page.
Malt Saigon is known for two things: craft beer and shuffleboard. You can typically find Malt packed any day of the week, as it is an incredibly popular bar for expats and travelers. And, did I mention there’s shuffleboard? Some of my fondest memories of living in Saigon are of hitting up Malt after a long day of work, chowing down on a pastrami sandwich (occasionally the reuben), and sampling various Vietnamese craft beers on tap.
Malt also happened to be my launching point for many wild nights out in Saigon, mostly thanks to their 2PM to 7PM happy hour. You can find (and drink) a comprehensive picture of Vietnam’s craft beer scene at Malt, as they boast beers from nearly every major brewery in Saigon, including Pasteur Street Brewing, Heart of Darkness, and East West Brewery.
This is a spot where I recommend asking the bartender to sample a few beers before trying, as they will happily fill up a glass (or three) so that you can get a taste of what Saigon (and Vietnam) has to offer.
Website, Address, & Details: https://www.maltsaigon.com
Pasteur Street Brewing (All Taprooms)
Photo courtesy of Pasteur Street Brewing’s Facebook page.
If you’ve checked out my blog post on the best breweries in Saigon, then you’ll know that Pasteur Street Brewing boasts my favorite local beer in all of Vietnam (and one of my favorites anywhere) – the Jasmine IPA. I won’t dive too far into why I love the Jasmine IPA other than it’s infusion of floral flavors and bitter hops make for a smooth and highly potent drinking experience.
The good news about craft beer lovers looking to enjoy a cold one at Pasteur Street Brewing is that there are locations all over Saigon, so you are always a stone’s throw away from a Jasmine IPA. As I’ve emphasized in other blog posts, I’m not a huge Porter fan, but I strongly recommend Pasteur Street Brewing’s Coffee Porter (ABV 6.5%). After all, Vietnam is a coffee heaven, so when in Rome – or when in Vietnam.
My personal favorite taprooms are the Pasteur Street Original and Hem Tap Rooms located in District 1 – mainly for convenience and the HEM taproom’s rooftop terrace. However, the District 2 (Thao Dien) taproom is incredibly spacious, and word on the street (actually, this is a fact) is that they have a free keg of random beer at 6PM on Fridays.
And, if you are looking to bring some beers back home, you’ll be happy to know that Pasteur Street offers growlers and to-go packs for all beers.
Website, Address, & Details: https://pasteurstreet.com
- Location:
- Original & Hem Tap Rooms: 144 Pasteur Street, District 1, HCMC.
- Thao Dien Tap Room: 120 Xuan Thuy, District 2, HCMC.
- District 7 Tap Room: 67 Le Van Thiem, District 7, HCMC.
Craft Beer Tour Tip: While it might be tempting to shell out some dough to pay to go on a craft beer tour, I personally enjoy the freedom of navigating the bars on my own time. Make sure to check out my self-guided Saigon craft beer tour guide if you are looking for a cohesive, easy-to-follow beer trail.
East West Brewing Company
Photo courtesy of East West Brewing’s Facebook page.
Every single time I step foot into East West Brewing, I’m like a puppy. The lights, the sounds, the smells, and the sight of monstrous beer tanks – I officially enter my happy place (Happy Gilmore reference for you right there) every time I snag a beer (or six) at East West.
East West Brewing is electric and hopping every single night of the week. The energy is palpable at East West, which makes it my go-to brewery for starting my night out when I want to throw on a blazer, chow down on the best bang for your buck steak in Saigon (seriously, cannot recommend it enough), and get at it (so to speak).
I would rate East West as one of the more creative craft beer breweries in Vietnam, as they always seem to be pushing the envelope with new seasonal beers on tap. I’m always a sucker for sours and East West has produced some of the best sours I’ve had in Asia (my only complaint is that they are off the menu when I go back).
East West has beers (and cocktails) catering to everyone’s taste. For instance, as you know by now, I’m a huge IPA fan. East West brews up an incredibly mean (in a good way) Far East IPA with a hoppy, citrusy, body that is actually very drinkable in Saigon’s sweltering heat. They also brew up a Saigon Rose, which is definitely a favorite amongst non-beer drinkers.
Definitely make sure to ask the bartender or your server what is new on tap and you can’t go wrong. Or, grab a flight of 4 or 10 beers and hone in on your favorite.
Website, Address, & Details: https://eastwestbrewing.vn
Rehab Station
Photo courtesy of Rehab Station’s Facebook page.
Rehab Station is the ultimate “Let me sample that one…and that one…and that one” craft beer bar, as it boasts a library of over 100 beers. This is my usual “Let’s catch-up” place, which often leads to, “Let’s go to Bui Vien.” Rehab Station is far enough removed from the hustle and bustle of Saigon in District 1, yet close enough to partake in lechery should you get that liquid urge after three or four (or five, or six) craft beers.
I typically choose to play “beer roulette” when I go to Rehab Station, and describe whatever flavor I’m in the mood for to staff, who will then bring out one or two craft beers that hit the spot. I will say though that I am a huge fan of Stone Brewing (California), so usually will indulge in several Stone Ghost Hammer IPAs while there.
I would be remiss not to mention that Rehab Station also has a great menu that goes above and beyond typical pub-grub – my favorite being their “Big Ass Combo” platter, which contains calamari, chicken wings, chicken thighs, pork ribs, grilled beef, french fries, and vegetables.
Rehab Station is also a spot for live music lovers, as they typically have live music every Friday and Saturday in the summer. Make sure to check Rehab Station’s Facebook page for live music updates to plan your night out accordingly!
Website, Address, & Details: https://www.facebook.com/rehabstationsg/
Pale Ale Travel Tip: Before heading to Vietnam, make sure to read my post explaining the drinking age in Vietnam and other important alcohol laws.
Heart of Darkness Brewery
Photo courtesy of the Heart of Darkness Brewery Facebook page.
Drawing inspiration from Joseph Conrad’s novella “Heart of Darkness,” Heart of Darkness Brewery comes in second for me when it comes to top IPAs in all of Vietnam. Heart of Darkness’s Kurtz Insane IPA has literally made me, well…insane. This is one bitter IPA, accentuated by its infusion of grapefruit. Anywhere that describes their own beer as a “full blown assault on your taste buds” can play for me any day. You can’t go wrong with any of the brews you choose from Heart of Darkness.
Besides Heart of Darkness’s Kurtz Insane IPA (ABV 7.1%), I also personally recommend sampling their Excited Magpie Dry Irish Stout (a loaf of bread in a glass), Marlow’s Mellow Pomelo IPA (for a punch of citrus), or highly refreshing Future Purpose Cucumber Pilsner.
If you’re looking to get a bit wild, which as you know I love to do, it is worth going for it and ordering The Mistress Double IPA (the strength is somewhat offset by its sweet pineapple, blueberry, and tangerine flavor). The Mistress Double IPA clocks with an 8.3% ABV, and is sure to get your taste buds tingling.
Heart of Darkness sports two locations – their original location located right near Saigon’s Little Japantown in District 1 and a taproom in District 2 (Thao Dien) – both of which regularly host live music.
Website, Address, & Details: http://heartofdarknessbrewery.com/en/
Pale Ale Travel Tip: Looking to fill your stomach before a big night out on the town? Make sure to check out my blog post breaking down the best burger in Saigon.
Winking Seal Beer Co.
Photo courtesy of Winking Seal’s Facebook page.
Located within stumbling distance of the infamous Bui Vien Walking Street, Winking Seal Beer Company is a cozy craft beer bar and brewery that quickly rose in my Vietnam beer power rankings due to their Dragonfruit Pale Ale and Watermelon Summer Sour.
Similar to East West, Winking Seal is always raising the bar when it comes to craft beer – as you’ll typically find some absolutely outrageous ingredients and concoctions on the menu that cause you to scratch your head and wonder “How the heck does that even work?” That is until you try it.
Winking Seal is the real deal.
This is a craft beer spot that ordering a flight should be mandatory at, due to the sheer zaniness and assortment of flavors that they offer. Plus, Winking Seal has the coolest logo, taps, and beer glasses of any brewery in Vietnam (maybe even the world). I bet you can’t guess what it is. Well, maybe you can. It is a winking seal.
While I did mention that Winking Seal is somewhat cozy, they do have upstairs seating on the rooftop, which I do recommend opting for if you are looking for more space.
Website, Address, & Details: https://winkingseal.com
Ong Cao Craft Beer
Photo courtesy of Ong Cao’s Facebook page.
Located at the west end of the infamous Bui Vien Walking Street, Ong Cao Craft Beer is a safe haven from the uninhibited, in your face, sights and sounds of Bui Vien. Beer-wise, Ong Cao is a breath of fresh air on Bui Vien, which mostly consists of beer towers of Tiger beer, bottled Saigon Special, and cheap whiskey.
Ong Cao is not a brewery, just a craft beer bar. Here you can find all your Vietnamese craft beer favorites, including Rooster Beers from right across the road (The Chicken Coop), Fuzzy Logic, Pasteur Street, East West, and Heart of Darkness. If my memory serves me correctly, there are just about 20 craft beers on tap (give or take a few), so there is zero chance that you go thirsty here.
I recommend snagging a seat upstairs, as nothing is more entertaining than looking out over the hectic, tragic, and utterly awesome Bui Vien nightlife. And, as mentioned in my self-guided Saigon craft beer pub crawl post, their animal fries are exactly what you need in your stomach for a long night ahead.
Website, Address, & Details: https://www.facebook.com/ongcaosaigon/
Little House Food Court
Photo courtesy of Little House Foodcourt’s Facebook page.
Little House Food Court is the 2020 manifestation of the now defunct ‘Hen House’ and Bui Vien craft beer bar ‘The Chicken Coop.” Located just across the Saigon River in District 4 (and right behind my former apartment building Icon 56), Little House Food Court serves up the always delicious Rooster Beers and is a new favorite hangout for backpackers, tourists, and locals seeking out affordable craft beer and Vietnamese snacks.
Little House Food Court beers are not fancy by any means, and boast names that are straight to the point. You want an IPA? At the Little House Food Court, it is simply called an “IPA.” You want a blonde beer? Order the “Blonde.” Little House Food Court does not pretend to be anything that it is not.
Don’t be thrown off by the simplicity of Rooster Beers and their approach, as these beers are not only refreshing, crisp, and flavorful, but they beat out breweries I’ve frequented back home in ‘The States’.
Little House is far more uninhibited than other craft beer bars and breweries on this list, which is refreshing. Sometimes, you want to slug an ice cold craft beer while rocking a tank top and flip flops and chowing down on a Banh Mi. This is the spot to do that at.
Website, Address, & Details: https://www.facebook.com/henhousevn/
Broma Not a Bar
Photo courtesy of Broma’s Facebook page.
Not only is Broma Not a Bar one of the best bars to post up at and sample one of Vietnam’s countless craft beers, it also happens to be one of the best rooftop bars in Saigon. Broma Not a Bar is the place to go when you want to slug down a Tê Tê Electric IPA (ABV 5.5%) and boogie down to their Afro-Tuesday music night.
Broma reminds me of a rooftop jungle or treehouse thanks to the countless greenery and small tropical trees lining the bar and edges. This is a craft beer spot that you can check out at all hours – whether you are looking for a late afternoon beer next to the towering Bitexco Financial Tower or wanting to get very weird into the wee hours of the morning at one of Broma’s infamous after hours parties.
For the non-craft beer crowd out there, Broma is a great for cocktails. They even have a custom cocktail option where you can tell the bartender what you are in the mood for and they will then craft a cocktail to your tastes. While not a custom cocktail, I do occasionally slug down one of their espresso martinis for those nights I don’t plan on ending early.
So, if you are looking for a rooftop craft beer bar with a “jungle theme,” laid back vibe (until a certain point), and a smorgasbord of cocktails and drinks, look no further than Broma.
Website, Address, & Details: https://www.facebook.com/broma.not.a.bar/
Belgo: Belgian Craft Brewery
Photo courtesy of Belgo’s Facebook page.
If you read the introduction, then you were probably wondering, “Who the heck serves beer out of a 1.4 liter glass?” Belgo does. And it’s glorious. I can only sum Belgo up as a “classy spot for over-indulgence.” I say that in the best way possible. Rocking some of the finest Belgian wits and blondes that I’ve had the pleasure of drinking, Belgo is the perfect craft beer brewery for those seeking out the Belgian beer and food experience in Vietnam.
Wheats, blondes, and saisons – that’s what Belgo does.
Belgo isn’t only the first Belgian Brewery in Ho Chi Minh, it is the first in all of Vietnam. Upon entering Belgo’s District 1 location, you’ll be greeted by a multi-story, raised ceiling, industrial space fitted with metal bannisters and couches in the middle of the room. This is seriously one hip (and classy) spot. And, the dim lighting makes a perfect spot for couples looking for a romantic night out.
Belgo also happens to be my absolute favorite brewery in Vietnam for food. This is the spot my good buddy and I would frequent (almost weekly) for a high quality tenderloin topped with foie gras, Belgian frites, and meatballs.
Belgo is unique in the way that they have an impressive list of “Belgo Beer Cocktails,” which are cocktails that incorporate some of Belgo’s most popular beers – ex. The Belgo Mojito replaces traditional soda water with their Amber beer to kick things up a notch.
Pale Ale Travel Tip: While the Belgian frites might seem like the go-to for a side at Belgo, I highly recommend mixing in one of their potato waffles – a cloud of potato-ey, crunchy, happiness.
Website, Address, & Details: https://www.belgo.com.vn
BiaCraft Artisan Ales
Photo courtesy of BiaCraft Artisan Ale’s Facebook page.
Boasting the Vietnamese word for “beer” (Bia) in its name, BiaCraft Artisan Ales is what I would dub as the 7-11 of craft beer bars in Saigon, as they are literally everywhere. During my year-plus in Vietnam, it felt as if I’d find a Bia Craft pub around every corner. No complaints on my end. BiaCraft offers every single one of the breweries listed in this guide…and then more. Much more. Beer selection for days.
BiaCraft Artisan Ales claims it has the “most extensive collection of craft beers in Vietnam,” which isn’t a lie. You can find literally every Vietnamese beer at Bia Craft (and a string of foreign beers as well). This may be a very particular reference, but it reminds me of the Vietnamese “Yardhouse” equivalent – a popular bar in the U.S. that has hundreds of beers on tap.
BiaCraft is the beer oasis that locals, foreigners, and tourists alike seek refuge at on hot and humid Saigon days.
I would be remiss not to mention that BiaCraft also serves up some fantastic “pub grub” – namely their spam french fries, mango habanero wings, and fried beer bites. These snacks have played an integral role in sobering me up on some of my biggest nights out in Saigon.
Website, Address, & Details: https://biacraft.com
- Location: There are quite a few locations, so I recommend checking out the Bia Craft website to hone in on one that tickles your fancy.
Saigon Outcast + Rogue Saigon
Photo courtesy of Saigon Outcast’s Facebook page.
Maybe best known for throwing an absolute banger of a craft beer festival every year, Saigon Outcast touts itself as a venue for the “weird, bold, and beautiful people of the world.” Located in District 2 (Thao Dien), Saigon Outcast is an event space, bar, and restaurant rolled all in one. This is a spot for people who not only love craft beer, but who also love socializing and stepping out of their comfort zones.
On top of a killer happy hour that sees bar goers receive 40% off drinks from 4PM to 7PM, Saigon Outcast puts on a “Cinema Night” every Thursday night, where classics are screened under the stars. They also sport a “Wild Card” day on Saturdays, which is typically reserved for the Thao Dien flea market, trade expos, and food festivals (two of my favorite being the Saigon Burger Fest and Saigon Taco Fest).
Saigon Outcast also has one of my favorite lagers in all of Vietnam – their T-Rex Lager. Its mild hop flavor and smooth drinkability brings me back to the bars and breweries of Slovakia that have a special place in my heart.
Rogue Saigon
Photo courtesy Rogue Saigon’s Facebook page.
I’m including Rogue Saigon with Saigon Outcast, as it is a popular craft beer bar in the center of District 1 and the second expansion of the Saigon Outcast family. Rogue Saigon has 20 beer taps pouring Saigon’s favorite craft beers, along with countless bottles.
This also just so happens to be the bar that I had to walk by every single day when I would cross the bridge from District 1 to District 4 – the spot where I told myself I’d pop in for “just one.” How naive I was.
Rogue Saigon is 3 levels, and boasts a rooftop terrace overlooking the bustling streets of District 1, which makes for an attractive spot to start your night at.
Website, Address, & Details: https://www.saigonoutcast.com, https://www.facebook.com/roguesaigon/
- Location:
Pale Ale Travel Tip: There’s a good chance you are going to be nursing a big hangover after grabbing some beers at any one of these bars, so you’ll need something to pick you up the following day. Check out my post breaking down the best brunch in Saigon.
Tê Tê Taphouse
Photo courtesy of Te Te’s Facebook page.
Tê Tê Taphouse is a concept brewpub located in Ho Chi Minh’s District 1 brewing up some of the most creative craft beers in Vietnam. Beer lovers can find brews inspired by Belgian-style wheats, Irish red ales, and German-style Koslches in one spot – but infused with local ingredients and flavors. With over 10 Tê Tê craft beers fresh on tap, there is just no way that you do not find a beer that jives with your mood (or taste).
As you may have guessed from my mentioning above, the Tê Tê Electric IPA is my go-to beer at the Tê Tê Taphouse – a medium body session IPA loaded with American and kiwi hops, and a “punch of lemon zest.” This is one refreshing IPA, that frankly, I could drink all day.
Other favorites include Te Te’s Mellow Red Irish-inspired red ale, with notes of nutmeg and cinnamon, and So Ca Lo Porter, a surprisingly light and drinkable porter with roasted Vietnamese cacao and a smooth finish.
It is also worth noting that Tê Tê Taphouse frequently has live music (namely, their jazz night), which brings a smooth, cool vibe to an otherwise hot and humid city.
Website, Address, & Details: https://tetetaphouse.com
Craft Beer in Saigon is Booming
A city with good beer is a city worth living in. This rings especially true for the “Pearl of the Far East” – Ho Chi Minh City. Saigon is hands down the best city I have ever lived in for local craft beer. I constantly found myself in awe at just how creative, thoughtful, and popular Saigon’s breweries and beers were (are?), and definitely put on a good 15 pounds living within walking distance from several of Ho Chi Minh’s major breweries.
Whether you are looking to get down and dirty while throwing back a few IPAs, are looking to class it up a bit in a blazer while drinking a beer blended cocktail, or are looking for “somewhere in the between’ (Streetlight Manifesto reference right there), Saigon has it all. I can assure you that you will not be disappointed at the number of breweries, beers, and bars to choose from in Ho Chi Minh City.
While I do think the crux of the Saigon craft beer scene (and Vietnamese beer scene) was captured in this guide, there is no doubt that I have missed some fan favorites. I intend to keep adding to this guide as I circle back through and even possibly live in Saigon again, so I am all ears (eyes)!
I would love to hear your favorite spots to post up with a cold one in Saigon, so do let me know in the comments. Or, feel free to shoot me an email over at info@palealetravel.com. I’d love to hear from you!
Drink well,
Big Body
Big Body is a voracious lov…eater, a cowardly fighter, and a self-proclaimed curry goat BBQ-eating champion (don’t forget the donkey milk) who likes Stoicism, baseball, and writing in the third person. Having worked for himself for the last 7 years, he isn’t particularly successful but he does still drink ice-cold Sapporo draft beers with the best of them and knows his way around a Dai Pai Dong or two. He is based in Hong Kong but you can still find him in Saigon, Osaka, and Vienna for extended periods.
Really nice roundup, but I’d hardly say that going to Saigon Outcast, let alone any drinking spot in Thao Dien, is the place for anyone looking to “step out of their comfort zone.”
Hey there Jason,
Really appreciate the comment and glad you enjoyed. You have any favorite beer spots/breweries in Saigon? I definitely want to keep exploring when I get back (moving back to Hong Kong next month, and will likely split between Saigon). I might have been a bit unclear with the implication that it’s a good spot to step out of your comfort zone – as I meant socially. I’ve always felt those two spots were some of the best craft beer joints for mingling with others. Of course if someone really wants to step out of their comfort zone, then I probably would not recommend them a Western-style brewery haha!
Best,
Big Body
Hey—
As far as dedicated beer places, you’ve pretty much covered all the places I’ve been to. Of that list, I probably like Te Te, HoD, Rogue and Biacraft (though, I’ve only been to the ones in D3 and Phu Nhuan) the best. I also liked Nong Trai Khoai in Binh Thanh and Quan Bia Ke in Phu Nhuan as well. I go to Saigon every year for 10 days or so (I live in Tokyo, but like you, originally from NH) and basically explore the city and go on a massive eating and drinking binge, so if you have any particular suggestions, I’d be obliged!
Jason
Oh yeah, and Belgo too. I haven’t eaten there (though will next time I’m in town), but their beers are totally on point.
I’ve always wondered—maybe you know the answer to this—are they bankrolled by the Belgian gov’t, or just someone with really deep pockets? It seems like a ton of money went into both of their locations.
Can’t go wrong with Te Te or Heart of Darkness at all – what are your thoughts on Pasteur Street? As noted in the article, they brew up my favorite IPA in Vietnam (the Jasmine IPA). Belgo is also hands down the best spot to eat at and one of my weekly spots. As for how they are bankrolled, if I remember correctly it was started by two Belgians (one older guy), who I think purchased all the equipment from a brewery in Belgium that just wasn’t able to sustain anymore.
Small world with another New Hampshirite in Asia – love it. All the best Jason and do give a holler when back in Saigon. Who knows, maybe the paths will cross.
Live free or die,
Big Body