What better way to beat the heat of Ho Chi Minh City than by indulging in some of the city’s finest summer coolers? From traditional favorites to unique blends, there is a cool and refreshing beverage to suit every taste. Join me as we explore the top 5 summer coolers in Ho Chi Minh City.
Coconut Juice
Coconut juice is a must-try beverage in Vietnam’s scorching weather. In Ho Chi Minh City, you can find coconut juice in two distinct settings: cozy cafes and street vendors. Cafes offer the advantage of a cool and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a light and sweet coconut juice. The added bonus is that most cafes are well-equipped with air-conditioning, providing a much-needed respite from the heat. For around $2, you can savor the refreshing taste and even scoop out the coconut flesh with a spoon.
On the other hand, street vendors offer a more authentic experience at a lower cost. For less than $1, you can enjoy a whole coconut from a street vendor. While there may not be seating available, many people on motorbikes make a quick stop to buy a coconut, drink the juice, and continue their journey. Bargaining is advised when the price seems higher than expected. So, whether you choose a cozy café or an energetic street vendor, coconut juice is a delightful way to cool down in Ho Chi Minh City.
Sugar Cane Juice
Sugar cane juice is another popular and thirst-quenching drink in Ho Chi Minh City. It can be found easily as you stroll through the streets. Small sugar cane juice shops, equipped with blending machines, provide a space to sit and enjoy a glass of this refreshing beverage. The combination of small chairs, stools, and friendly conversations creates a relaxed atmosphere where you can quench your thirst and satisfy your temporary hunger or sugar low.
Sugar cane juice is not only affordable but also offers a range of flavors. For a mere 50 cents, you can enjoy a glass of pure sugar cane juice. Some vendors go the extra mile by blending in fruits like strawberry and orange, enhancing both the flavor and the price to around 75 cents. Ben Thanh market is a great place to start your sugar cane juice adventure, but you can find vendors almost anywhere in the city.
Smoothies
When it comes to refreshing beverages, smoothies are a hit among locals and visitors alike in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam’s tropical climate offers an abundance of exotic fruits, making smoothies a perfect way to cool down and enjoy a healthy boost. Unlike smoothies from other countries, Vietnamese smoothies are blended with condensed milk, adding a touch of sweetness and richness.
The variety of fruits available in Vietnam changes with the seasons. While some fruits are available in June, they may not be found in September. Smoothies can be found in coffee shops or even from street vendors. The average price of a smoothie ranges from $1 to $1.5 per drink. For those on the go, take-away options are available at select locations. If you have specific dietary requirements, it’s best to visit a coffee shop where you can order a customized smoothie. Street vendors may not have the necessary sweeteners for special diets.
Iced Coffee
No discussion about local drinks in Ho Chi Minh City would be complete without mentioning the beloved coffee culture. Vietnamese people kickstart their day with a cup of coffee, whether it’s homemade, enjoyed at a coffee shop, or grabbed on the go from street vendors. Coffee shops in Vietnam offer diverse designs, architecture, and pricing, catering to various tastes and preferences.
For the budget-conscious, street vendors once again provide the most affordable option. A tall cup of coffee from a street vendor costs around 25 cents. If you’re willing to splurge, upscale coffee shops offer a more expensive yet atmospheric experience, with prices ranging from $2 to $4 per cup. Vietnamese coffee is known for its strong flavor, so if you’re not accustomed to it, it’s wise to have a small taste before committing to a full cup. In hot weather, a refreshing iced coffee with condensed milk, known as “ca phe sua da,” is the perfect choice.
Nuoc Sam
Nuoc Sam, also known as herbal tea, is a quintessential drink in Ho Chi Minh City. Made by boiling water with special herbal plants, Nuoc Sam helps balance body temperature and provides a cooling effect during hot weather. You can purchase the necessary herbs from oriental medication shops along Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, District 5.
If you’re short on time, you can find ready-made Nuoc Sam on Cach Mang Thang Tam street, just past the Cong Truong Dan Chu roundabout. A glass of Nuoc Sam costs less than 25 cents, making it an affordable and refreshing beverage. After consuming a glass, you’ll feel recharged and revitalized. The fresh taste of Nuoc Sam is irresistible, often tempting people to have a second glass. These shops are designed for quick stops or take-away, so if you’re planning to sit for a while, it’s best to find another spot.
In conclusion, Ho Chi Minh City offers a diverse range of summer coolers to help you beat the heat. Whether you indulge in the tropical flavors of coconut juice, the natural sweetness of sugar cane juice, the healthy boost of smoothies, the strong aroma of iced coffee, or the herbal goodness of Nuoc Sam, you’re sure to find a refreshing beverage that suits your taste. So, the next time you visit Ho Chi Minh City, don’t forget to quench your thirst with these delightful coolers!
