Have you ever gone on a craft beer tour in Hanoi? On such a tour, you can learn about the inventiveness of local artisans as well as traditional methods of producing beer. This post will provide you with intriguing details on Hanoi breweries and craft beer production, which is worth trying if you’re planning on a craft beer tour. 

The origin and development of beer

Dating back to at least the 5th century BC, beer is considered one of the oldest beverages created by humans. Records of stele have been found in ancient texts from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Because it has existed for a long time, there are many oral stories and conjectures surrounding this drink based on archaeological traces that have been found.

Thousands of years ago, residents of Mesopotamia and the Nile Valley accidentally discovered the fermentation of cereals. This fermentation process created a new and strangely attractive drink. Gradually, this drink became an important part of culture and religion, and to this day, it has become the oldest and most popular drink in the world, which we call beer. 

Beer and civilizations around the world

Many discoveries show that beer is a drink associated with many civilizations around the world. Among them, it can be said that the first barley beer was born in the Sumerian region of Mesopotamia. Archaeologists have unearthed pieces of ceramic pots from 3,400 BC that still have traces of beer and found a poem called “Hymn to Ninkasi" dated 1,800 BC, with the content The poem honors the patron goddess of beer-making, Ninkasi, and that poem contains the oldest beer recipes still alive today, describing the process of making beer from barley through bread.

King Hammurabi of the ancient Babylonian dynasty enacted legislation that required the production of beer, which was  to everyone as a meal and could not be sold but could only be traded for barley.

In Egypt, the builders of the Pyramid were also paid in beer, and their Pharaohs were also buried with many large jars of beer.

Evidence from recent tomb excavations and historical records in China indicates that 5,000 years ago, the Yangshao culture gave rise to a very early method of manufacturing beer. Tuber crops, barley, rice, and yellow millet are used in this method.

Until the Middle Ages, monasteries played an important role in beer production and preservation, contributing to quality improvements and stylistic diversification. Similar brewing techniques to today were recently developed when European monks and artisans began brewing beer with hops, which, when mixed with beer, will create a bitter taste and preserve the flavor longer.

The Industrial Revolution and the new era of beer

The development of science and technology during the Industrial Revolution brought the beer industry to new heights. The invention of steam engines and machines helped automate the production process, gradually replacing manual labor in beer production. Thanks to that, beer productivity increased significantly and met increasing consumer demand. Louis Pasteur’s research and discoveries about the role of microorganisms laid the modern scientific foundation for the beer industry. The 20th century witnessed the birth of giant beer corporations. Along with that is the return of craft beer, which attracts consumers with its rich, traditional flavor. Thanks to those breakthrough innovations, beer has become a popular drink in the world, as we see today.

History of Vietnam’s beer industry

Beer is one of the interesting and new things that the French brought to Vietnam at the end of the 19th century. Specifically, beer appeared in Vietnam in 1875, from a small factory founded by Mr. Victore Larue, a Frenchman, out in Saigon. By 1910, the factory had developed into a beer, soft drink, and ice factory before officially merging into the French BGI system in 1925. In 1977, this factory was managed by the Southern Beer and Wine Company. and changed its name to Saigon Brewery, currently known as Saigon Beer – Alcohol – Beverage Joint Stock Corporation (SABECO). 

The first brewery in Hanoi was founded in 1890 by Frenchman Alfred Hommel to supply the French soldiers and expats with beer. Vietnam now owns Hommel Brewery, which was renamed Hanoi Brewery in 1957. This company is now known as Hanoi Beer – Alcohol – Beverage Joint Stock Corporation (HABECO). 

However, Vietnam’s beer industry only truly developed when it entered the Innovation period. During this time, many economic sectors participated in beer production and trading, and beer became a popular drink with many familiar brands such as: Beer 333, Beer Hanoi, Beer Saigon, etc.

A significant transformation of the Vietnamese beer industry since 2015 is that craft beer began to take shape and create a fever among domestic and foreign diners with countless unique and new beers. In addition to the original recipe, Vietnamese craft beer also incorporates local ingredients, such as tropical fruits and unique spices, to create a variety of beers with appealing flavors. 

Hanoi’s local breweries and taprooms that you should not miss when getting craft beer tour 

Hanoi craft beer tour is an ideal experience for craft beer lovers who want to explore the colorful and diverse world of beer in the capital Hanoi. Join us in discovering addresses that provide you with memorable experiences for your craft beer tour! 

Pasteur Street Craft Beer

The first address for the craft beer tour in Hanoi that we want to introduce to you is Pasteur Street Craft Beer. Pasteur Street Craft Beer is a pioneering craft beer brand in Vietnam, founded in 2015 by an American named John Reid. Beer products at Pasteur Street Craft Beer are created based on high-quality ingredients combined with the traditional brewing process, creating beers with attractive flavors. This brand owns a modern and vibrant taproom chain and a rich beer menu such as IPA, Stout, Lager, Sour, etc., all of which are worth experiencing on your craft beer tour. 

Contact information:

Hoan Kiem Taproom & Restaurant

Address: No.1, Au Trieu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam

Phone number: +84 24 6294 9462

Opening hours: 11.00 AM – 11.00 PM (Monday to Sunday) 

Cua Bac Taproom & Restaurant

Address: No.30, Cua Bac, Ba Dinh, Ha Noi, Vietnam

Phone number: +84 346 641 166

Opening hours: 11.00 AM – 11.00 PM (Monday to Sunday)

Hai Ba Trung Taproom & Restaurant

Address: No.122, Bui Thi Xuan, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi, Vietnam

Phone number: +84 329 391 618

Opening hours: 11.00 AM – 11.00 PM (Monday to Sunday)

Ha Noi HomeBrew – Local Craft Beer

Ha Noi HomeBrew owns a small and cozy space with a vintage style, bringing a feeling of closeness and comfort. This place offers beers such as IPA, C-hop IPA, Viet Pale Ale, etc. If you are a person who likes cozy spaces and wants to experience a craft beer tour, Ha Noi HomeBrew is an ideal place for you to choose. Or simply, if you want to have meetings, chat with friends, and enjoy beer, come to Ha Noi HomeBrew. 

Contact information:

Address: No.50, Lo Su, Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam

Phone number: +84 368 428 198

Opening hours: 

2.30 PM – 1.00 AM (Monday to Friday)

1.30 PM – 1.00 AM (Saturday and Sunday)

iBiero Craft Beer Station 

We would like to recommend iBiero Craft Beer Station as the next stop on the craft beer tour. Do Giang Vinh, who has a strong love for craft beer, founded iBiero Craft Beer at the end of 2016. The finest ingredients are imported from England, Germany, Belgium, and other countries for iBiero Craft Beer. These components come in a range of flavors and are of safe quality, guaranteeing a really unique craft beer experience in the best way. 

Contact information:

Address

Restaurant 

No.99, Le Duan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam

No.48 Le Van Luong, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam

No.458, Minh Khai, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi, Vietnam

Private club

The 2nd Floor, No.99, Le Duan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam

Breweries

Phu Dien Industrial Area, Co Nhue, Bac Tu Liem, Hanoi, Vietnam

Phone number:

+84 24 3880 2222 (Restaurant in Le Duan)

+84 24 2266 4848 (Restaurant in Le Van Luong) 

+84 91 222 99 00 (Private club)

Beer Corner 

Beer Corner is a popular beer bar located on Ta Hien Street, the most famous beer street in Hanoi. The shop has space to enjoy beer both inside and outside, depending on your preferences. Besides, Beer Corner also serves snacks such as fried spring rolls, fries, fried beans, etc., to enjoy with beer. If you are looking for a bustling place to experience a craft beer tour in Hanoi, Beer Corner Ta Hien will help you immerse yourself in a vibrant and attractive beer world. 

Contact information: 

Address: No.27, Ta Hien, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam

Phone number: +84 16 6492 3665

Opening hours: 9.00 AM – 12.00 AM (Monday to Sunday) 

New Gentry Beerhouse 

New Gentry Beerhouse has a small and cozy space, perfect for meeting friends, going on dates, or even casual business chats. New Gentry Beerhouse is highly appreciated not only for its diverse menu with attractive craft beers and food but also for its attentive staff. Besides, elegant music is also an attractive factor at New Gentry Beerhouse, making this location a very worthy choice for those who are looking for an experience on a craft beer tour in Hanoi. 

Contact information:

Address: No.7, Hang Manh, Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam

Phone number: +84 988 960 815

Opening hours: 5.00 PM – 11.00 PM (Monday to Sunday) 

Summary

A craft beer tour is an excellent opportunity to discover the wonderful craft beer culture. The Hanoi craft beer tour will allow you to learn about the craft beer production process, experience a unique beer space, enjoy quality craft beers, and meet people with similar interests. Hopefully, the information we present about the craft beer tour in Hanoi will inspire you to expand your own craft beer culture experiences in Vietnam’s lovely capital city. 

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