Bia Hơi

On my list of things to do before we left was trying Bia hơi, translated as "fresh beer".

Basically, you ride around (on bikes in our case), looking for these large stainless steel vats. Often you'll see older men sitting on red or blue plastic chairs early enjoying their morning brew (it has very low alcohol content so it's a good breakfast). Apparently is is often gone by midday.

You pull up a chair and order one. The man takes a plastic bottle (that has obviously seen many things other than beer in its day) and fills it for you.

He delivers it to your table with three glasses and you pay about 85 cents for what amounts to around 5 beers.

I wish that here I could tell you that this was the perfect thirst quencher after a long bike ride but it tasted pretty bad. I know, you get what you pay for, but I think maybe I hit a bad one. It had a "farm flavor" to it: like if you could somehow bottle that smell you get when visiting the hogs at the county fair. It is brewed quickly which may be the problem. As my brother pointed out, there is a reason making great beer takes time. I'll leave this experience on my list to give it another try but I'm not in a big hurry.