The history of Vietnamese tea
Vietnam’s tea culture has deep roots, with tea introduced to the region through early trade and cultural exchanges with China, the birthplace of tea. Chinese influence shaped Vietnam’s early tea traditions, including the cultivation of tea plants and the practice of drinking tea as a spiritual and social activity.
Large-scale tea production in Vietnam, however, began much later during the French colonial period in the 1880s. French colonists established the first tea plantations in Phu Tho, northwest of Hanoi, and introduced modern farming techniques. These developments marked the start of Vietnam’s commercial tea industry, laying the foundation for its global presence.
Over centuries, tea became deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture, symbolizing hospitality, connection, and mindfulness. Today, Vietnam is the seventh-largest global producer of tea and ranks fifth in tea exports, with key regions like Moc Chau, Thai Nguyen, and Lam Dong maintaining a balance of traditional and modern tea-making practices.
Vietnamese tea culture
Tea is deeply woven into the fabric of Vietnamese life, serving as a symbol of hospitality, connection, and tradition. Its role extends far beyond being a simple beverage, reflecting the country’s diverse social and cultural practices.
Tea in social gatherings and family life
In Vietnamese homes, a pot of fresh tea is often at the center of social interactions. Hosts serve tea in small cups—almost like tea shots—that are continually refilled as a gesture of warmth and respect. This ritual embodies the Vietnamese value of hospitality, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests and fostering a sense of community.
Tea in Buddhist rituals and spirituality
Tea is also a key element in Buddhist practices, symbolizing mindfulness and simplicity. Monks and practitioners often serve light, fragrant teas during ceremonies or meditation, reflecting tea’s spiritual significance.
Tra Da: Vietnamese iced cea
On the more casual side, Tra Da (Vietnamese iced tea) is a ubiquitous drink served at street-side eateries across the country. Made from brewed green tea leaves and served over ice, it’s a refreshing and inexpensive accompaniment to meals, perfect for Vietnam’s tropical climate.
The art of serving tea
Vietnamese tea culture emphasizes light brews and fragrance over strength. Traditional teas, such as green tea or jasmine tea, are served in small porcelain cups. Whether in formal settings or casual gatherings, the act of sharing tea fosters conversation and connection.
Modern tea culture
In recent years, tea culture in Vietnam has expanded to include stylish local coffee shops and specialty tea houses. These venues offer everything from traditional teas to contemporary creations, blending tradition with modern aesthetics and catering to younger generations.
The best teas from Vietnam
Vietnam offers a wide variety of teas, each with its own unique flavor, origin, and cultural significance. Here are eight must-try Vietnamese teas, perfect for tea enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
1. Jasmine Tea (Trà Nhài)
Fragrant and light, jasmine tea is a staple in Vietnamese households and ceremonies. It’s made by layering green tea leaves with fresh jasmine blossoms, infusing the tea with a delicate floral aroma. Often served during formal occasions or family gatherings, it’s a tea that represents hospitality and warmth.
2. Lotus Tea (Trà Sen)
One of Vietnam’s most luxurious teas, lotus tea is made by scenting green tea leaves with the petals of lotus flowers. This intricate process often involves placing the tea leaves inside fresh lotus buds overnight to absorb their essence. Originating from regions like Hanoi’s West Lake, lotus tea is a symbol of elegance and tradition.
3. Oolong Tea (Trà Ô Long)
Popular in highland regions like Moc Chau and Dalat, oolong tea is a semi-fermented tea known for its smooth, floral notes and a hint of sweetness. It’s a favorite among tea connoisseurs for its complex flavors and health benefits, including its ability to aid digestion.
4. Green Tea (Trà Xanh)
Green tea is the most widely consumed tea in Vietnam, appreciated for its fresh, grassy taste and simplicity. It’s a daily companion for many Vietnamese people, often brewed fresh at home and served in small cups. Regions like Thai Nguyen are renowned for producing some of the finest green teas in the country.
5. Black Tea (Trà Đen)
A bolder tea with a robust flavor, black tea is often used as the base for Vietnamese milk tea. Its strong profile pairs well with sweetened condensed milk, creating a creamy, flavorful drink. Black tea is also enjoyed plain, especially in cooler regions like Sapa.
6. Cactus Tea (Trà Xương Rồng)
A unique and modern addition to Vietnam’s tea repertoire, cactus tea blends cactus extracts with traditional tea leaves. Known for its refreshing taste and health benefits, it’s gaining popularity among younger generations and health-conscious drinkers.
7. Artichoke Tea (Trà Atisô)
Hailing from Dalat, artichoke tea is a popular herbal tea made from the leaves, stems, and flowers of the artichoke plant. With its earthy flavor and natural sweetness, this caffeine-free tea is renowned for its digestive and liver-cleansing properties.
8. Shan Tuyet Tea
A rare and highly prized tea, Shan Tuyet is harvested from ancient wild tea trees in mountainous regions like Ha Giang and Yen Bai. Its strong and aromatic flavor reflects the purity of its high-altitude origins, making it a favorite among tea enthusiasts seeking something truly unique.
Where to buy tea in Vietnam (Souvenirs)
Vietnam offers a variety of places to purchase tea, from bustling local markets to specialty shops, making it easy for travelers to bring home a piece of the country’s tea culture.
Markets
Traditional markets like Hanoi’s Dong Xuan Market and Ho Chi Minh City’s Ben Thanh Market are excellent places to find locally packaged teas. These markets offer a wide range of options, including green tea, jasmine tea, and herbal teas, often at budget-friendly prices.
Specialty shops
For premium teas, visit specialty stores like Tra Viet or Tam Chau Tea Company, which are known for high-quality products. These shops often carry elegant packaging and unique varieties like lotus tea and Shan Tuyet tea, making them perfect for gifting or personal indulgence.
Convenience Stores
Modern convenience stores like WinMart or Circle K are great for affordable and accessible tea options. Here, you can find bottled teas like Tra Da (Vietnamese iced tea) or packaged teas in single-serving sachets, ideal for casual tea drinkers or as a quick souvenir.
Travel tip
Vietnamese teas are often beautifully wrapped in decorative boxes, featuring designs inspired by the country’s culture and landscapes. These make excellent souvenirs for friends and family, combining a taste of Vietnam with an elegant presentation.
Unique tea variations in Vietnam
Vietnam offers a fascinating array of unique tea variations that go beyond traditional green and jasmine teas. These innovations reflect the country’s creativity and cultural diversity.
Ice Tea (Tra Da)
No discussion of Vietnamese tea is complete without mentioning Tra Da, the ubiquitous iced tea served at street-side eateries and cafes. This refreshing brew, made with green tea and often lightly sweetened, is perfect for Vietnam’s tropical climate and a staple of daily life.
Egg Tea (Trà Trứng)
A rare but intriguing creation, egg tea blends whisked egg yolk with tea to create a creamy and slightly sweet drink. Similar to Vietnam’s famous egg coffee, this tea is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, best enjoyed in specialty cafes.
Fermented Tea
Ethnic minority groups in Vietnam, particularly in mountainous regions, produce fermented teas with a flavor profile similar to Chinese pu-erh tea. These teas are known for their earthy taste and are often enjoyed for their digestive health benefits.
Herbal Infusions
Vietnamese herbal teas are made from ingredients like pandan, lemongrass, ginger, and ginseng, offering a range of health benefits. These teas are popular for their soothing properties and are often consumed as a remedy for common ailments.
Mixed Fruit and Seed Tea
Another unique Vietnamese tea variation features dried fruits like orange or apple slices combined with ingredients like lotus seeds, goji berries, or jujube. This tea, often brewed at home or served in specialty tea shops, is both visually appealing and packed with flavor. The mix of sweet and floral notes makes it a comforting and healthful choice for tea lovers.
Stunning tea plantations & farms in vietnam
1. Moc Chau (Son La Province)
Moc Chau is renowned for its lush tea hills and vibrant green landscapes, making it one of Vietnam’s most picturesque tea-growing regions. Visitors can stroll through the rolling plantations, meet local tea farmers, and even participate in tea-picking activities. The serene atmosphere and natural beauty make Moc Chau a favorite for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
2. Dalat (Lam Dong Province)
Located in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, Dalat is famous for its premium oolong and artichoke teas. The cool climate and scenic highland farms, such as the Cau Dat Tea Plantation, make it an ideal spot for tea production and tourism. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views while sampling freshly brewed teas and learning about the tea-making process.
3. Thanh Chuong (Near Vinh)
Thanh Chuong is home to Vietnam’s unique tea islands, small plantations surrounded by tranquil lakes. Accessible only by boat, these floating tea fields provide a serene and otherworldly experience. It’s an off-the-beaten-path destination that showcases Vietnam’s creativity in tea farming.
4. Sapa (Lao Cai Province)
While better known for its terraced rice fields, Sapa also boasts smaller tea farms surrounded by blooming sakura trees during certain seasons, called O Long Tea Hill. The combination of tea plantations and vibrant blossoms offers a magical, seasonal landscape. Visitors can enjoy a cup of local tea while taking in the stunning mountain views.
5. Thai Nguyen Province
Known as the “capital of green tea” in Vietnam, Thai Nguyen is celebrated for its high-quality green teas. The province’s tea is prized for its fresh and grassy flavor, and visitors can tour plantations to witness traditional tea-making methods firsthand. Thai Nguyen’s dedication to craftsmanship has earned it a special place in Vietnam’s tea heritage.
