As promised in the previous post, this time for #BeerSaturday, I'm highlighting some more intimate and smaller locations in the beautiful Hoi An. Despite the crowded city centre, it's certainly possible to enjoy a beer in a relaxed atmosphere.
The Hill Station Deli & Boutique
Let's start with The Hill Station, located in a stunning colonial building at the beginning of the old town. Besides having a small shop with regional (Dalat!) and French charcuterie and cheese, you can also enjoy great beer here. In the café, you can sit under the fans or on an open veranda overlooking a quiet street.
The menu is predominantly Western, and the prices are quite high. However, the cheese platter (where you can choose your cheeses from the deli next to the café) is definitely worth it!
As for beers, they offer a few Western brands, but you're naturally here for the local craft beers. The selection changes, but when I visited, they had quite a few beers from Pasteur Street, 7 Bridges, and Heart of Darkness.
Tropical Bar
Hidden away in an alley on the outskirts of Hoi An's center, you'll find this delightful small bar. You enter the café through a garden surrounded by greenery.
Besides the cozy garden, you can also sit inside or on the covered veranda. From there, you have a view of the alley where motorbikes occasionally pass by. There are also plenty of lizards and similar creatures to watch.
The staff is extremely friendly and helpful. Communication can sometimes be a bit challenging due to limited English, but nothing that hand gestures or Google Translate can't solve.
The prices for craft beers are not excessively high (between 80k and 100k). Make sure to check out the snack menu as well. A recommendation is the Banh Mi for just 30k VND (1.25 EUR)!
In conclusion, even in the incredibly touristy Hoi An, just outside the centre, you can enjoy great craft beer in pleasant and quiet locations. These two places are my favorites!
Next week, a blog about neighboring Thailand, where creative beer scenes have emerged due to (or despite) relatively restrictive legislation.