Vietnamese tea (Tra): Satisfy your nose and taste buds at every try

Vietnamese tea has been a cultural staple in the country which brings multiple health benefits. Trying the best Vietnamese tea is definitely an unmissable experience for tourists traveling to the S-shaped country.

Your trip to Vietnam won’t be complete without experiencing the diverse cuisine, with Vietnamese tea standing out as a highlight. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding local tea and planning your tea exploration journey.

1. Facts about Vietnamese tea that you may not know

Vietnamese tea culture originated thousands of years ago during the era of the Hung Kings. However, tea production in Vietnam began around the 1880s when French colonists established the first tea plantations near Phu Tho, northwest of Hanoi. Today, Vietnam is the seventh-largest global tea producer and ranks fifth in global tea exports.

In Vietnam, tea drinking is fairly informal, lacking the complex etiquette found in some other countries. Nonetheless, it remains an essential part of daily life for Vietnamese people.

Tourists might first experience tea culture while dining at local eateries, as many Vietnamese dishes are served with tea. Tea is also commonly served at the start of meetings, after meals at restaurants, or by street vendors while socializing with friends. Trà chanh, or Vietnamese lemon iced tea, is iconic in the street culture of young Vietnamese people.

Additionally, many Vietnamese families enjoy a cup of tea after dinner, using the time to gather and share their daily experiences.

2. Some Key Benefits of Drinking Vietnamese Tea

Beyond its cultural significance, drinking Vietnamese tea offers numerous health benefits.

• Keeps your body hydrated: Vietnamese tea helps keep you hydrated due to its high water content compared to other drinks. Daily tea consumption also benefits your skin and hair, boosts metabolism, and supports the proper functioning of your body’s systems.
• Slows down aging: Rich in antioxidants, Vietnamese tea helps remove toxins from the body, slows the aging process, and nourishes you from within.
• Reduces stress: With its caffeine content, Vietnamese tea can reduce stress and enhance short-term memory. Since it contains less caffeine than coffee, it’s gentler on the nervous system.
• Prevents common illnesses: Regular tea drinking has been shown to reduce blood clots and lower blood pressure, helping to prevent heart disease. It also aids in preventing prostate cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer in women.

3. The 5 Most Popular Vietnamese Tea Types You Should Try At Least Once

Vietnamese tea comes in a variety of scents and flavors, but all share a common trait: light and delicate profiles. Below are the five most popular Vietnamese teas recommended for tourists.

3.1. Vietnamese Green Tea (Trà xanh)

Green tea is everywhere in Vietnam. If you sip tea at a random street vendor, it’s likely Vietnamese green tea. Typically light green or yellow in color, it has a mild taste. Unlike other teas, green tea skips the oxidation process, making it the richest in antioxidants among Vietnamese tea varieties.

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3.2. Vietnamese Black Tea (Trà đen)

Vietnamese black tea is fully oxidized, giving it a robust flavor—some varieties can be quite intense. Its color ranges from light brown to deep red.

3.3. Vietnamese Oolong Tea (Trà ô long)

Vietnamese oolong tea takes the longest to produce. Its repeated oxidation and rolling processes create a remarkable aroma and diverse flavors. With a clean, buttery taste, oolong is ideal for those new to tea culture.

3.4. Vietnamese Ginger Tea (Trà gừng)

Ginger, known for its medicinal properties, brings numerous health benefits. Vietnamese people often add it to hot tea to make a remedy for nausea, colds, flu, or stomachaches. If you’re prone to motion sickness, drinking ginger tea 1-2 hours before a trip can make a big difference.

3.5. Vietnamese Flower Tea (Trà ướp hoa)

Flower tea is a distinctive part of Vietnamese tea culture, blending natural floral scents with tea leaves to create unique flavor combinations.

Vietnamese Lotus Tea: Vietnamese lotus tea (Trà sen) is traditionally made by placing high-quality green tea leaves inside a lotus flower overnight to absorb its fragrance. It’s best refrigerated for at least two months before drinking—the longer it’s chilled, the more flavorful and aromatic it becomes.

Vietnamese Artichoke Tea: Artichoke tea comes in two forms: one made from the flower is sweet, nutty, and yellow; the other, made from the stem, is black and bitter.

Vietnamese Jasmine Tea: Jasmine tea is crafted by layering jasmine blossoms with freshly harvested green tea leaves multiple times. Its bold aroma delivers a powerful tea-tasting experience.

3.6. Vietnamese Rosemary Tea (Trà hương thảo)

Rosemary tea is a fragrant herbal drink made from the leaves of the rosemary plant, known for its earthy, pine-like flavor. While not as widespread as green or black tea in Vietnam, it’s gaining popularity for its unique taste and wellness benefits. This tea is often enjoyed for its soothing aroma and subtle bitterness, making it a refreshing choice any time of day.

Rosemary tea is packed with antioxidants like rosmarinic acid, which help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation. It’s also known to support digestion, improve mental focus, and promote hair growth when used as a rinse. In Vietnam, it’s sometimes paired with honey or lemon to enhance its flavor and benefits.

3.7. Vietnamese Soursop Tea (Trà mãng cầu)

Soursop tea, made from the leaves of the soursop fruit tree (also called graviola), is a tropical delight with a slightly sweet and herbal taste. Though the soursop fruit is more commonly eaten, its leaves are brewed into a tea that’s cherished for both its flavor and health properties. You’ll find it in homes and markets across Vietnam’s warmer regions.

This tea is rich in antioxidants and vitamins like C and B, which may boost immunity and aid digestion. Traditionally, it’s used to relieve stress, lower blood sugar, and even soothe minor ailments like colds. Its calming effects make it a favorite nighttime drink for many Vietnamese locals.

Where to Buy the Best Quality Vietnamese Tea?

If you’re planning a trip to experience the finest Vietnamese tea, consider visiting the country’s three most renowned tea-growing regions: Phu Tho, Thai Nguyen, and Lam Dong. These areas offer tourists the opportunity to purchase top-quality tea while exploring stunning tea plantations.

For a guaranteed authentic and high-quality experience, we recommend buying Vietnamese tea from Lam Sơn Tea. Here’s why Lam Sơn Tea stands out as your best choice:

• Superior Quality Assurance: Lam Sơn Tea sources its products directly from Vietnam’s top tea regions, ensuring freshness and authenticity with every batch.
• Wide Variety: Whether you’re looking for green tea, oolong, or specialty flower teas, Lam Sơn Tea offers a diverse selection to suit all tastes.
• Trusted Reputation: Known for its commitment to traditional tea-making methods and sustainability, Lam Sơn Tea has earned the trust of tea lovers both locally and internationally.
• Convenience: They provide easy access to their products, whether you’re shopping in-store at their locations or ordering online, making it simple to bring home the best Vietnamese tea.

Lam Son Tea – Vietnam’s Leading tea company

• Hotline: +84 862 23 8383
• Website: https://lamsonfood.com/en
• Stores in Vietnam: 466 Hoang Hoa Tham, Tay Ho, Ha Noi
• Stores in the US: 230 Patterson St, Harrison, NJ 07029, US
• Stores in the AU: 60 Rose St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia