The drinks in Vietnam
Under the scorching sun, passers-by buy a glass of
nuoc sam to satisfy their thirsts before continuing on their way in the middle
of a throng of vehicles or pedestrians.
This drink is usually divided into four types: rong
bien (seaweed), bong cuc (chrysanthemum), mia lau (dwarf sugarcane) and nuoc
dang (bitter-flavored water). A glass of nuoc sam costs from VND1,500 to
VND3,000. Apart from nuoc dang, the drink is usually served with ice.
You can also find nuoc sam at night-time on the
streets in Cholon in District 5, better known as Ho Chi Minh City's Chinatown.
A difference is that nuoc sam in the evening is served at a warm temperature
instead of with ice.
Nuoc sam is usually prepared from those herbal
plants said to be good for health like ma de (plantain), mia lau (dwarf
sugarcane), hat duoi uoi (seeds of duoi uoi fruit) and bi dao (winter melon).
After brewing the ingredients, a little sugar is added to make it easier to
drink. To brew nuoc sam with a bitter flavor, or nuoc dang, people usually add
other ingredients like artichoke, pennywort, chrysanthemum, and la-kwa. Nuoc
dang is said to be helpful for those who suffer from constipation and high
blood pressure.
Many residents of Ho Chi Minh City are addicted to
this type of tonic because it is also a delicious drink. If you are a foreigner
visiting Vietnam, ask for a glass of nuoc sam and you will understand why this
drink is so popular among Asians.
