There are different brands of sarsaparilla, apple sodas, and iced coffees, but here is a look at five beverages that are traditional in many parts of Southeast Asia to help you immerse yourself in the most authentic experience possible!
Traveling around the world can be thirsty work. That’s why when you jet-set around Southeast Asia, you’ll find plenty of unique drinks to help satisfy your thirst. There are different brands of sarsaparilla, apple sodas, and iced coffees, but here is a look at five beverages that are traditional in many parts of Southeast Asia to help you immerse yourself in the most authentic experience possible!
Ca Phe Trung (Vietnam)
This first beverage on our list is Vietnamese egg coffee. It is so rich and decadent that it is often called liquid tiramisu. Coffee is mixed with eggs and condensed milk to create this divine concoction. Treat yourself to one at the Giang Cafe in Hanoi! After all, it is the birthplace of this type of coffee drink – unique beverages are often created when certain ingredients are in short supply and bartenders, and cafe owners need to improvise with what they have on hand.
Sugar Cane Juice (Several Countries)
Sugar cane juice wouldn’t seem out of place on a tropical beach, where you could relax with your toes in the sand under an umbrella or stretched out on a hammock. Nothing is saying you can sip these beverages while on vacation in Southeast Asia. It is a drink commonly found on the street, where the juice is freshly squeezed out of sugar cane stalks. Then the liquid is put into a plastic bag and iced down. It’s sweet and refreshing all at the same time, perfect for surviving the steamy heat of the region.
Kopi Luwak (Indonesia)
Surprise! This is another type of coffee drink. Found in Indonesia, it is considered to be the most expensive coffee in the entire world! This coffee is rich and earthy all at once, and the beans taste like caramel or chocolate despite being harvested from coffee cherries.
Masala Chai (India)
If tea is more your preferred brew, then you owe it to yourself to get to India. Here, masala chai is made with an enchanting blend of spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves. They are stirred into a black tea that serves as a base before being allowed to simmer to lock in the flavor. Milk, honey, sugar, and jaggery are then used to add more flavor and sweetness.
Coconut Juice (Several Countries)
Finally, let’s learn about coconut juice. The juice is extracted from fresh coconuts and can be found sold from street vendors with their trucks or hastily-constructed stalls. Plug a straw into the coconut and drink all the juice and then get a spoon to scoop up the soft meat of the coconut that is left!
Get All Your Asian Groceries at Lotte Plaza Market
Lotte Plaza Market is your one-stop-shop for all of your Korean and Asian grocery needs. With more than 10 locations in Maryland and Virginia, this growing market is always expanding and opening new markets to serve our customers better. Since we opened in 1976, our goal has always been to provide the best customer service and groceries to our customers. For answers to all of your questions, please email us at LottePlaza.com.