‘My first visit to a cocktail bar in HCMC’

Bar and pub culture has begun to develop in Vietnam in recent years. However, many young people still feel strange and hesitant when entering a bar.

Bar and pub culture started to develop in Vietnam about 4 years ago. However, many young people still feel strange and hesitant when entering a bar. Hundreds of years ago, the bar and pub model first appeared in Western countries and quickly became widespread. Residents of many ages and social status consider these spaces as entertainment spots and community connections. In Vietnam, the culture of enjoying alcohol like this has only grown strongly in recent years. Now, customers of all ages, with different income levels can experience the bar and pub culture, enjoy a glass of wine at the young, diverse bars with reasonable prices. Nguyen Hoang Tu Quyen, manager at a cocktail bar located on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street (District 1, Ho Chi Minh City), emphasized that going to a drinking bar is not about formality and formality, but focuses on personal experience multiply. Cocktail bars, or bars in general, are wine and cocktail business spaces designed and decorated in a certain style. Customers come here to enjoy a glass of wine that appeals to all senses, immerse in the lively atmosphere, meet and chat with friends, even strangers. To fully enjoy an evening at the bar, Tu Quyen advises young people to find out in advance where they plan to go to choose a space that suits their personality and personal needs. With a personality that is not too noisy and likes the classic style, I decided to go to the bar managed by Tu Quyen. This is a vintage-style cocktail bar, with many large sofas, a long bar and a nostalgic and cozy layout. Although open from 9 am to 1 am the next day, the busiest time at the shop usually starts after 6 pm. The melodious jazz music mixed with laughter, the sound of glasses touching each other made the atmosphere full of energy. Usually, if you go in a large group or in pairs, customers can sit at a high table or a large sofa outside. Since I was alone, I chose to sit in the middle of the bar to easily watch the bartenders work and join the fun with other guests. Unlike the pub or club model, the focus at bars is towards the bartender. “The phrase ‘tender’ in the word bartender means ‘keeper’. Bartender is the heart, keeping the fire to keep the bar running smoothly, always vibrant and full of energy. Only when sitting in this position, you feel it most clearly,” she explained. When I first came to a bar, I was confused when choosing a drink because I could not distinguish the types of alcohol and ingredients in each dish. At this time, the bartenders will guide, advise and help customers find the right drink. They will ask specific questions to find out each person’s taste such as drinking more or less wine, sour or sweet taste, preferring herbal or fruit flavors… By specifically describing personal tastes, the bartenders will give some suggestions about drinks available on the menu for customers to consider. If customers are not satisfied with the choices available, they can ask the bartender to create according to their preferences. For the first time, Tu Quyen recommended that I try some classic and signature cocktails at the bar. Classic cocktails are basic drinks, available in every bar around the world. In contrast, signatures are typical drinks, with their own color and spirit. In addition, I was also introduced to a few different ways to enjoy wine. Neat (pure) or on the rock (use a glass with ice) is the right way to enjoy fine bottles of wine, for spirits enthusiasts. And young Vietnamese, especially girls, often prefer cocktails – alcohol mixed with other ingredients and flavors – to reduce the pungent taste of alcohol and experience a variety of flavors. Since I’m not too used to drinking, I wanted to choose a glass with less alcohol, favoring sour and fruity flavors. Therefore, the bartender at the bar introduced me to two names: Gimlet (classic) and Marilyn Monroe (signature). First appearing in the 18th century, Gimlet was originally a drink created by British sailors during their voyages. This classic cocktail is made from gin, lemon and sugar, with a hint of alcohol and a slight sour aftertaste. Marilyn Monroe is one of the signature cocktails at the bar. A special feature here is that the dishes on this menu are all named after a popular Western figure in the 18th-19th century. Ly Marilyn Monroe was inspired by the famous Hollywood actress of the same name. The femininity and sensuality of the archetypal image is reflected in the seductive pink color, curved cup shape and unique bunny decoration. This drink has the main flavor of strawberry, sweet and greasy, suitable for those who drink alcohol for the first time or are not too used to drinking alcohol, especially girls. Sharing with me, Tu Quyen said that the interaction between the bartender and the customer is an important factor for a complete bar drinking experience. She thinks that conversation is like the process of learning and sharing so that the bartender understands the preferences and desires of the customer and brings a glass of wine to suit his taste and mood. Even if customers are not satisfied with the drink they receive, they can completely feedback to the bartender to reduce the ingredients and taste according to their personal preferences. “Vietnamese young people often tend to shy away from talking to bartenders, fearing that if they criticize a glass of wine, they will fall into an embarrassing situation or embarrass the bartender. the more opportunities to improve skills and help guests have a full experience”, said Tu Quyen. If you don’t want to fall into that situation, the female manager advises customers to chat and describe their preferences and taste with the bartender when choosing drinks. “Don’t be afraid to talk to the bartender to find the right glass of wine for your taste and mood. Bars are inherently a space to make friends and share, so customers should just be themselves,” she said. It’s open and comfortable, but most bars have a dress code. No need to be too luxurious or sophisticated, young people going to bars to drink and relax just need to dress comfortably and avoid wearing clothes that are too casual. In addition, Tu Quyen also advises guests not to wear too high shoes or flip flops to avoid slipping in crowded, dimly lit spaces. “The purpose of going to a bar is to enjoy wine, make friends and enjoy the bustling and crowded atmosphere. So relax yourself to have the most complete experience,” she said.