Drinking My Way Through Asia: A Spirited Journey of Taste and Tradition

A travelers handbook

Many younger travelers drink their way through Asia. The beer is cheap, and many street vendors promote this party atmosphere.

It’s not a very respectful way to interact with the locals.

Drinking culture in Asia is diverse and multifaceted, as there are a wide range of countries with their own unique customs and traditions related to alcohol consumption.

To understand any culture, learning about each country’s practices and attitudes is a must.

In some countries, such as South Korea, drinking is associated with business and social gatherings. Drinking games are common during these gatherings, and it’s considered polite to offer a toast and join in.

It’s also not uncommon to see an unfortunate businessman stumbling home, having been ‘encouraged’ to overdrink by his boss and peers.

Soju, a clear and colorless distilled beverage, is the most popular alcoholic drink in South Korea.

Sake is the most famous Japanese alcoholic beverage. Drinking etiquette is highly emphasized, with specific customs for pouring, receiving, and drinking sake.

The drinking culture in India is quite diverse due to the country’s vast size and cultural differences. In some parts of India, alcohol consumption is relatively common, while in others, it is discouraged or prohibited due to religious and cultural reasons.

Thailand has a party atmosphere and the tourists love their beer. Singha and Chang are two popular brands. The beer is generally cheap as well.

In Vietnam, it’s usually the men who drink. As a woman, I’ve had a server refuse to bring me a drink. She would place it in front of my partner instead. Beer is extremely popular, and “bia hoi” (fresh beer) is a common choice.

Taiwan has a vibrant nightlife and street food culture. Local beer and a wide range of cocktails are readily available. Night markets are popular spots for enjoying drinks and snacks.

Singapore has a thriving bar scene, with a wide variety of cocktails and international spirits available. The city-state is known for its cocktail bars and mixology scene.

Malaysia is predominantly Muslim with Islam as the official religion. Islamic law (Sharia) plays a significant role in regulating alcohol consumption. Muslims are prohibited from drinking it. Penalties for Muslim Malaysians caught consuming alcohol can be quite severe, including fines and even caning.

In Malaysia, many delicious non-alcoholic drinks are available to tempt your taste buds.

Try the Teh Tarik and Vietnamese Summer with a Side of Lassi

The local cafe near us advertised a drink special called the Vietnamese Summer, so of course we had to try it out.

• Usually, the words Vietnamese Summer refer to a specific way to serve spring rolls. Spring rolls are wrapped in dough and fried, while summer rolls are wrapped in a rice wrapper and served cold, usually with peanut sauce.

We were offered several options and chose iced Vietnamese tea with lychee and lime, and a glass of iced sweet coffee.

So refreshing!

When I discovered Lassi’s, I fell in love.

Lassi is a popular yogurt-based drink that originated in the Punjab region of India/Pakistan. It has a long history and is deeply rooted in both Indian and Pakistani culinary traditions.

• It’s made by blending yogurt with water (Air) and flavorings, such as fruit, spices, or sugar. Mango or Rose lassis are two common choices. It can be served sweet or salty.
• “Air” is the word for “Water” in Malay, just to confuse the conversation.

This refreshing drink helps you cool down in hot weather, aids digestion, and is a complement to spicy meals.

The Lassi can now be found in many parts of the world, as a delicious and healthy beverage option. It has also been adapted and customized to suit different tastes, making it a versatile and beloved drink around the globe.

Barli was another discovery, but I didn’t fall in love with it.

During our travels, we tried pineapple juice, iced nutmeg drinks, and then…. Iced Barli

• Barley water, often referred to as “barli drink,” is a traditional beverage made from barley grains. It has been consumed for centuries in various cultures around the world. It has several health benefits, including the ability to soothe digestive issues.
• Sweeteners like honey or sugar are added to make the drink more palatable. Lemon juice, orange zest, and other citrus fruits have also been added to enhance the flavor.

My advice: Stir it well and be careful not to suck up the soft chunks of barley in the bottom of your glass.

Last, but not least is Teh Tarik

Teh Tarik is a popular Malaysian beverage that translates to “pulled tea” in English. It’s sweet and creamy, made with black tea leaves, sweet condensed milk, and sugar.

What sets Teh Tarik apart is the way it’s prepared and served.

• Black tea leaves are steeped in boiling water until a strong and flavorful brew is achieved.
• Sweetened condensed milk and sugar are added to the brewed tea to achieve the desired level of sweetness and creaminess.
• The tea is poured back and forth (pulled) between two containers, usually from a pot to a mug or between two mugs. This process aerates the tea and creates a frothy top.

Check out the video above — it’s fascinating to watch.

Some cool things I’m enjoying

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