photo: PrahaIN.cz/Sugar cane beverage production in Sapa
REPORT: PrahaIN.cz regularly visits Vietnam’s Sapa. However, we neglected the local gastronomy, for which people from all over the country come here. This time we followed in the footsteps of probably the most expensive soft drink in Sapa. You can find it on every corner of the market.
In the coming weeks, the PrahaIN.cz editorial team will visit several restaurants and bistros in Little Hanoi, as this market and area in Prague’s Libuša is nicknamed. We will go to the most famous businesses, but we will also focus on those that are often the target of criticism.
We started off on a positive note with a famous belly when we went to one of the most famous bistros in Sapa. Now we will visit many more local vendors and taste several sugar cane drinks.
We leave for Sapa on Monday during the public holiday. In the morning, Sapa is not completely full, but there is heavy traffic here, as it usually is on weekends. In front of the Tamda store, where there are ATMs, but there is no queue.
First, we go to the alley where the already mentioned bistro with a famous belly is located. A little way from it crouches a small stall, where a woman sells drinks made from sugar cane, but also fresh orange juice.
We order the first mentioned drink, pay one hundred crowns for a pint, and enjoy ourselves as always. The green drink is very sweet, but a little different. Naturally and naturally.
We wrote
REPORT: PrahaIN.cz regularly visits Vietnam’s Sapa. However, we have neglected the local gastronomy, for which people come here…
One of the symbols of Sapa
The so-called nước mía, i.e. sugar cane juice, is literally available on every corner in Sapa. The operator takes the stalks of sugar cane in his hand and starts pressing them in the machine right in front of you. The juice then flows straight into the cup. It costs the same almost everywhere in the market, i.e. around a hundred.
It’s not the cheapest, but a lot of people agree that it’s worth it.
“We come here once a week. We always get it, my boyfriend and I love it,” smiles a young woman who is waiting in line in front of the stand. There are usually no queues here, but there were during the Independence Day of Czechoslovakia, and it can take up to two minutes to squeeze one drink, so you’ll have to wait a bit if it’s too busy.
Let’s move on. After lunch in one of the bistros, which we will also write about in the future, we want to have another sugar cane drink. Honestly knowing that it will be exactly the same as everywhere. This is confirmed even when we order it in an unusual place, namely in a covered hall full of clothes.
Once again, our taste buds are delighted. The juice is the same as at the previous stand, but we don’t mind at all.
Surprise
It is only at the end of our wanderings around Sapa that we discover a surprise when we order this refreshing drink at Sapa Fresh Drinks. This is a small shop that, in addition to serving these drinks, serves as a convenience store.
“Our cane is different from everywhere else,” the young man points out. “We started taking it because it’s better, we like it better. She is so sweet and sour. It is more expensive, but we sell it for the same price,” he adds.
It costs the same as in other places, but the contents are visibly smaller. At least we tasted something new, we spit under the invisible beard. The taste of the drink was really a little different than in most stalls in Sapa, we confirm the sweet and sour taste. It reminded us a bit of a non-alcoholic Pina Colada.
But taste and see.
Ah, Sapa! A charming slice of Vietnamese culture right in the heart of Prague, or as I like to call it, Little Hanoi. You know, if you can’t afford a trip to Vietnam, just pop down to your local Sapa and hope your wallet doesn’t spontaneously combust — especially when you set your eyes on the sugar cane juice, the “luxury” drink of the market!
The article starts with a cheeky little confession: the team at PrahaIN.cz is basically confessing to culinary negligence in Sapa. It’s like a parent forgetting to take their kid to the dentist for years — sure, it felt fine until that inevitable sugary toothache arrived. And now they’re off to discover the ‘culinary gems’ hidden among the stalls, armed with nothing but an insatiable thirst for sugar cane juice — and we’re all secretly rooting for them. I mean, if we can’t indulge in a little drink exploration, what are we even doing with our lives?
As the team ventures out, they find themselves amidst the chaotic charm of Sapa, like kids in a candy store, only instead of sweets, they’re holding fresh sugar cane juice. The drink, known as nước mía, is practically on every corner, like an overzealous street performer who thinks they’re directing traffic. A pint will set you back a hundred crowns — not exactly free, but hey, when in Rome, right? The drinker’s delight is palpable: “It’s sweet but different!” they say as they blissfully sip. It’s good to know their taste buds didn’t suffer a case of ‘what have I just drunk?’ syndrome.
One of the symbols of Sapa
Now, if you think about the process of making this enchanted elixir, it’s not unlike a magical performance trick — one moment it’s just a humble stalk of sugar cane, then with a whirr and a crunch, out flows the juice! The only thing missing is a cape-wearing magician claiming, “Ta-da!” At this point, I can almost hear the applause of satisfied customers. But, as with all good things, there’s a tiny catch, in this case, the wait time. Apparently, queueing for 2 minutes during Independence Day becomes a national crisis faster than you can say “who wants a drink?”
Moving on, after a solid lunch — which the team promises to review in future articles (obviously, they were saving the best for last) — they dive into more sugar cane juice. This is where things get delightful. The second cup brings the same sweet satisfaction, embodying the sheer simplicity of deliciousness. It’s like going back to that old comfy chair in your gran’s living room — familiar, warm, and you can’t help but get a little teary-eyed over how good it is.
Surprise!
But here comes the plot twist! In a dramatic reveal, they stumble upon Sapa Fresh Drinks — the juicing equivalent of finding out the local pub actually has good Wi-Fi. And the young vendor introduces them to a premium variant of sugar cane. “Our cane is different from everywhere else,” he nobly declares. Essentially, they’ve found the posh version of the drink, with the same price tag but smaller contents! It’s like ordering a pint at a pub and getting a half-empty glass while the bartender says, “Don’t worry, it’s the quality that counts!”
As expected, the team takes one sip and promptly declares that it’s like a “non-alcoholic Piña Colada.” Because, of course, that’s the logical leap you make when sipping sugar cane juice, right? But in a world where drinks are often the same from one stall to the next, this little surprise makes it all the more special — much like discovering your local takeaway does “the best” fried rice (and we all know that’s a matter of opinion, right?).
In conclusion, our intrepid heroes at PrahaIN.cz continue their food pilgrimage, and I can almost hear the laughter and some carefully crafted banter among them. As much as we all love a good sugar rush, it’s the adventures that make these findings exciting. So, here’s to more caffeine-fuelled expeditions in Sapa, where even in the world of sugar cane drinks, you’re bound to find something that makes you say, “How on earth did I live without this?” Cheers!
This commentary takes a conversational tone reminiscent of your favorite comedians, filled with witty observations and blending humor with informative content about the article on the sugar cane drink scene in Sapa!
photo: PrahaIN.cz/Sugar cane beverage production in Sapa
REPORT: PrahaIN.cz regularly visits Vietnam’s Sapa, a breathtaking destination known for its lush landscape and vibrant culture. However, we have previously overlooked its local gastronomy, which draws culinary enthusiasts from across the nation. This time, we embarked on a quest to uncover the secrets behind what might be the most expensive yet sought-after soft drink in Sapa, which can be found at nearly every market stall.
In the coming weeks, the PrahaIN.cz editorial team is set to explore a variety of restaurants and bistros nestled in Little Hanoi, affectionately nicknamed for its resemblance to its Vietnamese counterpart. We plan to spotlight the most renowned establishments while also shining a light on those that often face criticism.
We commenced our culinary adventure on a high note at a popular bistro famed for its delicious dishes. Moving forward, we anticipate visiting more local vendors and sampling an array of sugar cane beverages that Sapa has to offer.
Sapa awaits us on a Monday coinciding with a public holiday. The morning atmosphere is calm, though the bustling streets are marked by the typical heavy traffic one would expect on weekends. In front of the Tamda store, which houses convenient ATMs, there is surprisingly no line.
First, we venture into the alley where the acclaimed bistro is located. A short distance away, we spot a small stall run by a woman who skillfully prepares drinks from fresh sugar cane and zesty orange juice.
We decide to indulge in the freshly pressed sugar cane drink, handing over a hundred crowns for a pint. As we sip, the sweet, green beverage tantalizes our taste buds with its natural flavor, delighting us once again.
We wrote
REPORT: PrahaIN.cz regularly visits Vietnam’s Sapa, a hub of rich culinary culture that often remains undiscovered by visitors…
One of the symbols of Sapa
The beloved beverage known as nước mía, or sugar cane juice, is truly ubiquitous in Sapa. Vendors skillfully extract the juice right before your eyes, taking fresh stalks and pressing them with precision. The delicious juice flows directly into your cup, retailing for approximately a hundred crowns across the market.
While it may not be the cheapest option, many patrons unanimously agree on its delightful taste, affirming that it’s worth every penny.
A young woman waiting patiently in line exclaims, “We come here once a week. We always get it; my boyfriend and I love it.” Typically, you won’t find long queues, but during the Independence Day festivities of Czechoslovakia, the stall was bustling, and it can take a couple of minutes to squeeze each refreshing drink.
After enjoying lunch at one of the bistros, which we will feature in an upcoming article, we crave another sugar cane refreshment, fully aware it will taste just like the first. Sure enough, we confirm that even when ordered from a less conventional location, a covered market filled with clothing stalls, the flavor remains consistently delightful.
Surprise
It isn’t until the end of our explorations around Sapa that we stumble upon an intriguing surprise at a shop called Sapa Fresh Drinks. This quaint establishment serves as both a beverage stand and a convenience store, adding a unique twist to our experience.
“Our cane is different from everywhere else,” a young man enthusiastically points out. “We chose it specifically because it’s superior in quality and taste. It’s sweet and slightly sour, and while it’s a bit pricier, we offer it at the same price as competitors.”
Though this drink costs the same as others in the area, the portions are noticeably smaller. Regardless, we were eager to sample this alternative, spitting under our breaths in surprise. Its unique sweet and sour flavor took us by surprise, reminding us of a refreshing non-alcoholic Pina Colada.
But taste and see.
Ximately a hundred crowns a pint. It’s an accessible luxury many locals and tourists indulge in, enjoying its refreshing sweetness and natural flavors under the often sunny Vietnamese skies.
As the team continues their exploration, they engage with various vendors, each offering their unique twist on this beloved drink. It’s fascinating to watch the process — the rhythmic sound of the juicer, the inviting aroma of fresh cane, and the tantalizing sight of the golden liquid filling the cup. The simple joy of sipping this drink brings comfort and nostalgia, reminiscent of carefree summer days spent outdoors.
The Joy of Discovery
Each new stall brings a different experience, whether it’s a slightly different technique, a unique ingredient added for flair, or just the vendor’s cheerful demeanor. Some might add a hint of lime or even ginger, elevating the classic flavor into something extraordinary. Our adventure through Sapa isn’t just about tasting; it’s about connecting with the vibrant culinary culture that pulses through this part of Prague.
Through their journey, the PrahaIN.cz team realizes that sometimes the best culinary experiences are found in the most unassuming places. It’s easy to be captivated by fancy restaurants and gourmet dishes, but the heart of a cuisine often lies in its street food. Here at the stalls of Sapa, amidst laughter and the lively chatter of patrons, they find not just drinks but stories, traditions, and a sense of community.
Final Thoughts
As the evening draws near and the lights of Sapa sparkle like stars, they reflect on the day. They’ve not only acquired a taste for sugar cane juice but have also absorbed the atmosphere and culture around them. The smiles exchanged with vendors and the shared moments with fellow drinkers create unforgettable memories. They leave with a sense of satisfaction that goes beyond the drink itself — it’s about immersion in a culinary adventure that beckons them to return for more.
So, join us in celebrating these little victories in the world of food, from humble stalls to bustling bistros. If you find yourself wandering through Little Hanoi, make sure to take a moment to sip on a pint of nước mía and savor the sweetness of life.
