I recently visited Vietnam, and if you’ve travelled across the beautiful country too, you may have noticed something that can catch Indian travellers off guard: restaurants don’t always place a jug or glass of free drinking water on your table. While asking for water is almost automatic at restaurants in India, things work a little differently in Vietnam. But why is that? Scroll on to find out!
Why Don’t Vietnamese Restaurants Serve Free Water?
Upon some research I found out that in many Vietnamese restaurants, free tap water isn’t routinely served because tap water is generally not considered safe to drink without boiling or filtration. Instead, restaurants typically offer bottled, filtered or boiled water, which may come at an additional cost.
The biggest reason comes down to drinking-water safety. Tap water in Vietnam is generally not recommended for drinking directly, particularly for travellers who may not be accustomed to the local water supply. Water quality can also vary depending on the location and infrastructure.
As a result, restaurants tend to serve drinking water that has been bottled, filtered or boiled rather than simply filling a glass from the tap. If that water involves a cost for the restaurant — whether it is purchased bottled water, filtration or the resources needed to boil and serve it — charging customers for it becomes fairly standard.
This is also why travellers are often advised to stick to sealed bottled water or properly treated water when visiting Vietnam, particularly if they have sensitive stomachs.
Also Read: Why Does Vietnamese Coffee Have Condensed Milk Instead Of Regular Milk?
Also, It’s Business, Brother!
There’s another side to the story. According to many reports, beverages are an important source of revenue for restaurants in Vietnam.
Restaurants operate on relatively tight margins, and drinks can offer better profit margins than some food items. Bottled water, soft drinks, juices, coffee, beer and other beverages all contribute to a restaurant’s overall revenue.
So, unlike in places where complimentary tap water is considered part of the dining experience, restaurants in Vietnam may treat drinking water as a paid beverage. A bottle of water on your bill may therefore be completely normal rather than an attempt to overcharge tourists.
What Should You Ask For At A Vietnamese Restaurant?
If you want water with your meal, it’s best to simply ask what options are available. You may be offered bottled water, filtered water or boiled water, depending on the restaurant.
And if you’re travelling around Vietnam, don’t assume that a glass of water placed on the table is automatically safe to drink. When in doubt, ask whether it is filtered or boiled, or opt for a sealed bottle.
Also Read: Vietnam Vs Thailand: Which Country Gives You The Best Budget Trip From India?
A little over a week in Vietnam taught me that the lack of complimentary water at restaurants is less about unwillingness and more about local water practices, health considerations and beverage economics.
Cover Image Courtesy: Pexels (representative image)
FAQs
Why don’t restaurants in Vietnam serve free water?
Many restaurants don’t routinely serve free tap water because it isn’t generally considered safe to drink without boiling or filtration. Restaurants instead offer bottled, filtered or boiled water, which may be charged separately.
Is tap water safe to drink in Vietnam?
Tap water is generally not recommended for direct consumption, especially for travellers. It is safer to opt for sealed bottled water or properly filtered or boiled water.
Do you have to pay for water at restaurants in Vietnam?
In many restaurants, yes. Bottled, filtered or boiled drinking water may be added to your bill, depending on the restaurant.