On your first visit to Đông Ba, names like Pale Ale, IPA and Dunkel Weizen might leave you wondering which beer to order. The easiest way to choose beer at Đông Ba is to start with the flavours you already enjoy. Do you like a little tartness, a distinctive aroma, moderate bitterness or a richer malt character?
At Đông Ba, we brew our beer right here at our brewery in Huế. This guide to craft beer for beginners compares five main choices: Pale Ale, citrusy Witbier, Tamarind Beer, dark wheat beer and IPA. We also explain when Salted Lime Beer might suit you. Tell us what you enjoy, and the names on the menu will soon feel more familiar.
Contents
Choose beer at Đông Ba: 5 suggestions for your taste
For a quick starting point, use the table below. These figures are taken from the Đông Ba beer selection; check the taproom menu to see which batches are pouring when you visit.
| What flavours are you looking for? | A suggested first beer | ABV | IBU |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance with moderate bitterness | Huế City Pale Ale | 4.8% | 27 |
| Low bitterness with citrus and spice | Hương River Sundowners | 5.5% | 18 |
| Gentle tartness and familiar fruit flavours | Đông Ba Tamarind Beer | 5.0% | 5 |
| Malt, caramel and toasted notes | Hiển Nhơn Dunkel Weizen | 5.0% | 18 |
| Expressive hop aromas and noticeable bitterness | Đông Ba Market IPA | 6.0% | 39 |
ABV means alcohol by volume. IBU stands for International Bitterness Units and provides a useful reference when choosing a beer; the bitterness you actually taste also depends on how its flavours balance. If you ask for something “light”, let us know whether you mean less bitter or lower in alcohol, as these are different things.
The Brewers Association beer glossary explains these terms in more detail. When you choose beer at Đông Ba, use ABV to compare alcohol content and IBU as a bitterness reference, then consider the flavour description. Neither a pale colour nor a gentle taste guarantees a lower ABV.
Choose beer at Đông Ba for balance: Huế City Pale Ale
If you are looking for a middle ground, we suggest Huế City Pale Ale. Its grain character, citrus aromas and moderate bitterness make it a useful introduction to the flavours and aromas that hops bring to beer.
Start with a small sip, noticing the aroma first and then the finish. If this level of bitterness works for you, Pale Ale could be your style. If you would prefer something gentler, let our team know so we can suggest another option.
Read the story of Huế City Pale Ale if you would like to get to know this beer before your visit.
Choose beer at Đông Ba with less bitterness: citrus or tartness
Hương River Sundowners for citrus and spice lovers
Hương River Sundowners is a wheat beer with orange peel aromas, a touch of spice and a soft texture. We suggest it if you are looking for an aromatic beer with less bitterness than an IPA.
You could simply tell us, “I’d like something aromatic and citrusy, with low bitterness.” That gives our team a clear idea of your taste, even if the name Witbier is new to you.
One thing to keep in mind: a soft flavour does not necessarily mean lower alcohol. Hương River Sundowners is listed at 5.5% ABV, compared with Huế City Pale Ale at 4.8% in the current selection. Read our Hương River Sundowners Witbier story for more about its citrus and spice character.
Đông Ba Tamarind Beer for those who enjoy tart flavours
If you enjoy tamarind or drinks with a tangy edge, Đông Ba Tamarind Beer is worth exploring. Tamarind gives it a recognisable fruit character, while low bitterness lets that flavour take centre stage.
Choose this beer because you enjoy tartness. If you prefer to avoid both sour flavours and bitterness, tell our team so we can help you find a better match.
Read more about Đông Ba Tamarind Beer to discover how a familiar ingredient finds its way into craft beer.
Enjoy malty flavours? Try Hiển Nhơn Dunkel Weizen
Hiển Nhơn Dunkel Weizen suits anyone interested in flavours that suggest toasted bread, caramel and roasted malt. It is dark in colour, led by its malt character and less bitter than the IPA in Đông Ba’s selection.
Colour alone cannot tell you a beer’s alcohol content. For example, Hiển Nhơn is listed at 5.0% ABV, while Hương River Sundowners is 5.5%. If you enjoy toasted or caramel-like flavours, a dark beer is worth considering on your very first visit.
We share more about this beer in our Hiển Nhơn Dunkles Weizen story.
Like hops and a more noticeable bitterness? Choose Đông Ba Market IPA
Đông Ba Market IPA is our suggestion when you want more expressive hop aromas, including notes reminiscent of citrus and pine. Its published bitterness and alcohol figures are higher than those of Đông Ba’s Pale Ale.
Before your first sip, take a moment to notice the aroma. Then sip slowly and see whether it is the fragrance, the bitterness or the combination that appeals to you.
If you already know that you enjoy bitter beers, IPA can be a good first choice. If you are unsure, ask us to compare the IPA with the Pale Ale to help you decide.
What about Salted Lime Beer?
If you like citrus with a hint of salt, ask our team about Salted Lime Beer when you visit. The current beer list gives it an ABV of 4.5% and an IBU of 8. Its citrus, tartness and subtle savoury character offer another way to choose beer at Đông Ba by a familiar flavour. Availability depends on the batches currently on tap.
For seasonal beers, a useful question is, “Do you have anything tart or made with local ingredients on tap today?” We can then recommend something from the beers actually pouring.
Choose beer at Đông Ba: compare similar-looking options
Pale Ale or IPA? Both introduce hop aromas, but they offer different levels of bitterness and alcohol. In the current list, Pale Ale is 4.8% ABV and 27 IBU; IPA is 6.0% ABV and 39 IBU. If you like the aroma of hops but are unsure about a lingering bitter finish, explain that distinction to our team. You can choose beer at Đông Ba for its fragrance without automatically choosing the strongest or most bitter option.
Witbier or dark wheat beer? Hương River Sundowners and Hiển Nhơn are both listed at 18 IBU, yet they taste different. Sundowners highlights citrus and delicate spice, while Hiển Nhơn brings toasted bread and caramel-like malt notes. Matching IBU figures do not make two beers interchangeable. This is a helpful comparison when exploring craft beer for beginners: start with the flavours you want in the glass, then look at the numbers.
Tamarind or salted lime? Both may appeal if you enjoy tart flavours, but tamarind has a recognisable fruit character while salted lime adds citrus and a subtle savoury edge. Tell us whether you want fruity tartness or a citrus-and-salt combination. To choose beer at Đông Ba with confidence, ask what is pouring today and which description best matches that preference.
3 tips to choose beer at Đông Ba on your first visit
Tell us what you like and what you prefer to avoid. “I like aromatic beer with low bitterness” or “I enjoy tart flavours but not too much sweetness” are both helpful descriptions. You do not need brewing terminology to find a beer that suits you.
Consider alcohol content separately from flavour. If you would prefer less alcohol, check the ABV on the menu. Words such as “soft”, “aromatic” and “easy-drinking” describe the tasting experience; they do not replace that figure.
Think about what you plan to eat. Let our team know what your table is ordering so we can suggest a pairing. You can also explore our guide to craft beer and Huế food pairings before your evening out.
Craft beer for beginners: how to taste your first glass
Start with the aroma before taking a small sip. Do you notice citrus, grain, tamarind or toasted malt? Then pay attention to the taste and texture: tartness, bitterness, carbonation and the finish after you swallow. You do not need to identify every ingredient. One clear observation, such as “I like this aroma, but would prefer less bitterness”, helps us suggest your next glass.
Give yourself time to decide what you enjoy. A useful approach to craft beer for beginners is to compare one or two flavours rather than trying to memorise every style. If you visit with friends, each person can choose a beer that suits their own taste. There is no single correct first order, and you can choose beer at Đông Ba differently on your next visit as you discover more of the menu.
How to choose beer at Đông Ba: frequently asked questions
Which beer should I choose if I do not like bitterness?
Consider Hương River Sundowners if you enjoy citrus and spice, Tamarind Beer if you like tartness, or Hiển Nhơn Dunkel Weizen if you prefer malt flavours. All three are less bitter than the IPA, but each has a different flavour profile.
Can I choose an IPA if I have never tried craft beer before?
Yes, if you enjoy hop aromas and noticeable bitterness. Ask our team to compare Đông Ba Market IPA with Huế City Pale Ale before you order.
Does dark beer contain more alcohol than golden beer?
Colour is not a reliable guide. Compare each beer’s ABV: in Đông Ba’s selection, Hiển Nhơn Dunkel Weizen is listed at 5.0%, below Hương River Sundowners at 5.5%.
Will every beer be available whenever I visit?
Check the menu or ask our team which beers are on tap. Seasonal beers and new batches can change, so the selection depends on what is available when you visit.
See you at Đông Ba
On your first visit, you can start with a simple question: “These are the flavours I enjoy. What would you recommend?” A beer that suits your taste is a pleasant way to get the conversation going.
Đông Ba Brewery is at 14 Nguyễn Sinh Cung, Huế, with opening hours of 5:00–11:50 pm as listed on our reservation page. If you have a date in mind for an evening with friends, you can book a table at Đông Ba Brewery before you visit.
We look forward to welcoming you for your first beer.
