Kumquat tea: A refreshing drink popular in Ho Chi Minh City

‘Tra tac’ (kumquat tea) is a refreshing drink popular in Ho Chi Minh City. If tra chanh (lime tea) is a popular drink in Hanoi, then in Ho Chi Minh City, it is kumquat tea that has won the soul of the city.

Kumquat tea can be found at many street stalls, cafes, and restaurants around the city. It is a popular drink, especially in the summer when the weather is hot and humid.

Kumquat tea is made from fresh kumquats, a type of citrus fruit which has a sweet and sour taste, and sugar or honey. It is served over lots of ice.

The drink combines sweet and sour flavours to produce a refreshing sensation. The tangy and citrus taste of kumquat juice is comparable to that of orange or lemon, but more intense and aromatic.

Some people add salted dried plums, known as ‘xi muoi’, to improve the taste and temper the sweetness. ‘Xi muoi’ is a typical Vietnamese snack prepared from a variety of fruits, preserved with salt, sugar, and spices.