Hoi An Mot Drink: The "unforgettable" refreshing beverage in the heart of the ancient town

Hoi An Mot drink, also known as Mot tea or lemongrass lime herbal drink, is a beverage prepared from natural ingredients, mainly herbs familiar in traditional Vietnamese medicine. This drink has a refreshing, mildly sweet taste, without the bitterness of traditional Chinese medicine. Instead, it offers a delicate blend of sour lime, spicy lemongrass and ginger, alongside the gentle aroma of chrysanthemum and lotus leaves.

A cup of Mot drink is usually served in an eco-friendly paper cup, decorated with a vibrant pink lotus petal, a fresh green tea leaf, and a bamboo straw, creating a perfect photo opportunity for visitors. 

The story of Hoi An Mot drink originates from a young man named Nguyen Huu Xuan, born in the 1990s, in Hoi An Ancient Town, Quang Nam Province (now Da Nang City). Mr. Xuan's family owns the An Thai Ong Thay Tai herbal medicine store – a traditional medicine shop over 100 years old located right on Tran Phu Street. Since childhood, he observed his grandfather preparing herbal prescriptions and learned about traditional medicine formulas.

In 2013, Mr. Xuan began experimenting with brewing a drink based on the family's traditional "An Thai Ong Thay Tai" recipe, combining locally available ingredients such as lemongrass, lime, and herbs. The initial goal was simply to create a refreshing drink for his family during hot summer days. However, its special flavor quickly spread, and he decided to sell it at a small stall in front of his house. The name "Mot" is not derived from "mat" (cool/refreshing, as many wrongly assume), but is actually Mr. Xuan's childhood nickname – simple, warm, and easy to remember for both domestic and foreign tourists.

From a homemade drink, Mot drink quickly became a specialty of Hoi An, attracting thousands of check-ins on social media. Today, Mot Hoi An shop has become a familiar stop, contributing to the ancient town's culinary map.

The appeal of Hoi An Mot drink comes from the subtle harmony of over ten natural herbs, completely free of additives or artificial sweeteners. Fresh lemongrass creates a pleasant aroma and helps relieve colds; lime provides a light sour flavor along with vitamin C; chrysanthemum and green tea leaves help clear heat and act as antioxidants; while dried lotus leaves, honeysuckle, and self-heal herb assist in detoxifying and cooling the body. Licorice, monk fruit, and a small amount of honey or rock sugar create a natural mild sweetness, combined with cinnamon sticks and a few ginger slices to balance the flavor, ensuring the drink is neither bland nor overly sharp. Red dates are sometimes added to boost nutritional value. It is this careful selection and harmonious combination that creates a beverage that is both refreshing and healthy, deeply embodying the slow-food culinary spirit of Hoi An.

You can completely make Hoi An Mot drink at home to enjoy, especially during hot summer days. Below is a detailed guide based on the standard recipe:

• Prepare ingredients: Wash lemongrass, ginger, and lime thoroughly. Crush lemongrass and ginger to enhance flavor.
• Brew the drink: Put all herbs (except honey and fresh lime) into a pot with 1–1.5 liters of water. Simmer on low heat (wood stove is best to maintain natural aroma, but a gas stove works fine too). Boil for about 20–30 minutes until the liquid turns light yellow and fragrant.
• Filter and mix: Turn off the heat and let cool. Strain out the solids, add honey or rock sugar and stir until dissolved. Squeeze fresh lime in to enhance acidity.
• Garnish and enjoy: Pour into a cup, add a lotus petal, green tea leaf, and bamboo straw. Drink cold or warm as preferred.

Note: Cooking on a wood-burning stove will give a richer flavor, but if making it at home, feel free to experiment with proportions to suit your taste.

If you want to enjoy authentic Hoi An Mot drink, keep in mind a few important details below:

• Original address: 150 Tran Phu, Minh An Ward, Hoi An
• Opening hours: 08:00 to 22:00 daily.
• Why visit: The shop still retains its traditional family recipe, ensuring the most consistent and authentic flavor.
• Other selling points: Some other spots in Hoi An also serve Mot drink, though the flavor may vary slightly depending on their brewing method.
• Ideal time: Evening is the best time to visit, sipping a refreshing drink while enjoying the vibrant lantern-lit atmosphere of the ancient town.

Just by stopping at the right spot, you can fully appreciate the flavor that makes Mot drink an "unforgettable" beverage of Hoi An.

Hoi An Mot drink is just a humble cup of beverage, yet it often appears right when people need a rest amid the old brick-paved streets of the ancient town. Taking a refreshing sip, slowing down amid the lanterns, footsteps, and aroma of old wood, you will feel Hoi An becoming very intimate and pleasant. From that simple drink stall, you can continue strolling past the Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Ancient House, Fujian Assembly Hall, or turn into small alleys filled with coffee shops and craft stores. Hoi An Ancient Town doesn't need to be explored in a rush; just walk slowly, feel each small stop, and sometimes starting with a cup of Mot drink is enough to make the trip memorable.