In the intense heat of Central Vietnam, Hoi An’s Mot drink is a refreshing beverage that embodies the rich flavors of the ancient town. With every sip of Mot, visitors not only experience the sweet, cool taste of the herbs but also connect with the essence of ancient Hoi An, capturing its simplicity and spirit through its unique melodies and flavors. Join Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery in discovering this refreshing drink through the following article.
What is Nuoc Mot Hoi An?
Nuoc Mot Hoi An is a traditional herbal tea originating from the ancient town of Hoi An, Quang Nam Province. When you enjoy it during your Hoi An travel experience, you will experience a refreshing and soothing taste, with a slight warmth of ginger, the aroma of cinnamon, and a mild sweetness from licorice and honey. Additionally, the fragrance of fresh lemongrass blends with green tea, gently lingering on the tip of your tongue, providing a relaxed feeling. It is perfect for cooling off while wandering the ancient streets.
The name “Mot” comes from the affectionate nickname of Mr. Nguyen Huu Xuan, the founder of the Mot drink shop at 150 Tran Phu Street, Hoi An. A descendant of a family with a tradition in Eastern medicine, Mr. Xuan inherited and transformed herbal remedies into a refreshing beverage that suits the tastes of young people and tourists. From there, the name “Nuoc Mot” was born—easy to remember, friendly, and quickly became a beloved “specialty” in the old town.
How to make Nuoc Mot Hoi An – A refreshing drink to cool your body
If you want to try making this drink at home, don’t worry. Below is a detailed guide to help you create a delicious, refreshing cup of Nuoc Mot that effectively cools you down on hot summer days.
Ingredients
- 70g fresh lemongrass
- 20g fresh ginger
- 5g licorice root
- 2g cinnamon sticks
- 3g dried lemon
- 10g dried lotus leaves
- 1 green tea leaf
- 30ml lime juice
- 120g rock sugar
- 3 liters of filtered water
Recipe for Nuoc Mot Hoi An
Here is a simple recipe for you to prepare this refreshing beverage at home and enjoy the flavor of the ancient town right in your own space.
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
This is the crucial first step to ensure the pure and delicious flavor of Nuoc Mot.
- Lemongrass: Wash it thoroughly, crush it lightly, and cut it into pieces.
- Ginger: Wash it well, keep the skin on, and crush or slice it thinly.
- Cinnamon sticks, licorice root, dried lotus leaves, and dried lemon: Rinse them briefly with warm water if they have any dirt.
- Green tea leaves: If using fresh leaves, wash them well and gently crush them to release the aroma.
Step 2: Cook the herbal water
- First, pour about 3 liters of filtered water into a large pot and place it on the stove. Heat it over medium heat until the water begins to simmer.
- Once you see the steam rising and the water starts to ripple gently, gradually add the following ingredients: 70g crushed lemongrass, 20g sliced ginger, 5g licorice root, and 2g cinnamon sticks.
- Maintain a low flame and let the water simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the herbal ingredients to slowly release their essence and blend together without losing their fragrance.
- Next, add 3g dried lemon, 10g dried lotus leaves, and 1 green tea leaf (if using fresh). Stir gently and let it simmer for another 10 minutes over low heat.
Throughout the cooking process, avoid letting the water boil too vigorously, as this will cause the essential oils to evaporate quickly, reducing the fragrance and the refreshing properties of the drink.
Step 3: Strain the water and finalize the flavor
Once the water has been boiled for sufficient time and the herbal ingredients have released their essence, proceed to strain and collect the clear liquid.
- Use a strainer to completely remove the herbal residue, making the drink clearer and smoother.
- While the water is still hot, add 120g of rock sugar and stir well until it dissolves completely.
- If you enjoy a naturally sweet taste and want to add more nutritional value, you can add 1 to 2 teaspoons of pure honey once the water has cooled down a bit. This is optional, but many people enjoy the light sweetness and subtle fragrance of honey, which enhances the Nuoc Mot.
- Turn the heat back on and simmer for another 2 minutes to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved. Then, turn off the stove and let it cool for 10–15 minutes.
- Finally, when the liquid is still warm, squeeze in 30ml of fresh lime juice and stir well. Adding lime at this stage will help preserve the refreshing taste without making the drink bitter or changing its color due to heat.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy
Once the Nuoc Mot has cooled completely, you can begin the final step of presentation and enjoyment. Prepare a glass or an eco-friendly paper cup, add some ice cubes to chill, and pour the Nuoc Mot into the glass.
To make the drink more elegant and authentically “Hoi An,” you can garnish with a green tea leaf, a few pink lotus petals, or a slice of lime.
Sip the cool, refreshing Nuoc Mot, with its delicate herbal aroma, in a peaceful space or under the bright summer sun. This experience will surely make you feel the essence of the ancient town – light, pure, and truly serene.
Experiencing Mót Hoi An – A drink with authentic local flavor
If you ever have the chance to visit Hoi An, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing cup of Nuoc Mot at 150 Tran Phu – the most famous herbal drink shop in the ancient town. Each cup of Nuoc Mot here is a blend of traditional ingredients, a family recipe over 100 years old, and the skilled hands of a local from Quang Nam.
The shop’s space is small, decorated with bamboo trays, ceramics, and fresh lotus flowers, creating a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere. Even though it only opens in the evening, Mót is always crowded with customers lining up – not only to buy the drink but also to take a “chanh sa” (lemon grass) photo, capturing a moment in a gentle Hoi An. Each cup costs about 12,000 VND, but it offers an indescribable sense of relaxation, as if you’re drinking the very spirit of Hoi An itself.
If you’re planning to explore Hoi An, take the time to experience these unique flavors to fully immerse yourself in the culinary culture of the ancient town. To make your trip even more complete, Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery is ready to accompany you with its luxurious accommodations, a convenient location near famous dining spots, and top-notch services to help you enjoy a memorable vacation.
Book a room at Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery now to experience the best of Hoi An!
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