Mot Tea Hoi An: A Refreshing Herbal Drink in the Heart of the Ancient Town

In the slow-paced life of the ancient town, there is a simple drink that almost everyone visiting Hoi An wants to try at least once – Mot Tea. It’s not cao lau or chicken rice, but this charming little cup of herbal tea has become a unique symbol: refreshing, lightly fragrant, and deeply connected to the image of strolling past yellow walls and bougainvillea.

So, what is Mot Tea, where did it come from, and why does a small sidewalk stall leave such a lasting impression? Let’s explore the details below.

1. What is Mot Tea Hoi An? The Origin of Its Unique Name

Mot Tea Hoi An is actually a lemongrass and ginger herbal tea, brewed from many ingredients familiar in traditional medicine and Vietnamese daily life, such as: lemongrass, lemon, chrysanthemum, licorice, cinnamon, honeysuckle, green tea, cardamom, and more. The tea has a light golden-brown color, a refreshing sweet taste with a cool aftertaste, and a pleasant aroma. It is incredibly satisfying when served cold in the humid weather of Central Vietnam.

The special thing isn't just the flavor, but also the presentation. Each cup of tea is usually decorated with a lotus leaf, a pink lotus petal, or a slice of lemon, creating a look that is both rustic and poetic—perfectly matching the spirit of Hoi An.

The name "Mot" comes from the childhood nickname of Mr. Nguyen Huu Xuan, the shop's founder. According to him, this herbal tea recipe is a family heirloom, which he adjusted to suit modern tastes and turned into a street drink. From a small stall on Tran Phu Street, Mot Hoi An has gradually become a familiar stop for both local and international tourists.

2. What makes Mot Tea in Hoi An so popular?

The popularity of Mot Tea doesn't come from a single factor but is a combination of many small yet delicate experiences.

First is the flavor. Mot Tea has a light sweetness that doesn't overpower the herbal scent. The subtle hint of lemongrass and lemon helps you cool down quickly, while chrysanthemum and licorice create a mild, easy-to-drink feel. Many visitors share that just a few sips make them feel refreshed, which is perfect after a long walk through the ancient town. 

Next is the visual appeal. A cup of Mot Tea is typically adorned with a lotus leaf, a pink petal, or a lemon slice, and sometimes a stalk of lemongrass. This decor is both simple and iconic to Hoi An. Because of this, Mot Tea is not just for drinking; it has become a popular "check-in prop" on social media.

Finally, there's the overall experience. The shop is just a small sidewalk stand with no large signs or fancy furniture. However, that very simplicity creates a sense of closeness and everyday life, fitting perfectly with the spirit of travel and local cultural experience.

3. Mot Tea Shop Space – A Poetic Photography Spot

Mot Hoi An is located at 150 Tran Phu Street – one of the busiest and most central streets in the ancient town. The shop space is very small, consisting mainly of the preparation area and a few low stools placed right on the sidewalk.

What leaves a strong impression on visitors is the decoration. On the counter, there are bamboo trays displaying dried chrysanthemum, licorice, cinnamon, lemon, and lemongrass; next to them are ceramic vases, lotus flower jars, and a large, steaming pot of tea. Everything creates a scene that is both rustic and artistic, making it very photogenic. 

Because the shop is small and always crowded, many people choose to buy their tea to-go and take photos at the yellow walls or small alleys nearby. The image of a cup of Mot Tea in hand, with the mossy ancient town in the background, has become a classic "combo" whenever Hoi An is mentioned.

4. Health Benefits of the Herbal Mot Tea

Since it is brewed from many familiar herbs, Mot Tea is often seen as a gentle, refreshing drink that brings a cool and pleasant feeling. Especially in hot weather, Mot Tea not only helps quench your thirst but also contributes to relaxing the body and mind.

• Body cooling: Helps detox and cool the body, perfect for hot sunny days.
• Refreshing: Quenches thirst quickly and provides a refreshing sensation when served cold.
• Stress relief: The light scent of lemongrass, lemon, and herbs brings a sense of relaxation and reduces fatigue after a lot of walking.
• Good for digestion: The light, sweet taste is perceived by many as stomach-warming and helpful for digestion after a meal.
• Disclaimer: This is a refreshing beverage and does not replace medicine or medical advice; people on sugar-restricted diets or with special health conditions should consider this before use.

5. Essential Information: Address, Price, and Opening Hours

To make your visit easier, you should take note of some basic information about Mot Hoi An. The shop is right in the center of the ancient town, easy to find, affordable, and has flexible operating hours following the rhythm of Hoi An tourism.

• Address: 150 Tran Phu, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam.
• Location: On the main sightseeing axis of the ancient town, convenient for walking and photos.
• Reference price: About 15,000 – 20,000 VND/cup, depending on the time.
• Opening hours: Usually from the afternoon until evening; most crowded after 4:00 PM.
• Note: As it is a sidewalk stall, the selling hours may change daily depending on the crowd; it’s best to visit in the late afternoon to experience the bustling atmosphere of the ancient town.

6. Notes for Enjoying Mot Tea Hoi An

To have a more complete and comfortable experience, you should keep a few small points in mind when visiting:

• Be prepared for crowds: The stall is small and often very busy in the late afternoon and evening, especially during peak tourist season, so you might have to wait for your drink.
• Limited seating: Seating is very restricted; many tourists choose to take their tea to-go while strolling or taking photos.
• Sweetness level: The default taste is moderately sweet, which suits most people. Those who avoid sugar should drink slowly or pair it with plain water.
• Allergies: The tea contains herbal ingredients; people allergic to licorice, cinnamon, lemongrass, etc., should consider before drinking.
• Etiquette: When taking photos in front of the shop or nearby, please do not block the way, keep the area clean, and respect the shared space of the ancient town.

You may also be interested in: Top 24 Hoi An coffee varieties that captivate travelers and spark wanderlust 

7. Frequently Asked Questions about Mot Tea Hoi An (FAQs)

7.1. Can Mot tea be served hot?

Yes. Although the most popular version is served cold with ice, the base tea is brewed hot, so it can definitely be served warm. Drinking it hot allows you to smell the herbs more clearly and provides a cozy feeling in the evening.

7.2. Is Mot tea too sweet?

Most people find Mot Tea to be lightly sweet and not overwhelming. However, the perception still depends on individual taste, especially for those who rarely consume sugary drinks.

7.3. Does the Mot shop sell anything else besides tea?

Depending on the time, the shop may offer a few variations of herbal drinks. However, the classic Mot Tea remains the signature drink and the most popular choice.

7.4. Can I buy Mot tea in Hoi An to bring home as a gift?

A prepared cup is best consumed within the day. If you want to buy it as a gift, you can look for pre-packaged herbal tea bags inspired by Mot Tea at certain specialty gift shops or reputable distributors.

Conclusion

Not fancy or showy, Mot Tea in Hoi An wins over travelers with its simplicity and "down-to-earth" feel. A cool cup of herbal tea, a small corner of the sidewalk, and the slow pace of the ancient town – all blend into an experience that is easy to love and hard to forget.

If you have the chance to visit Hoi An, try stopping for a few minutes, holding a cup of Mot Tea, and leisurely strolling through the streets. Who knows, that very small moment might become the most memorable part of your trip.

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