In Vietnam, in many cafés, bars and small restaurants, you are served a glass of iced tea ("trà đá") as soon as you order a drink or food. It is often free, or almost: it is the equivalent of our glass of water.
Over there
A large pot of light green tea, ice cubes, and every customer gets a glass when they sit down. The gesture costs little and is part of the welcome: you feel expected.
In France
With a meal, the jug of water is free. A homemade iced tea, served in addition and free of charge, would be a rare touch that gets people talking about a place and makes them want to come back.
The idea for the Passerelle
- A café or a restaurant in France can find a green tea grower in Vietnam (for example from the Thái Nguyên region, known for its tea).
- A Vietnamese grower can find business customers in France: cafés, Asian restaurants, grocery shops.
To check before you start
- The iced tea comes in addition to water: with a meal, the jug of water must still be provided.
- Ice cubes must be made with drinking water and stored according to restaurant hygiene rules: ask the DDPP (French local food safety and consumer protection office).
- Importing tea means going through customs and respecting European limits on pesticide residues: ask the service des douanes (French customs) for advice before the first order.
For information only (page of 27/10/2026): this information does not engage the responsibility of Passerelle France-Asie. Rules change and depend on your situation: before you start, check with the official body mentioned.