For decades, the corner of Pasteur and Vo Thi Sau Streets in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City has been the go-to spot for ice-cold glasses of dua tac (coconut water with kumquat) and dua thom (coconut water with pineapple).

In the early 2000s, just a single lone dua tac cart would set up each day at the Pasteur-Vo Thi Sau intersection in District 3. 

Nowadays, however, dozens of street vendors are looking to cash in on one of the city's most refreshing drinks by setting up shop on the busy corner.

A ShopeeFood delivery driver waits to pick up 'dua tac' from 246A Pasteur Street in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Minh Duc / Tuoi Tre

Though no one is sure who created dua tac, it is universally agreed upon that it was first produced in the city as a way to beat the muggy climate and oppressing heat.

This simple drink – merely a mix of coconut water, sugar, a bit of salt, and finely diced caramelized kumquat or pineapple – is unique in texture thanks to the slices of coconut meat mixed in with it.

A woman prepares drinks at her stall on Pasteur Street in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Minh Duc / Tuoi Tre

246A Pasteur is, perhaps, the busiest dua tac stall on that corner. No plastic stools sit near the stall, as one might expect from a street vendor. 

Instead, the owner spends her days fulfilling hundreds of orders placed through food delivery apps each day.

The owner also offers free drinks to delivery drivers to keep them cool while they wait for the orders.

The owner of the 246A Pasteur stall prepares drinks in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Minh Duc / Tuoi Tre

Meanwhile, the oldest of the dua tac stalls sits afront 250 Pasteur Street. 

The owner of the stall, Thuy, proudly advertises that she has been selling the refreshing drink for over two decades.

A customer buys coconut water at the 'dua tac' stall in front of 250 Pasteur Street in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Minh Duc / Tuoi Tre

According to Thuy, few dua tac vendors were around when she first opened her stall in 2001, but her success inspired others to set up stalls nearby. 

Scattered across the sidewalk near Thuy’s stall are dozens of plastic stools for customers to relax while they enjoy their beverages.

Customers crowd the sidewalk to enjoy ‘dua tac’ on Pasteur Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Minh Duc / Tuoi Tre

Thuy’s dua tac is made using kumquats having been boiled with rock sugar until each piece of the fruit is filled with sugary goodness.

Each of her drinks is topped with large, thick slices of crunchy coconut meat that help to truly accentuate the sweet and sour kumquat and pineapple flavors.

Her glasses are priced at VND15,000 (US$0.64) for a regular size and VND20,000 ($0.86) for a large one.

A woman scoops coconut water into a disposable plastic glass for customers at the stall in front of 250 Pasteur Street in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Minh Duc / Tuoi Tre

Another popular stall on the busy street corner is merely known as 'Old Ladies' Dua Tac Stall' – a local favorite run by two over-60-year-old women.

What sets the drinks at this stall apart is that the coconut pieces are small and chewy, making them easy to enjoy with the glass. 

Make sure to stop by and try a dua tac here.

'The Old Ladies' Dua Tac Stall' at 248 Pasteur Street in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Minh Duc / Tuoi Tre

A woman prepares drinks at her stall at 248 Pasteur Street in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Minh Duc / Tuoi Tre

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Linh To - Duc Noise / Tuoi Tre News