Sweat trickles down your back as summer knocks at the door here in Hanoi. Nothing is sweeter for this kind of sweltering summer than a cold glass of “Chè”, tasty ice cream. Just to name a few. Discover here some of Hanoi’s must try street food in the summer hidden away in a very small places, or on really narrow side streets and alley ways.
Che (Sweet Dessert Soup)
This dish is usually served in either a bowl or glass over ice and eaten with a spoon. A glass is more preferable with the visible layers of the different ingredients. It actually offers a big variety of tastes and recipes. The ingredients have a wide range from beans, fruits, jellies to tapioca and coconut milk. Though, the most popular and simple form of Che is almost with all kinds of beans such as black, red, white and soya bean.
Address: 72 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Nuoc Mia (Sugar Cane Juice)
Usually sold by street vendors using electric squashing machines to squeeze the juice from the sugar cane stalks. These carts are typically covered in neon colors so cannot be missed. Sugar cane juice has many health benefits. It is high in fiber and helps you giving an energy boost. Moreover, it is packed with antioxidants and helps protecting your liver from damage. Many imagine it to be super sweet while it is not, instead it is rather delicious and refreshing.
Address: 39 Hang Vai Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Tara, 2010
Kem Trang Tien (Trang Tien Ice-cream)
Known for its wide range of flavors including, bean, coconut, vanilla and milk making countless number of Hanoi generations addicted to it is the Trang Tien Ice-cream. Besides, foreign customers also come here to enjoy the ice cream. The price is very reasonable despite its famous brand. What makes the shop so special is that it reminds the locals of the post-war period and the special taste has become a symbol of the old capital city.
Address: 35 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Eric Michael Wight, 2016
Kem Xoi (Sticky Rice Ice Cream)
Kem Xoi, a flavorful combination of sticky rice and ice cream. The rice is often made with pandan and the ice cream is usually coconut flavoured. The combination of those two compliments each other perfectly. In addition to this, it is topped with toasted coconut pieces which has pleasant nutty flavor and aroma. It might sound like a heavy dessert, but it is actually very light and energizing.
Address: 8 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Eastangerine, 2012
Sua Chua Nep Cam (Yogurt with Violet Sticky Rice)
Sua Chua Nep Cap is a mix of yogurt with violet sticky rice and ice shavings. It has a nice combination of aromatic, nutty and sour flavor. Next to this, the dessert serves as a refreshment and nutritious energizer. The preparation of the rice is as follows: it is cooked, covered and left to ferment for a period of days then laid out to be dried. Eventually, it will evolve in something as close to jam.
Address: 29 Hang Than Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.
Tamtay, 2015
Tao Pho (Tofu Pudding)
A unique type of street food for the hot summer. Tao Pho consists of white condensed tofu pudding served together with sweet syrup made out of jasmine-infused sugary water. Usually, Tao Pho is often sold by sellers riding bicycles with a barrel of Tao Pho behind them. They use a flat spoon to scoop thin layers of tofu into a bowl before pouring the syrup. Lately, the dish has become more varied with topping additions such as chia seeds, flan and tapioca.
Address: 111 Trieu Viet Vuong Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi.
Andrea Nguyen, 2011
Let’s face it – summer isn’t the best time to visit Hanoi. With a big heart and an even bigger appetite, you can always find great summer treats in the capital. Additionally, it is about local specialties served fresh and simple on the streets. All of these elements make up for a lively culinary scene.
