Desserts in Hanoi: 13 best treats and top places to try

1. Banh com (green sticky rice cake)

Banh com is a famous dessert in Hanoi and one of the most iconic Vietnamese cakes. Made from green sticky rice and filled with mung bean paste, it has a soft, chewy texture and a light, fragrant aroma of pandan and lotus leaves. Traditionally wrapped in green paper, this Vietnamese dessert in Hanoi is often shared during weddings and festivals. You can savor it with a cup of green tea for the perfect harmony of aroma.

Recommended place to enjoy: Bánh cốm Nguyên Ninh (11 Hang Than Street)

Banh com is one of the most cherished traditional desserts in Hanoi

2. Kem Trang Tien (Trang Tien ice cream)

When it comes to desserts in Hanoi, few can beat Trang Tien ice cream. Established in 1958, this old-school ice cream shop is a local icon, where generations of Hanoians have gathered for a cold treat on summer days. The ice cream is served on a stick with nostalgic flavors like vanilla, mung bean, cocoa, and green rice. Creamy yet light, it is one of the must-try desserts in Hanoi for tourists who want a taste of the local nostalgia.

Recommended place to enjoy: Kem Tràng Tiền (35 Trang Tien Street)

3. Che (Vietnamese sweet soup)

Among the best desserts in Hanoi, Vietnamese sweet soup stands out for its incredible variety. This colorful sweet soup can be served hot or cold and combines ingredients such as beans, jelly, lotus seeds, coconut milk, and fruits. Each bowl is a balance of textures and flavors - from creamy to chewy, from sweet to nutty. Locals love to gather at old-fashioned stalls for this comforting dessert in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Popular types of che include:

Che Thai - a colorful mix of fruits and jelly
Che dau xanh - mung bean sweet soup
Che hat sen - lotus seed sweet soup
Che buoi - pomelo sweet soup with chewy bits of pomelo rinds

Recommended places to enjoy: Chè Bà Thìn (1 Bat Dan Street), Chè 4 Mùa (4 Hang Can Street), Chè thập cẩm 1976 (72G Tran Hung Dao Street)

Che is a favorite summertime dessert in Hanoi

4. Tao pho (tofu pudding)

Tao pho is a popular dessert in Hanoi enjoyed all year round, especially during summer. Made from finely ground soybeans that are filtered, cooked, and chilled, it has a silky-smooth texture that melts in your mouth. Traditionally, it is served with jasmine-infused sugar syrup and crushed ice for a gentle sweetness. Today, you can find creative versions like caramel tofu, tofu with jelly, or tofu with lotus seeds, adding a fun and colorful twist.

Recommended places to enjoy: Tào phớ thạch găng Zô Zô (7B Hang Da Street), Tào phớ Jelly Bean (28 Quang Trung Street), Vua Tào Phớ (192 Hang Bong Street)

5. Chuoi nep nuong (grilled banana with sticky rice)

Chuoi nep nuong is one of the most beloved Vietnamese desserts that beautifully combines sweet and smoky flavors. Ripe bananas are wrapped in sticky rice, grilled to golden, then topped with coconut cream and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts. With its crispy outer layer and soft, fragrant center, this comforting treat is among the best desserts in Hanoi, especially delightful on cool evenings.

Recommended place to enjoy: Chuoi nep nuong (1 Hang Duong Street)

6. Kem xoi (sticky rice ice cream)

Kem xoi is a unique treat that perfectly captures the creativity of desserts in Hanoi. This beloved dish pairs warm, chewy sticky rice with cold, creamy ice cream, creating a delightful contrast in both texture and temperature. The sticky rice, often dyed green with pandan leaves for a gentle fragrance, is topped with scoops of vanilla or coconut ice cream, then finished with dried young coconut for an extra crunch.

Recommended places to enjoy: Kem Xôi Thu Nga (8 Hai Ba Trung Street), Kem Xôi (285 Kim Ma Street)

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7. Kem bo (avocado ice cream)

Kem bo is a beloved Vietnamese ice cream that captures the essence of freshness and richness in every spoonful. Ripe avocados are blended into a smooth, buttery puree, layered with coconut milk and topped with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream. It is finished with shredded coconut and crispy dried young coconut for added texture. The result is a luscious, velvety dessert in Hanoi that is both refreshing and satisfying.

Recommended places to enjoy: Kem Bơ Bánh Bèo (90 To Hien Thanh Street), Bơ Bán Kem (50 Vo Thi Sau Street)

Kem bo - a refreshing tropical treat that is hard to resist

8. Sua chua nep cam (yogurt with black sticky rice)

Among traditional desserts in Hanoi, sua chua nep cam stands out for its unique balance of flavors and textures. This dish features black sticky rice cooked until soft and paired with cold, tangy yogurt. When combined, the contrast between the warm rice and chilled yogurt creates a pleasant harmony. Some Hanoi dessert shops add coconut milk or roasted sesame for extra aroma. This dessert in Hanoi is often enjoyed in the afternoon or after meals.

Recommended places to enjoy: Chè 4 Mùa Hàng Cân (4 Hang Can Street), Cafe Duy Trí (43A Yen Phu Street)

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9. Banh troi (floating glutinous rice dumplings)

Banh troi is a traditional Vietnamese dessert closely associated with Hanoi. These small, round dumplings are made from glutinous rice dough filled with palm sugar that melts into a sweet syrup when boiled. Served warm and topped with sesame seeds or grated coconut, it offers a delicate balance of chewy texture and nutty aroma. Banh troi symbolizes unity and family in Vietnamese culture, making it not just a treat but also a meaningful experience.

Recommended places to enjoy: Chè Mười Sáu (21A Lo Duc Street), Xôi chè bà Thìn (1 Bat Dan Street)

Be sure to savor banh troi, a timeless dessert in Hanoi

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10. Banh flan (Vietnamese crème caramel)

Smooth, silky, and lightly sweet, banh flan is a dessert that beautifully blends French culinary influence with local Vietnamese flair. The caramel is made by slowly melting sugar until golden, then topped with a rich egg-and-milk mixture before being steamed or baked. The result is a soft custard with a deep flavor and a delicate balance of sweetness. In many dessert cafes in Hanoi, it is served chilled with coffee, crushed ice, or even boba pearls for a modern twist.

Recommended place to enjoy: Kem Caramen Dương Hoa (29 Hang Than Street)

11. Banh xu xe (Vietnamese husband and wife cake)

Banh xu xe is one of the most traditional Vietnamese cakes. It is made from tapioca flour filled with mung bean paste, grated coconut, sugar, and a touch of pomelo flower essence for a delicate aroma. Often enjoyed with a cup of green tea, banh xu xe delights with its gentle sweetness and chewy texture - a true reflection of desserts in Hanoi.

Banh xu xe is often mistaken for banh phu the Dinh Bang, but there is a slight difference: banh phu the Dinh Bang is yellow, bigger, and usually sold in pairs.

Recommended place to enjoy: Hang Than Street

Banh xu xe is a traditional dessert in Hanoi often enjoyed at weddings

12. Hoa qua dam (mixed fruits)

If you are looking for a refreshing dessert in Hanoi, hoa qua dam is your go-to choice. This colorful fruit mix features tropical ingredients like papaya, jackfruit, avocado, and watermelon, served over crushed ice and drizzled with condensed milk or coconut cream. Popular among both locals and tourists, it is one of the most affordable and satisfying desserts, commonly found at street stalls and dessert bars in Hanoi.

Recommended place to enjoy: To Tich Street

13. Ca phe trung (egg coffee)

Egg coffee perfectly represents the creativity of desserts in Hanoi. It is crafted by whipping egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk until thick and creamy, then poured over a base of strong Vietnamese coffee. The result is a warm, velvety drink that tastes like liquid tiramisu. Best enjoyed slowly in a cozy dessert cafe, this signature creation offers a perfect balance of aromatic coffee and custard-like foam.

Recommended places to enjoy: Cafe Giảng (39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street), Cafe Đinh (13 Dinh Tien Hoang Street)

Egg coffee is the best dessert in Hanoi for first-time visitors

FAQs about desserts in Hanoi

What are Hanoi’s most famous desserts?

Trang Tien ice cream and egg coffee.

Where can I find the best desserts in Hanoi Old Quarter?

Some of the best dessert places in Hanoi Old Quarter include:

Kem Tràng Tiền (ice cream) - 35 Trang Tien Street
Cafe Giảng (egg coffee) - 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street
Bánh cốm Nguyên Ninh (green sticky rice cake) - 11 Hang Than Street
Chè 4 Mùa Hàng Cân (sweet soup) - 4 Hang Can Street
Mixed fruits - To Tich Street

Are there vegan or dairy-free desserts in Hanoi?

Yes. Try pomelo sweet soup, corn pudding, mung bean cakes, sticky rice balls, tofu pudding, and green sticky rice cakes - all great options for vegan dessert in Hanoi.

Are there any unique street desserts I should try in Hanoi?

Yes. Egg coffee, grilled banana with sticky rice, and sticky rice ice cream are must-try street treats.

From traditional sweet soup to modern ice cream, desserts in Hanoi capture the city’s vibrant culinary spirit. Each treat reflects a balance of local creativity, offering something for every taste. Whether enjoyed at a cozy cafe or a bustling stall, these desserts make exploring Hanoi even more memorable.

After indulging in Hanoi’s sweet delights, you can continue your journey east to Ocean City, a vibrant urban area perfect for relaxation and entertainment. There, don’t miss VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park for thrilling adventures or Grand World for shopping and dining.

For a complete Vietnam travel, extend your trip to iconic destinations like Ha Long, Hoi An, Nha Trang, or Phu Quoc. In these destinations, consider staying at the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl, where luxurious accommodations, top-notch services, and breathtaking views ensure a perfect retreat. What’s more, the entertainment complexes of VinWonders offer all sorts of fun, from exhilarating roller coasters to captivating cultural shows.