Top 11+ desserts in Hanoi you should taste at least once

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1. Trang Tien ice cream

Born in 1958 and still thriving today, Trang Tien ice cream is an iconic Hanoi dessert. This ice cream is made using traditional recipes that emphasize natural flavors and minimal sweetness. Flavors like coconut, green rice, green bean, and chocolate are especially popular. Enjoying a Trang Tien ice cream while strolling near Hoan Kiem Lake or in front of the original store at 35 Trang Tien Street is a rite of passage for visitors and locals alike.

If you have a sweet tooth, exploring desserts in Hanoi like Trang Tien ice cream is a must (Source: Collected)

2. Tao pho (tofu pudding)

If you are looking for desserts in Hanoi, look no further than tao pho. Made from soft, silky tofu ladled into a bowl and topped with sweet ginger syrup, tapioca pearls, jelly cubes, or coconut cream, this Hanoi dessert is delicate yet deeply comforting. It’s usually sold by street vendors pushing carts through neighborhoods or in small family-run eateries, especially during the chilly winter months in Hanoi.

Whether it’s summer or winter, tofu in Hanoi offer something comforting all year round (Source: Collected)

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3. Hanoi sweet soups

Che is more than just one of the desserts in Hanoi – it’s a whole category of Vietnamese sweet soups that are layered in flavors, textures, and colors. Often served cold with crushed ice in summer or warm in winter, here are some Hanoi favorites:

• Che khuc bach (white cube sweet soup): This dessert includes colorful panna cotta cubes served with longan or lychee in a light sweet syrup. This Hanoi dessert is fragrant and refreshing.
• Che dau xanh (green bean sweet soup): A creamy mung bean soup with coconut milk. Smooth and mildly sweet.
• Che buoi (pomelo sweet soup): Chewy pomelo rind coated in mung bean starch then simmered until translucent. This dish is often served with coconut milk and shredded coconut. It’s refreshing with citrusy zest. 
• Che com (green rice sweet soup): Made from young green rice slow-cooked in sweet syrup and finished with coconut cream. Che com is a Hanoi’s autumn favorite.
• Che sen long nhan (lotus seed and longan sweet soup): Lotus seeds stuffed in dried longans, soaked in light syrup. Cooling, delicate, and rich in traditional symbolism.
• Che san (cassava sweet soup): This dish is made by simmering cassava chunks in ginger syrup, topped with shredded coconut. It’s warm and hearty.

The colorful che in Hanoi are loved by all generations (Source: Collected)

4. Banh troi tau (glutinous rice balls in ginger syrup)

This comforting dessert in Hanoi features balls of glutinous rice filled with sweet black sesame or mung bean paste, served hot in a fragrant ginger and brown sugar broth. The chewy texture of the rice and the warmth of the syrup create a perfect harmony of flavors. Banh troi tau is traditionally enjoyed in winter and often sold by women balancing pots of it on the street corners of Hanoi Old Quarter.

Banh troi tau is a warm winter Hanoi dessert favorite (Source: Collected)

5. Hoa qua dam (mixed fresh fruit)

This vibrant, icy Hanoi street food is made by mixing a variety of chopped tropical fruits. The mixture often includes mango, jackfruit, watermelon, avocado, etc. with condensed milk, coconut milk, and crushed ice. Sometimes, jelly, boba pearls, or yogurt are added for texture. Hoa qua dam is sweet, creamy, and refreshing – a perfect dessert in Hanoi to cool down during Hanoi’s humid summer days.

You can find a colorful cup of fresh fruit chunks everywhere during summer in Hanoi (Source: Collected)

6. Sua chua thach la nep (yogurt with pandan jelly)

Combining the tang of yogurt with the herbal aroma of pandan, this dessert is both modern and traditional. Sua chua thach la nep consists of smooth, homemade yogurt topped with soft cubes of bright green jelly made from pandan leaves. One of the popular desserts in Hanoi among young people, it’s light, healthy, and visually stunning.

Creamy yogurt is mixed with chewy pandan jelly for a fun and fragrant treat (Source: Collected)

Check out: Hanoi street food tours – a detailed guide

7. Banh ran (fried glutinous rice ball)

One of the popular Vietnam cakes, banh ran are deep-fried golden balls made of sticky rice flour and often filled with sweetened mung bean paste. Some versions are hollow and crispy, while others are chewy with a sesame-coated crust. They are usually sold hot on the street and best enjoyed immediately for that satisfying crunch.

Banh ran is one of the iconic desserts in Hanoi that you should definitely try out (Source: Collected)

8. Kem trung banh mi (egg ice cream with banh mi)

A creative twist on ice cream, this dessert in Hanoi combines rich, custard-like egg ice cream with slices of crusty Vietnamese baguette (banh mi). The cold creaminess and warm crunch make for an unexpectedly delightful pairing. Popular at retro-style cafes or dessert shops, this fusion dish is a fun and flavorful adventure for those willing to try something different.

Among other kind of dessert in Hanoi, kem trung banh mi stands out as a unique dish (Source: Collected)

9. Chuoi nep nuong (grilled banana)

In this street-side favorite, a ripe banana is wrapped in sticky rice, grilled over hot coals, and then drizzled with warm coconut cream and crushed peanuts. The result is a sweet, smoky, and creamy dessert that melts in your mouth. This treat is perfect for cold nights and best eaten fresh off the grill.

Some of the best desserts in Hanoi are hidden in quiet alleyways or served from decades-old vendors (Source: Collected)

10. Ca phe trung (egg coffee)

Egg coffee in Hanoi is a whole experience to discover. This signature drink is created by pouring a layer of whipped egg yolk, sugar, and condensed milk over strong Vietnamese coffee. It’s rich, frothy, and dessert-like in every way. Visitors can enjoy it hot or iced at famous cafes like Giang, where this iconic egg coffee was first invented.

Egg coffee is one of the highlights among desserts in Hanoi (Source: Collected)

11. Banh chuoi chien (crispy fried banana cake)

The last on the list of must-try desserts in Hanoi, this simple street snack is made by flattening ripe bananas, dipping them in a flour batter, and deep-frying until golden and crispy. The inside is gooey and sweet, while the outside stays crunchy. This makes banh chuoi chien a humble yet addictive delight. Often found at school gates or street corners, it’s a favorite among students and workers alike.

Banh chuoi chien is the ultimate street-side snack, loved by both kids and adults (Source: Collected)

Besides these desserts in Hanoi, also check out Vietnamese desserts

Whether you are a dessert enthusiast or just looking to try something new, the wide variety of desserts in Hanoi can satisfy every craving. So next time you are in the capital, don’t hesitate to try out these delicious treats!

After exploring the desserts in Hanoi, why not continue your adventure with the exciting day trips from Hanoi? Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or solo, there’s no shortage of fun just outside the city.

Located just a short drive from Hanoi, VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park is the perfect place to cool off and burn off those sweet calories! With thrilling water slides, wave pools, and relaxing lazy rivers, it’s a fun escape for all ages. 

VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park offer excitement for every visitor

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For those craving a blend of shopping, entertainment, and cultural discovery, Grand World is a must-visit destination. From vibrant art installations to charming canal rides and global food spots, it’s like stepping into a different world — all within reach from Hanoi.

Grand World is the ideal destination for a short trip from Hanoi

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