Top 5 desserts in Hanoi that will satisfy your sweet tooth
Hanoi isn’t only famous for pho and bun cha—the dessert scene is surprisingly diverse, from chilled sweets to warm comfort bowls on rainy days.
Here are five easy-to-try options for travelers, with simple tips on when to enjoy them.
Quick summary
Practical: checklist-style tips you can use immediately.Traveler-friendly: widely available activities and places.Stay suggestion: booking details for Ping Hanoi Hotel included at the end.
Top 5 desserts in Hanoi that will satisfy your sweet tooth
Che (Vietnamese sweet soup): There are many variations—beans, pomelo sweet soup, jelly, and more. Great in the afternoon or after dinner, especially on hot days.Trang Tien ice cream: A classic local favorite. Simple flavors and a nostalgic vibe make it a fun stop near the city center.Banh com (green rice cake): Lightly sweet and fragrant. Often bought as gifts—choose a reputable shop for the best texture.Yogurt with black sticky rice: A balanced sweet-tart bowl that feels lighter after a hearty meal.Tofu pudding (tao pho): Soft, aromatic, and available warm or cold. Warm bowls are perfect on rainy or cool days.
How to enjoy desserts like a local
Match the weather: chilled desserts for hot days; warm tofu pudding for cool or rainy evenings.Walk then snack: desserts hit best after a short walk around the lake or the Old Quarter.Share portions: order 2–3 items as a group to sample more without sugar overload.
A simple evening plan
Have dinner, then finish with a light dessert. If you’re staying around Me Tri – Keangnam, ride-hailing back to the hotel is usually straightforward.
A simple one-day “dessert route”
Morning: keep it light—coffee or a small snack. Afternoon: try something chilled like che or yogurt with sticky rice after sightseeing. Evening: finish with warm tofu pudding (cool/rainy nights) or ice cream (hot days) so you don’t feel too heavy before sleep.If you’re staying around Me Tri – Keangnam, you can keep dinner near Pham Hung and only go to the center for a short dessert walk—or do it in reverse. This keeps the experience fun while protecting your time.
Food safety notes (keep the trip enjoyable)
Choose places with clean prep areas and clearly displayed ingredients.On hot days, avoid overeating cold desserts in one go.If you have allergies, ask about peanuts, dairy, and toppings.
Practical transport tips from the Me Tri – Keangnam area
Hanoi traffic can fluctuate, especially during morning and evening rush hours. If you need to stay on schedule, ride-hailing/taxis are the most reliable option—particularly on rainy days. From the Me Tri (Nam Tu Liem) area, access to major roads is generally convenient, but travel time to the city center still varies by traffic.Heading to the center: leave 15–30 minutes earlier than planned.Traveling in a small group: a larger car can reduce waiting time and improve cost efficiency.Walking: best around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter; combine with rides for longer distances.
How to keep your day smooth (low time, low risk)
Pick three priorities: 2–3 main stops per day is usually enough.Have a Plan B: switch to indoor activities if it rains or gets too crowded.Keep confirmations: screenshots help if you need to dispute details.Ask the front desk: they can suggest timing and routes based on real conditions.
Etiquette and payments: small tips with big impact
In Hanoi, a polite tone and a simple “thank you” go a long way. When shopping or ordering food, confirming the price upfront helps avoid misunderstandings. In crowded areas, keep valuables secure and avoid leaving phones in back pockets. For payments, small cash is still handy, while many places also accept bank transfers or e-wallets—having both options keeps things smooth.
Related reading
More English guides on pinghotel.vnVietnamese guides on pinghotel.vn
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Which dessert is best if I don’t like overly sweet food?Yogurt with black sticky rice or tofu pudding tends to feel more balanced and customizable.When should I try Trang Tien ice cream?Late afternoon or evening near the center is ideal; avoid peak midday heat if you’re sensitive to the sun.Is Hanoi che similar to southern che?There are overlaps, but recipes and toppings vary—trying a couple of shops is the best way to compare.Can I buy banh com as a gift?Yes. Check freshness and storage guidance so it stays soft.Can hotels help recommend nearby food spots?Often yes—ask the front desk for suggestions that fit your taste and schedule.
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Phone: (84.4) 3 7858408 / 3 7858409
Hotline: 0904.77.14.26
Email: sales@pinghotel.vn
Address: 26 Me Tri Ha, Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi
Location note: About 800m from Keangnam Landmark 72 (walkable).
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