Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam, is known for its rich history and stunning architecture, and diverse and delicious culinary offerings. As the summer heat sets in, locals and visitors alike seek out refreshing treats to cool down and indulge in the flavors of the season. 

From iconic ice creams to delightful fruit salads and traditional sweet soups, Hanoi’s summer refreshments are a perfect blend of taste and tradition. 

In this guide, we will explore some of the most popular cool treats that you must try when visiting this bustling city, allowing you to experience the unique tastes that define Hanoi’s summer food culture.

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1. Tràng Tiền Ice Cream

Tràng Tiền ice cream is one of the iconic summer treats in Hanoi, renowned for its natural flavors and high quality. Made from fresh ingredients like milk, this ice cream is not just a dessert but a part of Hanoi’s culinary culture. With a variety of flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, green rice, mung bean, and coconut, each scoop offers a delightful experience for the taste buds. 

Notably, the ice cream contains no artificial sugars or additives, ensuring it is safe for health. When enjoyed, you can feel the creamy texture melting in your mouth, leaving a memorable taste. The Tràng Tiền ice cream shop is often bustling during the summer, where people line up eagerly to savor this delicious treat.

• Address: The ice cream shop on Tràng Tiền Street, Hoàn Kiếm District.
• Price Range: 10,000 – 25,000 VND per piece.

2. Caramel

Caramel is a sweet dish made from eggs, fresh milk, and sugar, steamed to create a smooth and delicious mixture. When you visit Hanoi in the summer, you’ll be able to experience unique variations of caramel that are hard to find elsewhere. Variants such as longan caramel on Phố Huế, tapioca caramel at Nguyễn Công Trứ Market, or fruit caramel on Hàng Than Street not only provide a novel taste but also attract the eye with their vibrant colors. This dish is served cold, offering a refreshing sensation perfect for hot summer days. Priced at around 10,000 VND per cup, caramel has become a popular snack that everyone can enjoy.

• Address: Phố Huế, Nguyễn Công Trứ Market, Hàng Than, Kim Liên playground area.
• Price Range: Approximately 10,000 VND per cup.

3. Fruit Yogurt

Fruit yogurt is a beloved snack among many generations in Hanoi, especially among the youth. Made from fresh yogurt combined with various fruits like durian, mango, orange, and sweet potato, each little cup of yogurt offers a unique color and flavor. These small, colorful cups of yogurt are not only visually appealing but also provide a refreshing sensation when consumed. 

Notably, the yogurt here is made using traditional recipes, ensuring it is both delicious and safe for health. You can find these delightful cups at Kim Mã Thượng Street, where the shops have maintained their distinctive flavors over the years.

• Address: Kim Mã Thượng Street, Hoan Kiem, Hai Ba Trung,…
• Price Range: 18,000 – 35,000 VND per cup.

4. Mixed Fruit Salad (Hoa Quả Dầm)

Mixed fruit salad is an essential dish for summer in Hanoi. This dish is made from a variety of fresh fruits like mango, pear, strawberries, jackfruit, and watermelon, offering a rich diversity of flavors and colors. 

The special feature of mixed fruit salad is that it uses sweetened condensed milk and coconut milk instead of sugar, combined with crushed ice to create a sweet and refreshing taste. This dish is not only delicious but also very nutritious, making it the perfect choice for those looking for a light and refreshing snack on hot summer days. You can easily find mixed fruit salad at many snack shops throughout Hanoi.

• Address: Available at many shops across Hanoi.
• Price Range: From 25,000 VND per cup.

5. Fresh Fruit Juice

Fresh fruit juice is one of the best choices for cooling off during the hot summer days in Hanoi. Made from a variety of fresh fruits like apples, oranges, pineapples, and grapefruits, the juice not only quenches your thirst but also provides essential vitamins and minerals for your body. 

You can choose different fruits to mix together, creating unique and interesting flavors. Juice shops often have spacious and airy settings, making them ideal places to relax and enjoy a refreshing drink. With prices ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 VND per cup, fresh fruit juice is a reasonable choice for everyone.

• Address: 17 Gia Ngư, 2B Bà Triệu, 4 Lê Thái Tổ, or various street vendors around Hồ Đắc Di and Bách Khoa University.
• Price Range: 30,000 – 50,000 VND per cup.

6. Various Types of Chè (Sweet Soup)

Chè is a traditional dish that is indispensable in Hanoi’s cuisine, especially during the summer. With a wide variety of ingredients and preparation methods, Hanoi’s chè offers delightful experiences for diners. 

You can find types of chè such as khúc bạch, thập cẩm, đỗ xanh, bưởi, sweet potato, mango, and avocado. Each type of chè has its own flavor, ranging from sweet to refreshing, catering to individual preferences. Chè is commonly sold at many roadside stalls and markets, becoming a favorite snack for locals. Its delicious taste and affordable price make chè a beloved choice in the summer.

• Address: Found on most streets in Hanoi.
• Price Range: Varies by type, generally starting from 15,000 VND.

7. Lemon Tea and Quất Tea

Lemon tea and quất tea are simple yet extremely popular beverages during the summer in Hanoi. Lemon tea is made from green tea and fresh lemon juice, providing a pleasantly sour and sweet taste that is perfect for quenching thirst. To enhance its appeal, vendors often add thin slices of lemon for decoration, creating a drink that is not only delicious but also visually appealing. This drink is widely enjoyed among the youth, often consumed at roadside cafes where people gather to chat and relax. 

With prices starting from 10,000 to 20,000 VND per cup, lemon tea is an ideal choice for those seeking a tasty and refreshing drink.

• Address: Near the Cathedral area, Chợ Gạo area, 162 Trần Quang Khải.
• Price Range: 10,000 – 25,000 VND per cup.

8. Tào Phớ (Tofu Pudding)

Tào phớ is a humble dish that is highly favored in Hanoi, especially during hot days. This dish is made from soft tofu, combined with sweet syrup and fresh coconut, creating a light and pleasant flavor. 

Additionally, chewy tapioca pearls add an interesting texture to the dish. A bowl of mixed tào phớ typically costs between 6,000 and 10,000 VND, making it affordable and accessible for everyone. Tào phớ is not only a snack but also an integral part of Hanoi’s street food culture, commonly sold at various stalls and markets.

• Address: Available at many roadside stalls and markets.
• Price Range: 10,000 – 35,000 VND per bowl.

I hope this detailed description provides you with a clearer understanding of the refreshing summer dishes in Hanoi!