Trang Tien Ice cream — Attraction in Hà Nội

Kem Tràng Tiền is a cherished culinary institution in Hanoi, established in 1958 at 35 Tràng Tiền Street. For over six decades, it has been serving generations of locals and tourists with its distinctive ice cream flavors, becoming a symbol of the city’s gastronomic heritage .  

🍦 Flavors & Offerings

Kem Tràng Tiền offers a variety of ice cream options, including popsicles, cones, mochi, cups, and boxes. Signature flavors encompass coconut milk, mung bean, green tea, taro, durian, chocolate, and the uniquely Vietnamese “cốm” (young green rice). The ice cream is renowned for its natural ingredients, absence of preservatives, and a texture that is soft and refreshing rather than overly creamy .  

Prices are notably affordable, with popsicles and cones typically ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 VND (approximately $0.40 to $0.60 USD) .

🏠 Ambience & Experience

The main shop on Tràng Tiền Street retains a nostalgic charm, featuring a spacious, open area where patrons often enjoy their ice cream while standing—a tradition that harks back to the economic subsidy period in Vietnam. This standing-style enjoyment has become a distinctive part of Hanoi’s ice cream culture .  

The shop’s location near Hoàn Kiếm Lake makes it a popular stop for both locals and tourists exploring the Old Quarter. The atmosphere is lively, with families, couples, and friends gathering to savor their favorite flavors. 

🌱 Vegan & Dietary Considerations

While Kem Tràng Tiền’s ice creams are made from natural ingredients, including coconut milk, it’s advisable for vegans to inquire about specific flavors. Some patrons have noted that certain products may contain dairy, so verifying ingredients with staff is recommended . 

⭐ Overall Impression

Kem Tràng Tiền is more than just an ice cream shop; it’s a cultural landmark that offers a taste of Hanoi’s history and traditions. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its quality and the fond memories it evokes among its patrons. Whether you’re seeking a refreshing treat on a hot day or a nostalgic experience, Kem Tràng Tiền is a must-visit destination...

Popular ice cream place for what appears to be busy with Vietnamese locals and/or Vietnamese tourists. Be aware there is 4 lines to queue up for different type of ice-cream (soft serve, cone, stick and tub/mochi (I think). It appeared the cone and soft serve lines were popular given the length of the queue. I asked a group of excited children what they recommended and they said mochi ice-cream. However I ended up ordering a chocolate stick ice-cream and a vanilla cone. The stick ice-cream was like any other stick ice-cream you can buy at the supermarket. It taste like standard Bulla ice-cream (if you are from Australia you know what I mean). Was OK and enjoyable. The cone ice-cream was rather unique, but not in a good way to my taste. It is more icy-cream texture than cream texture. And very sweet. For comparison tastes 30% sweeter than a McDonald's soft serve. The cone is like basic supermarket cone. Overall the taste was not amazing and I prefer the traditional western ice-cream/Italian gelato ice-cream. Would give this place 4 stars for overall experience and atmosphere. 3 stars for taste. Perhaps next time I will try the mochi ice-cream that the children recommended to me in the...

Let me tell you about this hidden gem I stumbled upon in Hanoi - Kem Tràng Tiền! It's this little ice cream shop tucked away on a side street, but let me tell you, it's worth seeking out.

The first thing that struck me was the nostalgia factor. The place has this old-fashioned vibe, and you can tell it's been there for ages. There's no fancy seating or modern décor, but that's part of the charm. It feels like stepping back in time.

Now, onto the important part: the ice cream! It's not your typical gelato or artisanal scoop shop. This is classic Vietnamese ice cream, soft and creamy, with flavors that might surprise you. I went for the combo option and got scoops of both durian and green tea. Let me tell you, durian is an adventure! If you're feeling bold, give it a try, but the green tea was a safe bet - light, refreshing, and delicious.

Overall, Kem Tràng Tiền isn't going to win any awards for innovation, but for a taste of local tradition and a cool treat on a hot Hanoi day, it definitely hits the spot. Plus, it's easy on the wallet, which is always a bonus when you're traveling. If you find yourself wandering around Hoan Kiem Lake, swing by and...