Trang Tien Ice Cream: A Sweet Journey Through Hanoi's Culinary Icon

In the bustling heart of Vietnam's capital, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life, stands a beloved institution that has captured the hearts and palates of generations. Trang Tien Ice Cream, located at the iconic address of 35 Trang Tien Street, is far more than just a dessert stop—it's a cultural landmark, a repository of memories, and a testament to the enduring charm of Hanoi's culinary heritage.

A Sweet Legacy: The History of Trang Tien Ice Cream

Humble Beginnings in 1958

The story of Trang Tien Ice Cream begins in 1958, a pivotal moment in Hanoi's history. While ice cream had been introduced to Vietnam during the French colonial period, it remained a luxury primarily served in upscale establishments like the Grand Hotel on Hang Trong Street, accessible only to the elite. The birth of Trang Tien Ice Cream marked a significant turning point, bringing this delightful cold treat closer to everyday citizens.

Initially established as a state-owned food service under Vietnam's centrally planned economy, the ice cream shop derived its straightforward name from its location on Trang Tien Street. This prime spot, covering an impressive 1,500 square meters in one of Hanoi's "golden land" areas near the historic Hoan Kiem Lake, has contributed significantly to its popularity and accessibility for visitors.

Since 1958, Trang Tien Ice Cream has been a cooling treat for generations of Hanoians. - Facebook Bông Nhỏ

Evolving Through Time

During the difficult subsidy years, Trang Tien Ice Cream became a simple yet cherished pleasure for Hanoians. Long queues on the sidewalk were a familiar sight, turning the shop into a shared memory of comfort and joy.

In 2000, the brand marked a new chapter with privatization, valued at 3.2 billion VND. Renovations followed, expanding the space to offer indoor seating and improve the area’s visual appeal and traffic flow.

Over the next decade, the brand changed hands several times, reflecting its growing commercial value. By 2013, it became a subsidiary of OCH under Ocean Group, with the deal reportedly worth 500 billion VND. Leadership shifts continued, underscoring the brand’s rising stature.

A major revamp in 2020 brought a new look - elegant, neoclassical interiors with skylights, greenery, and curated décor, including nostalgic photos of old Hanoi. The refreshed blue sign and updated logo emphasized both tradition and a modern vibe, attracting a new generation of visitors.

Trang Tien Ice Cream’s journey mirrors Hanoi’s transformation—evolving through economic shifts while holding onto the charm and warmth that made it iconic.

A Symphony of Flavors: What Makes Trang Tien Ice Cream Special?

The Essence in Every Scoop

Trang Tien Ice Cream stands out for its natural ingredients and balanced sweetness, offering a refreshing taste free from artificial additives. Its texture—soft, chewy, fragrant, and quick to melt—delivers a smooth, cooling experience that’s enjoyable year-round.

Made without preservatives and crafted using traditional methods enhanced by modern techniques, the ice cream ensures both flavor and safety. What truly sets it apart is its unwavering consistency—despite the years, the core flavors remain unchanged, earning lasting trust and affection from generations of Hanoians.

Product Diversification: From Traditional Sticks to Modern Mochi

To meet the increasingly diverse market demands, Trang Tien Ice Cream has continuously expanded its product range beyond traditional ice cream sticks:

Ice Cream Cones (Kem Oc Que): This is one of the most popular choices, featuring a crispy waffle cone shell with a delightful cinnamon aroma combined with sweet, mild ice cream.

Ice Cream Sticks (Kem Que): The original format that built the brand's reputation, now supplemented with many new flavors alongside traditional ones.

Mochi Ice Cream: An interesting fusion between Japanese and Vietnamese food cultures, with a chewy glutinous rice cake shell enclosing cold ice cream filling inside.

Cup/Box Ice Cream (Kem Hop): Convenient for takeaway or enjoying with family and friends, available in two main sizes: 85g and 450g.

Fresh Ice Cream (Kem Tuoi): Offering a different textural experience—softer and smoother—with unique flavor combinations.

Trang Tien Che (Sweet Soup): Beyond ice cream, the brand has expanded into the che (sweet soup) product line with distinctive Vietnamese flavors.

From green bean to coconut, every bite of Trang Tien Ice Cream feels like summer in Hanoi. - Facebook Kem Tràng Tiền

A Palette of Flavors: Where Tradition Meets Creativity

In addition to diversifying product types, Trang Tien Ice Cream has continuously enriched its flavor palette. The classic flavors associated with many people's memories remain: delicate young rice (a very characteristic Hanoi flavor), nutty green bean, creamy coconut milk, and rich cocoa/chocolate.

Alongside these, numerous new flavors have been introduced to meet modern tastes and provide more varied choices for customers: deep purple taro, refreshing green tea (matcha), aromatic durian, sweet vanilla, tangy strawberry, distinctive apricot, blueberry, coffee, and more.

This development reveals a clear strategy: respecting and preserving the core values that built the reputation while constantly innovating to attract more customer segments, especially young people and international visitors who might seek trendy flavors like Matcha or Mochi, while still being able to experience the legendary traditional ice cream flavors.

Reasonable Value

A factor contributing to Trang Tien Ice Cream's popularity is its fairly reasonable pricing, making it accessible to a wide range of residents and tourists. The specific prices for each product are clearly published, helping customers make easy choices.

Here's a comprehensive overview of Trang Tien Ice Cream products, flavors, and reference prices:

Note: Flavors and prices may vary by time. This table compiles information from sources updated in late 2023 and early 2024.

This summary shows not only the diversity of choices that Trang Tien Ice Cream offers but also reflects the brand's efforts to provide clear and convenient information for customers, especially tourists consulting through travel information channels.

More Than Just Ice Cream: A Cultural Icon

The Flavor of Memories and Nostalgia

Trang Tien Ice Cream is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a slice of Hanoi’s soul, wrapped in memories and nostalgia. Nestled near the  36 Old street Hanoi, this iconic spot draws both locals and visitors who come to experience a taste of history. For many Hanoians, especially those who lived through the subsidy era, a simple cone of Trang Tien ice cream represents childhood joy and warmth amid hardship. It's often called the "flavor of childhood," a taste that instantly recalls simpler times, much like the serene River in Hanoi Vietnam that winds through the heart of the city, offering a calming juxtaposition to the bustling streets.

There's even a popular saying: “You can't call yourself a true Hanoian if you haven't tasted Trang Tien Ice Cream.” While playful, it captures the brand’s deep-rooted place in the city’s culinary culture. More than food, it’s a symbol—an icon of Hanoi itself.

Unique Enjoyment Ritual

Part of what makes Trang Tien Ice Cream so unique is how people enjoy it. The familiar image of customers lining up and eating their ice cream right on the sidewalk has become a cherished tradition. Even after renovations in 2000 added indoor seating to reduce street congestion, many still prefer standing outside with cone in hand, embracing the original experience.

This “standing ice cream” ritual—folksy, casual, and a bit chaotic—is a stark contrast to modern ice cream parlors with polished interiors and waiter service. But that’s exactly the charm. It’s not just about taste—it’s about atmosphere, habit, and shared memory. It’s an experience that has become part of the brand's identity.

Enduring Popularity

In today’s market filled with colorful, trendy ice cream brands from around the world, Trang Tien Ice Cream continues to thrive. The store at 35 Trang Tien remains a lively spot, whether it's summer or winter, weekday or weekend. It draws a mix of loyal older customers, curious young people, and excited children—each finding joy in its simple, nostalgic flavors.

But the love extends beyond locals. For visitors, Trang Tien Ice Cream is a must-try Hanoi specialty, a cultural touchstone in a city that’s always changing. Its enduring popularity is a powerful reminder that even in a fast-paced modern world, tradition and simplicity still have a special place.

How to Experience Trang Tien Ice Cream Like a Local

Finding Your Way There

The main store is located at 35 Trang Tien Street in Hoan Kiem District, just a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. Its central location makes it easily accessible from many popular attractions in Hanoi's Old Quarter. Look for the distinct blue signage with "Trang Tien Ice Cream since 1958" prominently displayed.

Choosing Your Flavor

For first-time visitors wanting the most authentic experience, try these signature flavors:

• Young Rice (Cốm): A uniquely Hanoi flavor with subtle fragrance from young green rice, offering a taste experience you can't find elsewhere.

• Green Bean (Đậu Xanh): Nutty and slightly sweet, this traditional flavor represents Vietnamese taste preferences.

• Coconut Milk (Sữa Dừa): Creamy and rich, yet not overwhelmingly sweet.

• Cocoa: Slightly bitter with a rich cocoa flavor that balances perfectly with the sweetness.

If you're feeling adventurous, the taro and durian flavors offer distinctive Asian taste experiences that might surprise your palate.

The Full Experience

To truly enjoy Trang Tien Ice Cream like a local:

1. Join the queue: Don't be intimidated by the line - it's part of the authentic experience and usually moves quite quickly.

2. Order at the counter: Be ready with your flavor choice when you reach the front.

3. Enjoy it immediately: The traditional way is to stand and eat your ice cream right away, rather than taking it to go.

4. Savor slowly: Notice the texture differences from typical Western ice cream - it's softer, less airy, and melts differently on the tongue.

5. People-watch: Part of the experience is observing the mix of locals and tourists all united in enjoying this simple pleasure.

Best Times to Visit

While Trang Tien Ice Cream is popular year-round, even in Hanoi's winter months, the most vibrant atmosphere can be found:

• During summer evenings (June-August) when locals seek relief from the heat

• Weekend afternoons when families often visit together

• Late afternoons when students finish school and create a lively, youthful environment

A stroll by Hoan Kiem Lake pairs perfectly with a Trang Tien ice cream cone. - Facebook Kem Tràng Tiền

The Modern Legacy: Trang Tien Ice Cream Today

Despite its storied history, Trang Tien Ice Cream isn't trapped in the past. The brand has evolved with the times while maintaining its core identity. The 2020 renovation transformed the space into a neo-classical design that honors heritage while providing Instagram-worthy backdrops for younger customers.

The walls adorned with historic Hanoi photographs create a beautiful bridge between past and present, allowing multiple generations to connect through shared enjoyment of these beloved flavors. This careful balance between tradition and innovation has allowed Trang Tien to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive market.

See more: Just a short walk away, you can visit the vibrant Book Street Hanoi, where booksellers display their treasures under the shade of trees, adding another layer to the city’s deep cultural fabric.

This iconic Hanoi treat brings smiles to faces of all ages. - Facebook Kem Tràng Tiền

The brand has also expanded distribution throughout Vietnam, though connoisseurs insist the experience at the original location remains unmatched. For many visitors to Hanoi, a stop at 35 Trang Tien has become as essential as visiting the Temple of Literature or the Old Quarter.

Conclusion: A Taste of Hanoi's Soul

Trang Tien Ice Cream isn’t just a treat—it’s a symbol of Hanoi’s soul. With its ability to bridge generations and blend tradition with modern charm, it has become a beloved cultural icon, recognized both locally and internationally.

Eating a cone at 35 Trang Tien Street is more than enjoying ice cream; it’s stepping into a shared memory. Whether you choose the nostalgic young rice or a new flavor, you’re tasting a legacy that has endured decades of change.

In a city rich with history and rapid development, sometimes the most meaningful experiences are the simplest. A single scoop from Trang Tien offers a sweet, lasting connection to the heart of Hanoi.

With a well-planned itinerary, budget-friendly options, and an open mind to meeting new people, your solo journey will be both fulfilling and exciting. Let Joytime be your trusted companion, providing essential travel gear to ensure comfort, safety, and convenience throughout your trip. An incredible solo adventure awaits—pack your bags and explore Hanoi with confidence!