Savor Hanoi’s iconic Vietnamese caramel pudding (kem caramen) in Hoan Kiem Ward! Discover top dessert spots, costs, transport, and Legend Travel Group’s sustainable food tours. Book now!
Capture the silky essence of Hanoi’s dessert gemHanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, the gastronomic heart of Vietnam’s capital, welcomes over 18 million visitors annually to its vibrant Old Quarter, where Vietnamese caramel pudding, known as kem caramen or bánh flan, shines as a beloved dessert. This silky, sun-hued custard, topped with a coffee-colored caramel layer, costs just $0.80–$2 (20,000–50,000 VND) at street stalls and cafes, offering a creamy, slightly bitter-sweet delight that captures Hanoi’s 1,000-year-old Thang Long culinary legacy. Centered around Hoan Kiem Lake, the ward’s narrow streets buzz with dessert vendors, making it the perfect base to indulge in this French-Vietnamese fusion treat.
Kem caramen, adapted from French crème caramel during colonial times, reflects Hanoi’s knack for blending global influences with local flavors, using fresh eggs, condensed milk, and caramelized sugar. Eco-friendly vendors use biodegradable cups and local ingredients, aligning with Hanoi’s “Green Capital” initiative in a tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 15–28°C or 59–82.4°F; rainy season: May–October, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F). Legend Travel Group’s sustainable food tours guide you to the best kem caramen spots, ensuring a green, unforgettable experience. Book via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has reclassified Hanoi’s districts as wards, with former Hoan Kiem District now Hoan Kiem Ward and Ba Đình District as Ba Đình Ward under Hanoi City’s administration, simplifying navigation to dessert spots using ward-based maps.
Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering guided eco-friendly food tours in Hanoi, tailored for dessert enthusiasts seeking authentic flavors. Our tours use low-impact transport like electric cyclos or VinBus, led by English-speaking guides who share culinary histories, cultural insights, and green practices, ensuring a safe, enriching journey. Supporting local vendors, we align with Hanoi’s green initiatives. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we make planning effortless. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and savor Hanoi’s kem caramen responsibly!
Photograph the sustainable allure of Hanoi’s cuisine (Source: Internet)Kem caramen, a Vietnamese take on French crème caramel, emerged during colonial times when local chefs adapted the recipe using condensed milk and coffee notes, creating a creamy custard with a glossy caramel topping. Priced at $0.80–$2 (20,000–50,000 VND), it’s a street food staple in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, served in biodegradable cups at stalls or cozy cafes. Its slightly burnt caramel aroma and velvety texture make it a favorite among locals and tourists, often paired with iced coffee ($1 or 25,000 VND). Sustainable practices, like local egg sourcing and minimal packaging, preserve Hanoi’s culinary heritage, drawing food lovers to Hoan Kiem Ward’s vibrant dessert scene, steps from Hoan Kiem Lake.
These eco-friendly dessert spots in Hoan Kiem and Ba Đình Wards offer kem caramen for $0.80–$2 (20,000–50,000 VND):
A legendary stall at 29 Hàng Than Street, best at 7:00 PM, serving classic kem caramen with a rich caramel sauce for $0.80 (20,000 VND).
Cost: $0.80; drinks $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable cups; local eggs.
Tip: Pair with bia hơi ($0.30 or 7,000 VND); included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Dessert Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
A cozy eatery at 18 Phan Bội Châu, best at 6:00 PM, offering kem caramen with a coffee-infused twist for $1.50 (37,500 VND).
Cost: $1.50; drinks $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Compostable packaging; local sourcing.
Tip: Try with mango topping; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
A hidden gem at 33 Nguyễn Khắc Nhu Street, best at 8:00 PM, serving smooth kem caramen for $1 (25,000 VND).
Cost: $1; drinks $0.30–$1.
Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Minimal packaging; supports small vendors.
Tip: Order with crushed ice for a refreshing twist; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Night Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Famous for egg coffee at 39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, best at 7:00 PM, this café serves kem caramen for $1.50 (37,500 VND), paired with drinks.
Cost: $1.50; drinks $1–$2.
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local ingredients; reusable straws.
Tip: Combine with egg coffee ($1.50); included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Dessert Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Vibrant street vendors on Hàng Bông, best at 8:00 PM, offer kem caramen in biodegradable cups for $0.80 (20,000 VND).
Cost: $0.80; drinks $0.30–$1.
Hours: Friday–Sunday, 7:00 PM–midnight.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable packaging; high turnover ensures freshness.
Tip: Visit during the pedestrian zone; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Nightlife Eco-Tour ($100–$150).
Learn Hanoi’s culinary heritage with expert insights (Source: Internet)Visit Hoan Kiem Ward from November to April for cool, dry weather (15–28°C or 59–82.4°F), perfect for savoring kem caramen outdoors. The rainy season (May–October) adds cozy vibes but requires umbrellas. Evenings (7:00–9:00 PM) are ideal for dessert stalls, with vibrant crowds (500–1,000 daily) during the weekend pedestrian zone (Friday–Sunday, 7:00 PM–midnight), compared to quieter weekdays (100–200). Tet (January/February) or Mid-Autumn Festival (September/October) bring festive dessert specials but larger crowds (5,000–10,000). Avoid rush hours (7:30–9:00 AM, 5:00–7:00 PM) for easier navigation to dessert spots.
Hoan Kiem Ward’s dessert hubs, centered around Hoan Kiem Lake, and Ba Đình Ward’s Hàng Than Street are 2–3 km apart, reachable in 5–60 minutes from Hoan Kiem Ward:
By Walking: 5–15 minutes within Hoan Kiem Ward (e.g., Hoan Kiem Lake to 18 Phan Bội Châu, 500m) or 25–30 minutes to Ba Đình (Hàng Than, 2 km). Free, eco-friendly.
By Cyclo: From Old Quarter, 5–15 minutes, $2–$4/hour (50,000–100,000 VND) for 1–2 people, scenic for Hoan Kiem or Ba Đình.
By Motorbike Taxi (Xe Ôm): 2–5 km rides (e.g., Hoan Kiem to Ba Đình), 5–10 minutes, $0.80–$2 (20,000–50,000 VND). Book via Grab/Xanh SM apps; helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).
By Electric Bus (VinBus): Routes 08, 09, 14, 36 to Lý Thái Tổ (Hoan Kiem, 500m walk) or Quán Thánh (Ba Đình, 500m walk), 10–15 minutes, $0.30–$0.40 (7,000–10,000 VND). Departs every 10–20 minutes, 5:00 AM–10:30 PM. Use Tìm Buýt app.
By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): To Hàng Than or Phan Bội Châu, 5–10 minutes, $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) one-way; round-trip $4–$8. Use Xanh SM app.
By Bicycle: Rent from Old Quarter shops ($2–$5/day or 50,000–125,000 VND), 10–15 minutes. Eco-friendly; park at Hàng Bông ($0.20–$1.20 or 5,000–30,000 VND).
By Private Car (Legend Travel Group): $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND) round-trip for up to 4 people, ideal for groups visiting multiple dessert spots.
By Air (to Hanoi): Noi Bai Airport (HAN), 28 km. Airport Bus No. 86 to Hoan Kiem Ward ($1.40 or 35,000 VND, 50–60 min), then walk or xe ôm; direct taxi/Grab ($12–$15 or 300,000–375,000 VND). Flights: Ho Chi Minh City ($80–$150 or 2,000,000–3,750,000 VND), Da Nang ($60–$120 or 1,500,000–3,000,000 VND), Bangkok ($200–$600).Navigation Tip: Save “29 Hàng Than, Ba Đình Ward” or “18 Phan Bội Châu, Hoan Kiem Ward” in offline maps (Maps.me); use St. Joseph’s Cathedral as a landmark. Pedestrian zone (Friday–Sunday, 7:00 PM–midnight) restricts vehicles in Hoan Kiem Ward.
Eco-Friendly Note: Walking, VinBus, or cyclos reduce emissions; carpool for private cars.
Safety: Watch for pickpockets on Hàng Bông; secure valuables. Confirm fares via apps to avoid scams.
Experience Hanoi Tours with sustainable adventures (Source: Internet)Pack these essentials for a sustainable dessert experience:
Clothing: Light layers, comfortable shoes for walking; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season.
Sun Protection: Sunglasses, hat for evening strolls.
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), hand sanitizer ($0.50 or 12,500 VND).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/Xanh SM/Tìm Buýt apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).
Dining Gear: Reusable straw ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); small napkin for spills.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for snacks ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Notebook for dessert notes; cash for vendors.
Tip: Carry small VND notes for kem caramen ($0.80–$2), drinks ($0.30–$1.50), or tips ($0.20–$0.50 or 5,000–12,500 VND); secure valuables in crowded alleys.
Dessert and Drink Prices
Kem Caramen: $0.80–$2 (20,000–50,000 VND).
Bia Hơi: $0.30 (7,000 VND)/glass.
Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Iced Milk Coffee): $1–$1.50 (25,000–37,500 VND).
Bottled Water: $0.30–$0.50 (7,000–12,500 VND).
Street Food (e.g., Bánh Mì): $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Tips (optional): $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND).
Transportation (Round-Trip, from Hoan Kiem Ward)
Walking: Free.
Cyclo: $2–$4/hour (50,000–100,000 VND).
Xe Ôm: $1.60–$4 (40,000–100,000 VND) for 2–5 km.
VinBus: $0.60–$1 (14,000–24,000 VND).
Xanh SM Taxi: $4–$8 (100,000–200,000 VND).
Bicycle Rental: $2–$5/day (50,000–125,000 VND).
Private Car: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Airport Bus No. 86 + Walk/Xe Ôm: $3.70–$6.40 (92,500–160,000 VND).
Parking: $0.20–$1.20 (5,000–30,000 VND).
SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Guided Food Tours
Dessert Tasting Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Food Workshop: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $5–$15 (walking, kem caramen, bia hơi).
Mid-range: $20–$35 (cyclo, multiple desserts, guided tour).
Luxury: $50–$80 (taxi, guided tour, premium cafes).
Tip: Budget for desserts ($0.80–$2), transport ($0.60–$8), and drinks ($0.30–$1.50); carry cash for stalls (some accept mobile payments).
Start your Hanoi Travel with serene vistas (Source: Internet)Timing: Visit 7:00–9:00 PM for vibrant stalls; November–April for dry weather. Weekdays for fewer crowds (100–200 vs. 500–1,000 on weekends). Pedestrian zone (Friday–Sunday, 7:00 PM–midnight) enhances Hoan Kiem Ward’s dessert scene.
Booking: No reservations needed for stalls; reserve Legend Travel Group’s food tours 24–48 hours ahead. Confirm tour inclusions (e.g., 3–5 tastings).
Sustainability: Choose stalls with biodegradable cups; bring reusable straws. Support vendors on Hàng Than for local desserts ($0.80–$2).
Navigation: Save “29 Hàng Than, Ba Đình Ward” or “18 Phan Bội Châu, Hoan Kiem Ward” in offline maps; use Hoan Kiem Lake as a landmark. Avoid vehicles during pedestrian zone hours.
Safety: Watch for pickpockets on Tạ Hiện; secure valuables. Check dessert freshness at busy stalls; confirm prices upfront.
Weather: Dry season for comfort; rainy season needs rain gear ($2–$5). Check AccuWeather for evening conditions.
Cultural Respect: Greet vendors with “xin chào”; tip $0.20–$0.50 for great service (not mandatory). Share tables during peak hours; respect local dining customs.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); carry hand sanitizer. Choose high-turnover stalls for hygiene.
Our eco-friendly tours showcase Hanoi’s best kem caramen:
Hanoi Dessert Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Electric cyclo to Hàng Than, Phan Bội Châu, and Hàng Bông at 7:00 PM, with 3–5 dessert tastings, including kem caramen. Includes guide, transport.
Hanoi Food & Nightlife Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Kem caramen spots, Tạ Hiện’s bia hơi, homestay ($20–$50/night). Includes meals, guide.
Hanoi & Ninh Bình Immersion ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Hanoi dessert crawl, Ninh Bình’s culinary scene, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Kem Caramen, Hanoi’s creamy Vietnamese caramel pudding, priced at $0.80–$2 (20,000–50,000 VND), captivates dessert lovers in the bustling Old Quarter of Hoan Kiem Ward and the quaint streets of Ba Đình Ward, contributing to Hanoi’s 18 million annual visitors. Savor its silky texture at classic stalls on Hàng Than or modern cafes on Phan Bội Châu, both centered around Hoan Kiem Lake, with eco-friendly practices like biodegradable cups preserving Hanoi’s culinary charm. Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Tours ensure a sustainable, immersive Hanoi Travel experience, guiding you to top kem caramen spots, nearby attractions like Ngoc Son Temple and Đồng Xuân Market, and culinary delights such as phở ($1–$3, 25,000–75,000 VND). Contact Legend Travel Group at www.legendtravelgroup.com, info@legendtravelgroup.com, or (+84) 825862222 to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly dessert adventure today!
Ready to taste Hanoi’s best kem caramen in Hoan Kiem District? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable culinary journey!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources:
Kem Caramen Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, vinpearl.com, localvietnam.com, hanoilocaltour.com, tripadvisor.com
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