Kem Xôi: Savor Nam Dinh’s Unique Ice Cream and Sticky Rice Dessert in Ninh Binh Province

Nestled in the vibrant Nam Dinh region, now a ward of Ninh Binh Province following Vietnam’s administrative restructuring, Kem Xôi is a distinctive dessert that blends the creamy chill of ice cream with the chewy warmth of sticky rice, creating a culinary sensation unique to this Red River Delta gem. This delightful treat, topped with coconut cream and roasted peanuts, offers a harmonious balance of textures and flavors, making it a favorite among locals, especially students, and a must-try for visitors. Affordable and widely available at bustling street stalls, Kem Xôi embodies Nam Dinh’s innovative food culture. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, invites you to indulge in this quirky delicacy through our eco-friendly food tours—book via links throughout this guide. Dive into our comprehensive guide to Kem Xôi, including its cultural significance, where to find it, updated costs, and sustainable travel tips for an unforgettable culinary experience in Ninh Binh Province.

Kem Xôi is a standout dessert for its unique appeal:

• Unusual Combination: The fusion of cold ice cream and warm sticky rice creates a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures.

• Rich Flavors: Creamy ice cream, chewy glutinous rice, sweet coconut cream, and crunchy peanuts offer a multi-layered taste experience.

• Cultural Charm: A beloved local treat, especially among students, reflecting Nam Dinh’s vibrant street food scene.

• Affordability: Priced at ~15,000–25,000 VND (~$0.60–$1 USD/bowl), it’s a budget-friendly indulgence.

• Sustainable Tourism: Legend Travel Group’s tours partner with local vendors to support communities and promote eco-conscious practices, aligning with Ninh Binh’s culinary tourism goals.

Our sustainable tours, displayed around this article, ensure an authentic and responsible tasting experience. Book now to savor Kem Xôi with Legend Travel Group!

Following Vietnam’s administrative restructuring, the former Nam Dinh Province is now a ward within Ninh Binh Province, with Ninh Binh City as the provincial hub. The district level has been abolished, enhancing infrastructure and access to Nam Dinh’s culinary hotspots. This guide refers to the Nam Dinh region, ensuring seamless planning within Ninh Binh’s tourism framework.

Kem Xôi, literally “ice cream with sticky rice,” is a Nam Dinh specialty that combines seemingly disparate ingredients into a harmonious dessert. The dish typically features a base of warm, glutinous sticky rice, topped with a scoop of creamy ice cream (often vanilla or coconut), drizzled with rich coconut cream, and sprinkled with roasted peanuts or sesame seeds. The contrast between the warm, chewy rice and cold, smooth ice cream creates a surprising yet delightful texture, while the coconut cream adds sweetness and the peanuts provide crunch. Unlike other Vietnamese desserts like chè (sweet soup) or bánh mì with sweet fillings, Kem Xôi’s bold pairing is a local innovation, often enjoyed as an after-school treat or evening snack. Its affordability and accessibility at street stalls make it a cultural staple, perfect for travelers seeking authentic Nam Dinh flavors.

Kem Xôi is widely available at street stalls and small eateries across Nam Dinh City, particularly in bustling areas frequented by students. Below are the best spots to savor this dessert, with updated costs and tips.

1. Kem Xôi Nguyễn Du

A beloved stall known for its perfectly balanced Kem Xôi, served in a cozy, student-friendly setting.

• Cost: ~15,000–20,000 VND (~$0.60–$0.80 USD/bowl); toppings (extra peanuts, sesame) ~5,000 VND (~$0.20 USD).

• Location: 132 Nguyen Du Street, Nam Dinh City.

• Highlights: “A local favorite with creamy perfection” (Foody.vn, 4.5/5 stars).

• Tips:

  • Visit in the afternoon (3:00–6:00 PM) when students flock here post-school; expect a lively vibe.

  • Try with coconut ice cream for a tropical twist; limited seating, so takeaway is common.

  • Pair with a visit to nearby Vi Xuyen Park (~2 km) for a relaxing evening.

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Street Food Adventure Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD) includes a stop at Nguyen Du for Kem Xôi.

2. Chợ Rồng (Rong Market) Stalls

Nam Dinh’s central market offers Kem Xôi alongside other local treats like bánh xíu páo, perfect for a foodie exploration.

• Cost: ~15,000–25,000 VND (~$0.60–$1 USD/bowl); gift packs with sticky rice ~50,000 VND (~$2 USD).

• Location: Tran Hung Dao Street, Nam Dinh City.

• Highlights: “A vibrant dessert hub” (Vietnam Tourism, 4.4/5 stars).

• Tips:

  • Shop in the morning (7:00–10:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00–6:00 PM) for fresh servings; haggle politely for extras.

  • Try with vanilla ice cream and extra coconut cream for richness.

  • Secure valuables in crowded market areas.

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Market Foodie Tour (~1,000,000 VND, ~$40 USD) includes Chợ Rồng dessert stops.

3. Kem Xôi Hàng Sắt

A small, family-run stall near the historic Hang Sat area, known for its generous portions and traditional preparation.

• Cost: ~15,000–20,000 VND (~$0.60–$0.80 USD/bowl); additional toppings ~5,000 VND (~$0.20 USD).

• Location: Hang Sat Street, Nam Dinh City (near Bac Ninh Street).

• Highlights: “Authentic and hearty” (Tripadvisor, 4.3/5 stars).

• Tips:

  • Visit in the evening (6:00–9:00 PM) for a cozy street food experience; stalls open until ~10:00 PM.

  • Request extra peanuts for crunch; ideal for pairing with local tea (~10,000 VND, ~$0.40 USD).

  • Combine with a visit to Tran Temple (~10 km) for a cultural day trip.

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Evening Snack Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD) includes Hang Sat Kem Xôi tastings.

4. Local Street Vendors on Minh Khai Street

Scattered stalls along Minh Khai Street offer quick, affordable Kem Xôi, perfect for on-the-go travelers.

• Cost: ~15,000–18,000 VND (~$0.60–$0.72 USD/bowl).

• Location: Minh Khai Street, Nam Dinh City.

• Highlights: “Convenient and delicious” (Nhan Dân Online, 4.2/5 stars).

• Tips:

  • Look for vendors with high turnover for freshness; morning (6:00–9:00 AM) or afternoon (3:00–6:00 PM) visits recommended.

  • Try with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor; cash only (VND).

  • Pair with a stroll to nearby Chợ Viềng (~15 km) during festival season (lunar January).

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Culinary Explorer Tour (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD) includes Minh Khai Street food stops.

• Year-Round: Available daily at stalls, with peak freshness in the morning (6:00–9:00 AM) or afternoon (3:00–6:00 PM).

• Spring (February–April): Mild weather (15–25°C) makes outdoor street food outings enjoyable; festivals like Vieng Market enhance the experience.

• Autumn (September–November): Cool (18–28°C), ideal for market visits and savoring Kem Xôi’s warmth against crisp air.

• Summer (May–August): Hot, humid (25–35°C); the cold ice cream is refreshing, but morning visits avoid midday heat.

• Winter (December–January): Cool (10–20°C); the warm sticky rice component is comforting, especially in the evening.

• Tip: Afternoon visits align with student crowds, offering a lively atmosphere; morning purchases ensure the freshest sticky rice.

From Hanoi (90–100 km, ~1.5–2 hours)

• Bus: From Giap Bat Station to Nam Dinh City (~100,000 VND, ~$4 USD), then taxi to Nguyen Du Street (~50,000 VND, ~$2 USD, 5–10 minutes).

• Train: Reunification Express to Nam Dinh Station (~75,000–150,000 VND, ~$3–$6 USD), then taxi (~50,000 VND, ~$2 USD).

• Motorbike: Rental ~100,000–250,000 VND (~$4–$10 USD/day), fuel ~50,000 VND (~$2 USD).

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Transport Tour (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD) includes eco-transfers.

From Ho Chi Minh City (1,300 km, ~4–5 hours by flight + road)

• Flight + Road: Fly to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport (~750,000–1,750,000 VND, ~$30–$70 USD), then bus/taxi (~200,000–1,200,000 VND, ~$8–$48 USD).

• Train + Road: Reunification Express to Nam Dinh (~750,000–2,000,000 VND, ~$30–$80 USD, 32–35 hours), then taxi (~50,000 VND, ~$2 USD).

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Flight & Food Tour (~3,500,000 VND, ~$140 USD) includes flights and transfers.

From Ninh Binh City Center (15–20 km, ~20–30 minutes)

• Motorbike: ~120,000–200,000 VND (~$5–$8 USD/day), fuel ~20,000 VND (~$0.80 USD).

• Taxi/Grab: ~100,000–150,000 VND (~$4–$6 USD/trip).

• Bicycle: ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD/day), ~45–60 minutes.

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Local Food Tour (~1,000,000 VND, ~$40 USD) includes transfers.

Within the Nam Dinh Region (1–5 km, ~5–15 minutes)

• Bicycle: ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD/day).

• Motorbike: ~120,000–200,000 VND (~$5–$8 USD/day), fuel ~10,000 VND (~$0.40 USD).

• Walking: Free to Nguyen Du or Hang Sat from central Nam Dinh.

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Street Food Shuttle (~750,000 VND, ~$30 USD) includes eco-transfers.

Route Tip: Take Highway 38B from Ninh Binh City to Nguyen Du or Hang Sat Streets; use offline maps (e.g., Maps.me). Parking: ~5,000–15,000 VND (~$0.20–$0.60 USD/motorbike).

• Kem Xôi: ~15,000–25,000 VND (~$0.60–$1 USD/bowl); extra toppings ~5,000 VND (~$0.20 USD).

• Drinks (Tea/Soft Drinks): ~10,000–30,000 VND (~$0.40–$1.20 USD).

• Transport:

  • From Hanoi: Bus + taxi: ~150,000–200,000 VND (~$6–$8 USD); train + taxi: ~125,000–250,000 VND (~$5–$10 USD); motorbike: ~150,000–300,000 VND (~$6–$12 USD).

  • From Ho Chi Minh City: Flight + road: ~950,000–4,700,000 VND (~$38–$188 USD); train + road: ~850,000–2,150,000 VND (~$34–$86 USD).

  • From Ninh Binh City: Motorbike: ~140,000–220,000 VND (~$5–$9 USD); taxi: ~100,000–150,000 VND (~$4–$6 USD); bicycle: ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD).

  • Within Nam Dinh: Bicycle: ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD); motorbike: ~130,000–210,000 VND (~$5–$8 USD); walking: free.

• Dining (Other Dishes): Street food (phở, bánh xíu páo): ~15,000–80,000 VND (~$0.60–$3.20 USD); restaurants: ~100,000–300,000 VND (~$4–$12 USD).

• Accommodation: Budget guesthouses: ~300,000–600,000 VND (~$12–$24 USD/night); mid-range hotels: ~800,000–1,500,000 VND (~$32–$60 USD); luxury resorts: ~3,000,000 VND (~$120 USD) and up.

• Total Daily Cost: ~500,000–1,750,000 VND (~$20–$70 USD) (budget: ~$20–$35 USD; mid-range: ~$35–$50 USD; luxury: ~$50–$70 USD).

• Tip: Use VND; ATMs in Nam Dinh City (Vietcombank, Agribank); book tours for cost-effective planning.

• Plan Ahead: Book tours 1–2 weeks in advance via Legend Travel Group or Baolau.com (+84 938 123 456), especially during Tet (lunar January). Stalls open 5:00 AM–10:00 PM.

• Pack Smart: Bring small cash (VND) for vendors, a reusable water bottle, and a small container for takeaway Kem Xôi.

• Budget Wisely: Expect ~500,000–1,750,000 VND (~$20–$70 USD/day); confirm prices to avoid overcharging at busy stalls.

• Stay Safe: Secure valuables in crowded areas like Chợ Rồng; inform vendors of dairy or nut allergies (English may be limited).

• Sustainability: Support family-run stalls; use reusable items; choose eco-tours to preserve Nam Dinh’s culinary heritage.

• Cultural Respect: Greet vendors with “xin chào” (hello); thank them with “cảm ơn”; tip ~5,000–10,000 VND (~$0.20–$0.40 USD) for great service.

• Navigation: Allow 1–2 hours for dessert tasting; combine with Phu Day Relic Complex (~15 km) or Vi Xuyen Park (~2 km) for a half-day itinerary.

Our sustainable food tours immerse you in Nam Dinh’s dessert culture:

• Street Food Adventure Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD/person): Kem Xôi at Nguyen Du, bánh mì chân cầu, Chợ Rồng. Includes eco-transfers and lunch.

• Evening Snack Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD/person): Kem Xôi at Hang Sat, Siu Chau candy, local tea tasting. Includes bike rentals and snacks.

• Breakfast Food Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD/person): Kem Xôi on Minh Khai, xôi xíu stalls, Vi Khe Bonsai Village. Includes transfers and breakfast.

• Ninh Binh Culinary Odyssey (~8,500,000–13,500,000 VND, ~$340–$540 USD/person, 3–4 days): Kem Xôi, Thinh Long Beach, homestays (~300,000–600,000 VND, ~$12–$24 USD/night). Includes all activities, meals, eco-transfers.

Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, activities, and meals/snacks. Group discounts (10% off for 10+ travelers) available. Book now via links around this page!

Kem Xôi, Nam Dinh's quirky ice cream and sticky rice dessert, is a culinary delight that captures the region's innovative spirit in Ninh Binh Province. Its unique blend of textures and flavors, served at vibrant street stalls from Nguyen Du to Chợ Rồng, makes it a must-try for visitors. Legend Travel Group's Ninh Binh Tours guide you through this affordable treat's cultural heart, ensuring a sustainable Ninh Binh Travel experience that supports local vendors and preserves the culinary heritage. Start your foodie adventure today—browse our featured tours and book your Kem Xôi experience now!
Ready to taste Nam Dinh's iconic Kem Xôi? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable culinary journey!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights and guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.