Discover the best Tào Phớ (tofu pudding) in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward! Explore authentic dessert shops, eco-friendly tours, and updated costs with Legend Travel Group. Book your culinary adventure now!
Capture the silky essence of Hanoi’s dessert gemTào phớ, Hanoi’s beloved dessert (tào phớ in Vietnamese), is a must-try for international travelers, offering a refreshing, silky-smooth tofu pudding that captures the city’s culinary charm. This delicate dish, made from fresh soy milk curdled into a soft, creamy texture, is served chilled with sweet sugar syrup, often infused with jasmine or pandan, and sometimes topped with ice or tapioca pearls. A favorite among Hanoians, especially in the sweltering summer, tào phớ is found at quaint stalls and dessert shops across Hoan Kiem, Ba Đình, and Hai Bà Trưng Wards, reflecting Hanoi’s vibrant street food culture. Its light, floral sweetness and affordability make it a cultural staple, evoking nostalgic street cries of “Tào phớ đây!” (Here’s tofu pudding!). Aligned with Hanoi’s “Green Capital” initiative, many vendors use biodegradable bowls and local ingredients, ensuring sustainable dining. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly dessert tours guide travelers to Hanoi’s top tào phớ spots, providing a responsible, immersive 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 or communes, with Hoan Kiem District now Hoan Kiem Ward, Ba Đình District now Ba Đình Ward, and Hai Bà Trưng District now Hai Bà Trưng District under Hanoi City’s administration. This streamlines access to tào phớ hotspots via sustainable infrastructure.
Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering guided eco-friendly dessert tours in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem, Ba Đình, and Hai Bà Trưng Wards, tailored for travelers seeking authentic culinary adventures. Our tours use low-impact transport like cyclos and electric carts, led by English-speaking guides who share insights into tào phớ’s cultural significance, ensuring a safe, enriching experience. 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 tào phớ responsibly! TripAdvisor Reviews
Photograph the sweet allure of Hanoi’s street food (Source: Internet)Tào phớ, meaning “tofu pudding” in Vietnamese, is Hanoi’s iconic dessert, known for its silky, melt-in-the-mouth texture and refreshing sweetness. Crafted from fresh soy milk curdled with gypsum or nigari, the pudding is scooped into bowls, chilled with ice, and drizzled with jasmine- or pandan-infused sugar syrup, sometimes garnished with tapioca pearls or coconut milk. Priced at $0.50–$1.50 (12,500–37,500 VND), tào phớ is an affordable treat available from morning to evening at street stalls and dessert shops across Hoan Kiem Ward, 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). Sustainable vendors use biodegradable bowls and locally sourced soy, enhancing eco-conscious dining. Tào phớ’s light, floral flavor and nostalgic charm make it a cultural highlight for travelers exploring Hanoi’s dessert scene.
Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, with extensions into Ba Đình and Hai Bà Trưng, hosts some of Vietnam’s most celebrated tào phớ stalls, each offering delicate flavors and sustainable practices. Below are the top five, based on recent reviews and eco-friendly credentials:
Tào Phớ Hàng Bông, a Hoan Kiem Ward staple, is renowned for its creamy tào phớ, earning praise for its jasmine-infused syrup and silky texture. Served in biodegradable bowls with optional ice and tapioca pearls, this stall’s local soy sourcing and eco-friendly practices make it a favorite among travelers and locals. Its bustling street-side vibe adds to the authentic Hanoi experience.
Signature Dish: Tào phớ with jasmine syrup and ice (20,000 VND or ~$0.80).
Cost: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND); drinks $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND).
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable bowls; local soy.
Tip: Visit in the afternoon for a refreshing break; included in our Hanoi Dessert Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Tào Phớ Quang Trung, known as Jelly Bean, is a cozy Hoan Kiem Ward dessert shop offering velvety tào phớ with pandan syrup and coconut milk toppings. Its modern setup and use of biodegradable packaging align with sustainable dining, attracting travelers seeking a cooling treat near Hoan Kiem Lake.
Signature Dish: Tào phớ with pandan syrup and coconut milk (25,000 VND or ~$1).
Cost: $0.50–$1.50 (12,500–37,500 VND); drinks $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND).
Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable packaging; local ingredients.
Tip: Try with tapioca pearls for texture; included in our Hanoi Dessert Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Tào Phớ Bà Mai, a Hai Bà Trưng District gem near Hoan Kiem Ward, is celebrated for its traditional tào phớ, served with jasmine syrup and a hint of ginger for warmth. Its street-side stall and local soy sourcing ensure sustainability, making it a top pick for travelers seeking authentic Hanoi desserts.
Signature Dish: Tào phớ with jasmine-ginger syrup (20,000 VND or ~$0.80).
Cost: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND); drinks $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND).
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–7:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local soy; minimal packaging.
Tip: Visit in the morning for fresh batches; included in our Hanoi Cultural Dessert Tour ($100–$150).
Tào Phớ Tự Nhiên, located on Hanoi’s lively Tạ Hiện street in Hoan Kiem Ward, is a vibrant stall known for its smooth tào phớ, served with jasmine syrup and optional ice. Its eco-friendly practices, including biodegradable bowls and local ingredients, make it a sustainable choice for travelers exploring the Old Quarter’s nightlife.
Signature Dish: Tào phớ with jasmine syrup and ice (22,000 VND or ~$0.90).
Cost: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND); drinks $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND).
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable bowls; local sourcing.
Tip: Enjoy as a night market treat; included in our Hanoi Dessert Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Tào Phớ Trúc Bạch, near Trúc Bạch Lake in Ba Đình Ward, is a charming stall offering tào phớ with pandan syrup and tapioca pearls, praised for its creamy texture and scenic setting. Its use of local soy and biodegradable packaging aligns with sustainable tourism, attracting travelers seeking a serene dessert stop.
Signature Dish: Tào phớ with pandan syrup and tapioca pearls (25,000 VND or ~$1).
Cost: $0.50–$1.50 (12,500–37,500 VND); drinks $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND).
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local ingredients; biodegradable packaging.
Tip: Pair with a lakeside stroll; included in our Hanoi Cultural Dessert Tour ($100–$150).
Experience Hanoi Tours with sustainable adventures (Source: Internet)Visit top dessert shops like Tào Phớ Hàng Bông or Quang Trung, a 15–30-minute culinary experience showcasing sustainable sourcing.
Cost: $0.50–$1.50 (12,500–37,500 VND); drinks $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND).
Hours: Typically 7:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable bowls; local soy.
Tip: Try with jasmine syrup for floral sweetness; included in our Hanoi Dessert Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Embark on a guided tour to tào phớ stalls, a 2–3-hour eco-friendly activity using cyclos or walking, immersing travelers in Hanoi’s dessert culture.
Cost: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND) per person.
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Low-impact transport; supports vendors.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Cultural Dessert Tour ($100–$150).
Join a cooking class to master tào phớ preparation, a 2–3-hour sustainable activity using local soy, perfect for hands-on cultural immersion.
Cost: $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND) per person.
Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Organic soy; minimal waste.
Top Spots: Apron Up Cooking Class (8 Gia Ngư, Hoan Kiem Ward); Hanoi Cooking Centre (44 Châu Long, Ba Đình Ward).
Tip: Included in our Hanoi & Son Tay Immersion ($250–$400).
Explore Đồng Xuân Market (Ba Đình Ward, 0.5 km from Hoan Kiem) to source fresh soy milk and herbs, a 1–2-hour low-impact activity supporting local suppliers.
Cost: Free entry; purchases $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local sourcing; reusable bags.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Dessert Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Sample dishes like bánh mì or phở at nearby stalls, a 30–60-minute sustainable experience, enhancing tào phớ’s flavors.
Cost: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND) per dish.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Supports vendors; biodegradable packaging.
Top Spots: Bánh Mì 25 (25 Hàng Cá, Hoan Kiem Ward); Phở Thìn (13 Lò Sũ, Hoan Kiem Ward).
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Cultural Dessert Tour ($100–$150).
Tào phớ spots in Hoan Kiem Ward are accessible in 10–15 minutes from central Hanoi, while those in Ba Đình or Hai Bà Trưng Wards take 20–25 minutes, using sustainable options:
By Bus: Routes 01, 09, or 14 to Hoan Kiem spots (10–15 min, $0.30–$0.50 or 7,000–12,000 VND); Routes 03, 08, or 23 to Ba Đình/Hai Bà Trưng (20–25 min, $0.30–$0.50 or 7,000–12,000 VND). Walk 5–10 minutes. Buses run every 10–20 minutes from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
By Cyclo or Electric Cart: From Hoan Kiem Lake, hire a cyclo to Hoan Kiem spots (5–10 min, $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) or Ba Đình/Hai Bà Trưng (20 min, $4–$7 or 100,000–175,000 VND).
By Bicycle or Walking: Rent a bicycle in Hoan Kiem Ward ($1–$3/day or 25,000–75,000 VND) or walk 10 minutes to Hoan Kiem spots. Cycling to Ba Đình/Hai Bà Trưng takes 20–25 minutes.
By Taxi or Grab: To Hoan Kiem spots, $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) one-way; to Ba Đình/Hai Bà Trưng, $4–$6 (100,000–150,000 VND) one-way. Round-trip: $4–$8 (100,000–200,000 VND) for Hoan Kiem, $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND) for others.
By Private Car (Legend Travel Group): Book a private car ($30–$50 or 750,000–1,250,000 VND round-trip for up to 4 people) for eco-friendly travel with stopovers.
By Air (to Hanoi): Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), 25 km away. Round-trip 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), international (e.g., Bangkok, $200–$600). Airport Bus No. 86 to Hoan Kiem Ward ($1.40 or 35,000 VND); taxi/Grab to Hoan Kiem ($12–$15 or 300,000–375,000 VND). Navigation Tip: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with addresses (e.g., “192 Hàng Bông, Hoan Kiem Ward”). English-speaking guides from our tours simplify navigation.
Tao Pho Hanoi - Start your Hanoi Travel with serene vistas (Source: Internet)Dry Season (November–April, 15–28°C or 59–82.4°F): Mild weather is ideal for street dining in Hoan Kiem Ward. Tet (January–February) adds festive energy but increases crowds and prices by 20–30%. Book tours early.
Rainy Season (May–October, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F): Warm, humid weather enhances tào phớ’s cooling effect, with 15–25% tour discounts. Indoor seating at Quang Trung is ideal during rain. Bring waterproof gear ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).
Morning (8:00 AM–11:00 AM): Fresh tào phớ at Bà Mai for early risers.
Afternoon (2:00 PM–5:00 PM): Peak time for refreshing breaks at Hàng Bông.
Evening (6:00 PM–9:00 PM): Relaxed dining at Tự Nhiên, perfect with night market vibes.
Seize the vibrant spirit of Hanoi Travel (Source: Internet)Pack these essentials for a sustainable, comfortable visit:
Clothing: Lightweight, modest outfits for cultural respect; comfortable shoes for Old Quarter walking. Waterproof jackets for rainy season.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat.
Travel Essentials: Mosquito repellent, reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with offline maps (Maps.me), portable charger.
Documents: Passport, travel insurance, tour confirmations, VND (50,000–200,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote bag, straw to minimize waste.
Extras: Notebook for food notes; cash, as most stalls are cash-only. Tip: Carry small VND notes for stall payments; use a reusable bag to reduce plastic waste.
Food and Activity Fees
Tào Phớ: $0.50–$1.50 (12,500–37,500 VND) per bowl; premium $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Drinks (e.g., trà đá, Hanoi beer): $0.20–$1.50 (5,000–37,500 VND).
Guided Dessert Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Cooking Class: $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND).
Market Purchases: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Other Street Food (e.g., bánh mì): $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Ngoc Son Temple (Hoan Kiem): $1.20 (30,000 VND).
Transportation (Round-Trip, from Hoan Kiem Ward)
Bus: $0.60–$1 (14,000–24,000 VND).
Cyclo/Electric Cart: $4–$10 (100,000–250,000 VND) for Hoan Kiem; $8–$14 (200,000–350,000 VND) for Ba Đình/Hai Bà Trưng.
Bicycle: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Walking (Hoan Kiem): Free.
Taxi/Grab: $4–$8 (100,000–200,000 VND) for Hoan Kiem; $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND) for Ba Đình/Hai Bà Trưng.
Private Car: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND).
Airport Bus No. 86 + Taxi: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND).
Accommodation (Per Night, Double Occupancy)
Homestays: $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND).
Hotels: $30–$80 (750,000–2,000,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $10–$25 (bus, tào phớ, homestay).
Mid-range: $35–$55 (cyclo, dessert tour, hotel).
Luxury: $75–$110 (private car, cooking class, premium hotel). Tip: Book early for Tet or dry season; carry VND for small purchases.
Choose Your Season: Dry season (November–April) for street dining; rainy season (May–October) for indoor spots with discounts. Afternoon (2:00 PM–5:00 PM) for refreshing breaks.
Book in Advance: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s dessert tours 3–5 weeks ahead for peak seasons to secure spots.
Sustainability: Walk or use cyclos ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) in Hoan Kiem to reduce emissions; choose stalls with biodegradable bowls. Buy local herbs ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND) at markets to support farmers.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with addresses like “192 Hàng Bông, Hoan Kiem Ward.” English-speaking guides simplify navigation.
Safety: Watch for pickpockets in the Old Quarter; keep valuables secure. Carry a first-aid kit.
Weather Considerations: Dry season for outdoor dining; rainy season requires waterproof gear ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND). Check AccuWeather for updates.
Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you); tip vendors $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND). Respect stall etiquette, as seating is limited.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); apply mosquito repellent. Request “ít đường” for less sweet syrup if preferred.
Our sustainable tours showcase Hanoi’s tào phớ culture:
Hanoi Dessert Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Cyclo ride to Tào Phớ Hàng Bông or Tự Nhiên, dessert tasting, Đồng Xuân Market visit. Includes English-speaking guide, cyclo.
Hanoi Cultural Dessert Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Tào Phớ Quang Trung, Bà Mai, Ngoc Son Temple, cooking class, homestay ($20–$50/night). Includes meals, guide.
Hanoi & Son Tay Immersion ($250–$400/person, 3 days): All top tào phớ spots, Son Tay Citadel, Ba Vi National Park, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, and fees. Enjoy 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links around this page! TripAdvisor Reviews
Tào Phớ, Hanoi’s silky-smooth tofu pudding, priced at $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND), is a refreshing dessert that captures the capital’s nostalgic street food spirit with its floral, sweet flavors, served with jasmine syrup or ginger. Found at bustling stalls like Tào Phớ Hàng Bông in Hoan Kiem Ward and serene Tào Phớ Trúc Bạch in Trúc Bạch Ward, Ba Đình Ward, these spots draw thousands yearly. Using eco-friendly practices like biodegradable bowls and locally sourced soy, vendors ensure sustainable dining in Hanoi’s vibrant food scene. Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Tours offer a responsible, immersive Hanoi Travel experience, guiding you to the finest Tào Phớ stalls in the Old Quarter, visits to Đồng Xuân Market, and cultural sites like Ngoc Son Temple, paired with sustainable dining. Contact Legend Travel Group at www.legendtravelgroup.com, info@legendtravelgroup.com, or (+84) 825862222 to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to taste Hanoi’s iconic Tào Phớ? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable dessert 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:
Tào Phớ Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, vinpearl.com, localvietnam.com, hanoilocaltour.com, tripadvisor.com
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