Caramel puddings costing only a few thousand dong in Hanoi have become a sensation on Chinese social media thanks to their rich, creamy, and smooth texture. Many tourists readily order two or three portions at once.
In late February, a Chinese tourist shared their culinary experience during a trip to Hanoi, noting that the city scored points for its delicious food, reasonable prices, and relaxed pace of life. They said that the cost of eating in the Vietnamese capital was "accessible," while the quality of the food was "surprisingly good."
Tourists listed many highly-rated eateries, including the famous restaurant on Hang Than Street (Hoan Kiem Ward), often referred to as "Caramel Hang Than".
This flan cake evokes fond memories for Chinese tourists. Photo: Xiaohongshu.
Here, this person enjoyed a flan (also known as caramel pudding) for 2 yuan (approximately 9,000 VND). The tourist rated the dessert as "excellent," soft and smooth like tofu, with a rich coffee and caramel aroma.
This tourist isn't the only one; on the social media platform Xiaohongshu, many Chinese tourists visiting Vietnam in early summer have also shared their experiences with flan. Most posts emphasize the affordable price but the "worthwhile" flavor that left a strong impression on those who tried it.
Previously, during her trip to Vietnam in 2024, Japanese travel journalist Ikuna Kamezawa also visited a caramel shop on Hang Than Street. She tried the famous flan, which is similar to pudding in Japan.
According to Ikuna, the pudding has a much lighter texture than many other puddings, with a rich, sweet flavor that suggests a lot of condensed milk was used. While in Japan, diners usually order one serving, at the Hanoi shop, many people don't hesitate to order two or three servings to enjoy. She believes that after just one try, tourists will understand why this area is called the "pudding street".
This famous ice cream and dessert shop in Hanoi's Old Quarter is known for its two signature dishes: flan and coconut ice cream. Photo: Duc Duy.
This caramel shop was established in 1996 on Hang Than Street, opened and maintained by Mrs. Vu Thi Hoa and her husband for nearly 30 years. The owners said that in the early days, their family only sold in a small alley, with a few plastic chairs, and customers had to sit close together to make way for them.
According to Ms. Hoa, thanks to the use of high-quality ingredients and flavors suitable for all ages, the caramel dessert quickly became popular. All the snacks at the shop are homemade by the family, from caramel and yogurt to ice cream, sweet soups, coconut jelly, and sponge cake. The recipes are developed through trial and error, gradually adjusted to suit customers' tastes.
The shop is currently open from approximately 10:30 AM to 11:30 PM daily. During peak hours in the late afternoon and evening, especially on weekends, the shop is usually full. Each box of caramel costs 9,000 VND, while other items range from 8,000 to 45,000 VND.
The caramel flan at this famous shop in the Old Quarter is described as smooth, not too sweet, and perfectly complemented by the creamy frosting. Photo: Hue Nguyen.
In 2024, flan (caramel custard) was the only Vietnamese dessert to be included in the list of the 100 best desserts in Asia, published by the prestigious food website TasteAtlas , ranking 87th.
This pastry originates from Europe and is popular in many countries, with the Vietnamese version being particularly favored for its soft, smooth texture and distinctive sweet and creamy flavor.
The main ingredients of the cake include eggs, milk, and caramelized sugar, with vanilla or coffee flavorings optionally added. When served, the cake is inverted onto a plate, with the amber-colored caramel coating the surface and gently dripping down around it. The Vietnamese version often uses condensed milk, creating a thicker consistency and a richer sweetness compared to many other variations.