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Authentic Thai flavors on Kim Ma Street.
Located on the first floor of the Giang Vo apartment complex, near the bustling Kim Ma street, Mrs. Duong Thi An's sticky rice ice cream shop is like a peaceful little corner in the heart of the busy city. The shop's space is very simple, only a little over 20 square meters with small, low tables and chairs. The tables, chairs, and glass counter are neatly arranged, giving a clean and tidy feel.
The restaurant's sign is a striking red billboard, but because it's located in a small alley, first-time visitors might take a little time to find it. However, the interior space evokes a warm, familiar feeling, transporting diners back to a simpler era when Hanoi didn't have the high-rise buildings or the bustling crowds and traffic it has today.
Ms. An, now 85 years old, is of Vietnamese origin but was born and raised in Udon Thani province, Thailand. Her years living in Thailand helped her preserve the recipes and culinary essence of the Land of the Golden Pagodas. After returning to Vietnam at the age of 18, she always harbored a desire to introduce these distinctive dishes to the people of Hanoi.
The restaurant is nestled in a small alley off Kim Mã Street.
When the shop first opened in 1985, it was located on Phan Chu Trinh Street. At that time, Thai sweet soup and sticky rice ice cream were still very new to Hanoians. Thanks to its unique flavors and the owner's dedication, the shop quickly became famous. Later, even though the shop moved locations several times, customers still sought it out to enjoy the unique flavors that the owner offered.
Currently, Mrs. An has handed over the management of the restaurant to her daughter, Ms. Mai, but she still maintains the habit of coming to the restaurant every day to chat and meet customers. Ms. Mai shared: "Now that she has retired, I continue running the restaurant not only to preserve the family tradition but also to bring more joy to the family. I always try to maintain the cooking methods and the distinctive flavors that my mother created, so that the restaurant remains a familiar place for many generations of customers."
Ms. Mai, Mr. An's eldest daughter,
The shop continues to sell goods every day.
Sticky rice ice cream – A "famous" dish for nearly 40 years.
Sticky rice ice cream is the signature dish that made Mrs. An's shop famous. A small cup of sticky rice ice cream embodies the sophistication and skill of the maker. The sticky rice is cooked from premium glutinous rice, soaked and steamed thoroughly with fresh pandan leaves to create a refreshing green color and a distinctive aroma. Each grain of rice is chewy, soft, and not mushy, making it both delicious and visually appealing.
This sticky rice ice cream dish is nearly 40 years old.
The vanilla ice cream topping on the sticky rice is handmade right at the shop. The ice cream is soft, creamy, not overly sweet, and perfectly balanced. The most special element is the crispy dried young coconut, which adds a touch of saltiness to balance the sweetness of the ice cream and sticky rice. All three components blend together, creating a dish that is both rustic and unique. With just one spoonful of the ice cream-sticky rice, you'll feel all the care and dedication put into each grain of rice and each layer of ice cream. Many people have become regulars at the shop for decades, just to enjoy this familiar flavor again.
The restaurant's menu is written on a blackboard, simple and unpretentious.
Besides sticky rice ice cream, the shop also sells Thai sweet soup and layered cloud cake. These are also very popular choices among customers.
Regarding the preparation of ingredients and the cooking of all dishes at the restaurant, the kitchen is always kept clean, the glutinous rice is carefully selected, and fresh pandan leaves are finely ground to create a natural color for the sticky rice. The ice cream is homemade to ensure its smooth texture and retain its distinctive flavor. The dried coconut – one of the highlights of the sticky rice ice cream – is meticulously prepared. Young coconuts are carefully selected, then grated, washed, and marinated according to the owner's secret recipe, creating the restaurant's characteristic slightly salty taste.
The processing area is always kept clean and hygienic.
A place steeped in the memories of many generations.
For nearly 40 years, Mrs. An's sticky rice ice cream and Thai dessert shop has not only been a place to enjoy food but also a beautiful part of the memories of many Hanoians. The customers, who were once students, are now adults, bringing their children and grandchildren to the shop. They not only want to relive the familiar flavors but also want to share stories about their childhood eatery with the next generation.
Many elderly people, even those who can't eat much, still stop by just to inquire about Mr. An's health and chat a few words. For him, the loyalty of his customers is the motivation that has kept him running the restaurant for so many years.
The cafe's ambiance evokes a familiar feeling of a bygone era.
In the heart of bustling Hanoi, Mrs. An's ice cream and sticky rice shop, specializing in Thai desserts, offers a peaceful haven for diners. Typically, the shop is open from 10:30 AM to 9:30 PM. It's usually busiest between 12 PM and 1 PM, 4 PM and 5 PM, and 7 PM and 8 PM. For just 20,000 VND, you can enjoy a refreshing and sweet cup of ice cream and sticky rice or a bowl of Thai dessert, a delightful blend of familiar and novel flavors.
