VI
EN
Hanoi's cuisine has always possessed a unique charm, both simple and captivating, especially in its traditional dishes that evoke memories for generations. Co Ha's jelly tea shop in the Kim Lien residential area is a place mentioned not only for its distinctive flavor but also for the childhood memories it brings back. Although not particularly prominent and tucked away in a corner of C8 Kim Lien street, Co Ha's jelly tea shop consistently attracts many customers thanks to its rustic, welcoming atmosphere and a flavor unlike anywhere else.
A pot of fragrant tea, creamy coconut milk, and homemade tapioca pearls.
The name might sound unfamiliar to many because this dessert isn't commonly sold in many shops in Hanoi. This jelly shop, affectionately known as "Ms. Ha's Jelly Shop," is run by an elderly couple. Previously, wanting to have a business, Ms. Ha devised her own way of combining ingredients, with jelly as the main component. Over the years, her two desserts, pearl jelly tea and regular jelly, have become a part of the childhood memories of many children in the Kim Lien residential area, and have been around for over 30 years now.
The shop only sells two items: tapioca pearl tea and coconut jelly, with hot tapioca pudding available in winter. Combining familiar ingredients like jelly, tapioca pearls, coconut milk, and tea, Mr. Thao – Ms. Ha's husband – has created a unique, completely homemade jelly dessert that is rarely found elsewhere. He shared: "At the shop, students and even working adults often stop by to enjoy a refreshing cup of jelly and chat, so the atmosphere is very lively. Recently, I've also started selling online to cater to those who want to eat but live far away. My shop opens at 11 am for delivery, but the busiest time for those who want to eat at the shop is around 5 or 6 pm."
Uncle Thao, Ms. Ha's husband, uses 100% homemade ingredients.
Although the restaurant only has a menu with two dishes, it always attracts young people to come and enjoy the food.
Bubble tea with jelly - a unique and unforgettable flavor.
Previously, the shop selling bubble tea, or jelly tea, was located right in the C8 playground of the apartment complex. However, about two years ago, the owner moved to a house about 300 meters away. One of the most popular items here is bubble tea.
Ms. Ha's bubble tea is made from simple ingredients but blends perfectly, creating an appealing and refreshing treat. The most special and impressive aspect is the tea itself, prepared with a delicate aroma, a light brown color, and a refreshing sweetness, combined with homemade tapioca pearls that offer a chewy yet soft texture with every bite. I didn't know how the tea was brewed, but the aroma was so unique; when I asked, the owner just smiled and said it was her secret recipe.
These two dishes are the signature and unique items at Ms. Ha's restaurant.
Coconut jelly - a refreshing dessert
Besides bubble tea, Ms. Ha's shop is also famous for its coconut jelly. Each cup is half jelly, which is then left to cool and solidify. When a customer arrives, the owner simply scoops in more coconut milk to fill the cup. Here, a little powder is added to the coconut milk to thicken it, so when mixed with the jelly, the two ingredients blend together. The coconut milk has a very light aroma, providing a refreshing and pleasant taste that doesn't overpower the jelly. Simple yet refined, the jelly has a refreshing, subtly sweet flavor, making it an ideal cooling treat on hot summer days.
Each cup of jelly here costs only 15,000 VND, is generously portioned and full of flavor, suitable for all ages and will not disappoint customers.
A peaceful space in the Kim Lien residential area.
For the people of Hanoi, eateries like this are not just places to eat, but also symbols of memories and the soul of the old streets. In the modern pace of life, old apartment complexes are becoming increasingly rare, but there are still simple family-run restaurants where you can find familiar flavors and nostalgia. Customers come to Ms. Ha's restaurant not only to enjoy the food but also to find a corner of simple memories, a peaceful moment in the heart of the bustling city. Previously, the restaurant was located in the playground of the C8 area of the Kim Lien apartment complex, in a shady red brick courtyard. Adults, children, and students after school would gather here to enjoy a refreshing cup of jelly tea and chat. That scene brought a strangely peaceful feeling, like a moment of tranquility amidst the bustling streets of Hanoi.
Although the shop has now moved indoors for greater convenience, the interior space retains its cozy and familiar atmosphere. People of all ages, from schoolchildren and university students to middle-aged adults, sit and enjoy a cup of jelly while chatting about everyday life. This place is more than just a restaurant; it has become a meeting point and a place for sharing memories among strangers, connected by a love for the flavors of childhood.
A peaceful street corner leads to Ms. Ha's jelly tea shop in the Kim Lien residential area.
Many customers have shared that they used to eat at Ms. Ha's shop when they were children, with each cup costing only 1,500 VND. Now, as adults, they bring their children to the shop, enjoying the familiar taste while reminiscing about old times. It seems that Ms. Ha's shop has become a part of the family, a place where many generations are connected, sharing memories over a refreshing cup of jelly tea.
Despite the proliferation of bubble tea, dessert, and jelly shops throughout Hanoi, Ms. Ha's shop maintains its unique character, not following trends but preserving traditional flavors. For the owner, each cup of jelly tea or jelly dessert is not just a dish, but also a labor of love and a childhood treat she wants to pass on to future generations.
