Hanoi cuisine always has a unique feature that is both simple and attractive, especially in traditional dishes associated with the memories of many generations. Thach Co Ha tea shop in Kim Lien apartment complex is an address mentioned not only because of its unique flavor, but also because of its childhood memories. Although not too prominent and hidden in the corner of C8 Kim Lien street, Thach Co Ha tea shop still attracts a large number of diners thanks to its simplicity, closeness and flavor that cannot be found anywhere else.
A pot of tea with light aroma, smooth coconut milk and homemade tapioca pearls
The name may sound strange to many people because this dish is not commonly sold in many shops in Hanoi. This jelly shop, affectionately called "Miss Ha's jelly", belongs to an old couple. In the past, because she wanted to have a career, Ms. Ha thought of a way to combine ingredients, in which jelly was the main ingredient. Just like that, over the years, the two dishes of pearl jelly tea and jelly of her shop have accompanied the childhood of many children in this Kim Lien apartment complex, and it has been more than 30 years now.
The shop only sells two dishes: pearl jelly tea and coconut jelly, and in winter, there is also hot tapioca sweet soup. Combining very familiar ingredients such as jelly, pearls, coconut milk, tea... but Mr. Thao - Ms. Ha's husband, has personally made a very unique jelly dish, completely "homemade", which is very rare to find elsewhere. He shared: "At the shop, students or even working people often stop by to have a cup of jelly to cool off and then sit and chat, so the atmosphere of the shop is very lively. Recently, I also sell online to serve the needs of people who want to eat but live far away. My family opens from 11 am to deliver to customers, and for those who want to come to eat at the shop, around 5 or 6 pm is the busiest time."
Uncle Thao, Ms. Ha's husband, the one who makes all the ingredients 100% "homemade"
Although the restaurant only has a 2-dish menu, it always attracts young people to enjoy.
Pearl Jelly Tea - A Special and Unforgettable Flavor
Previously, the pearl jelly tea shop, or tea jelly - jelly was sold right at the C8 playground of the apartment complex, but, about two years ago, the shop owner moved to a house about 300 meters away. One of the most popular dishes here is pearl jelly tea.
The pearl jelly tea of Ms. Ha's shop is made from simple ingredients but blends perfectly, creating an attractive cooling dish. The most special and impressive point of the dish is the tea, processed with a gentle aroma, light brown color and cool sweetness combined with homemade pearls, bringing a chewy, soft feeling in each bite. I don't know how the tea is cooked but it has a very strange aroma, when asked, the uncle just smiled and said it was her own recipe.
Two signature and unique dishes at Ms. Ha's restaurant
Coconut jelly - a refreshing dish
In addition to pearl tea, Ms. Ha's shop is also famous for its coconut jelly. Each cup is half filled with jelly and then left to cool until solidified. When there are customers, the shop owner just needs to scoop more coconut milk to fill the cup. Here, the coconut milk is mixed with a little flour to make it sticky, so when mixed with jelly, the two ingredients blend together. The aroma of coconut milk is very light, just the right amount of coolness, not overpowering the taste of the jelly. Not fussy but very sophisticated, the jelly dish has a cool, sweet flavor, and is an ideal cooling dish on hot summer days.
The price of each cup of jelly here is only from 15,000 VND, full and flavorful, suitable for all ages and does not disappoint customers.
Peaceful space in Kim Lien apartment complex
For Hanoians, restaurants like this are not only places to eat and drink but also symbols of memories, of the soul of the old town. In modern life, old apartment buildings are becoming less and less, but there are still simple family restaurants, where you can find familiar and nostalgic flavors. Customers come to Ms. Ha's restaurant not only to enjoy the flavors 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 area C8 of Kim Lien apartment building, in the middle of a red brick yard shady with trees. Adults, children, and students after school all gathered here, sitting and enjoying a cool cup of jelly tea and chatting. That scene brought a strange sense of peace, like a quiet moment in the middle of the bustling streets of Hanoi.
Although the restaurant has now moved indoors for more convenience in business, the space inside still retains its closeness and familiarity. Everyone who comes to the restaurant, from students to middle-aged people, sits down to sip a cup of jelly while chatting about everyday stories. This place is not only a restaurant but has become a meeting place, sharing between strangers, connected by the love for the taste of childhood.
Peaceful street corner leading to Ms. Ha's tea shop in Kim Lien apartment complex
Many customers have shared that they used to eat at Ms. Ha's shop since they were children, each cup costing only 1.5 thousand VND. Now, as adults, they bring their children to the shop, enjoying the familiar taste while telling stories of the past. It seems that Ms. Ha's shop has become a part of the family, a place where many generations come together, sharing memories over a cool cup of jelly tea.
Although there are many milk tea, sweet soup or jelly shops popping up everywhere in Hanoi, Ms. Ha's shop still maintains its own uniqueness, not following the trend but maintaining its traditional flavor. For the shop owner, each cup of jelly tea or jelly is not only a dish but also her passion and a childhood gift that she wants to pass on to future generations.
