First published June 2025 | Words and photos by Phương Lê
Phương Lê is a contributing writer for Vietnam Coracle. Having lived in all three regions of Vietnam, she has a deep understanding of the country’s cultural diversity. Currently working as an independent photographer and writer, her work has been featured in various media outlets. As a photo tour guide, she provides not only photographic guidance but also meaningful connections for photography and culture enthusiasts with an authentic Vietnam.
On a hot afternoon in Hanoi, there are few pleasures as simple and satisfying as a small glass of trà chanh (lime iced tea) enjoyed on a plastic stool at a street corner. Among young Hanoians, trà chanh has become more than just a drink: it’s a cultural icon and a lifestyle symbol of the capital’s youth. From students to office workers, groups of friends to solo wanderers, the act of sipping trà chanh in Hanoi’s bustling streets reflects a uniquely Vietnamese blend of tradition and modernity. The rise in popularity of trà chanh represents a shift from solemn traditional tea rituals to a more dynamic, communal and urban form of tea drinking. Amid the city’s chaos with the hum of motorbikes, the rhythmic footsteps of pedestrians and the soft rustle of trees lining narrow alleys, trà chanh is enjoyed at any time of day; a moment of leisure, refreshment and conviviality in a city that appears to be in perpetual motion.
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TRÀ CHANH IN HANOI
From Humble Beverage to Icon of Hanoi’s Street Culture
Deceptively simple, trà chanh typically consists of brewed green tea served cold or at room temperature, mixed with freshly squeezed lime juice and sometimes a touch of sugar. During the summer months (May-August), it is often served over ice and is sometimes accompanied by small, tapas-style snacks. From humble origins, this basic combination has grown into a beloved beverage across Hanoi, particularly among the city’s younger population. For travelers and locals alike, taking a moment to sit down with a glass of trà chanh at one of Hanoi’s well-known spots, offers not just relief from the heat, but an immersion into the city’s street culture. (For more drinking guides see Related Posts, and if you enjoy this article, please support the site.)
CONTENTS:
MAP:
Trà Chanh in Hanoi
What is Trà Chanh?
Crafting the perfect glass of Hanoi-style trà chanh requires just a few simple ingredients: brewed and cooled loose-leaf green tea, freshly squeezed lime juice (usually a half or whole lime per serving), a touch of sugar to taste on request, and, depending on the weather, a handful of ice cubes. Vendors stir the mixture thoroughly to balance the flavours. The drink is then served in a tall glass, usually with a slice of lime for presentation. The best trà chanh is aromatic with a slightly bitter note from the long-steeped green tea, balanced by the tang of lime and a subtle hint of sweetness. Some variations may include jasmine-infused green tea or honey in place of sugar.
Why is Trà Chanh Popular?
When it comes to the origin of trà chanh, many agree that it began in 2009 at a small tea stall on Hanoi’s ancient Đào Duy Từ Street. The drink unexpectedly took the city’s youth by storm. With nothing more than a glass of iced tea sweetened with sugar and topped with a few slices of fresh lime, this humble setup quickly became a sensation. Crowds began to gather, drawn to the drink’s refreshing simplicity. And just like that, trà chanh became a new icon of street culture in Hanoi.
As international coffee, tea and fast food chains began to flood the city from the early 2010s, local youth carved out their own spaces and forms of expression. Trà chanh emerged as a low-cost, accessible and social alternative – a counter-response to the polished image of Western coffee chains. It was about authenticity, affordability and community. These aspects have helped trà chanh gain enduring popularity in Hanoi.
Trà chanh culture developed rapidly alongside a vibrant wave of youth-driven street life. It was never meant to be fancy. Often served in small glasses alongside mismatched plates of sunflower seeds or dried apricots, trà chanh exuded an simple charm. Street vendors, typically setting up on sidewalks or tucked away in narrow alleyways, created a laid-back atmosphere where people could relax, chat and watch the world go by.
Where to try Trà Chanh?
Today, trà chanh vendors can be found in nearly every district of Hanoi, but a few iconic spots have achieved legendary status. These are not just tea outlets, they are cultural landmarks in their own right. From the historic streets near St. Joseph’s Cathedral to the vibrant alleyways of Chợ Gạo and the legacy-rich Đào Duy Từ Street, each of the following trà chanh teahouses is a popular hangout for Hanoi’s youth as well as a great place to try a glass of trà chanh:
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Trà Chanh Nhà Thờ (St. Joseph’s Cathedral):
- Where: Nhà Thờ, Lý Quốc Sư, Nhà Chung & Ấu Triệu streets [MAP]
- Price: 25,000vnđ per glass
No exploration of trà chanh culture would be complete without mentioning the lively streets around the haunting, neo-Gothic facade of St. Joseph’s Cathedral in central Hanoi. In the afternoons and evenings, the streets surrounding the cathedral – Nhà Thờ, Lý Quốc Sư, Nhà Chung and Ấu Triệu – fill with the chatter and laughter of tea drinkers. Known for its dramatic views of the cathedral, this spot is also an excellent place for people-watching: teenagers laughing in clusters, young couples on dates, and tourists snapping photos. As well as tea, the street vendors in this area offer a variety of snacks and light bites. Favorites include grilled fermented pork rolls on Ấu Triệu Street, steaming bowls of savory rice porridge from Ngõ Huyện, and colorful fruit platters – perfect for sharing during long, leisurely conversations with friends.
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Trà Chanh Đào Duy Từ:
- Where: 25-27-31 Đào Duy Từ Street [MAP]
- Price: 25,000vnđ per glass
Known as the “father” of Hanoi’s trà chanh trend, the tea stand on Đào Duy Từ Street is a famous Hanoi hangout. Originally a modest sidewalk setup run by an elderly tea master, this vendor earned fame through its meticulous tea-making method and perfectly balanced flavor profile. Trà Chanh Đào Duy Từ is praised for its blend of strong green tea with the bright acidity of lime, the subtle aroma of jasmine and a touch of honey. It’s a harmonious taste that other shops find difficult to replicate.
Today, this once small roadside stall has grown into a full-fledged establishment, complete with eating options like chè (Vietnamese dessert). Customers can choose from an array of colorful and delicious chè, including taro pudding, red bean, jackfruit and grass jelly. This combination of trà chanh and traditional dessert has cemented the shop’s popularity across generations. The narrow street often experiences congestion due to high foot traffic, especially during evenings and weekends, when it can get crowded.
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Trà Chanh Chợ Gạo:
- Where: 8 Chợ Gạo Street [MAP]
- Price: 25,000vnđ per glass
Just a short walk from Đào Duy Từ, Chợ Gạo has emerged as a rising hotspot for trà chanh lovers. Though newer to the scene, it has quickly built a strong following, with many shops drawing inspiration from Đào Duy Từ’s popular tea stalls – offering similar trà chanh recipes and dessert menus. What sets Chợ Gạo apart is its creativity. Vendors here often craft their own takes on traditional chè and introduce inventive drink options to stand out. The ambiance is slightly more intimate and local, making it a favorite hangout for university students and young professionals. The vibe is lively yet relaxed, filled with youthful chatter and gossip. While it’s less touristy than Nhà Thờ or Đào Duy Từ streets, Chợ Gạo offers an equally rich cultural experience, but with a more contemporary twist.
*Disclosure: Vietnam Coracle content is always free and independent. Phương has written this guide because she wants to: she likes trà chanh and she wants readers to know about it. For more details, see the Disclosure & Disclaimer statements and my About Page
