Hanoi in Autumn: Experience lemon tea and green rice flakes at the Cathedral

Typical autumn atmosphere in the center of Hanoi

When the first monsoon winds bring the cold air back, Hanoi puts on a very unique beauty. With the temperature around 18 degrees Celsius, significantly lower than the previous days, the central area, especially around the Cathedral, becomes a destination attracting a large number of people and tourists. The space here becomes bustling with sidewalk cafes and lemon tea shops packed with people, all coming to enjoy the special moment of the changing seasons.

Visitors flock to the Great Church to enjoy the autumn in Hanoi

For many Hanoians, sitting at a familiar cafe in the church area, sipping a glass of lemon tea and chatting has become a habit. Mr. Hoang Tung, a son of Hanoi currently living in Germany, shared that he always misses the atmosphere of the capital's sidewalks every autumn, a unique cultural feature that is not found abroad.

Main destinations: Cathedral and sidewalk culture

Located at 40 Nha Chung Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi Cathedral (official name: St. Joseph's Cathedral) is a typical European Gothic architectural work, built during the French colonial period. With a length of 65 m, a width of 21 m and two bell towers nearly 32 m high, the church is not only a center of religious activities but also an architectural symbol and a must-see attraction of the capital.

Tourists take check-in photos in front of the Gothic architecture of Hanoi Cathedral.

Around the church is a vibrant world of sidewalk culture. Lemon tea and coffee shops are always crowded from morning to night. This is where people meet, chat and feel the slow pace of life of the city. This experience is especially attractive to tourists, like a group of friends from Ho Chi Minh City who felt the cold of Hanoi for the first time and were very excited.

Autumn cuisine not to be missed

Com Me Tri: A gift from heaven and earth

Autumn in Hanoi would not be complete without the taste of green rice. In the area around the Cathedral, street vendors selling green rice products have become a familiar sight. Ms. Thu Hang, a vendor, said the number of customers has nearly doubled these days, and she has to sell from 5am to 9pm.

Street vendors selling Hanoi autumn green rice specialties.

The main products sold are green rice sticky rice and green rice cakes, imported from the famous green rice village of Me Tri. A 2-ounce package of green rice sticky rice costs about 50,000 VND, while green rice cakes cost depending on the type, starting from 50,000 VND. Most cafes here also import green rice to serve customers.

Combo of lemon tea, sunflower seeds and green rice

A typical Hanoi snack in this weather usually includes lemon tea, a plate of sunflower seeds and a portion of fresh green rice. This is a simple yet sophisticated combination, imbued with the flavors of autumn and is an experience loved by many people, from young people to those who have been attached to Hanoi for a long time.

Enjoying the combo of lemon tea, green rice and sunflower seeds is a unique cultural feature.

Useful experience for tourists

Ideal time: October and November are the best times to experience Hanoi's autumn, when the weather is dry, cool and not too cold.
Transportation: The Cathedral area is located in the center of Hoan Kiem district, you can easily walk from Hoan Kiem Lake or use technology car services, taxis.
Clothing: You should prepare a thin jacket or sweater to keep warm, especially in the early morning and evening.
Note: Coffee shops and lemon tea shops tend to be crowded on weekends and evenings. You may have to wait to get a seat, but the bustling atmosphere is part of the experience.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/ha-noi-mua-thu-trai-nghiem-tra-chanh-an-com-o-nha-tho-lon-397822.html