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

The typical autumn atmosphere in the heart of Hanoi.

As the first monsoon winds bring a cool breeze, Hanoi takes on a unique beauty. With temperatures around 18 degrees Celsius, a significant drop from previous days, the city center, especially around the Grand Cathedral, becomes a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The area bustles with sidewalk cafes and lemonade stands packed with people, all seeking to enjoy this special transitional moment between seasons.

Visitors flock to Hanoi Cathedral to enjoy the autumn season.

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

Main attractions: The Cathedral and street culture

Located at 40 Nha Chung Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi Cathedral (officially St. Joseph's Cathedral) is a typical example of European Gothic architecture, built during the French colonial period. With a length of 65 meters, a width of 21 meters, and two bell towers nearly 32 meters high, the cathedral is not only a center of religious activity but also an architectural icon and an unmissable tourist attraction of the capital city.

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

Surrounding the church is a vibrant world of street culture. Lemon tea and coffee stalls are always crowded from morning till night. This is where people meet, chat, and experience the slow pace of city life. This experience is particularly appealing to tourists, such as the group of friends from Ho Chi Minh City who, experiencing Hanoi's cool weather for the first time, found it very enjoyable.

Autumn cuisine you can't miss.

Me Tri Green Rice Flakes: A Gift from Heaven and Earth

Hanoi's autumn wouldn't be complete without the flavor of young rice flakes (cốm). Around the Grand Cathedral, street vendors selling cốm products have become a familiar sight. Ms. Thu Hang, a vendor, said that the number of customers has almost doubled these days, and she has to sell from 5 am to 9 pm.

Street vendors sell Hanoi's autumn specialty, green rice flakes.

The main products sold are sticky rice with young rice flakes and young rice flake cakes, imported from the famous Me Tri young rice flake village. A 200-gram packet of sticky rice with young rice flakes costs around 50,000 VND, while the price of young rice flake cakes varies, starting from 50,000 VND. Most cafes here also import young rice flakes to serve their customers.

Lemon tea, sunflower seeds, and puffed rice combo

A typical Hanoi-style snack in this weather often includes lemon tea, a plate of sunflower seeds, and a portion of fresh green rice flakes. This simple yet sophisticated combination, imbued with the flavors of autumn, is a favorite experience for many, from young people to those who have long lived in Hanoi.

Enjoying a combination of lemon tea, puffed rice, and sunflower seeds is a distinctive cultural experience.

Useful tips for tourists

Ideal time: October and November are the best months to experience Hanoi's autumn, when the weather is dry, cool, and not too cold.
Getting there: The area around the Grand Cathedral is located in the heart of Hoan Kiem district; you can easily walk there from Hoan Kiem Lake or use ride-hailing services or taxis.
Clothing: It's a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweater to keep warm, especially in the early morning and evening.
Note: Coffee shops and lemonade stands are often very crowded on weekends and evenings. You may have to wait for a seat, but the lively 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