Bảo Hoa & Van Nguyễn

As summer has made its presence known with scorching heat over the past few weeks in Ha Noi, nothing beats a scoop of ice cream to help you cool off and regain a positive mood on a hot day.

The age-old dessert – and snack – never seems to be out of fashion. New flavours come out every week, and if you are a teenager or a twenty-something, you probably love the trendy ones like baked cheese or milk tea with tapioca pearls.

But if you’re the classic type and like to keep things a bit more traditional, coconut ice cream is a good choice.

One shop in Ha Noi has been selling it for more than 20 years. Here instead of cones or bowls, the ice cream is served in actual coconuts.

The top of the fruit is removed so the water can be drained. Then three scoops of coconut ice cream are placed inside the shell, then decorated with different types of toppings.

Hundreds of fresh coconuts are delivered to the shop every day. Ice cream is stored in tin containers and is always ready to be served to in-store customers.

But for takeaway orders, firmer ice cream is used to make sure it doesn't melt en route.

Although it’s a simple and classic flavour, coconut ice cream is still stealing customers' hearts.

Bích said: “Our shop is very crowded in the summer. In the winter we still have customers, because our ice cream has no ice, just cool enough so it’s suitable for even older customers and still tastes good in the winter.”

The pretty scoops of sweetness can really melt your heart. Just ask the regulars.

Nguyễn Thu Ha, 60, said: “I come here very often. I’m a regular and also the owner’s best friend. I often come here with my friends, sometimes my grandchildren.”

“The coconut ice cream is nice, and the price is reasonable,” she added. “The presentation is excellent. The ice cream is not too sweet. It cools you off.”

So if you want a snack that not only reduces the summer heat but also pleases the eyes, check out ice cream served in coconuts. — VNS