Hanoi Specialties at A25 Hotel: Lotus Tea, Dried Green Rice Flakes and Candied Sau

Take the taste of Hanoi home, right from the hotel lobby

Leaving Hanoi without having picked up any gifts? You no longer need to hunt through busy markets or crowded streets. A25 Hotel is now trialling the sale of three beloved local specialties: lotus tea, dried green rice flakes (com) and candied sau fruit (o mai sau).

These small gifts capture the spirit of Hanoi – refined, rustic and full of seasonal flavour. Whether you are a traveller wanting a keepsake from your trip or a business guest looking for a thoughtful gift, all three are well worth a try.

Lotus tea – Hanoi's most elegant gift

Lotus tea is closely tied to images of West Lake in summer and the old-time tea culture of Hanoi's residents. The tea is scented with lotus, brewing a clear green cup with a gentle bitterness, a sweet aftertaste and a soft, cooling lotus aroma.

Why you should try it:

A pure, delicate fragrance that helps you unwind after a day exploring the city.
A fitting gift for grandparents, parents, business partners or any tea lover.
Easy to store, light and convenient to pack for your flight.

Brewing tip: rinse the teapot with boiling water, use water at around 85–90°C and steep for 2–3 minutes to preserve the full lotus aroma.

Dried green rice flakes – the flavour of autumn, all year round

Autumn in Hanoi means com – flakes made from young sticky rice, soft, fragrant and a signature pale green. Fresh com only lasts a few days, so the dried version lets visitors carry that flavour far from home.

Why you should try it:

Lightly crunchy with the scent of young rice – a moreish snack straight from the bag.
Delicious with yoghurt or fresh milk, or sprinkled over sweet soups and ice cream.
Keeps much longer than fresh com, ideal as a gift for friends and family far away.

Storage tip: once opened, seal the bag tightly or move the flakes to an airtight container to keep them crisp.

Candied sau fruit – sour, spicy and sweet, the Hanoi way

Sau is a fruit woven into Hanoi's streetscape, with rows of sau trees shading many central streets. O mai sau is carefully crafted to blend the tartness of the fruit with sugar and a gentle kick of ginger or chilli, creating an unforgettable snack.

Why you should try it:

A well-balanced sweet-and-sour taste that wakes up the palate and pairs beautifully with tea.
A traditional gift, especially popular during holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year).
Neatly packaged, easy to carry and keeps well.

Tip: enjoy o mai sau with a hot cup of lotus tea – a pairing that is quintessentially Hanoi.

Why buy your specialties at A25 Hotel?

Ultimate convenience: buy right at the reception desk – no need to search for shops or brave the crowded streets.
Carefully selected: all three products have been chosen by A25 Hotel to introduce to our guests.
Gift-ready packaging: easy to give and easy to tuck into your suitcase before check-out.
Close to the sights: our hotels are in the Old Quarter and city centre, so it is easy to drop by even if you are not staying with us.

Where to buy

During the trial period, lotus tea, dried green rice flakes and candied sau are available at five A25 Hotel locations in Hanoi:

Next time you stay at or pass by A25 Hotel, stop at the reception desk and pick up a gift that carries the soul of Hanoi for yourself and your loved ones. Stock is limited during the trial, so drop by early!