Entrepreneur Replicates Vietnamese Sites with Ice Cream

Although summer has passed, travelers at tourist hotspots are snatching up ice pops shaped like local landmarks or iconic treasures as a novel way to mark their visits.

The sweet-tooth trend was ignited when some youngsters flocked to social media to post pictures of ice cream bars in the shape of several famous landmarks of Hanoi.

33-year-old Ly Hai Hoang Tan once encountered ice pops in the shape of many famous landmarks in China and Thailand. Feeling that this is a trendy and unique idea to woo both domestic and foreign tourists, he wanted to sell this frozen treat in Vietnam.

"There are many beautiful places such as Turtle Tower, Opera House, One Pillar Pagoda, among others in Hanoi. From then on, I researched and produced this type of ice pop," he shared.

Ice pops were designed after the famous landmarks of Hanoi. Photo provided by Ly Hai Hoang Tan

Previously, Tan had sold animal-shaped ice pops, so he took advantage of his experience to make ice cream products featuring the typical cultural and architectural imprint of Hanoi.

First, Tan went to famous landmarks to take photos, then analyzed every detail to put on drawings. Tan admitted that there are details that are too small and will have to be cut out, but he always tries to make the most characteristic lines visible on the ice cream.

"Details that are too small will break easily or not be able to create realistic shapes," Tan shared.

After having the drawing, Tan cast a mold and poured ice cream into it to try it out. The first time, when the finished product did not resemble its prototype, Tan redid the whole thing.

Boxes of ice pops for takeaway. Photo provided by Ly Hai Hoang Tan

After a month, the most satisfactory ice pops came to be. Talking about the process of creating the treats, Tan said, first the worker will put milk, flour, sugar, and water into the machine to mix well. All ingredients are imported to create the most beautiful and easy-to-eat ice pops. After having the standard mixture, the maker will pour it into the pre-made mold.

Next, the mold is placed in the -40 degree Celsius freezer for 4 hours. Finally, separate the ice cream from the mold, box it, and store it at -30 degrees Celsius. Such ice cream bars will be stored for half a year.

Scenic Spots in Ice Cream Attract Tourists. Photo provided by Ly Hai Hoang Tan

To date, Tan has rolled out ice cream in the shape of eight different landmarks of Hanoi including One Pillar Pagoda, Quan Chuong Gate, Turtle Tower of Sword Lake, Dong Xuan Market, St. Joseph's Cathedral, Khue Van Pavilion of Temple of Literature, President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Hanoi Opera House. He revealed that shortly, he will make more pops featuring Thang Long Imperial Citadel.

Each location has different flavors such as vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, coconut, and cheese for customers to choose from.

Nguyen Mai Lam, a 25-year-old Hanoian, was impressed when she had the opportunity to enjoy this ice pop, priced at VND 20,000 (USD 0,83) at the 2023 Travel Gift Festival. She said she always supports products with Hanoi's imprint.

"I see this as a product that helps international friends or tourists know more about the beauty of our country," Lam said.

An ice pop posed in front of its prototype - Turtle Tower of Sword Lake, Hanoi. Photo provided by Ly Hai Hoang Tan

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