Quang An was formerly a wide lotus-growing area beside West Lake; the village was once called Xom Mau, located on a spit of land jutting into the lake. Legend has it that lotus tea here was once a tribute product for kings, favored in the Trinh lords' palace and later present at the Nguyen court. The craft has been passed down through many generations, mostly preserved by the women in the family.
In 2024, the traditional craft of scenting Quang An lotus tea was included in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List under Decision No. 2316/QĐ-BVHTTDL. Today, the lotus area on West Lake has shrunk, and the water environment has changed a great deal, so many families have to rent lotus ponds elsewhere. That makes each cup of Quang An lotus tea even more precious. Lotus season, which is also tea-scenting season, lasts from about May to August. Every lotus season, many visitors, including foreign tourists, come to West Lake to admire Bach Diep lotus and enjoy a cup of tea scented with lotus.
Quang An lotus tea establishments are included in the Cuisine section of HanoiGo. Along with the cup of tea is an elegant gift of Hanoi autumn: Me Tri green rice flakes.
