Vietnam’s food scene is known for dishes like phở, bánh mì, and gỏi cuốn. But beyond those savory options lies a vibrant and diverse world of Vietnamese desserts.
Like all Vietnamese food, the desserts reflect the country’s culture, geography, and history. Although sweets weren’t always a cornerstone of Vietnamese cuisine, French colonization introduced the custom of eating dessert after a meal.
Many Vietnamese desserts fall into the category of “chè,” but not all of them. The word chè describes a wide variety of sweet soups, puddings, and drinks.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most popular Vietnamese sweets, noting their unique characteristics and where you can find them. From fruit smoothies to crème caramels to black sesame soup, there’s a Vietnamese dessert for every palate.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Vietnam or just want to explore the cuisine from your own kitchen, this guide will give you a taste of what Vietnamese desserts have to offer. We’ll even cover some essential Vietnamese dessert vocabulary to help you on your culinary journey.
Read more