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.
Key categories of Vietnamese desserts
Vietnamese desserts are a delicious and diverse bunch. Here are a few of the main categories you’ll find.
Chè: The heart of Vietnamese sweet soups
The word “chè” refers to a huge variety of sweet soups, puddings, and beverages that are often served in a glass or a bowl. They’re made with ingredients like beans, fruits, tapioca, jellies, and coconut milk.
You’ll find that different regions of Vietnam have their own unique versions of chè. It’s fun to explore the different flavors and ingredients that distinguish the chè of the northern and southern regions of Vietnam.
Banh: Cakes and pastries with a Vietnamese twist
The period of French colonization in Vietnam had a big impact on Vietnamese baking, and you’ll find some unique cakes and pastries that reflect that influence. One example is Banh Flan, also known as crème caramel.
Vietnamese cakes and pastries often incorporate local ingredients like rice flour, banana, and coconut. One popular example of this is Banh Chuoi, or banana cake.
Xôi: Sweet sticky rice delights
Xôi, or sticky rice, is a versatile dish that can be prepared in both savory and sweet versions.
Sweet xôi is often topped with coconut milk, mung bean paste, or fruit. You might want to try Xôi Gấc, a version of red sticky rice.
Must-Try Vietnamese Desserts: A Detailed Exploration
Vietnamese cuisine is known for its savory dishes, but the desserts are just as delicious. From colorful layered treats to creamy, fruit-filled concoctions, there’s a Vietnamese dessert for every palate. Here’s a closer look at some must-try options:
Chè Ba Màu (Three-Color Dessert)
Chè ba màu, or three-color dessert, is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. This layered dessert features vibrant colors and a refreshing sweetness that’s perfect for a hot day.
Typical ingredients include:
- Red beans
- Mung beans
- Pandan jelly
- Coconut cream
The combination of textures and flavors makes this dessert a popular choice throughout Vietnam.
Chè Chuối (Banana in Coconut Tapioca Pudding)
For a comforting and warming dessert, try chè chuối. This simple yet satisfying treat features ripe bananas simmered in creamy coconut milk and tapioca pearls.
The key ingredients are:
- Ripe bananas
- Coconut milk
- Tapioca pearls
- Sugar
The bananas are cooked until soft and infused with the sweet flavor of the coconut milk, creating a delightful and soothing dessert.
Sữa Chua Nếp Cẩm (Sweet Sticky Rice and Yogurt)
Sữa chua nếp cẩm offers a unique combination of textures and flavors. This dessert features creamy yogurt paired with chewy black sticky rice.
The main ingredients are:
- Black sticky rice (nếp cẩm)
- Yogurt
- Sugar
This dessert not only tastes great but also offers nutritional benefits, with probiotics from the yogurt and antioxidants from the black rice.
Bánh Flan (Crème Caramel)
Bánh flan is a classic crème caramel with a Vietnamese twist. This dessert boasts a smooth, silky texture and a rich caramel flavor that’s sure to please.
This dessert is a testament to the French colonial influence on Vietnamese cuisine. Some variations may include coffee or coconut milk for added flavor.
Xí Mà (Black Sesame Soup)
If you’re looking for a warm and nourishing dessert, try xí mà. This thick soup, made from black sesame seeds, is known for its nutty flavor and potential health benefits.
This dessert is a specialty of Hoi An, and you can often find it at street food stalls. One recommended spot is the elderly couple’s stall at Hoi An Ancient House (45/17 Tran Hung Dao Street).
Kem (Vietnamese Ice Cream)
Vietnamese ice cream, or kem, comes in a wide variety of flavors, often incorporating local fruits.
Common flavors include:
- Coconut
- Durian
- Avocado
- Jackfruit
Kem Bơ (Avocado Ice Cream)
Kem bơ, or avocado ice cream, is a creamy and refreshing treat made with fresh avocado.
The avocado creates a smooth and rich texture that’s surprisingly delicious. It’s a must-try for avocado lovers.
Sữa Chua Mít (Iced Jackfruit Yogurt)
Sữa chua mít is a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for hot days. It features creamy yogurt topped with sweet jackfruit.
The combination of creamy yogurt and sweet, fragrant jackfruit makes this dessert a popular choice throughout Vietnam.
Chuối Nếp Nướng (Grilled Banana with Sticky Rice)
Chuối nếp nướng is a unique dessert that combines grilled banana with sweet sticky rice.
The banana and sticky rice are wrapped in banana leaves and grilled until the rice is crispy and the banana is soft and caramelized. It’s a delicious and satisfying treat.
Beyond the Bowl: Other Notable Vietnamese Sweet Treats
Vietnamese cuisine extends far beyond pho and banh mi, and the same is true for its desserts. Here are a few more sweet treats you might want to try:
Sinh Tố (Fruit Smoothies)
Vietnamese smoothies are made with fresh, locally grown fruits, often blended with condensed milk or yogurt for extra creaminess. Some of the most popular fruits include mango, dragon fruit, papaya, banana, and avocado. You can often customize your smoothie by choosing your own fruit combinations and sweetness levels.
Cà Phê Trứng (Egg Coffee)
If you’re a coffee lover, you absolutely must try cà phê trứng, a unique Vietnamese coffee beverage made with egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk, and coffee. The egg yolk mixture creates a rich, creamy, and frothy topping that’s both decadent and surprisingly delicious.
Bánh Trung Thu (Mooncakes)
Bánh trung thu are traditional cakes eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival, a celebration that symbolizes reunion and the fall harvest. These cakes are typically filled with a sweet lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or salted egg yolks.
Vietnamese Craft Chocolate
Vietnam’s craft chocolate industry is booming, with a growing number of talented makers producing high-quality chocolate from locally sourced cacao beans. Because of the region’s unique terroir, Vietnamese chocolate often features complex and unique flavor profiles. One example of a well-regarded Vietnamese chocolatier is Maison Marou.
Fresh Local Fruits
Vietnam boasts a remarkable variety of tropical fruits, including mangoes, mangosteen, durian, rambutan, and more. Many of these fruits are available year-round, while others are seasonal. Whether enjoyed fresh or incorporated into desserts, Vietnamese fruits offer a burst of flavor and freshness you won’t soon forget.
Finding and Enjoying Vietnamese Desserts: A Practical Guide
Ready to dive into the delicious world of Vietnamese sweets? Here’s a little guidance to help you on your way:
Where to Find Vietnamese Desserts
- Chè Shops: Keep an eye out for restaurants specializing in chè. These shops focus on all kinds of sweet soups and desserts.
- Street Food Stalls: Open-air markets and street food stalls are fantastic places to find authentic, local sweets.
- Restaurants and Cafes: Plenty of restaurants and cafes will offer at least a few Vietnamese desserts, so be sure to check the dessert menu.
Tips for Dessert Exploration
- Regional Variations: Different regions of Vietnam are known for different specialties, so explore sweets from all over to find your favorites.
- Ask for Recommendations: Don’t be afraid to ask vendors or restaurant staff for recommendations. They can point you toward some delicious hidden gems.
- Embrace the Adventure: Be open to trying new things! Some of the most delicious desserts are things you’ve never heard of.
Essential Vietnamese Dessert Vocabulary
Here are a few words that might come in handy:
- Chè: Sweet soup or dessert
- Bánh: Cake or pastry
- Sữa Chua: Yogurt
- Kem: Ice cream
Putting It All Together
Vietnamese desserts are a delicious and diverse part of the country’s rich culture, showing off the different regions and historical influences. Whether you’re craving the warm comfort of chè or the refreshing sweetness of a sinh tố, you’re sure to find a Vietnamese dessert to love.
Exploring the world of Vietnamese sweets is an adventure in itself! Step outside your comfort zone and discover the unique flavors and textures that make these treats so special. You can start by learning about the key types of desserts, the must-try dishes, and how they vary from region to region.
Then, the next time you’re in Vietnam, don’t miss the chance to dive into the sweet side of Vietnamese cuisine. Ask locals for their recommendations, and look for the hidden gems that might not be in the tourist guides. You’re in for a truly immersive and delicious culinary journey!