Vietnamese Desserts: A guide to traditional Vietnamese sweets

Vietnamese desserts often take a backseat compared to well-known Vietnamese dishes like Pho, Banh Mi sandwiches, and rice noodle dishes. However, these desserts have their own unique charm and are worthy of recognition. During our travels in Vietnam, we had the pleasure of discovering a variety of delightful Vietnamese sweets. From traditional desserts featuring bananas, coconut, glutinous rice, bean puddings, and fruit jellies to creative treats like sweet soups, doughy rolls, cakes, and iced delights, Vietnam offers a rich tapestry of dessert options.

If you have a sweet tooth and enjoy exploring new flavors and textures, the various desserts in Vietnam will surely captivate your taste buds. What makes these desserts even more appealing is their relatively low sugar content and the use of wholesome ingredients. In this article, we will showcase some of the most delightful and popular desserts that are sure to take your indulgence to new heights in the nation.

Prepare yourself for a delectable and exotic journey into the world of the best desserts in Vietnam.

Top 10 traditional Vietnamese desserts

Vietnamese food is famed around the world for its delicate flavors and ultra-fresh ingredients. The national desserts are an exploration of texture and flavor as well as a cool delight on a hot day. Here are the 10 popular Vietnamese desserts you must try while visiting Vietnam.

Traditional Vietnamese Desserts

Che Bap - A sweet corn sensation

Che Bap is a simple Che Vietnamese dessert made with sweet corn and glutinous rice or tapioca starch. It can be served in a glass or bowl and eaten with no additional toppings. Che bap is a sweet soup that mixes soft corn kernels, creamy coconut milk, and chewy tapioca pearls. It will take your taste buds on a lovely journey. Every spoonful of this cool treat, which boasts a taste and texture symphony, is a symphony of sweetness. To taste the yummy flavor of this dessert, visit crowded street food markets or local dessert stores where experienced vendors handcraft this delectable treat, offering a wonderful gastronomic experience.

Che Bap - A Sweet Corn Sensation

Che Dau Xanh - Sweet mung bean Vietnamese dessert

Che Dau Xanh is a simplified version of the che ba mau dessert. It contains only one layer, which is the yellow mung bean layer. consists of coconut milk, and mung beans, and is a famous Vietnamese dessert soup that has been sweetened with either sugar or condensed milk. Dessert lovers will find this dish to be soothing and filling thanks to its silky smooth consistency. Look for traditional dessert restaurants where the tastes are skillfully matched to produce a rich dessert that will leave you yearning for more if you want to sample the highest quality of the top appetizers.

Che Ba Ba - Sweet potato, taro and cassava soup

Che ba ba, a rich and decadent Vietnamese sweet soup, constitutes a delicacy that sticks out. A base of thick and velvety coconut milk, tapioca pearls, and a variety of vegetables, including sweet potatoes, taro, and bananas, make up this delectable dessert. You'll want more of the exquisite symphony of creaminess and sweetness the combination of flavors and textures generates. To add crunch and taste to che ba ba, crushed peanuts or sesame seeds are frequently added as a garnish. Visit local dessert booths or traditional restaurants famed for their authentic Vietnamese cuisine to taste the greatest che ba ba. 

Che Troi Nuoc - Ginger rice ball soup

Using mung bean paste and glutinous rice flour, Che Troi Nuoc is a sweet soup. When hot, it is chewy and utterly delectable. This popular Vietnamese delicacy doubles as a warming sweet soup on chilly nights. These exquisite delicacies are frequently served with sweet ginger syrup, which adds a tantalizing scent and intensifies the already fantastic flavors. When hot, it is chewy and utterly delectable.

 Vietnamese traditions would not be complete without banh troi, which may be purchased in specialty dessert stores or traditional marketplaces. Take a taste and enjoy the delicate chewiness of the rice balls paired with the rich sweetness of the filling, resulting in a divine dessert experience.

Che Troi Nuoc - Ginger Rice Ball Soup

Banh Dau Xanh - Mung bean pastries

Banh Dau Xanh is a popular dessert that originated in the northern provinces of Vietnam, mainly in Hanoi and the surrounding areas. It is a must for events like holidays, family get-togethers, and Lunar New Year. In order to give the dish an alluring aesthetic appeal, the dough is frequently dyed with natural colors made from vegetables like beetroot or pandan leaves. The dough is then boiled or steam-cooked for banh dau xanh until it is soft and transparent. As a result, a dessert in the form of bite-sized pieces has a delicate balance of sweetness and chewiness.

Banh Dau Xanh - Mung Bean Pastries

Banh Pia -  Soc Trang's flaky pastry delight

Explore the flaky delights of Banh Pia by traveling to the city of Soc Trang. Banh Pia is a delicious pastry from this area that is loaded with sweet mung bean paste. You'll be tempted to indulge in these delicately layered pastries by the alluring aroma emanating from the freshly made goods. Find these gastronomic treasures in Soc Trang's specialized shops or neighborhood bakeries. Experience the ideal harmony between the flaky pastry and the decadent sweetness of the filling with each bite, taking your dessert-eating to new heights.

Explore the flaky delights of Banh Pia

Che Chuoi - Vietnamese banana soup

Che Chuoi is a must-try dessert if you're looking for a warming and creamy pleasure. Ripe bananas are cooked in coconut milk for this delicious dessert, which is frequently served with tapioca pearls. A sumptuous and gratifying flavor experience is produced by the blending of the flavors. To enjoy the warmth and creaminess of this sweet soup and let the tastes carry you to a state of dessert bliss, look for neighborhood cafés or classic dessert restaurants.

Sinh To - Vietnamese fruit smoothie

Sinh To, a traditional Vietnamese fruit smoothie, will quench your thirst and treat you to some delicious pleasures. This smoothie, which is Latin for "mixed" or "blended," is made by blending a variety of fresh fruits with milk or yogurt to produce a rich, tasty beverage. Depending on the time of year and what is in season, different fruits may be available, such as jackfruit, mango, avocado, or other favorites. Condensed milk or sugar is frequently used to sweeten smoothies, giving them a hint of lavish surroundings. On warm days, this sweet beverage can be enjoyed as a refreshing beverage or as a filling dessert alternative.

Kem Xoi - Ice Cream and Sticky Rice

Prepare yourself for a unique and delightful fusion of flavors with Kem Xoi, a Vietnamese dessert that combines two beloved treats: ice cream and sticky rice. This creative dessert features a scoop of ice cream, often flavors like coconut, pandan, or durian, served atop a bed of warm sticky rice. The sticky rice is often infused with flavors such as coconut or pandan, adding an extra layer of aroma and taste to the dish. Toppings such as crushed peanuts, sweet sauces, and coconut flakes are added to enhance the texture and flavor profile. To experience the wonderful marriage of sweet and savory, seek out ice cream parlors, food stalls, or dessert shops that specialize in Kem Xoi. Each bite delivers a pleasant contrast between the icy, creamy ice cream and the warm, cozy, and chewy sticky rice, producing an unforgettable dessert experience.

Kem Xoi - Ice Cream and Sticky Rice

Rau Cau - A refreshing jelly

With Rau Cau, an agar-agar-based Vietnamese jelly cure, you can cool yourself and revitalize your palette. This snack, which comes in a range of flavors such as pandan, coffee, coconut, or fruit, is a refreshing treat, especially on hot days. This smooth and jiggly dessert, served chilled, provides a rush of invigorating flavors. To experience the colorful and intriguing world of jelly, explore dessert stores or eateries with a dessert menu. Your taste buds will experience a cooling sensation with each spoonful, allowing you to appreciate the wonderful jelly dessert's distinctive texture and bright taste.

Rich and decadent Vietnamese desserts in the traditional market

Conclusion: Traditional Vietnamese desserts

Traditional Vietnamese desserts offer an irresistible array of flavors and textures that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. To ensure your visit to Vietnam is as smooth and comfortable as possible, consider utilizing the convenient services provided by Vietnam Immigration Services. Their online visa application platform offers a hassle-free and secure way to obtain your visa before your trip. By applying online, you can save time and eliminate the stress of waiting in long queues upon arrival.

With a user-friendly interface and a dedicated support team, Vietnam Immigration Services makes the visa application process quick and efficient. Their online visa service guarantees a seamless experience, allowing you to focus on exploring the enchanting landscapes, and historic landmarks, and, of course, indulging in its delightful Vietnamese desserts.

Apply for a visa now through Vietnam Immigration Services and embark on your sweet adventure in Vietnam with peace of mind. Enjoy a comfortable journey as you immerse yourself in the cultural richness and culinary delights that await you in this captivating country.