Ready to explore the world of Vietnamese desserts? In this comprehensive article from Asia Legend Travel, we’ll take you through an exciting journey to discover 10 of the most popular and delicious treats that you can find anywhere across Vietnam. Each dessert has a unique story and flavor profile that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the country. Find the perfect Vietnamese dessert for your taste buds and start enjoying these sweet delights today!
Best Vietnamese Desserts – Vietnamese Che
One of the must-try Vietnamese desserts on your Vietnam tour is “Chè,” or Vietnamese sweet soup. The Vietnamese desserts Che is a favorite all over the country, especially during the sweltering summer months. Crafted with a delightful mix of beans, fruits, and jellies, Vietnamese Che comes in countless variations to tantalize your taste buds. Some popular types of traditional Vietnamese Che include “Chè thập cẩm” (mixed sweet soup), “Chè trái cây” (fruit sweet soup), “Chè bưởi” (pomelo sweet soup), “Chè đậu xanh” (mung bean sweet soup), “Chè hạt sen” (lotus seed sweet soup), and “Chè đậu đen” (black bean sweet soup).
For a truly unforgettable experience, head to Ho Chi Minh City and savor the legendary “Chè Hà Ký” at 138 Chau Van Liem Street, Ward 11, District 5. This cherished local sweet shop has been delighting Saigonese for over three decades with its authentic flavors. With prices starting at just VND 25,000, you can indulge in a delicious Chinese twist right in Vietnam without breaking the bank.
Yogurt with Fermented Sticky Rice
Yogurt with Fermented Sticky Rice, or “Sữa Chua Nếp Cẩm” in Vietnamese, is one of the popular Vietnamese desserts that is enjoyed daily, especially as a refreshing end to a meal. The incredible combination of tangy yogurt and sweet, chewy fermented sticky rice creates a sensational flavor explosion. Moreover, this dessert does wonders for your digestion, making it a healthy and delicious choice for everyone.
Crème Caramel
Another great recommendation for Vietnamese desserts is Crème Caramel, or “Bánh Flan” in Vietnamese. This sweet treat was introduced to Vietnam during French colonial times in the 19th century. Nowadays, you can find it all over Vietnam with amazing variations like coffee-flavored flan or coconut milk flan. It’s even added to Vietnamese Chè to make the dish extra rich and creamy.
Interesting Vietnamese Desserts – Pig Skin Cake
Speaking of interesting Vietnamese desserts, Pig Skin Cake, or “Bánh Da Lợn” in Vietnamese, is a unique treat that’s definitely worth a try. Despite its name, this treat is completely meat-free and made from rice flour, mung beans, and pandan leaves. The name might make you think it includes pork rind, but it doesn’t.
The most likely explanation for the name is that in ancient Southern Vietnam, the word “lợn” referred to a light color (not pig as in Northern Vietnam), which matches the dessert’s light green hue. Although this name may cause some confusion, it adds to the dessert’s charm and makes it stand out.
Pia Cake
Pia Cake is one of the most delectable traditional Southern Vietnamese desserts that you simply have to try if you’re exploring the country’s culinary scene. Originally inspired by the Teochew mooncake, Pia Cake is made with a delicious mix of lard and mung beans wrapped in a flaky, layered pastry. Over the years, it has evolved to include a range of delightful flavors like salted egg yolk, durian, taro, and matcha, each adding a unique twist to this beloved classic.
Tofu Pudding
Next on the list of must-try Vietnamese desserts is Tofu Pudding, or “Tào Phớ” in Vietnamese. This silky treat is perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day. While there are variations of tofu pudding found in countries like China and Japan, Vietnam offers a simple yet satisfying version.
The Vietnamese basic version features delicate tofu slices bathed in sweet jasmine-infused sugar water and topped with ice. For those seeking a richer experience, you can elevate the dessert by swapping the sugar water for soy milk and adding toppings like grass jelly or toasted coconut, making this classic treat even more irresistible.
Honeycomb Cake
You definitely shouldn’t miss out on Honeycomb Cake, or “Bánh Bò” in Vietnamese, when exploring Vietnamese desserts. This sweet, chewy sponge cake, made from rice flour, water, sugar, and yeast, can be either baked or steamed. Its interior is filled with tiny air bubbles, giving it a unique honeycomb-like texture.
Often, coconut milk is added to the batter, giving the cake a subtle coconut aroma and flavor. The name “Bánh Bò” is interesting too— “Bò” means “crawl” in Vietnamese, and the cake gets this name because it seems to “crawl” up the sides of the bowl as it steams.
Vietnamese Grilled Banana Sticky Rice
No journey to explore Vietnamese desserts is complete without indulging in the iconic Vietnamese Grilled Banana Sticky Rice, or “Chuối Nếp Nướng” in Vietnamese. Hailing from Ben Tre Province, this delectable treat has won hearts across Vietnam with its simple preparation and irresistible taste. The process is quite simple: wrap a banana in sticky rice, cover it with banana leaves, and grill it on a charcoal stove.
The result is one of the most amazing Vietnamese desserts to try, featuring a crispy, smoky, and fragrant exterior. It’s perfectly complemented by a drizzle of lightly sweetened coconut sauce and a sprinkle of roasted peanuts. Its popularity has even reached global audiences, with features in renowned publications like CNN’s Culinary Journeys, showcasing it as one of the top nine most delicious desserts in the world.
Vietnamese Fruit Beams
It would be incomplete not to mention Vietnamese Fruit Beams, or “Hoa Quả Dầm” in Vietnamese, when talking about Vietnamese desserts. This vibrant and colorful treat is a beloved street food, often savored near bustling parks or school gates. For many Vietnamese, it’s more than just a dessert—it’s a sweet slice of childhood that lingers in their memories for a lifetime.
To make the perfect Vietnamese Fruit Beam, stall owners choose fresh, slightly sour fruits like pineapples, mangoes, ambarellas, and guavas. These Vietnamese fruits are then mixed with a blend of chili salt and sugar, creating a vibrant combination of flavors—tangy, spicy, sweet, and salty—that makes this snack a refreshing and addictive choice, especially during the summer months.
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Dried Fruit
Wrapping up our list of the top 10 most popular Vietnamese desserts is dried fruit. With Vietnam’s rich variety of fresh produce, dried fruits offer a convenient and tasty way to enjoy the country’s flavors. Not only are they a delicious snack, but they also make for a thoughtful souvenir to share with friends and family. Be sure to try popular options like dried jackfruit and dried mango, each packed with the delicious taste of Vietnam.
Overall, Vietnamese desserts are a treat for anyone with a sweet tooth, offering a wide variety of refreshing flavors. From the rich and creamy chè to the mildly sweet bánh flan, there’s something for everyone. So, why not start planning your Vietnam trip? Treat yourself to these delicious sweets today! You won’t regret trying the delicious dessert options Vietnam has to offer.
