Vietnamese cuisine has long been celebrated globally for its sophistication, diversity, and distinctive, unforgettable flavors. Beyond Pho, Bun Cha, and Nem Ran, Vietnamese desserts also contribute to the irresistible charm of this culinary tradition. Join us to explore the best Vietnamese desserts, where creativity and tradition blend, offering a sweet and memorable culinary experience.
Che Troi Nuoc: Warm Winter Dessert from Hanoi
Che troi nuoc is a familiar dessert, particularly beloved during Hanoi’s chilly winter days. These round, chewy dumplings made from glutinous rice, often filled with mung beans, black sesame, or coconut, are simmered in a warm ginger-infused sugar syrup. Enhanced with creamy coconut milk and a sprinkle of fragrant roasted sesame seeds, Che troi nuoc delivers a sweet, warm flavor and a sense of comfort. This dessert frequently appears during holidays, Tet, full moon celebrations, and baby showers, reflecting the traditional culinary culture of Vietnam.
Che troi nuoc, glutinous rice balls in sweet ginger soup
Where to enjoy:
- Banh troi tau – 116 Nguyen Khuyen Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.
- Banh troi tau – Xoi che Ba Thin – 1 Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Banh Da Ke: Simple Treat from Old Hanoi
Banh da ke is a snack that evokes childhood memories for many Hanoians. Crispy sesame rice crackers are topped with a layer of golden sticky millet, mixed with smooth mung beans and sprinkled with sugar. This rustic cake requires the skill and experience of the maker, carrying the culture and old memories of Hanoi. Banh da ke is often sold from bicycles roaming the streets, becoming an indispensable part of Hanoi’s street food scene.
Banh da ke, millet and mung bean cake on sesame cracker
Where to enjoy: Street vendors in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
Chuoi Nep Nuong: Mekong Delta Delight Known Worldwide
Chuoi nep nuong, grilled banana with sticky rice, is a signature dessert of the Mekong Delta, loved by many international visitors. This dish was even featured on CNN International (USA) in the program Culinary Journeys, affirming the position of Vietnamese cuisine on the world map. Ripe bananas are wrapped in fragrant sticky rice mixed with coconut milk, then grilled over charcoal until the rice layer is golden brown. When served, Chuoi nep nuong is drizzled with creamy coconut milk and sprinkled with crunchy roasted peanuts, creating an irresistible sweet and nutty flavor.
Chuoi nep nuong, grilled banana with sticky rice and coconut milk
Where to enjoy:
- 106 To Hien Thanh Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City.
- 122 Tran Dinh Xu Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- 378 Vo Van Tan Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
Che Bap Hoi An: Unique Flavor of the Ancient Town
Che bap Hoi An, Hoi An sweet corn pudding, is a famous dessert from this heritage land. Corn grown in Cam Nam, Hoi An, is renowned for its distinctive sweet and chewy taste. Che bap Hoi An harmoniously combines the sweetness of corn, the richness of coconut milk, the aroma of roasted sesame seeds, the chewiness of tapioca pearls, and the crispiness of dried coconut. This dessert carries the distinct flavor of the sunny Central region, leaving a lasting impression on visitors. To enhance its appeal, pandan leaves are often added to create a unique fragrance.
Che bap Hoi An, sweet corn pudding with coconut milk and tapioca pearls
Where to enjoy:
- Che Co Nga: 36 Bach Dang Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An.
- Che Co Hai: 110 Tran Phu Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An.
Bo Bia Ngot: Childhood Sweet Snack
Bo bia ngot, sweet spring rolls, is a familiar snack for many generations of Vietnamese people. This dish originated in Cho Lon, Saigon, and then spread throughout the provinces. Bo bia ngot is made from thin rice paper, maltose candy, shredded coconut, and black sesame seeds. All are rolled together, creating a simple but appealing treat. Today, you can easily find bo bia ngot on streets, sidewalks, school gates, or in the calls of street vendors.
Bo bia ngot, sweet spring rolls with coconut and sesame
Where to enjoy:
- Thanh Nien Street, Hanoi.
- 278/5/1 Nguyen Xi Street, Ward 13, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City.
Banh Chuoi Chien: Irresistibly Crispy Sweetness
Banh chuoi chien, fried banana fritters, is a popular street snack in Vietnam. Banana slices are battered, deep-fried until golden brown, with a crispy outer layer and a soft, sweet inside. Banh chuoi chien is commonly sold in markets and on sidewalks at affordable prices, suitable for many people’s budgets.
Banh chuoi chien, fried banana fritters
Where to enjoy: Local markets throughout Vietnam.
Sua Chua Nep Cam: Delicious, Healthy Yogurt with Black Sticky Rice
Sua chua nep cam, yogurt with black sticky rice, is a unique combination of the tangy flavor of yogurt and the chewy fragrance of black sticky rice. This dessert is not only delicious but also very good for health, especially for skin and digestion. Ba Vi and Moc Chau yogurt with black sticky rice are famous for their natural ingredients, no preservatives, and distinctive flavors.
Sua chua nep cam, yogurt with black sticky rice
Keo Lac: Traditional Crispy Peanut Candy
Keo lac, or peanut candy, is a traditional folk candy of Vietnam. The candy is made from roasted peanuts, mixed with malt or molasses, creating a sweet, nutty, and crispy flavor. Keo lac is a favorite snack of many Vietnamese children, often sold at bus stations, train stations, or roadside grocery stores.
Keo lac, traditional peanut candy
Che Suong Sa Hat Luu: Colorful and Delicious “Rainbow Dessert”
Che suong sa hat luu, jelly and pomegranate seed sweet soup, is a dessert loved for its eye-catching colors and refreshing flavor. This sweet soup includes many ingredients such as mung beans, red beans, pandan jelly, “pomegranate seeds” (made from tapioca flour and food coloring), coconut milk, and shaved ice. The harmonious combination of ingredients creates a dessert that is not only delicious but also visually appealing.
Che suong sa hat luu, colorful jelly and pomegranate seed sweet soup
Where to enjoy:
- Nha Hang Ngon Restaurant: 26 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
- Che co Mai: 64 Le Quang Dinh Street, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City.
Hoa Qua Dam: Fresh and Nutritious Mixed Fruits
Hoa qua dam, mixed fresh fruit dessert, is a simple, easy-to-make, and very healthy dessert. This dish includes many kinds of fresh fruits such as jackfruit, watermelon, mango, avocado, kiwi… cut into small pieces and mixed with yogurt, condensed milk, or ice cream. To enhance the flavor, jelly or chewy sweet potato is often added. The most important factor for a delicious hoa qua dam is using fresh, seasonal fruits.
Hoa qua dam, mixed fresh fruit dessert with yogurt
Where to enjoy:
- Hoa Qua Dam Hoa Beo: 17 To Tich Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
- Cosin House: 59 Pham Nhu Xuong Street, Lien Chieu District, Da Nang.
- Sinh to Thu Cho Con: 290 Hung Vuong Street, Vinh Trung Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang.
Kem Trai Dua: Refreshing Coconut Ice Cream from Thailand
Kem trai dua, coconut ice cream in coconut shell, is a dessert originating from Thailand, but has become popular in Vietnam, especially in Con Dao. Coconut ice cream is served in a fresh coconut shell, combined with many toppings such as peanuts, red beans, pearls, caramel sauce, biscuits, or fresh fruits. This cool, sweet ice cream is an excellent choice to cool down on hot summer days.
Kem trai dua, coconut ice cream in a coconut shell
Where to enjoy:
- Cocoo Con Dao coconut ice cream shops in Hanoi.
- Kem Cong Truong: 10 Pham Ngoc Thach Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Kem dua Con Son: 2 Ton Duc Thang Street, Con Dao, Ba Ria – Vung Tau province.
Che Khuc Bach: Vietnamese “Panna Cotta”
Che khuc bach, Vietnamese panna cotta, is a refreshing dessert originating from China, but has been adapted to suit Vietnamese tastes. Khuc bach is made from gelatin, fresh cream, fresh milk, and sugar, with a mild sweetness and delicate aroma. Che khuc bach is often served with longan, lychee, almonds, creating a harmonious combination of flavors and colors.
Che khuc bach, Vietnamese panna cotta with lychee and almond
Where to enjoy:
- Che Hang Be: 1B – G4 Thanh Cong, Nguyen Hong, Ba Dinh, Hanoi.
- Che Lien: 189 Hoang Dieu Street, Hai Chau, Da Nang.
- Che Hien Khanh: 718 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
Banh Flan (Caramen): Familiar Sweet Treat
Banh flan, or caramen (common name in Hanoi), is a dessert originating from France, but has become familiar in Vietnam. Banh flan is made from chicken eggs, fresh milk, and sugar, with a sweet, rich, and smooth taste. Banh flan is often served with coffee or used as a topping for sweet soups and milk tea.
Banh flan, Vietnamese creme caramel
Where to enjoy:
- Caramen Duong Hoa: 29 Hang Than Street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi.
- Ezi Coffee: 74 – 76 Phan Dang Luu Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang.
- Banh Flan Chi Muoi: Alley 14 Tran Binh Trong Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.
Banh Su Kem: Beloved Mini Cream Puffs
Banh su kem, cream puffs, are small, sweet pastries, loved for their soft crust and rich cream filling. The cream filling comes in many different flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, matcha, cheese, durian, catering to many preferences. Banh su kem is an ideal snack to enjoy during afternoon tea or as a gift for friends and relatives.
Banh su kem, cream puffs with vanilla filling
Where to enjoy:
- Chewy Junior Singapore Cream Puffs: 136 Le Loi Street, Da Nang.
- Khanh Nguyen Bakery: 40 Xuan Dieu Street, Ward 4, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City.
Kem Xoi: Unique Northern Vietnamese Ice Cream with Sticky Rice
Kem xoi, ice cream with sticky rice, is a unique dessert of Northern Vietnam. Fragrant pandan sticky rice is served with cool coconut ice cream, creating a surprising and delightful combination. Kem xoi is a great cooling treat on hot summer days, while also offering a distinctive traditional culinary experience.
Kem xoi, ice cream with pandan sticky rice
Where to enjoy:
- Kem xoi Kim Ma (Ba An): 289 Kim Ma Street, Giang Vo, Ba Dinh, Hanoi.
- Kem xoi Ha Noi Banh Beo: 90 To Hien Thanh Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi.
Vietnamese cuisine is not only about main dishes but also a world of sweet, diverse, and creative desserts. Hopefully, through this article, you have gained more interesting suggestions to explore the sweet flavors of Vietnamese cuisine, from traditional to imported dishes, each with its own unique characteristics, contributing to making the Vietnamese culinary picture richer and more attractive. Plan your culinary trip today and don’t forget to enjoy these wonderful desserts!