Vietnamese cuisine is renowned worldwide for its delicate flavors and use of fresh ingredients. In addition to its savory dishes, Vietnam offers a delightful array of sweet snacks that are not only refreshing but also showcase a unique adventure of textures and flavors. From creamy puddings to crispy pastries, here are 15 dreamy desserts you must sample on your travels in Vietnam.
Chè Chuối
Those who adore bananas will be delighted by this creamy pudding made with tapioca pearls, coconut cream, and grilled bananas. You can easily find this sweet treat at cafes and street stalls throughout Vietnam.
Try it at: Lutulata Desserts & Drinks, 39 Hàng Cót, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Chè Trôi Nước
Eaten on special occasions, these mochi-esque rice flour balls are filled with mung bean paste and drizzled with ginger syrup and sesame seeds. Served with a touch of coconut cream, each bite of Chè Trôi Nước is a delightful experience.
Try it at: Chè ‘đợi’, 48 Lý Chính Thắng, District 8, Ho Chi Minh City
Bò Bía Ngọt
These rolls of thin rice paper filled with nougat, coconut shreds, and sesame seeds are a fantastic snack. Each bite of Bò Bía Ngọt is light yet satisfying, and it can be easily found from bicycle vendors across Vietnam.
Try it at: Thanh Niên street, West Lake, Hà Nội
Bánh Chuối Chiên
Fried banana fritters are a popular street snack in Vietnam. With their crispy exterior and gooey interior, these fritters can be found in alleyways and markets, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Try it at: Public Market in Hội An
Chè Bắp
A creamy and nourishing dessert, Chè Bắp features a mix of corn, coconut cream, and tapioca pearls. Experience the best of this pudding in Hoi An, where it is made with fresh, locally grown corn.
Try it at: Quán Ăn Bến Tre, Xuyên Trung, Cẩm Nam, Hội An
Sữa Chua Nếp Cẩm
Bold flavors and textures come together in this sticky rice pudding. With a generous scoop of yogurt stealing the show, this adventurous dessert can be found in many cafes.
Try it at: Che Bobo Chacha, 92 Cửa Bắc, Quán Thánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
Kẹo Lạc
Vietnamese peanut brittle is a scrumptious vegan treat. Each nibble offers a delightful crunch, with the addition of sesame seeds adding an extra layer of texture. You’ll find this sweet snack at transportation hubs and road stalls across Vietnam.
Try it at: Transfer points nationwide (airports, bus stations, and train stops)
Chè Sương Sa Hạt Lựu
Also known as the ‘rainbow dessert,’ Chè Sương Sa Hạt Lựu is a visually stunning treat served in a tall glass. This dessert features layers of red kidney beans, pandan jellies, mung bean paste, and other goodies, topped with ice and thickened coconut cream.
Try it at: Nhà Hàng Ngon, 26 Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Hoa Quả Dầm
Hoa Quả Dầm is a healthy snack that combines fresh mixed fruits, coconut cream, and shaved ice. Anything fresh is invited to the party, including jackfruit, kiwi, watermelon, apple, and even avocado! For added texture, you can also enjoy pandan jellies or tapioca balls.
Try it at: Hoa Quả Dầm Hoa Béo, 17 Tô Tịch, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Kem Thái Dừa
Kem Thái Dừa, the Vietnamese version of an ice cream sundae, presents a unique twist by serving the ice cream in a coconut shell with a variety of toppings. Peanuts, jellies, caramel sauce, beans, biscuits, and fresh fruits are some of the many options available. This trendy dessert is a must-try.
Try it at: Kem Cong Truong, 10 Phạm Ngọc Thạch, District 3, Hồ Chí Minh City
Bánh Đa Kê
These sesame-encrusted rice crackers filled with mung bean, millet paste, and sugar sprinkles are a delightful treat. You can easily find them being sold by bicycle vendors on the curbsides throughout Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
Try it in: Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Chè Khúc Bạch
Mildly sweet and aromatic, Chè Khúc Bạch can be considered a Vietnamese version of panna cotta. The custard comes in bite-sized pieces, served with lychees and almonds in a bowl of crushed ice, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Try it at: Quán Chè Hiển Khánh, 718 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, District 3, Hồ Chí Minh City
Caramen Hoa Quả
The Vietnamese version of crème caramel, Caramen Hoa Quả, is topped with fresh fruits, jellies, and a splash of coconut cream. This decadent dessert offers a harmonious blend of flavors and can be enjoyed at an affordable price.
Try it at: Caramen Duong Hoa, 29 Hàng Than, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
Bánh Su Kem
Who can resist a cream puff? Found in bakeries nationwide, Bánh Su Kem is a pastry ball filled with smooth vanilla custard. Treat yourself to a set of six of these fluffy bites for an affordable price.
Try it at: Any local bakery in Vietnam
Kem Xôi
Kem Xôi is a delightful combination of green pandan-flavored sticky rice and coconut ice cream. This surprisingly perfect pairing offers a satisfying and refreshing treat, especially on hot days.
Try it at: Che 95, 95 Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
These 15 dreamy desserts are just a glimpse into the wonderful world of Vietnamese sweets. On your next trip to Vietnam, make sure to indulge in these delightful treats and explore the rich flavors and textures that Vietnamese cuisine has to offer.
