If you ever find yourself in Vietnam, be prepared to embark on a delightful culinary adventure. With its wide array of fresh ingredients and a rich tradition of creative cooking, Vietnam offers an abundance of tasty snacks that are sure to please your taste buds. From ancient recipes passed down through generations to innovative twists on classic favorites, here are 10 Vietnamese snacks that you simply must try.
Mung Bean Cubes: A Royal Delight
One bite of these sweet mung bean cubes, and you’ll be taken to flavor heaven. These velvety treats are best enjoyed alongside a steaming cup of green tea. Legend has it that Bảo Đại, Vietnam’s last emperor, was so enamored with this confection that he allowed the royal symbol of a golden dragon to be printed on its packaging. To this day, the mung bean cubes are often wrapped in regal colors of red and gold. You can find them at the colorful stores on Hàng Than street in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where pyramids of sweets await you on the sidewalk.
Coconut Candy: A Taste of the Mekong Delta
A trip to Vietnam’s Mekong Delta would be incomplete without indulging in coconut candy. Watching the skilled workers chop up strips of coconut candies and wrap them in rice paper is as captivating as savoring their milky, rich flavors. Bến Tre Province, known for its sweet coconuts, is where these delectable confections originate.
Marou Chocolate: Vietnam’s Finest Cocoa
For chocolate lovers, Marou chocolate is a must-try. Made from Vietnam’s finest cacao beans sourced from six different provinces, each chocolate bar is a true culinary adventure. With flavors like ‘Phở Spices’ and ‘Popped Rice,’ Marou takes your taste buds on an exciting journey across Vietnam.
Peanut and Rice Paper Brittle: A Unique Combination
In this unconventional treat, peanuts are coated with molasses and malt sugar, then sandwiched between delicate sheets of rice paper. The sticky sweetness of the peanuts is balanced by the crispy texture of the toasted rice paper. Originating from Hà Tĩnh province, this delicacy has been cherished for generations.
Ranchu Salted Egg Chips: A Flavor Explosion
Ranchu takes the goodness of salted eggs to a whole new level with their potato chips and fish skins. Using fresh duck eggs from the Mekong Delta and a traditional salting method, Ranchu ensures that every chip is bursting with flavor. For a unique twist, try their seasonal breadfruit chips.
Sesame Candy: A Chewy Delight from Huế
Intriguing foreign merchants for decades, sesame candy has become a popular snack in Vietnam. Locals in Huế, the imperial capital, enjoy these treats during the long monsoon rains. With its stickiness and malt sugar, savoring sesame candy requires patience, much like enduring the rain.
Crispy Rice: A Celebration of Vietnamese Staple
Vietnamese cuisine reveres rice in all its forms, and crispy rice is a delightful testament to that. Deep-fried rice pairs perfectly with fluffy strands of pork floss. For those who love a bit of spice, try the bag of crispy rice with chili flakes. This savory treat takes inspiration from scorched rice, the crispy crust at the bottom of the pot.
Candied Ginger: A Perfect Tea Companion
Vietnamese have perfected the art of pairing ginger with tea. Sugar-coated ginger might seem unusual at first, but the combination of sweetness and zing creates a harmonious balance. Locals believe that this healthy snack symbolizes a life filled with comfort and happiness.
Dried Fruits: A Fusion of Flavors
Ô mai, a specialty of Hanoi, blends dried fruits like plums, apricots, and peaches with sugar, salt, lime, chili, or ginger. These dried fruits can be sweet or savory, offering a multitude of flavors. Previously enjoyed by the affluent, Ô mai can now be found in every Hanoian home, especially during the Lunar New Year.
Coconut Flakes: A Versatile Delicacy
When in Vietnam, indulge in the goodness of fresh coconuts by cracking one open and enjoying the sweet, white flesh with a spoon. You can also take home a bag of crispy coconut flakes. These golden-brown delights, made by toasting thin strips of coconut flesh, are a popular topping for sweet soup desserts in Vietnam.
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