Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its delicate flavors and fresh ingredients. But did you know that Vietnam also offers a wide array of dreamy desserts? From puddings to pastries, these sweet treats are not only refreshing but also a delightful journey through texture and flavor. Here are 15 desserts you must try on your travels in Vietnam.
Chè Chuối
For fans of bananas, Chè Chuối is a must-try dessert. This smooth and creamy pudding combines tapioca pearls, coconut cream, and grilled bananas. You can easily find this delicious treat at cafes and street stalls.
Try it at: Lutulata Desserts & Drinks, 39 Hàng Cót, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Chè Trôi Nước
On special occasions, indulge in Chè Trôi Nước, mochi-like rice flour balls filled with mung bean paste. These delectable balls are drizzled with ginger syrup and sprinkled with sesame seeds. Served with a dash of coconut cream, each order will cost you about 15,000VND.
Try it at: Chè ‘đợi’, 48 Lý Chính Thắng, District 8, Ho Chi Minh City
Bò Bía Ngọt
Enjoy a light yet satisfying snack with Bò Bía Ngọt. These thin rice paper rolls are filled with nougat, coconut shreds, and sesame seeds. You can easily find these rolls from bicycle vendors throughout Vietnam.
Try it at: Thanh Niên street, West Lake, Hà Nội
Bánh Chuối Chiên
Fried banana fritters, known as Bánh Chuối Chiên, are a popular street snack in Vietnam. With a crispy exterior and soft gooey interior, these fritters can be found in alleyways and markets for 5,000VND per piece.
Try it at: Public Market in Hội An
Chè Bắp
Warm up with a creamy and nourishing dessert, Chè Bắp. This pudding combines corn, coconut cream, and tapioca pearls, making it the perfect treat for the winter months. Make sure to try it 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
Experience bold flavors and textures with Sữa Chua Nếp Cẩm, a sticky rice pudding. This adventurous dessert features a generous scoop of yogurt and is available in many cafes for about 35,000VND.
Try it at: Che Bobo Chacha, 92 Cửa Bắc, Quán Thánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
Kẹo Lạc
Indulge in Vietnamese peanut brittle, known as Kẹo Lạc. This scrumptious vegan treat is sprinkled with sesame seeds for an extra crunch. You can find this delightful 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
Translated as ‘rainbow dessert,’ Chè Sương Sa Hạt Lựu is a visually stunning treat. This chè is served in a tall glass, showcasing vibrant layers of red kidney beans, pandan jellies, mung bean paste, and more. It is then topped with ice and thickened coconut cream.
Try it at: Nhà Hàng Ngon, 26 Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Hoa Quả Dầm
For a healthy and refreshing dessert, try Hoa Quả Dầm. This delightful snack combines fresh mixed fruit, coconut cream, and shaved ice. You can find a variety of fruits, including jackfruit, kiwi, watermelon, apple, and even avocado. Add pandan jellies or tapioca balls for an extra burst of texture.
Try it at: Hoa Quả Dầm Hoa Béo, 17 Tô Tịch, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Kem Thái Dừa
Indulge in Kem Thái Dừa, the Vietnamese version of an ice cream sundae. This trendy snack features ice cream served in a coconut with a variety of toppings such as peanuts, jellies, caramel sauce, beans, biscuits, and fresh fruit. Treat yourself to this ultimate decadence for about 40,000VND, plus extra for toppings.
Try it at: Kem Cong Truong, 10 Phạm Ngọc Thạch, District 3, Hồ Chí Minh City
Bánh Đa Kê
For a hearty treat, try Bánh Đa Kê, sesame-encrusted rice crackers with mung bean and millet paste, sprinkled with sugar. These delicious crackers are commonly sold by bicycle vendors on curbsides for 5,000 or 10,000VND.
Try it in: Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Chè Khúc Bạch
Discover a mildly sweet and aromatic dessert with Chè Khúc Bạch. This Vietnamese panna cotta features bite-sized pieces of custard with lychees and almonds in a bowl of crushed ice. The balance of textures is truly intriguing.
Try it at: Quán Chè Hiển Khánh, 718 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, District 3, Hồ Chí Minh City
Caramen Hoa Quả
Indulge in the Vietnamese version of creme caramel, Caramen Hoa Quả. This delightful dessert is topped with fresh fruit, jellies, and a splash of coconut cream. Experience true decadence for just 20,000VND.
Try it at: Caramen Duong Hoa, 29 Hàng Than, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
Bánh Su Kem
Who can resist a cream puff? Bánh Su Kem is a pastry ball filled with smooth vanilla custard. You can easily find these fluffy bites at local bakeries throughout Vietnam.
Try it at: Any local bakery in Vietnam
Kem Xôi
Cool down with Kem Xôi, an ice cream dessert made with green pandan-flavored sticky rice paired with coconut ice cream. This surprising combination is both satisfying and refreshing, especially on a hot day.
Try it at: Che 95, 95 Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
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