Blog

Top 10 Vietnamese Desserts You Must Try

Vietnam, a land of diverse flavors and culinary delights, offers a wide array of delectable desserts. From the refreshing sweetness of chè to the unique textures of bánh bò, these treats are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Let’s embark on a journey through the top 10 Vietnamese desserts you must try.

Vietnamese desserts are a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, often featuring unique ingredients and preparation techniques. Here are the top 10 you shouldn’t miss:

Chè (Sweet Soup):
- Highlights: A diverse category of desserts made with various ingredients like beans, fruits, and tapioca pearls, often served warm or cold.
- Lowlights: Can be too sweet for some palates.
- Price Range: Affordable, typically around 20,000 – 30,000 VND per bowl.
- Cultural Significance: A popular dessert enjoyed year-round, especially during the hot summer months.
Chè Chuối (Banana and Tapioca Pudding):
- Highlights: A comforting dessert made with ripe bananas, tapioca pearls, and coconut milk.
- Lowlights: Can be too sweet for some tastes.
- Price Range: Affordable, around 20,000 – 30,000 VND per bowl.
- Cultural Significance: A traditional dessert often enjoyed during family gatherings and festivals.
Kem Xôi (Sticky Rice with Ice Cream):
- Highlights: A unique combination of warm, sweet sticky rice topped with cold, creamy ice cream.
- Lowlights: Can be overly sweet for some.
- Price Range: Affordable, around 20,000 – 30,000 VND per serving.
- Cultural Significance: A popular street food dessert, especially during hot summer days.
Bánh Bò (Honeycomb Cake):
- Highlights: A steamed cake with a unique honeycomb texture and a sweet, slightly savory flavor.
- Lowlights: Can be a bit dense for some.
- Price Range: Affordable, around 10,000 – 20,000 VND per serving.
- Cultural Significance: A traditional Vietnamese cake often served during special occasions.
Sữa Chua Nếp Cẩm (Yogurt with Fermented Sticky Rice):
- Highlights: A refreshing and healthy dessert, combining creamy yogurt with sweet, chewy fermented sticky rice.
- Lowlights: The taste might be too sour or too sweet for some.
- Price Range: Affordable, around 15,000 – 25,000 VND per serving.
- Cultural Significance: A popular summer dessert, often enjoyed as a snack or a light meal.
Bánh Dừa (Coconut Cake):
- Highlights: A delicate cake made with coconut milk and sugar, often flavored with pandan leaves.
- Lowlights: Can be a bit too sweet for some.
- Price Range: Affordable, around 10,000 – 20,000 VND per cake.
- Cultural Significance: A traditional Vietnamese cake, often served during special occasions.
Chè Đậu Xanh (Mung Bean Sweet Soup):
- Highlights: A refreshing and nutritious dessert made with mung beans, sugar, and coconut milk.
- Lowlights: Can be a bit bland for some.
- Price Range: Affordable, around 15,000 – 25,000 VND per bowl.
- Cultural Significance: A popular summer dessert, often served chilled.
Bánh Flan (Vietnamese Caramel Custard):
- Highlights: A creamy and delicious custard dessert with a caramel topping.
- Lowlights: Can be a bit too sweet for some.
- Price Range: Affordable, around 10,000 – 20,000 VND per serving.
- Cultural Significance: A popular dessert influenced by French cuisine.
Bánh Bèo (Mini Rice Cakes):
- Highlights: Small, bite-sized rice cakes topped with shrimp, mushrooms, and a savory sauce.
- Lowlights: Can be a bit messy to eat.
- Price Range: Affordable, around 10,000 – 20,000 VND per serving.
- Cultural Significance: A popular street food, often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.
Xôi Xéo (Colorful Sticky Rice):

Highlights: A colorful and flavorful dish made with sticky rice, mung beans, and other ingredients.
Lowlights: Can be a bit heavy and filling.
Price Range: Affordable, around 10,000 – 20,000 VND per serving.
Cultural Significance: A traditional Vietnamese dish, often served during special occasions.

By exploring these top 10 Vietnamese desserts, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the country’s rich culinary heritage.

Where to Find the Best Vietnamese Desserts in Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling metropolis, is a haven for food lovers. It offers a diverse culinary scene, including a wide range of traditional Vietnamese desserts. Here are some of the best places to indulge your sweet tooth:

1. Local Markets – Paradise of Vietnamese Desserts

Binh Thanh Market: This bustling market is a treasure trove of local delicacies, including a variety of sweet soups (chè) and sticky rice dishes (xôi). You can find everything from classic flavors to more exotic options.
Ben Thanh Market: Another popular market, Ben Thanh offers a wide range of food stalls and shops selling traditional Vietnamese desserts. Be sure to explore the market’s labyrinthine alleys to discover hidden gems.

2. Street Food Stalls for Vietnamese Desserts

District 5 (Chợ Lớn): This historic district is known for its vibrant street food scene, with numerous stalls selling delicious desserts like chè, xôi, and bánh bò.
District 1: Explore the streets around Bùi Viện and Phạm Ngũ Lão for a variety of street food vendors offering sweet treats.

3. Cafés and Restaurants

The Coffee House: This popular café chain offers a variety of Vietnamese desserts, including chè and bánh flan.
Xuân Hương: A well-known restaurant chain that serves traditional Vietnamese cuisine, including a selection of delicious desserts.
Lúa Cafe: This cozy café offers a range of desserts, including chè and bánh flan, made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Tips to Enjoy Vietnamese Desserts

Here are some tips to enhance your Vietnamese dessert experience:

Embrace the Sweetness of Vietnamese Desserts :

Don’t be afraid to indulge: Vietnamese desserts are often quite sweet, but that’s part of their charm.
Pair with a beverage: A cup of hot or cold tea can help balance the sweetness.

Explore Local Markets and Street Food:

Authentic flavors: These are the places to find the most authentic and delicious Vietnamese desserts.
Bargain for the best price: Don’t be afraid to haggle, especially at street markets.

Try Different Variations: of Vietnamese Desserts

Experiment with flavors: There are countless variations of chè (sweet soup) and other desserts. Don’t be afraid to try new flavors and combinations.
Ask for recommendations: Locals can provide valuable insights into the best desserts to try.

Pay Attention to Texture:

Appreciate the contrast: Many Vietnamese desserts offer a delightful contrast between soft and chewy textures.
Enjoy the variety: From smooth and creamy to chewy and crunchy, there’s a texture for everyone.

Savor the Experience of Vietnamese Desserts :

Take your time: Savor each bite and appreciate the unique flavors and textures.
Enjoy the atmosphere: Many dessert shops and street food stalls offer a unique and authentic atmosphere.

By following these tips, you can fully appreciate the delicious world of Vietnamese desserts.

Blog

Top 10 Vietnamese Desserts You Must Try