10 Best Desserts To Try When In Vietnam
Vietnam is a country with a rich culinary heritage, offering an array of delightful desserts tickling the palate with unique textures and flavors. If you find yourself in Vietnam, make a point to try these top 10 desserts that will offer you a sweet taste of Vietnamese culture.
1. Chè – Chè refers to various Vietnamese sweet soups or puddings that may be served hot or cold. They come in numerous varieties with ingredients ranging from mung beans to tapioca, fruit to coconut milk.
2. Bánh Flan – A Vietnamese version of the classic caramel pudding or flan, this smooth, custardy dessert is topped with a lusciously thick caramel sauce and is a must-try while visiting.
3. Bánh Bao Chỉ – These are sweet steamed buns filled with a sugary cream mixture that oozes out with every bite. They are delicate and often enjoyed as a light dessert or snack.
4. Bánh Tẻ – This dessert is a type of rice cake made from glutinous rice and filled with sweetened mung bean paste, then wrapped in banana leaves for a distinctive flavor.
5. Sữa Chua Nếp Cẩm – This dessert features purple sticky rice mixed into creamy yogurt, making for a delightful combination of tart and sweet flavors with an interesting chewy texture.
6. Chuối Chiên – Deep-fried bananas are quintessential street food in Vietnam. Golden and crispy on the outside, warm and sweet on the inside, they’re often served with coconut cream for dipping.
7. Bánh Chuối – A traditional banana cake or bread pudding filled with ripe bananas, coconut milk, and tapioca pearls, then baked or steamed to perfection.
8. Kem Chuối – The Vietnamese take on ice cream bars involves bananas coated in chocolate, then rolled in peanuts for an irresistible tropical twist on the classic treat.
9. Cốm – A specialty of Hanoi, cốm is made from young green rice that’s been roasted and pounded to create a soft and chewy texture perfect for snacking or as part of other desserts.
10. Bánh Xoài – Mango cake is especially popular in southern regions where mangoes are more abundant. It’s similar to glutinous rice desserts but is distinctly flavored by the sweetness of fresh mangoes.
Each dessert offers a unique insight into the flavor profiles favored by locals across Vietnam—from the nutty depths of mung bean fillings to the aromatic pleasures of pandan leaves and ripe tropical fruits. Be sure to immerse yourself fully in these sweet treats for an unforgettable culinary adventure!