Vietnam’s reputation precedes it, boasting a diverse array of attractions – from bustling cities that never cease to amaze, to quaint towns nestled amidst lush landscapes and the sweet treats that bring people together. Among its many claims to fame, Vietnamese cuisine stands out for its unique desserts that tantalize the taste buds with their aromatic ingredients.
Whether you’re a seasoned gourmand looking to discover new flavors or just beginning your culinary journey through Vietnam, this list is designed to satisfy your sweet tooth and provide a glimpse into the country’s exceptional dessert culture. Get ready to indulge in 24 mouthwatering traditional Vietnamese desserts that showcase the region’s impressive pastry prowess.
What is the Most Popular Dessert in Vietnam?
In Vietnam, a sweet treat that’s beloved by many is Chè, a term that encompasses a diverse range of desserts and drinks made with a medley of ingredients like red beans, tropical fruits, jellies, and more. This refreshing delight is savored nationwide, often serving as the perfect antidote to scorching heat. With numerous iterations each boasting its own distinct flavor profile, Chè varieties abound. Some popular interpretations draw from Vietnam’s culinary staples, featuring corn, mixed sweet beans, mung bean, or coconut milk as key components, offering something for every palate.
Best Vietnamese Desserts
Egg Coffee
Egg yolk coffee, a quintessential Vietnamese treat, often masquerades as a dessert, yet its rich, creamy flavor profile makes it an excellent morning pick-me-up for coffee aficionados. The addition of eggs imbues the brew with a velvety texture that has contributed to its enduring popularity. As a must-try for anyone with a passion for coffee, this unique concoction also pairs well with other decadent coffee desserts.
Corn Pudding
In Vietnamese cuisine, corn is a staple ingredient that effortlessly balances sweet and savory flavors. Its natural sweetness makes it an excellent bridge between these two contrasting taste profiles. This characteristic is particularly evident in traditional dishes like grilled or boiled corn on the cob. However, this recipe takes a unique approach by reimagining the classic ‘Chè Bắp’ – a popular Vietnamese sweet corn pudding – with a creative twist. By substituting tapioca with chia seeds, the texture of the dish is significantly altered, resulting in a more complex and intriguing culinary experience.
AIP Baked Cassava Cake
Cassava, a root vegetable with a distinctive nutty and slightly starchy flavor profile, makes it an ideal ingredient for baked desserts like cakes. Its versatility is further highlighted by its ability to be enjoyed as a chip. In this cake recipe, the grated cassava adds a delightful nuttiness while the starchy component ensures the cake remains moist and springy. For the best results, consider purchasing grated cassava from your local Asian supermarket.
Banana Tapioca Pudding
In Vietnamese cuisine, Chè Chuoi – or banana tapioca pudding – stands out as a timeless classic. This sweet and chewy treat is elevated by the richness of coconut cream, striking a perfect balance between lightness and indulgence. For those seeking a refreshing summer dessert option, this pudding is an absolute winner. Moreover, for those who’ve found themselves with an unexpected surplus of bananas, these banana-based desserts are sure to be a lifesaver – or at least, a taste bud-pleaser!
Pandan Rice Pudding
Pandan’s subtle, malty flavor is perfectly complemented by the creamy texture of rice pudding, adding a delightful light green hue to the dish. This recipe harmoniously fuses British and Vietnamese culinary traditions, resulting in a refreshing dessert that’s ideal for sizzling summer days. With its ease of preparation and versatility, it serves as an excellent introduction to the rich flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.
Avocado Shake
Sinh Tố Bơ, more commonly known as avocado milkshake, is a rich and decadent dessert that defies expectations with its bold flavors. The combination of four simple ingredients results in a treat that’s surprisingly sweeter than one might anticipate. This indulgent concoction boasts a thick, creamy texture that’s almost sinful, yet it can be whipped up in just five minutes – a true marvel!
Dessert Soup
In the world of Vietnamese desserts, few treats exemplify the art of transforming savory elements into sweet delights as effectively as Che Dau Xanh, a beloved mung bean pudding. This iconic dessert showcases the versatility of yellow mung beans, coaxing out their natural sweetness through a simple yet thoughtful process. With just five essential ingredients and a dash of patience, you can unlock the secrets to creating this delectable ‘sweet soup’.
Honeycomb Cake
One often-overlooked yet delightful way to utilize pandan is through the preparation of Vietnam’s signature dessert, Banh Bo Nuang, also known as Vietnamese honeycomb cake. This gluten-free treat boasts an airy lightness, reminiscent of its English sponge cake counterpart. The secret to its tender texture lies in the substitution of traditional ingredients such as flour, milk, and butter with tapioca starch, coconut cream, and pandan paste. When topped with a dollop of whipped coconut cream, this delightful dessert is truly elevated.
Pandan Mochi Waffle
In the vibrant streets of Southeast Asia, a culinary fusion takes center stage in the form of a delectable pandan mochi waffle. This sweet treat, born from the marriage of Japanese and Vietnamese flavors and techniques, is an unforgettable delight. Mochi, a quintessential Japanese dessert, is created by painstakingly pounding glutinous rice into a soft, chewy paste. When combined with the subtle sweetness of pandan, the result is nothing short of exceptional.
Tapioca Pudding
While Chè Chioi Chung may sound like an unappetizing banana-flavored soup, rest assured it’s a treat that will surprise and delight your taste buds. The key to its success lies in the addition of chewy tapioca pearls, which provide a delightful textural contrast to the creamy pudding. As you take each bite, the tapioca’s subtle resistance draws you back for more. If you’re looking for a similar sweet treat, consider trying banana chia pudding – a tasty and nutritious alternative that’s sure to become a favorite.
Coconut Sticky Rice with Black-Eyed Beans
In the world of Vietnamese sweets, an unexpected fusion of savory elements creates mouthwatering desserts that are as comforting as they are innovative. This particular treat is a quintessential example of such culinary alchemy, where familiar flavors come together in perfect harmony.
Pandan Ice Cream
The unmistakable aroma of pandan extract, with its light, mellow, slightly earthy undertones, lends itself beautifully to transforming into a refreshing scoop of ice cream. The natural green hue and distinct flavor profile evoke the essence of a warm summer’s day, making it an ideal treat for those balmy afternoons.
With just six ingredients and a trusty ice cream churner, you can easily create this delightful dessert at home. I strongly encourage involving your family in the process – not only will they enjoy the fruits of your labor, but the collaborative experience itself is sure to be a rewarding one.
Mini Sponge Cakes
Indulge in the delightful Bahn bong lan, Vietnam’s iconic sponge cakes that have captured hearts and taste buds worldwide. With their airy texture, subtle sweetness, and tantalizing aroma, these treats are an ideal addition to any summer gathering or dinner party. While they may not be overpoweringly sweet, the delicate balance of flavors ensures a pleasant surprise for everyone’s palate. And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance – the strawberry sauce that elevates this dessert to new heights, leaving you and your guests in awe.
Steamed Banana Cake
Vietnam’s love for steamed banana cake is well-deserved, as this sweet treat takes the humble banana loaf to new heights. The natural sweetness and tender texture of ripe bananas are the foundation upon which this delight is built. When you take a bite, you’ll be greeted by a soft, chewy consistency and an intense banana flavor that’s simply irresistible. If you’re already a fan of banana cake, then banh chuoi hap is a must-try – and the best part? It’s surprisingly easy and affordable to prepare.
Che Thai
Chè Thái, a sweet treat known as fresh fruit pudding in Vietnamese culture, harmoniously blends the country’s lush seasonal fruits and creamy milk. The addition of cubed grass jelly or green pandan jelly creates a vibrant display that is sure to delight even the youngest palates.
Refreshing Iced Dessert Drink
Vietnamese chè sam bo luong is an intriguing iced dessert that defies traditional notions of sweet treats. Essentially, it’s a refreshing glass of sweet tea infused with a multitude of dried Chinese and Vietnamese herbal ingredients. This potent brew offers a symphony of complex textures and flavors, yet its healing properties are the true draw. The array of nutrients packed into each serving is said to have numerous health benefits, making this dessert an unusual yet compelling choice for those seeking a sweet treat with a side of wellness.
Steamed Layer Cake
The humble steamed cake is often overlooked in favor of more elaborate desserts, but this banh da lon recipe is here to change that. This Vietnamese-inspired treat boasts a unique combination of flavors from pandan leaves and mung beans, which work together in perfect harmony to create an unforgettable taste experience. As you take your first bite, the soft, fluffy cake yields to the creamy smoothness of the mung bean paste, layer upon layer of pure delight that will leave you wanting more.
Coffee Tiramisu
I was initially skeptical about the combination of Italian and Vietnamese cuisines coming together in harmony, but my doubts were quickly alleviated by discovering a unique fusion: tiramisu with a twist. The traditional Italian dessert typically relies on black coffee to infuse its creamy layers, but this innovative take substitutes that rich flavor with the more refined notes of Vietnamese drip coffee, resulting in a delightfully nuanced taste experience.
Chè Ba Màu
Vietnam’s culinary heritage is celebrated in a unique dessert experience, Chè ba mau. This three-layer treat harmoniously combines the country’s three fundamental desserts into a single, indulgent pudding. The star trio consists of chewy pandan jelly, beans, and a velvety custard, each component working together to create a delightful sensory journey.
Banh Flan
The origins of crème caramel’s popularity in Vietnam date back to the French colonial era. When France occupied Vietnam during the war, they brought their culinary traditions with them, including this rich dessert. Today, banh flan has become a beloved staple across the country. Its simplicity and refreshing texture make it a perfect treat for hot summer days.
Avocado Mousse Ice Cream
The pièce de résistance is Kem Bo, essentially avocado ice cream that will transport you to a world of creamy indulgence. The subtle earthy sweetness is a game-changer for any avocado enthusiast. If you’re hooked on these unique flavors, be sure to explore the best Filipino desserts next. For now, let’s revel in our collection of 21 mouthwatering recipes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you yearning for more. Whether this is your first foray into Vietnamese cuisine or you’re a seasoned aficionado, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below. In the meantime, discover more delectable dessert ideas on All Nutritious.
