Across the world, Vietnam cuisine is famous for its subtle flavours and ultra - fresh ingredients. Vietnamese sweets are not only a refreshing treat on a balmy day, but an adventure in texture and flavour. From puddings to pastries, here are 15 sweet snacks you must taste on your travels in Vietnam.
CHE CHUOI
Those who are bananas for bananas will like this concoction of tapioca pearls, coconut cream and grilled bananas. This smooth, creamy pudding is easily found at cafes and street stalls.
Try it at: Lutulata Desserts & Drinks, 39 Hang Cot, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi
CHE TROI NUOC
Eaten on special occasions, these mochi-esque rice flour balls have mung bean paste at the centre, and are drizzled with ginger syrup and sesame seeds. Served with a dash of coconut cream, each order will set you back about 15,000VND.
Try it at: Che "Doi", 48 Ly Chinh Thang, District 8, Ho Chi Minh City
BO BIA NGOT
An excellent snack, these rolls of thin rice paper contain a layer of nougat, coconut shreds and sesame seeds. Each bite of bò bia is light yet satisfying. You can buy it from bicycle vendors throughout Vietnam for 5,000VND a roll.
Try it at: Thanh Nien street, West Lake, Ha Noi
BANH CHUOI CHIEN
Fried banana fritters are a popular street snack throughout the country. With a crispy exterior and soft gooey interior, these fritters can be found in alleyways and around markets for 5,000VND a piece.
Try it at: Public Market in Hoi An
CHE BAP
A mix of corn, coconut cream and tapioca pearls, this pudding is a creamy and nourishing dessert in winter months. Be sure to try in Hoi An where it’s made with fresh, locally grown corn.
Try it at: Quan An Ben Tre, Xuyen Trung, Cam Nam, Hoi An
SUA CHUA NEP CAM
Bold flavours and textures meet in this sticky rice pudding. A generous scoop of yoghurt is the star of this adventurous dessert, available in many cafes for about 35,000VND.
Try it at: Che Bobo Chacha, 92 Cua Bac, Quan Thanh, Ba Đinh, Ha Noi
KEO LAC
Vietnamese peanut brittle is a scrumptious vegan treat. A sprinkling of sesame seeds adds extra crunch to each nibble. You’ll find this snack sold at transportation hubs and roadstalls across Vietnam.
Try it at: Transfer points nationwide (airports, bus stations and train stops)
CHE SUONG SA HAT LUU
Translated to, ‘rainbow dessert’, this chè is served in a tall glass showcasing each vibrant layer. Red kidney beans, pandan jellies, mung bean paste and more goodies are stacked together and topped with ice and thickened coconut cream.
Try it at: Nha Hang Ngon, 26 Tran Hung Đao, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi
HOA QUA DAM
This healthy snack brings together fresh mixed fruit, coconut cream and shaved ice. Anything fresh is invited to the party, including jackfruit, kiwi, watermelon, apple and even avocado! You can also add on pandan jellies or tapioca balls for more texture.
Try it at: Hoa Qua Dam Hoa Beo, 17 To Tich, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi
BANH DA KE
These sesame-encrusted rice crackers with mung bean, millet paste and sugar sprinkles are one hearty treat. It’s commonly sold on curbsides by bicycle vendors for 5,000 or 10,000VND.
Try it in: Hanoi’s Old Quarter
CHE KHUC BACH
Mildly sweet and aromatic, with an intriguing balance of textures, this dessert can be considered a Vietnamese panna cotta. The custard comes in bite-sized pieces with lychees and almonds in a bowl of crushed ice.
Try it at: Quan Che Hien Khanh, 718 Nguyen Đinh Chieu, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
CARAMEN HOA QUA
The Vietnamese version of creme caramel is topped with fresh fruit, jellies and a splash of coconut cream. This dessert is true decadence for just 20,000VND.
Try it at: Caramen Duong Hoa, 29 Hàng Than, Ba Đinh, Ha Noi
BANH SU KEM
Who doesn’t love a cream puff? Easy to find at bakeries nationwide, this pastry ball is filled with smooth vanilla custard. A set of six of these fluffy bites will cost you about 10,000VND.
Try it at: Any local bakery in Vietnam
KEM XOI
Green pandan-flavoured sticky rice meets coconut ice cream in this surprisingly perfect pairing. Both satisfying and refreshing on a hot day, be sure to try it when in Vietnam.
Try it at: Che 95, 95 Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi
KEM THAI DUA
The Vietnamese version of an ice-cream sundae, kem thái dừa is ice cream served in a coconut with any topping you can imagine (peanuts, jellies, caramel sauce, beans, biscuits, fresh fruit.) This trendy snack costs about 40,000VND plus extra for toppings.
Try it at: Kem Cong Truong, 10 Pham Ngoc Thach, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Nguồn: Vietnam.Travel
