Vietnamese desserts offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures. They blend local ingredients with traditional cooking methods to create unique sweet treats.

You’ll find a wide variety of options to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Vietnamese desserts often feature coconut, rice, and tropical fruits as key ingredients. These sweets range from simple street snacks to more complex dishes served at special events.

Many desserts also have cultural significance and are enjoyed during holidays or celebrations. Trying these treats is a great way to explore Vietnamese cuisine and culture.

1. Che Chuoi

Che Chuoi is a tasty Vietnamese dessert you’ll love. It’s made with bananas, coconut milk, and tapioca pearls.

The bananas are cooked until soft and mixed with the creamy coconut milk. Small tapioca pearls add a fun texture to the pudding.

You can top it with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for extra crunch. It’s best enjoyed warm as a sweet treat after a meal.

This dessert is part of the larger “che” family of Vietnamese sweets. You’ll find it’s a comforting and satisfying way to end your day.

2. Banh Cam

Banh Cam is a popular Vietnamese dessert you’ll love. These crispy sesame balls are made with glutinous rice flour and filled with sweet mung bean paste.

The outer shell is golden and covered in white sesame seeds. When you bite into one, you’ll enjoy the contrast between the crunchy exterior and soft, sweet filling.

You can find Banh Cam as street food or in Vietnamese bakeries. They’re often eaten as a snack or dessert.

Try making them at home for a tasty treat that’s sure to impress your friends and family.

3. Che Ba Mau

Che Ba Mau is a popular Vietnamese dessert that means “three-color dessert” in English. You’ll find it’s a refreshing treat perfect for hot days.

This dessert features layers of sweet mung beans, red beans, and pandan jelly. These colorful ingredients are topped with crushed ice and coconut milk.

When you try Che Ba Mau, you’ll experience a mix of textures. The soft beans contrast with the chewy jelly and crunchy ice. The coconut milk adds a rich, creamy flavor.

You can find Che Ba Mau in many Vietnamese restaurants. It’s also easy to make at home if you want to try your hand at it.

The dessert is both tasty and visually appealing with its distinct layers.

4. Banh Tieu

Banh Tieu is a delicious Vietnamese hollow donut covered in sesame seeds. These puffy treats are crispy on the outside and airy on the inside.

To make Banh Tieu, you mix flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Then add milk and stir until the dough comes together.

After shaping the dough into small balls, you flatten them and coat them in sesame seeds. The donuts are then deep fried until golden brown.

Banh Tieu is often enjoyed as a sweet snack or street food in Vietnam. You can find these tasty donuts at many Vietnamese bakeries and markets.

5. Rau Cau Dua

Rau Cau Dua is a popular Vietnamese dessert that will cool you down on a hot day. This jelly-like treat is made with coconut water and agar-agar, giving it a unique texture.

You’ll find Rau Cau Dua cut into small, bite-sized cubes. It’s usually served chilled, making it perfect for refreshing your palate after a meal.

This dessert is especially loved in Southern Vietnam. You can enjoy it as a light snack or as part of a larger dessert spread.

Rau Cau Dua isn’t too sweet, so you can savor its delicate coconut flavor. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a simple yet tasty Vietnamese dessert.

6. Che Thap Cam

Che Thap Cam is a colorful Vietnamese dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth. This mixed sweet soup combines various ingredients to create a tasty treat.

You’ll find a blend of beans, jellies, and fruits in this dessert. It’s often served cold over crushed ice, making it perfect for hot days.

The dish offers a mix of textures and flavors. You might taste chewy tapioca pearls, soft beans, and crunchy nuts all in one spoonful.

Che Thap Cam is easy to make at home. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients.

Try adding coconut milk for extra creaminess.

This dessert is popular at celebrations and as an everyday snack. You can find it in many Vietnamese restaurants and street food stalls.

7. Banh Flan Caramel

Banh Flan Caramel is a beloved Vietnamese dessert. You’ll find it’s similar to French crème caramel.

This treat has a silky smooth texture like custard. It’s made with eggs, milk, and sugar. The flan sits on top of a layer of caramel sauce.

To make it, you first create a caramel in a mold. Then pour in an egg custard mixture and steam or bake it until set.

When served, flip the mold over. The caramel sauce flows down the sides of the flan. You can enjoy it warm or chilled.

8. Banh Ran

Banh Ran are delicious Vietnamese sesame balls you’ll love to try. These crispy treats are made from glutinous rice flour and coated with sesame seeds.

You’ll find them filled with sweet or savory ingredients. The outside is crunchy, while the inside stays soft and chewy.

Banh Ran originated in North Vietnam, where they’re called “fried cake.” You can now enjoy them throughout the country as a popular snack or dessert.

Try these tasty balls for a unique Vietnamese treat. Their mix of textures and flavors will surprise and delight your taste buds.

9. Banh Da Lon

Banh Da Lon is a colorful Vietnamese steamed layer cake. You’ll love its soft, chewy texture and subtle sweetness.

This dessert features alternating green and yellow layers. The green comes from pandan leaves, while mung beans give the yellow its color.

To make Banh Da Lon, you mix rice flour, mung bean flour, and coconut milk. The batter is then steamed in thin layers.

This treat is perfect for parties or special occasions. Its eye-catching appearance and unique flavor make it stand out among other desserts.

You can find Banh Da Lon in many Vietnamese bakeries. Try it for a taste of traditional Vietnamese sweets!

10. Banh Chuoi Hap

Banh Chuoi Hap is a tasty Vietnamese steamed banana cake. It’s a popular street food treat in Vietnam, especially in the Mekong Delta region.

This dessert has a soft, chewy texture that’s similar to mochi. It’s made with ripe bananas, tapioca starch, rice flour, and sugar.

You can make Banh Chuoi Hap at home in about 45 minutes. Mix the ingredients, pour the batter into a pan, and steam it for 30 minutes.

The cake is sweet and fragrant, with a strong banana flavor. It’s often topped with sliced bananas for extra taste and visual appeal.

If you like bananas, you’ll enjoy this Vietnamese dessert. It’s a comforting treat that’s easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

11. Che Troi Nuoc

Che Troi Nuoc is a sweet Vietnamese dessert you’ll love. It has chewy glutinous rice balls filled with mung bean paste.

The rice balls float in a warm ginger syrup. Coconut sauce and toasted sesame seeds top it off.

You can enjoy this treat at special events or family gatherings. It’s popular during Tet, the Vietnamese New Year.

The dessert balances textures and flavors. The soft rice balls contrast with crunchy sesame seeds. Sweet syrup mixes with spicy ginger.

Try Che Troi Nuoc for a taste of Vietnamese tradition. It’s a unique dessert that brings people together.

12. Keo Me

Keo me is a popular Vietnamese candy that will satisfy your sweet tooth. This treat is made from sesame seeds, giving it a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.

You’ll find keo me in various shapes and sizes. Some are flat and rectangular, while others are round or oval. The candy is often wrapped in colorful paper, making it an eye-catching snack.

When you bite into keo me, you’ll experience a delightful mix of sweetness and nuttiness. The sesame seeds provide a pleasant crunch, adding to the overall enjoyment of this traditional Vietnamese candy.

13. Che Khoai Mon

Che khoai mon is a tasty Vietnamese dessert that blends taro and coconut flavors. This sweet soup has a creamy texture that you’ll love. It’s often enjoyed at celebrations and family get-togethers.

The main ingredients are taro root, glutinous rice, and coconut milk. You can eat it hot or cold, making it great for any season. Some people add pandan leaves for extra flavor.

For a fun twist, try adding ube powder to make it purple. This gives the dessert a beautiful color and adds another layer of taste. You can top it with sesame seeds or peanuts for some crunch.

14. Banh Bo Nuong

Banh Bo Nuong is a beloved Vietnamese dessert also known as honeycomb cake. This sweet treat gets its name from its distinctive honeycomb-like texture inside.

The cake’s main ingredients are rice flour, tapioca starch, coconut milk, and sugar. Pandan extract gives it a lovely green color and unique flavor.

You’ll love the light, fluffy texture of Banh Bo Nuong. It’s airy yet slightly chewy thanks to the tapioca flour. The coconut and pandan flavors blend perfectly for a tasty dessert.

To make it at home, mix the ingredients and let the batter rest before baking. The result is a fragrant, spongy cake that’s sure to delight your taste buds.

15. Banh Bia

Banh Bia is a tasty Vietnamese dessert you’ll want to try. It’s a small, round cake with a flaky crust and sweet filling.

The filling is often made from mung beans or purple yam. These give the cake a rich, slightly earthy flavor that’s not too sweet.

You can find Banh Bia at many bakeries in Vietnam. It’s a popular treat to enjoy with tea or coffee.

Some places also offer Banh Bia with different fillings. You might find versions with coconut or even durian if you’re feeling adventurous.

16. Che Xoai

Che Xoai is a sweet Vietnamese dessert made with ripe mangoes. You’ll love its refreshing taste on a hot day.

The dessert combines juicy mango chunks with a cool, sweet syrup.

Tapioca pearls are often added for a chewy texture. Some versions include coconut milk for extra creaminess.

You can enjoy Che Xoai hot or cold, but it’s usually served chilled.

This dessert is easy to find at Vietnamese restaurants and street food stalls. It’s a great way to end a meal or have as a snack. Try Che Xoai for a taste of tropical Vietnam in a bowl.

17. Banh Pate So

Banh pate so is a savory Vietnamese pastry that’s popular as a snack or light meal. You’ll find it sold at bakeries and street food stalls across Vietnam.

The pastry has a flaky, golden-brown crust made from puff pastry. Inside is a filling of seasoned ground pork and pate.

To make banh pate so, you mix pork with sautéed shallots, garlic, and spices. You wrap this filling in puff pastry circles and bake until crispy.

The result is a warm, meaty pastry with contrasting textures. The crust shatters when you bite into it, revealing the rich filling inside.

While not traditionally sweet, some people enjoy banh pate so as a dessert-like treat. Its French influence gives it a unique place in Vietnamese cuisine.

18. Banh It La Gai

Banh it la gai is a unique Vietnamese sticky rice cake. You’ll find this treat popular in southern and central Vietnam, especially during Tet celebrations.

The cake gets its name from the gai leaves used to make it. These leaves give the dessert a dark green color and distinct flavor.

Inside, you’ll discover a sweet filling made from mung beans and coconut. The outer layer is sticky rice dough, creating a chewy texture.

Banh it la gai comes wrapped in banana leaves. This packaging adds to its natural look and helps keep the cake fresh.

You can enjoy this dessert as a snack or after meals. It’s also used in ancestral worship ceremonies due to its cultural significance.

19. Che Dau Xanh

Che dau xanh is a popular Vietnamese dessert made from mung beans. This sweet treat is easy to prepare and loved by many.

The main ingredients are mung beans, sugar, and coconut milk.

You can serve it hot or cold, making it versatile for different seasons.

Mung beans are cooked until soft and combined with a sweet syrup. The dessert has a creamy texture and mild sweetness that’s very satisfying.

You can find che dau xanh in many Vietnamese restaurants and street food stalls. It’s a refreshing option after a spicy meal or as a light snack.

20. Banh Sua

Banh Sua is a sweet Vietnamese treat that will satisfy your dessert cravings. This milk cake has a soft, spongy texture that melts in your mouth. It’s made with simple ingredients like milk, sugar, and eggs.

You’ll love the light, fluffy consistency of Banh Sua. It’s not too sweet, making it perfect for those who prefer milder desserts. The cake often has a subtle vanilla flavor that enhances its milky taste.

You can enjoy Banh Sua on its own or pair it with a cup of Vietnamese coffee.

It’s a popular choice for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. This dessert is easy to find in bakeries and cafes throughout Vietnam.

21. Keo Lac

Keo lac is a popular Vietnamese candy enjoyed during Lunar New Year celebrations. This crunchy treat combines peanuts and sesame seeds for a nutty, fragrant flavor.

You can find keo lac at many confectionery shops during Tet festivities. The candy is made by cooking sugar syrup until golden brown, then mixing in roasted peanuts and sesame seeds.

While traditionally made with maltose, some recipes use corn syrup as a substitute. The mixture is poured into a tray to cool and harden before being broken into pieces.

You can try making keo lac at home with basic ingredients.

Be careful when cooking the hot sugar syrup and stir constantly to prevent burning. The result is a sweet, crunchy candy perfect for gifting or snacking during Lunar New Year.

22. Che Bap

Che Bap is a tasty Vietnamese dessert made with sweet corn. It’s a type of pudding that blends corn kernels with sticky rice and coconut milk.

This treat has a creamy texture and a natural sweetness from the corn. You can enjoy it warm or cold, making it perfect for any season.

Che Bap often includes pandan leaves for extra flavor. Some versions add tapioca pearls or sago for a fun, chewy element.

To make it, you cook corn with glutinous rice until soft. Then you add coconut milk and sugar.

It’s simple to prepare and great for sharing with friends and family.

23. Banh Gio

Banh Gio is a savory Vietnamese treat you’ll love. It’s a pyramid-shaped dumpling wrapped in banana leaves.

The soft dough is made from rice flour. Inside, you’ll find a tasty filling of minced pork and wood ear mushrooms.

Banh Gio has a unique texture. The outer layer is soft and slightly sticky. The filling is flavorful and satisfying.

You can enjoy Banh Gio as a snack or light meal. It’s often eaten for breakfast or as a quick bite on the go.

Try Banh Gio for a taste of traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Its comforting flavors and interesting shape make it a popular choice.

24. Rau Cau

Rau cau is a popular Vietnamese jelly dessert. It’s made with agar, a seaweed-based gelatin alternative. This makes it suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

The jelly has a smooth, creamy texture similar to panna cotta. It comes in many flavors like coconut, coffee, and pandan. Rau cau is often layered in pretty colors and patterns.

To make rau cau, you mix agar powder with coconut milk, condensed milk, and flavorings. Then you pour it into molds to set. Once firm, you can enjoy it chilled as a refreshing treat.

You’ll find rau cau served at many Vietnamese gatherings and celebrations. It’s a light, cooling dessert perfect for hot days.

Cultural Significance of Vietnamese Desserts

Vietnamese desserts play a big role in celebrations and local food traditions. They reflect the country’s history and values through unique flavors and ingredients.

Festive Occasions and Traditions

During Tết (Vietnamese New Year), families make bánh chưng – sticky rice cakes with pork and mung beans. These square cakes represent the earth and bring good luck.

For the Mid-Autumn Festival, people enjoy mooncakes filled with sweet bean paste or nuts. Kids carry colorful lanterns and eat these treats under the full moon.

At weddings, a sticky rice dessert called xôi gấc is served. Its bright red color from gấc fruit means good fortune for the newlyweds.

Many desserts also have religious meaning. Buddhists offer fruits and sweet soups at temples to honor ancestors.

Regional Variations in Flavors

Northern desserts use less sugar and more subtle flavors. Hanoians love chè kho, a nutty mung bean pudding.

Central Vietnam likes spicy-sweet combos. Huế’s bánh bèo are savory rice cakes topped with shrimp and scallions.

Southern sweets are very sugary. Ho Chi Minh City is known for chè ba màu – a coconut milk drink with colorful jellies and beans.

The Mekong Delta region uses lots of tropical fruits. Chuối nướng are grilled bananas served with coconut milk sauce.

Climate and local crops shape each area’s unique dessert style. This adds to Vietnam’s rich food culture.

Common Ingredients Used in Vietnamese Desserts

Vietnamese desserts use many unique ingredients that give them their special flavors and textures. These ingredients come from local plants and traditional cooking methods.

Rice and Flours

Rice is a key ingredient in many Vietnamese sweets. You’ll often find glutinous rice flour in desserts like bánh trôi nước (sweet rice balls). Regular rice flour is used to make bánh bò (steamed rice cakes).

Tapioca starch and mung bean starch are common thickeners. They give desserts a chewy texture. Coconut milk is also widely used. It adds richness and creaminess to treats like chè (sweet soups).

Fruits and Sweeteners

Tropical fruits are stars in Vietnamese desserts. You’ll see bananas, mangoes, and jackfruit in many recipes.

Longan and lychee are popular in fruit-based treats.

For sweetness, palm sugar is a top choice. It has a deep, caramel-like flavor.

Regular sugar and condensed milk are also common sweeteners.

Pandan leaves add a unique flavor and green color to many desserts.

Agar agar, a plant-based gelatin, is used to make jelly desserts. You’ll find it in chè thạch (fruit and jelly desserts).