Enjoy a variety of Vietnamese desserts that are rich in flavor and unique, perfect to complete your culinary adventure with an alluring sweet taste.
Vietnam is not only known for its main cuisine rich in spices, but also has a variety of delicious desserts. Each region in Vietnam has its own unique way of serving desserts that are not only delicious, but also rich in history and culinary traditions.
From the chewy texture of Banh Troi to the soft sweetness of Banh Flan, Vietnamese desserts offer an unforgettable sensation. Here are 10 classic Vietnamese desserts that you must try to complete your culinary adventure.
1. Banh Gai
Banh Gai is a very traditional Vietnamese cake. The name “gai” comes from a plant similar to nettle, which is used to make a powder that is mixed into the dough. Banh Gai dough is made from rice flour mixed with gai powder, resulting in a distinctive dark color.
The cake is filled with a mixture of mung beans, sesame, grated coconut, lotus seeds, sugar, and a little pork fat to give it a savory flavor.
After the dough is shaped, Banh Gai, a Typical Vietnamese Food, is wrapped in dried banana leaves and steamed until cooked.
The unique sweet and savory flavor, plus its chewy texture, makes Banh Gai a popular snack or dessert in Vietnam.
2. Banh Chui
Banh Chuoi, or Vietnamese banana cake, is a much-loved dessert. There are two versions of this cake: steamed and baked. This cake uses simple ingredients such as banana slices, sugar, coconut milk, condensed milk, eggs, and bread.
The steamed version is usually sprinkled with sesame seeds and drizzled with coconut milk, which enhances the sweetness of the banana.
The soft texture and natural sweetness of the banana combined with the coconut milk make Banh Chuoi a perfect dessert, especially in the summer.
3. Banh Bo
Banh Bo, also known as honeycomb cake, is a traditional Vietnamese cake shaped like a honeycomb. It is made from yeast dough mixed with rice flour or tapioca flour. The result is a light and airy cake with a soft texture and a distinctive coconut flavor.
Banh Bo comes in a variety of colors produced by food coloring, giving it a very attractive appearance. It is often served in small slices and is a popular dessert at family gatherings or festivals.
4. Che Thai
Che Thai is a soupy dessert made from a mixture of various ingredients such as canned fruits (lychee, jackfruit, chestnut, and longan), coconut milk, sweet syrup, and pandan jelly. This dish is served with ice cubes, making it very refreshing, especially during hot weather. Che Thai is famous for its chewy fruit texture, combined with the sweet and savory taste of coconut milk. As a refreshing dessert option, Che Thai is often the main choice in summer.
5. Banh Da Lon
Banh Da Lon is a cake that looks similar to a layer cake. This dessert is made with mung bean dough mixed with rice flour and coconut milk.
The dough is divided into two layers of different colors: pale yellow for the main layer and pandan green for the other layer.
In addition to pandan flavor, Banh Da Lon also comes in durian and taro flavors, providing a unique taste experience for each layer.
This cake is known for its chewy texture, making it a favorite among lovers of traditional Vietnamese cakes.
6. Banh Flan
Banh Flan is the Vietnamese version of the caramel cream cake, which originated in France. It is made from a mixture of milk, eggs, and vanilla which is then baked.
Caramel melts on top, giving a rich sweetness to every bite. After baking, the Banh Flan is flipped over so that the caramel sauce flows over the soft cake.
With its smooth texture and rich caramel flavor, Banh Flan is one of the most popular desserts in Vietnam.
7. Banh Troi
Banh Troi is a traditional Vietnamese cake that is very similar to Indonesian klepon. Made from rice flour, Banh Troi has a melted brown sugar filling inside. This cake is formed into small balls and boiled until it floats.
Usually, Banh Troi is given food coloring to add to its visual appeal. Once cooked, this cake is often served with a sprinkling of sesame seeds or grated coconut.
Its chewy texture and the sweet taste of the melted brown sugar inside make Banh Troi one of Vietnam’s favorite desserts.
8. Rau Cau
Rau Cau is a chewy dessert made from agar-agar that is very popular in Vietnam. The agar-agar is mixed with coconut milk, condensed milk, and various flavors such as banana, coconut, vanilla, and chocolate.
The result is a soft and chewy texture, similar to panna cotta. Rau Cau is a healthier dessert option and is suitable for vegetarians because it is made from natural ingredients.
This cake is often served in small pieces and is easily found in food stores or banh mi stalls in Vietnam.
9. Che Ba Mau
Che Ba Mau, meaning “three-colored dessert,” is a sweet dish consisting of three layers of different colors made from red beans, mung beans, and coconut milk.
Each layer has a different texture, giving it a refreshing chewy sensation when eaten. Che Ba Mau is often served with ice cubes, making it a perfect dish for hot weather.
With its bright colors and sweet flavor, Che Ba Mau is a refreshing and delicious dessert option in Vietnam.
10. Xoi Nep Cam
Xoi Nep Cam is a sweet dessert made from black sticky rice cooked with coconut milk and sugar, giving it a smooth and sweet taste.
It is often served with various toppings such as peanuts, grated coconut, or dried fruits, which add texture and flavor to each bite.
Xoi Nep Cam is often served as a dessert at family gatherings or festivals in Vietnam. With its simple yet delicious taste, Xoi Nep Cam is a perfect choice for those with a sweet tooth.
Vietnamese desserts offer a variety of tempting sweet flavors, from the soft texture of Banh Flan to the chewy texture of Banh Troi.
Each dessert is unique in its own way, with natural ingredients such as coconut milk, mung beans, and rice flour giving it a distinctive and traditional taste.
Typical Vietnamese Souvenirs often include these delicious treats, making them perfect gifts to bring home.
Don’t miss the chance to try these 10 Vietnamese desserts when visiting the country, and enjoy a culinary experience that will pamper your tongue.
