Irresistible Vietnamese Desserts: A Sweet Journey Through Vietnam

Vietnam is not only famous for its savory dishes but also for its wide variety of Vietnamese desserts. These sweet treats reflect the country’s rich culture, history, and culinary creativity. From sticky rice puddings to crispy fried delights, every dessert brings a unique experience for locals and travelers alike.

1. Popular Vietnamese desserts you must try

Each Vietnamese dish has a story to tell, whether it is linked to street culture or family gatherings. Below are some of the most loved options you should not miss.

1.1. Sua chua nep cam

Sua chua nep cam, or yogurt with black sticky rice, is a refreshing and nutritious dessert. The combination of creamy yogurt and chewy sticky rice creates a balanced flavor. It is especially popular among young people looking for a healthy snack.

1.2. Keo Lac – Vietnamese desserts

Keo lac, known as peanut brittle, is a crunchy and sweet Vietnamese dish and is especially famous as a specialty from the northern provinces such as Bac Giang and Nam Dinh. Vendors in traditional markets often sell it, using caramelized sugar and roasted peanuts.

1.3. Hoa Qua Dam – Vietnamese desserts

Hoa qua dam, or Vietnamese fruit cocktail, is a colorful mix of tropical fruits served with crushed ice and condensed milk. It is one of the most refreshing Vietnamese desserts during the summer. Each bowl is customizable depending on the available fruits.

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1.4. Banh Da Ke

Banh da ke is a dessert made from sesame rice crackers topped with sweet mung bean paste. Moreover, its unique texture comes from the crispy cracker combined with smooth bean filling. Many Vietnamese people often link this dish to their childhood as a nostalgic treat.

1.5. Kem xoi – Vietnamese desserts

Kem xoi, or sticky rice with ice cream, is a creative Vietnamese dessert that blends hot and cold elements. The sweet sticky rice perfectly complements the creamy ice cream. It is both filling and fun to eat, making it a favorite street snack.

1.6. Banh ran (Vietnamese fried rice balls)

Banh ran is a deep-fried glutinous rice ball filled with sweet mung bean paste. People often compare its crispy outside and soft inside to sesame balls in other Asian cuisines, and tea lovers commonly enjoy this classic Vietnamese dessert.

1.7. Banh chuoi chien – Vietnamese desserts

Banh chuoi chien, or known as fried banana cake, is a crispy and golden street food favorite. Bananas are coated in batter and fried until crunchy, giving a sweet caramelized flavor. It’s one of the most loved Vietnamese desserts across all ages.

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1.8. Tao Pho – Vietnamese desserts

Tao Pho, or tofu pudding, is a silky soft dessert that vendors serve with sugar syrup and sometimes coconut milk. People traditionally enjoy it as a light and refreshing treat, especially on hot days, which highlights the use of soybeans in Vietnamese sweet cuisine. In modern variations, vendors creatively pair Tao Pho with toppings like caramel, chewy pearls, dried coconut, or jelly, making it a trendy dessert.

1.9. Thach Dua (Coconut Jelly)

Coconut jelly is a refreshing dessert made from coconut water, agar powder, and topped with creamy coconut milk. It is especially popular in southern provinces like Ben Tre, where fresh coconuts are abundant. With its light sweetness and cooling taste, this jelly is a favorite treat during hot summer days.

1.10. Bo Bia Ngot (Sweet rolls)

Bo Bia Ngot is a nostalgic street snack made with thin rice paper wrapped around shredded coconut, sesame seeds, and crunchy sugar candy. In fact, vendors often sell it outside schools in Saigon, and it reminds many people of their childhood.

2. What Makes Vietnamese Desserts Special?

2.1. Fresh Local Ingredients

Vietnam is a tropical country with an abundance of fruits and natural ingredients. This richness allows desserts to feature items like coconut, sticky rice, mung beans, and a wide variety of tropical fruits. Thanks to these fresh and diverse sources, the desserts carry a natural sweetness and light taste, very different from heavy, sugar-filled treats.

2.2. Creative Mix of Textures

A special trait of Vietnamese sweets is the balance of textures. Many dishes combine soft, chewy, crunchy, and creamy elements all in one bowl. For example, a sweet soup (Che Vietnamese dessert) may include beans, jelly, coconut milk, and crushed ice.

2.3. Accessible and Affordable

It is easy to find  everywhere, from small street vendors to busy local markets. Most of them are very budget – friendly, so anyone can enjoy them. This affordability makes sweet treats a beloved part of everyday life in Vietnam.

3. Top 5 Vietnamese dessert with coconut milk

Among desserts in Vietnam, those made with coconut milk stand out for their creamy and tropical flavors. Here are five delicious options you must try.

3.1. Che Vietnamese dessert (Sweet soup)

Che is one of the most iconic desserts with coconut milk. In addition, this sweet soup comes in countless variations, using beans, jellies, fruits, and tapioca pearls. The creamy coconut milk ties all the ingredients together.

Some must – try types of che include:

• Che Ba Mau (Three – color dessert): Layers of mung beans, red beans, and pandan jelly topped with coconut milk.
• Che Chuoi (Banana with coconut milk): A comforting dessert made with bananas, tapioca pearls, and coconut milk.
• Che Hat Sen (Lotus seed sweet soup): A light and refreshing option, often enjoyed as a cooling treat.
• Che Thai: A fruit -based version with jackfruit, lychee, longan, and coconut milk, influenced by Thai cuisine.

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3.2. Caramel Flan Vietnamese desserts

Caramel flan is a French-influenced Vietnamese dessert with a smooth and creamy texture. Moreover, it’s considered as a kind of che Vietnamese dessert. The addition of coconut milk in some versions gives it a tropical twist. It is often served cold, making it a perfect treat for warm weather.

3.3. Vietnamese Steamed Banana Cake

Vietnamese steamed banana cake, also called Banh Chuoi Hap, is a chewy and fragrant dessert. Made with ripe bananas, tapioca flour, and coconut milk, it’s steamed until tender. This dish is a great example of how bananas are used in Vietnamese dishes.

3.4. Banh Bo Thot Not (Steamed Rice Cake)

Bánh Bo is a soft and fluffy steamed rice cake with a light sweetness. Originating from Southern Vietnam, especially the Mekong Delta region, this dessert is made from rice flour, sugar, yeast, and coconut milk. The cake’s honeycomb-like texture makes it unique, while a drizzle of rich coconut milk on top enhances its flavor.

3.5. Banh Da Lon (Steamed Layer Cake)

Banh da lon is a colorful steamed layer cake made from tapioca starch, mung beans, and coconut milk. Its chewy texture and sweet taste therefore make it a beloved Vietnamese dessert. Each layer represents creativity and patience in Vietnamese cooking.

4. Where to Try Desserts in Vietnam

Vietnamese dishes are available everywhere, from casual markets to trendy dessert shops. Depending on your preference, you can enjoy them in different settings. Here are some of the best places to explore.

4.1. Street food stalls

Street food stalls are the best places to experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine. For example, from fried banana cakes to sweet soups, you’ll find affordable and fresh options. These stalls bring a lively atmosphere that adds to the enjoyment.

4.2. Local markets

Local markets in Vietnam offer a wide variety of traditional desserts, most of which are freshly prepared each day. Stalls are filled with colorful trays of sticky rice, sweet cakes, and creamy puddings, creating an irresistible scene. Visiting these markets will give you a cultural journey into local life.

Learn more about the vibrant stalls and flavors at Dong Xuan Market.

4.3. Cafes & dessert shops

Modern cafes and dessert shops have reinvented traditional Vietnamese desserts. Many places now serve them with a creative twist, combining Western styles with local flavors and following the latest trends. This approach makes desserts even more appealing and exciting to younger generations.

4.4. Homemade desserts 

Homemade desserts carry a sense of warmth and tradition. Families often prepare them during special events or festivals. Sharing these desserts strengthens family bonds and preserves cultural heritage.

5. Tips for enjoying like a local 

Exploring Vietnamese dishes is not just about the flavors, but also about how you enjoy them. To truly experience them like a local, keep these tips in mind:

5.1. Try street food stalls

The best way to experience Vietnamese desserts is through street vendors, where recipes are often passed down through generations. These spots usually offer a more authentic and affordable taste compared to restaurants.

5.2. Don’t skip coconut milk desserts

Coconut milk is the soul of many Vietnamese sweets. From sweet soups (chè) to cakes, it adds richness and fragrance, so make sure to sample a few.

5.3. Pair with local drinks

To enjoy desserts like a local, pair them with Vietnamese iced coffee or a hot pot of tea. This balance between sweet and bitter is a true part of the culture.

Conclusion

Vietnamese cuisine is more than just sweet treats; they are part of Vietnam’s cultural identity. From simple peanut candy to creamy coconut milk sweets, there is something for every taste. Next time you visit Vietnam, make sure to explore this delicious world and enjoy a true Vietnamese desserts journey. To make your food adventure even more memorable, Sun Getaway offers a 12-day Vietnam local food tour or customized tours tailored to your preferences.