Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated for its rich tapestry of flavors, balancing sweet, salty, sour, and spicy in perfect harmony. While savory dishes like pho and banh mi often steal the spotlight, Vietnamese desserts are equally noteworthy, offering a unique and indulgent experience for those with a sweet tooth. Rooted in tradition and crafted from fresh, local ingredients, these desserts reveal the culinary creativity and cultural depth of Vietnam. Whether you’re exploring bustling street markets or enjoying a refined dining experience, delicious dessert Vietnamese desserts promise to delight your taste buds and provide a window into the country’s vibrant heritage.

30 Popular Vietnamese Desserts

Vietnamese desserts are as diverse as they are delicious, with each treat reflecting the local ingredients and culinary traditions of different regions. From creamy coconut-based sweets to crispy fried delights, there's something for everyone. Here's a look at 30 popular Vietnamese desserts you simply must try:

Sticky Rice-Based Desserts

Sticky rice, a versatile and beloved staple in Southeast Asian cuisine, forms the foundation of many delightful desserts. Its chewy texture and mild flavor pair beautifully with sweet and savory ingredients, creating a wide variety of treats. Here are five popular sticky rice-based desserts that you must try:

1. Xôi Xoài – Mango Sticky Rice

Xôi Xoài is perhaps the most internationally recognized sticky rice dessert. This Thai-inspired delicacy combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes. The sticky rice is soaked, steamed, and then mixed with sweetened coconut milk, giving it a luscious texture and flavor. Served alongside sliced mango and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, Xôi Xoài is a tropical delight that's perfect for warm weather.

2. Xôi Đậu Phộng – Sticky Rice with Peanuts

Xôi Đậu Phộng offers a simpler yet equally satisfying experience. This Vietnamese dessert combines glutinous rice with roasted peanuts, a hint of salt, and a touch of sugar. The contrast between the soft sticky rice and the crunchy peanuts creates a delightful texture. Often topped with shredded coconut and a drizzle of coconut cream, Xôi Đậu Phộng is a humble yet heartwarming treat.

3. Chuôi Nếp Nướng – Grilled Banana Wrapped in Sticky Rice

Chuôi Nếp Nướng is a Vietnamese street food favorite. It features ripe bananas wrapped in sticky rice, which is then grilled to perfection. The grilling process imparts a slightly charred and smoky flavor to the rice, while the banana inside becomes warm and caramelized. This dessert is often served with a drizzle of coconut sauce and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, making it both aromatic and satisfying.

4. Chè Trôi Nước – Sticky Rice Balls in Sweet Syrup

Chè Trôi Nước is a comforting dessert with Chinese origins. Sticky rice is used to make small, chewy balls that are filled with sweet mung bean paste. These rice balls are cooked in boiling water and then served in a fragrant ginger syrup. The subtle heat of the ginger complements the sweetness of the syrup, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. This dessert is often enjoyed during special occasions and festivals.

5. Bánh Chưng Rán – Fried Sticky Rice Cake

Bánh Chưng Rán is a variation of the traditional Vietnamese Bánh Chưng, typically served during the Lunar New Year. It consists of sticky rice filled with mung beans and pork, wrapped in banana leaves and boiled until firm. For this fried version, the cooked Bánh Chưng is sliced and pan-fried until the outside is golden and crispy. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the soft, savory filling makes it a beloved snack or dessert.

Chè (Sweet Soups)

Chè, a category of Vietnamese sweet soups and puddings, offers a diverse array of flavors, textures, and ingredients. Often served as a refreshing dessert or a satisfying snack, chè is a staple in Vietnamese culinary culture. Here are some popular varieties that highlight the uniqueness of this traditional treat:

6. Chè Ba Màu – Three-Colored Dessert

Chè Ba Màu is as visually appealing as it is delicious. This dessert is made of three distinct layers: green jelly, green pandan jelly, yellow mung bean paste, and red azuki beans. These layers are served in a glass with crushed ice and topped with sweetened coconut milk. The result is a vibrant, creamy, and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for hot days.

7. Chè Đậu Đen – Black Bean Sweet Soup

8. Chè Đậu Xanh – Mung Bean Sweet Soup

Chè Đắu Xanh is a light and nourishing dessert made with mung beans. The beans are cooked until soft and blended into a smooth, creamy soup. Sweetened with sugar and enriched with coconut milk, this dessert is both comforting and subtly sweet, making it a favorite among all age groups.

9. Chè Bắp – Sweet Corn Pudding

Chè Bắp combines the natural sweetness of corn with the rich flavor of coconut milk. The dish is prepared by simmering fresh corn kernels in water, thickened with glutinous rice or tapioca pearls. Served warm or chilled, Chè Bắp’s creamy and chewy texture makes it a delightful dessert for any occasion.

10. Chè Khoai Môn – Taro Sweet Soup

Chè Khoai Môn features tender taro cubes cooked in a sweet, coconut milk-based soup. The taro’s starchy texture and mild flavor pair perfectly with the rich and slightly salty coconut milk. Tapioca pearls are often added to enhance the dessert’s chewy texture, creating a satisfying and indulgent treat.

11. Chè Khúc Bạch – Almond Jelly with Lychee

Chè Khúc Bạch is a modern Vietnam dessert that combines almond-flavored jelly, lychee, and longan in a light, sweet syrup. The silky texture of the jelly contrasts beautifully with the juicy, fragrant fruits, creating a dessert that’s both refreshing and elegant.

12. Chè Hạt Sen – Lotus Seed Sweet Soup

Chè Hạt Sen is a traditional dessert known for its delicate flavor and health benefits. Lotus seeds are simmered until tender in a lightly sweetened syrup. Sometimes, the dessert is enhanced with dried longan or jujube for added sweetness and complexity. This dish is often enjoyed for its calming and nourishing properties.

13. Chè Thái – Thai-Inspired Dessert

Vietnamese fruit cocktail, Chè Thái, is a colorful and vibrant dessert that draws inspiration from Thai cuisine. It typically includes a mix of tropical fruits like jackfruit and lychee, paired with pandan jelly, chestnuts, and coconut milk. Served over crushed ice, Chè Thái is a perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors.

14. Chè Sương Sa Hạt Lựu – Water Chestnut and Agar Jelly Dessert

Chè Sương Sa Hạt Lựu is a visually stunning dessert made with vibrant water chestnut cubes coated in tapioca starch and tapioca flour, giving them a jewel-like appearance. These chewy “rubies” are served with agar jelly, coconut milk, and crushed ice. The combination of textures and flavors makes this dessert a favorite for its light and refreshing qualities.

Cakes and Pastries

Vietnamese cuisine is rich in its variety of cakes and pastries, each offering a unique blend of textures and flavors. From steamed delicacies to fried treats, these desserts showcase the creativity and resourcefulness of Vietnamese culinary traditions. Let’s explore some of the most beloved Vietnamese cakes and pastries:

15. Bánh Bò – Steamed Rice Cakes

Bánh Bò is a light and airy steamed cake made from rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar. Its unique honeycomb-like texture comes from the fermentation process. These cakes have a subtly sweet and slightly tangy flavor, making them a delightful snack or dessert. Often enjoyed with a sprinkle of grated coconut, Bánh Bò is a classic treat that’s simple yet satisfying.

16. Bánh Da Lợn – Layered Pandan and Mung Bean Cake

Bánh Da Lợn, or “pig skin cake,” is a visually appealing dessert made of alternating layers of pandan-flavored and yellow mung beans mung bean flour. Each layer is steamed individually, resulting in a chewy and mildly sweet treat. The vibrant green hue from the pandan leaves and the creamy yellow of mung beans make this cake as beautiful as it is delicious.

17. Bánh Chuối Hấp – Steamed Banana Cake

Bánh Chuối Hấp is a popular dessert made from ripe bananas, glutinous rice flour, and coconut milk. The mixture is steamed until it forms a soft, pudding-like texture. This cake is typically served with a drizzle of coconut cream and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, offering a harmonious blend of sweetness and creaminess.

18. Bánh Flan – Vietnamese Caramel Custard

Bánh Flan is a Vietnamese twist on the classic French dessert, Crème Caramel. This silky-smooth custard is made with eggs, condensed milk, and sugar, then topped with a layer of rich caramel. Often served chilled, Bánh Flan is a favorite for its creamy texture and delightful sweetness.

19. Bánh Rán – Fried Glutinous Rice Ball with Sesame Seeds

Bánh Rán is a deep-fried glutinous rice ball coated in sesame seeds. The crispy outer layer contrasts with the chewy interior, which typically encases a sweet yellow mung bean filling. This snack is enjoyed by people of all ages and is often served during festive occasions.

20. Bánh Cam – Glutinous Rice Ball with Sweet Filling

Similar to Bánh Rán, Bánh Cam features a fried glutinous rice shell but is often filled with a variety of sweet fillings, such as red bean paste or sweetened coconut. Its crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior make it an irresistible treat, perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth.

21. Bánh Pía – Durian and Salted Egg Pastry

Bánh Pía is a rich and decadent pastry filled with durian, salted egg yolk, mung bean paste, and occasionally pork floss. The flaky pastry crust encases the sweet and savory filling, creating a dessert that’s beloved by those who enjoy bold flavors. It’s a popular gift during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

22. Bánh Khoai Mì – Cassava Cake

Bánh Khoai Mì is a dense and chewy cake made from grated cassava, coconut milk, and sugar. Often baked until golden brown, this cake has a slightly caramelized crust and a soft, moist interior. Its natural sweetness and rich coconut flavor make it a comforting and satisfying dessert.

Jelly and Pudding Desserts

Vietnamese cuisine offers a delightful array of desserts, and jelly and pudding-based treats hold a special place in its culinary repertoire. Known for their refreshing textures and vibrant flavors, these desserts are perfect for cooling down on warm days. Here are two must-try jelly and pudding desserts:

23. Rau Câu – Vietnamese Jelly

Rau Câu is a Vietnam dessert made from agar-agar, a seaweed-based gelatin. It has a firmer texture than traditional gelatin and pairs well with flavors like coconut, pandan, coffee, or fruit juices. Known for its vibrant colors and designs, Rau Câu is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Typically served chilled, it’s a refreshing treat for hot weather and a versatile favorite for any occasion.

24. Chè Dừa Dầm – Coconut Jelly Dessert

Chè Dừa Dầm is a creamy dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of coconut. It features layers of sweet coconut sauce, coconut jelly, water, and milk, creating a refreshing and silky treat. Topped with shredded coconut or crunchy peanuts, it offers a delightful mix of textures. Often served in small glasses, this elegant dessert delivers a taste of tropical bliss.

Fried and Grilled Desserts

Fried and grilled desserts are an essential part of Vietnamese cuisine, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors. These desserts are often enjoyed during festivals, family gatherings, or as simple street food snacks. Here are two iconic fried and grilled desserts that highlight the creativity of Vietnamese culinary traditions:

25. Bánh Tổ – New Year Glutinous Rice Cake

Bánh Tổ is a traditional Vietnam dessert enjoyed during Lunar New Year. Made from sticky rice and sugar, it has a dense, chewy texture and a hint of ginger for warmth and aroma. Wrapped in banana leaves, it gains an earthy fragrance before being grilled for a smoky finish or pan-fried for a crispy crust. This festive treat symbolizes family unity and prosperity.

26. Bánh Tiêu – Vietnamese Hollow Doughnuts

Bánh Tiêu, a popular Vietnamese street snack, is known for its light, airy texture. Made from a simple dough of flour, sugar, and yeast, it’s deep-fried to golden perfection, creating a crispy exterior and hollow, chewy interior. Often enjoyed with soy milk or coconut jam, its subtle sweetness and crunch make it a versatile treat, irresistible to anyone passing by. Bánh Tiêu is especially popular in Ho Chi Minh City, where street vendors serve them fresh and hot.

Frozen and Chilled Desserts

Frozen and chilled desserts are a refreshing way to enjoy the tropical flavors of Vietnam, especially in its warm climate. These treats combine creamy, fruity, and chewy textures, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and freshness. Here are two popular frozen and chilled desserts to savor:

27. Kem Chuối – Frozen Banana with Coconut Milk

Kem Chuối is a delightful frozen dessert made with ripe bananas, coconut milk, and shredded coconut. Slices of banana are soaked in sweetened coconut cream milk, layered with crushed peanuts, and frozen until firm. Served on a stick or in small portions, its creamy, nutty flavor makes it a refreshing treat for all ages and a perfect alternative to ice cream on a hot day.

28. Sữa Chua Nếp Cẩm – Black Sticky Rice with Yogurt

Sữa Chua Nếp Cẩm is a popular Vietnam dessert that pairs tangy yogurt with chewy black sticky rice. The rice, cooked with water and sugar, is layered or mixed with chilled yogurt and often topped with coconut milk or sesame seeds for added flavor. Its combination of tart yogurt and nutty, earthy rice makes it both a delicious and nutritious treat, perfect for any time of day.

Tofu-Based Desserts

Tofu, known for its versatility and subtle flavor, is a popular ingredient in many Asian cuisines, including Vietnam desserts. Its creamy and delicate texture makes it the perfect base for light and refreshing treats. Let’s explore one of the most beloved tofu-based desserts:

29. Tàu Hủ Nước Gừng – Silken Tofu in Ginger Syrup

Tàu Hủ Nước Gừng is a soothing dessert featuring silky tofu in fragrant ginger syrup. The tofu’s velvety texture pairs perfectly with the warm, spicy-sweet syrup made from fresh ginger and rock sugar. Often served warm and sometimes topped with coconut milk, this comforting treat is ideal for cooler evenings and is believed to aid digestion and warm the body.

Coffee Desserts

Vietnam’s coffee culture is world-renowned, and its influence extends into the realm of desserts. Vietnamese coffee is known for its bold, robust flavor, often paired with sweet and creamy elements. Here’s a classic coffee dessert that you can’t miss:

30. Cà Phê Sữa Đá – Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk

Saiga Vietnamese Eatery offers the best Vietnamese coffee experience with their Cà Phê Sữa Đá. This classic iced coffee blends strong dark-roast coffee with sweetened condensed milk, creating a perfect harmony of bitterness and sweetness. Poured over ice, it delivers a creamy, refreshing drink that’s ideal for hot afternoons or as a delightful dessert. Visit saigaeatery.com to explore this authentic taste of Vietnam’s vibrant coffee culture.

Vietnamese Desserts: A Sweet Exploration

Vietnamese desserts are a delightful blend of textures, flavors, and cultural significance, offering a unique glimpse into the country’s rich culinary heritage. From the creamy and smooth silken tofu of Tàu Hủ Nước Gừng to the bold and energizing Cà Phê Sữa Đá, each dessert reflects Vietnam’s mastery of balancing simple ingredients to create complex and satisfying treats. These desserts not only tantalize the taste buds but also provide comfort and nourishment, often with ingredients that carry symbolic or health-related significance.

Whether enjoyed as a soothing warm treat on a cool evening or a refreshing cold indulgence on a hot day, Vietnamese desserts like silken tofu in ginger syrup and iced coffee with condensed milk showcase the country’s vibrant food culture. Their versatility, from street-side vendors to elegant dining settings, ensures that there’s a dessert for every palate and occasion. Exploring these sweet creations is not just a culinary journey but also a cultural experience, offering a deeper connection to Vietnam’s traditions and lifestyle.

FAQ

Vietnamese desserts include a variety of sweet treats such as chè (sweet soup), bánh flan (Vietnamese caramel flan), bánh da lợn (steamed layered cake), bánh chuối (steamed banana cake), and cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk as a dessert option).
Chè is a traditional Vietnamese dessert that comes in many forms, ranging from sweet soups to puddings and drinks. It typically includes ingredients like beans, jelly, fruits, and coconut milk, served either hot or cold depending on the variety.
Many Vietnamese desserts, such as chè, bánh flan, and bánh chuối, are naturally gluten-free as they use ingredients like rice flour, tapioca, and coconut milk. However, it's always best to check the specific recipe or ask at a restaurant to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients are used.
Key ingredients include coconut milk, pandan leaves, glutinous rice, mung beans, tapioca pearls, and tropical fruits like bananas, mangoes, and durian. These ingredients create the unique flavors and textures characteristic of Vietnamese sweets.
Authentic Vietnamese desserts can be found at Vietnamese restaurants, bakeries, and specialty Asian grocery stores. Some establishments, such as Saiga Vietnamese Eatery, offer a selection of freshly made traditional desserts. You can also try making them at home with readily available recipes and ingredients from local markets.

Vietnamese Dessert