Vietnam’s culinary landscape is a treasure trove of sweet surprises. From the hustle and bustle of its cities to the serene natural beauty of its towns, this Southeast Asian nation has earned a reputation for indulging palates with an array of mouthwatering desserts.
For those well-versed in Vietnamese cuisine seeking new delights or newcomers eager to discover the region’s sugary secrets, this compilation is a must-have treat. Dive into twenty-one delectable ways Vietnam proves its prowess in creating scrumptious traditional desserts that will leave you craving for more.
Egg Coffee
In Vietnamese cuisine, one of the most beloved and iconic dishes is undoubtedly egg yolk coffee, which often blurs the lines between dessert and morning pick-me-up. The addition of eggs brings a luxurious creaminess to the rich flavors of the coffee, making it a staple that has earned its place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or just looking for a unique twist on your daily cup, egg yolk coffee is an absolute must-try. And if you’re hooked, be sure to check out these other indulgent coffee desserts that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Corn Pudding
In the realm of Vietnamese cuisine, corn plays a significant role as an ingredient that effortlessly straddles the divide between savory and sweet flavors, thanks to its inherent natural sweetness. This versatility is beautifully showcased in the popular dessert, Chè Bắp, which has been reimagined with a creative twist. Typically made with tapioca, this version substitutes chia seeds to introduce a unique texture, elevating the dish to new heights.
AIP Baked Cassava Cake
Incorporating cassava, a root vegetable with a nutty and slightly starchy flavor profile, adds a delightful twist to traditional cakes. Its unique properties make it an excellent choice for baked desserts, as it not only provides a pleasant nuttiness but also helps maintain moisture and springiness in the final product. For this recipe, I highly recommend sourcing grated cassava from your local Asian market to elevate its natural flavors. As you grate the cassava, note how its starchy characteristics will enhance the overall texture of the cake, making it a perfect addition to any dessert lover’s repertoire.
Banana Tapioca Pudding
A quintessential Vietnamese treat, Chè Chuoi – also known as banana tapioca pudding – boasts an enchanting blend of sweet and chewy textures, elevated by the richness of coconut cream. This luscious dessert is a perfect embodiment of lightness, indulgence, and summertime charm.
For those seeking a refreshing summer dessert or looking to utilize an unexpected surplus of bananas, this delightful treat is an ideal solution.
Pandan Rice Pudding
Pandan’s unique flavor profile, reminiscent of malt with a subtle earthy tone, is expertly showcased in this delightful rice pudding recipe. The creamy dessert perfectly balances the plant’s gentle taste, resulting in a refreshing treat ideal for warm weather. This innovative fusion of British and Vietnamese cuisines yields a dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also an excellent introduction to the flavors of Vietnam.
Avocado Shake
Sinh Tố Bơ, or avocado milkshake in English, is a four-ingredient dessert that defies expectations by being surprisingly sweeter than one might anticipate. This creamy treat boasts an earthy avocado flavor that harmonizes with every sip, producing a rich and luscious experience. What’s more, this indulgent delight can be prepared in just five minutes, making it an ideal treat for those seeking a quick yet satisfying dessert.
Dessert Soup
In the realm of Vietnamese desserts, ‘Che Dau Xanh’ stands out as a testament to the art of transforming ordinary ingredients into extraordinary treats. This traditional mung bean pudding, for instance, is a masterclass in elevating savory flavors to new heights. By combining just five essential elements – including yellow mung beans and a healthy dose of patience – you’ll be able to craft this sweet soup from scratch.
Honeycomb Cake
Another delightful way to harness the power of pandan is by crafting Vietnamese honeycomb cakes, also known as Banh Bo Nuang. This gluten-free delight is remarkably similar to its English sponge cake counterpart, boasting a light and airy texture that’s simply divine. The key to achieving this consistency lies in the use of tapioca starch, coconut cream, and pandan paste instead of traditional flour, milk, or butter. When topped with a dollop of whipped coconut cream, the resulting treat is nothing short of sublime.
Pandan Mochi Waffle
In the vibrant streets of Southeast Asia, a delightful fusion of Japanese and Vietnamese flavors and techniques comes together in the form of the addictive pandan mochi waffle. This sweet treat is characterized by its unique chewy texture, achieved through the labor-intensive process of pounding glutinous rice to a pulp. When paired with the subtle yet aromatic flavor of pandan, the result is nothing short of unforgettable.
Tapioca Pudding
While Chè Chioi Chung may seem like a straightforward banana and tapioca pudding combination, it’s actually a delightful surprise. The creamy texture of the tapioca adds a unique dimension to the dish, making each spoonful an inviting experience. It’s a flavor profile that’s hard to put into words, but trust me when I say it’s a treat that will leave you wanting more. For those who appreciate this type of dessert, you may also enjoy its similar cousin, banana chia pudding, which shares many of the same comforting qualities.
Coconut Sticky Rice with Black-Eyed Beans
In the realm of Vietnamese desserts, a delightful phenomenon can be observed: the seamless fusion of savory ingredients into sweet treats. A perfect illustration of this is a traditional comfort food dessert that never fails to impress. Its preparation is remarkably straightforward, yielding a creamy and satisfying result that also happens to be quite filling. Those who appreciate tropical coconut desserts will surely delight in exploring more recipes like this.
Pandan Ice Cream
The alluring aroma of pandan extract is a game-changer when it comes to crafting unique ice cream flavors. Its subtle earthy undertones and refreshing green hue evoke feelings of summertime bliss. With only six ingredients and an ice cream churner, this treat is surprisingly easy to whip up. I highly recommend sharing the experience with your loved ones – the simplicity and satisfaction of making it together will surely create lasting memories.
Mini Sponge Cakes
Vietnamese sponge cakes, known as Bahn bong lan, are truly celestial delights. Their airy texture and subtle sweetness make them an ideal choice for warm-weather gatherings or casual dinner parties. Without being cloyingly sweet, these cakes provide a gentle finish to a meal, leaving room for more nuanced flavor profiles like the divine strawberry sauce that pairs with them.
Steamed Banana Cake
Vietnam’s steamed banana cake, or ‘banh chuoi hap’, is a beloved dessert that has gained widespread popularity for its unique texture and flavor profile. Unlike traditional banana cakes, this version relies heavily on the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas, resulting in a soft, chewy, and intensely banana-flavored treat. For those who are passionate about banana cake, banh chuoi hap is a must-try option that’s surprisingly easy and affordable to prepare.
Che Thai
In Vietnam’s culinary landscape, Chè Thái – affectionately known as fresh fruit pudding – is a beloved treat that harmoniously blends the country’s vibrant seasonal fruits with creamy milk. The addition of cubed grass jelly or green pandan jelly adds a pop of color, making this dessert a surefire hit with kids and adults alike.
Refreshing Iced Dessert Drink
The traditional Vietnamese dessert known as chè sam bo luong is a refreshing glass of sweet tea infused with an array of dried Chinese and Vietnamese herbal ingredients. This unique concoction not only tantalizes the taste buds with its complex flavor profile and varied textures, but it’s also believed to possess remarkable healing properties due to the numerous nutrients packed within.
Steamed Layer Cake
Indulge in the delightful combination of textures and flavors found in steamed cake, a dessert that consistently exceeds expectations. Specifically, banh da lon is a standout example, boasting the unique pairing of pandan leaves and mung beans as its star attractions. As you take your first bite, the tender cake and creamy mung bean paste meld together in a harmonious dance, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.
Coffee Tiramisu
Italian cuisine’s iconic tiramisu has undergone an unexpected yet delightful transformation. The traditional recipe has been reimagined by incorporating the rich flavors of Vietnam, specifically its unique coffee culture. Ditching the conventional black coffee, this innovative dessert employs Vietnamese drip coffee to imbue the cake layers with a refined and subtle flavor profile.
Chè Ba Màu
In Vietnam’s culinary tradition, the chè ba mau or three-layer dessert seamlessly combines three iconic dessert elements into a rich pudding. The harmonious union of chewy pandan jelly, creamy custard, and nutty beans creates a delightful texture experience. While its appearance may not be visually stunning, the chè ba mau more than makes up for it with its bold flavors and contrasting textures that work in perfect harmony.
Banh Flan
The history between Vietnam and France dates back centuries, leading to the introduction of crème caramel to Vietnamese cuisine during the French War. Today, banh flan has become a ubiquitous dessert throughout Vietnam. Its simplicity is part of its appeal, as it provides a refreshing, cool treat perfect for hot summer days.
Avocado Mousse Ice Cream
As we conclude our culinary journey through the world of Filipino desserts, it’s time to indulge in a creamy delight that will transport you to a tropical paradise. Say hello to Kem Bo, also known as avocado ice cream – a game-changer for any avocado enthusiast. The subtle earthy sweetness of this light dessert is nothing short of remarkable. If you’re already hooked on these sweet treats, be sure to explore our curated list of the best Filipino desserts for more inspiration.
With twenty-one delectable recipes under your belt, you’re now equipped to satisfy your cravings whenever the mood strikes. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Vietnamese cuisine or this marks your first foray into the region’s culinary scene, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below. As always, All Nutritious is here to provide you with an array of mouth-watering dessert recipes to spice up your baking routine.
