Top 10 Irresistible Vietnamese Desserts to Try on Your Vietnam Food Adventure

Vietnam is not only famous for its savory street food and vibrant flavors, but also for its wide selection of Vietnamese desserts that reflect the country’s rich culture and regional variety. From cool and refreshing sweets to warm, comforting puddings, these traditional Vietnamese desserts are an essential part of the local food scene.

Whether you’re a food lover, a travel blogger, or just someone who enjoys sweet treats, here’s a delicious guide to the most iconic Vietnamese desserts you should try—whether you’re exploring the country or recreating the experience at home.

🥄 Chè – Classic Sweet Soups in Vietnamese Desserts

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At the heart of many Vietnamese dessert menus is chè—a family of sweet soups and puddings that vary by region and ingredient. This dessert often includes beans, jellies, tapioca, sticky rice, fruits, and tubers, and is usually topped with coconut milk or shaved ice.

Some beloved types of chè Vietnamese desserts include:

Chè ba màu – a colorful mix of red beans, green jelly, and yellow mung bean paste
Chè trôi nước – glutinous rice balls filled with mung bean paste in warm ginger syrup
Chè Thái – tropical fruit cocktail served in rich coconut milk
Chè chuối – ripe bananas and tapioca pearls in creamy coconut
Chè bưởi – pomelo and mung bean sweet soup
Chè khoai môn – taro pudding with coconut sauce

These traditional Vietnamese desserts are more than just snacks—they’re cultural staples found in markets, street carts, and family kitchens.

🥥 Rau Câu – Coconut Jelly, A Refreshing Vietnamese Dessert

Rau câu is a light, bouncy jelly made from agar-agar, layered with coconut milk, coffee, or fruit flavors. Among Vietnamese desserts, this one stands out for being vegan-friendly and refreshing on hot days.

With its beautiful layers and mild sweetness, rau câu is a go-to Vietnamese dessert for both special occasions and daily treats.

🍌 Chuối Nếp Nướng – Grilled Sticky Rice Banana

This standout from southern Vietnam is one of the most iconic Vietnamese desserts. Chuối nếp nướng is made by wrapping bananas in sticky rice, grilling them in banana leaves, and serving with sweet coconut sauce and crushed peanuts.

It’s a street food favorite that delivers an unforgettable mix of smoky, sweet, and nutty flavors.

🌱 Bánh Đậu Xanh – Mung Bean Cakes from Northern Vietnam

A traditional specialty from Hai Duong province, bánh đậu xanh features mashed mung beans combined with sugar and fat to create soft, slightly crumbly cakes. These Vietnamese desserts are often enjoyed with green tea and are a popular gift for guests.

Their delicate texture and subtle taste make them a highlight of northern Vietnamese sweets.

🥜 Kẹo Lạc – Peanut Brittle in Vietnamese Dessert Culture

Crunchy and sweet, kẹo lạc is a Vietnamese peanut candy made from roasted peanuts, malt syrup, and sesame seeds. This nostalgic treat is widely sold in markets and considered a beloved part of Vietnamese dessert snacks.

It’s simple but satisfying—perfect for tea time or as a souvenir from your Vietnam travels.

🍃 Bánh Đúc Lá Dứa – Pandan Flavored Jelly Cake

This chewy, subtly sweet cake is flavored with pandan juice and coconut cream, giving it a naturally green hue and fragrant aroma. Topped with coconut shavings or sesame seeds, bánh đúc lá dứa is a light but memorable Vietnamese dessert.

It’s popular among both locals and vegetarians for its soft texture and tropical flavor.

🍧 Tào Phớ – Silken Tofu Pudding, a Classic Vietnamese Dessert

Tào phớ, also called Vietnamese tofu pudding, is a smooth and silky dessert typically served with jasmine sugar syrup and ice. In cooler seasons, it’s served warm with a touch of ginger for a cozy twist.

Modern toppings like tapioca pearls or grass jelly have made this Vietnamese dessert even more popular among younger generations.

🍰 Bánh Bò – Honeycomb Cake of Vietnam

Known for its unique texture, bánh bò is a chewy steamed cake made from fermented rice flour, sugar, and yeast. Often infused with coconut or pandan, it’s a favorite during family gatherings and local festivals.

This humble but beloved treat adds to the rich variety of Vietnamese desserts found across the country.

🌈 Bánh Da Lợn – Steamed Layer Cake

This visually stunning dessert features alternating layers of mung bean and pandan-flavored tapioca, steamed into a soft, chewy cake. Bánh da lợn is often seen at celebrations and is a sweet memory from many Vietnamese childhoods.

Its vibrant colors and delicate flavor make it a must-try Vietnamese dessert, especially in the southern regions.

✨ Why Vietnamese Desserts Deserve Global Attention

The world of Vietnamese desserts is as diverse as it is delicious. From sweet soups to chewy cakes, these desserts offer a range of textures and flavors that cater to all palates. They’re often made from simple, natural ingredients—yet the taste is rich with cultural heritage.

Whether you’re touring Vietnam or sampling international sweets, Vietnamese desserts bring something special to the table: balance, creativity, and a deep-rooted love for food.

🍮 Final Words: Indulge in the Sweet Side of Vietnam

Looking to expand your dessert horizons? Let Vietnamese desserts take you on a flavorful journey—from Hanoi’s tofu puddings to Saigon’s sticky rice bananas.

These traditional sweets are more than food—they’re a taste of Vietnamese identity. So next time you’re craving something different, go beyond chocolate cake or mochi—try Vietnamese desserts that have stood the test of time.

Because honestly, life is sweeter that way.