Join us as we look at some of the most irresistible Vietnamese desserts that you must try in Vietnam especially if you have a sweet tooth. Most of the desserts listed below can be found anywhere in Vietnam, however we will be focusing on Ho Chi Minh City.
Table of Contents
About Vietnamese Desserts
Vietnam’s cuisine has long been shaped by diverse cultural influences, with neighboring countries like Cambodia and China and the French colonial period leaving lasting imprints. This fusion is most famously seen in the iconic Vietnamese Bánh Mì—a baguette sandwich filled with pickled vegetables and savory meats.
But these influences extend beyond savory dishes to Vietnamese desserts, which uniquely incorporate native ingredients and techniques. From chè, a layered pudding with jellies, beans, and tropical fruits, to the pandan-infused bánh da lợn, Vietnamese sweets present a delightful blend of texture, flavor, and tradition.
For those accustomed to Western desserts, Vietnamese confections offer an intriguing departure, celebrating ingredients like coconut milk, mung beans, and sticky rice. French-inspired treats such as bánh flan, a caramel custard infused with coconut or coffee, add another layer of richness.
Exploring Vietnamese desserts means stepping into a world of unexpected and vibrant flavors, each bite revealing Vietnam’s resourcefulness and culinary heritage. Join me on this flavorful journey, where each dessert tells a story and leaves you craving more.
Rest assured, everything here is fully vegan—even the jelly is plant-based, and coconut milk is often used as a dairy substitute. If you’re on the hunt for delicious vegetarian food in Ho Chi Minh, don’t miss our article exploring the city’s best vegan-friendly spots!
1. Che Desserts, Sweet Soup and Puddings – Colorful, sweet symphony of flavors
To begin, let’s dive into chè, a beloved and versatile Vietnamese dessert enjoyed both warm and cold. This traditional treat combines an array of ingredients, such as beans (like mung beans, black-eyed peas, and kidney beans), glutinous rice, and tubers like sweet potatoes or taro, creating a dessert that is as nourishing as it is flavorful.
The base is typically sweetened with sugar water, adding just the right amount of sweetness to highlight the natural flavors of each ingredient. Tapioca pearls, jellies, and tropical fruits contribute varied textures, while a drizzle of coconut cream lends a rich, creamy finish that elevates each spoonful. Each type of chè offers a distinct taste and texture, reflecting the diversity of Vietnamese cuisine and its emphasis on balance and harmony.
2. Bánh, Sweet Treats of Vietnam – Cakes and Pastries
Not all Vietnamese desserts comes in soups or pudding, as there are a unique blend of flavors and cultures, reflecting Vietnam’s rich history. Favorites like bánh cam, crispy sesame balls, and bánh trôi nước, sticky rice balls in ginger syrup, bring Chinese influences.
The French era added treats like creamy bánh flan and fluffy bánh bông lan, often flavored with coconut or pandan. Local traditions shine in festive desserts, such as bánh tét chuối, a banana sticky rice cake, and bánh da lợn, a layered pandan cake with mung beans. These delicious Vietnamese desserts capture the country’s diverse and colorful culinary heritage.
3. Jellies and Frozen Treats – Colorful, wobbly bites of joy!
Vietnamese jellies are derived from south-east Asian influence, with their use of agar agar which is a natural gelatin made from seaweed, thus opening up the desserts to a larger group of people to enjoy. Unlike traditional gelatin, agar-agar creates a firmer, more resilient texture, which is ideal for the vibrant layers and shapes characteristic of Vietnamese jellies.
These Vietnamese desserts often include a combination of coconut milk and pandan, a fragrant green plant used widely in Southeast Asian cooking, giving the jellies their signature tropical flavor and aroma.
You can easily find and enjoy these Vietnamese desserts at some of the most vivid night markets in Ho Chi Minh city!
Black jelly with a mild flavor, served with sweet syrup or coconut milk. // Photo Creds: Cookpad
Frozen bananas with coconut milk and peanuts. // Photo Creds: Wok & Kin
Agar-agar jelly with layers of coconut milk, pandan, or coffee. // Photo Creds: Nguyen Kim
4. Fresh and Fruit-Based Desserts – Tropical, juicy bites of paradise!
Vietnam’s tropical climate yields a rich variety of fruits, which have been integral to the Vietnamese diet for centuries. The practice of combining these fruits into salads, known as hoa quả dầm, reflects the Vietnamese culinary emphasis on freshness, balance, and harmony of flavors.
Traditionally, Vietnamese fruit salads are prepared by selecting an assortment of ripe, seasonal fruits such as mango, papaya, pineapple, dragon fruit, lychee, and jackfruit. These fruits are cut into bite-sized pieces and combined in a bowl. To enhance the natural sweetness and add a creamy texture, a mixture of coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and sometimes yogurt is poured over the fruit. The salad is then chilled and often served with crushed ice, making it a refreshing treat in the tropical heat.
If you happen to be in District 3, make sure to stop by Trái Cây Dầm Yaourt at 142 Lý Chính Thắng, Phường 14, for an authentic taste of Vietnamese chè dessert. This spot is known for its refreshing, fruit-based treats that perfectly capture the tropical flavors and textures of traditional chè.
Where to find said desserts
Now that we have covered most if not all the notable Vietnamese desserts, lets dive into the districts and discover the best places to enjoy them! We will list down places at districts that are nearby to other district to truly let you all explore Vietnam while searching for a cooling sweet dessert. Some of the stores that sells Che and Tra Cay Dam, which will be highlighted.
District 1 – The Sweet Heart of Ho Chi Minh
1. Che Khuc Bach Thanh
Located around District 1, this is a Che store that specializes in their signature, Chè featuring cubes of almond-flavored panna cotta-like jelly served with lychee, longan, and a light sweet syrup.
- Location: 57 Đ. Trần Nguyên Đán, Phường 3, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
- Price Range: $
- Opening Hour: 09:00 AM – 10:30 PM everyday
Photo Credits – Nguyen Mai Ngoc Anh
2. Chè Miss Đác chi nhánh 2
Chè Miss Đác chi nhánh 2, located at 111B Hoàng Sa, Quận 1, specializes in “chè không ngọt” (unsweetened chè), featuring a light sweetness compared to traditional chè. Its menu highlights include Chè Miss Đác Flan, a blend of hạt đác seeds with creamy flan, and Chè Miss Đác Sầu Riêng, infused with durian flavor. It also features Tra Cay Dam, with a good blend of fresh tropical fruits.
- Location: 111b Đ. Hoàng Sa, Đa Kao, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
- Price Range: $
- Opening Hour: 09:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Chè Miss Đác chi nhánh 2, located at 111B Hoàng Sa, District 1
3. Ben Thanh Night Market
Ben Thanh Night Market isn’t only for shopping; it’s also a haven for food enthusiasts. The market’s food stalls present a diverse selection of Vietnamese street food, ideal for those who love to eat. You can enjoy the sizzling of grilled meats, like chicken and ribs, and the tempting aroma of dishes such as bò lá lốt (beef wrapped in betel leaf) and grilled corn. Be sure to sample some local specialties, fresh seafood, and sweet tropical fruits to complete the experience.
- Location: Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Price Range: $
- Opening Hour: Day Market 06:00 AM – 06:00PM, Night Market 06:00 PM – 10:00 PM
4. Quán Trái Cây Tô Nhà Số 1
Quán Trái Cây Tô Nhà Số 1 in Ho Chi Minh City is well-loved for its fresh fruit bowls, featuring a variety of tropical fruits like mango, watermelon, and dragon fruit, topped with yogurt, condensed milk, and crushed ice. Known for its generous portions and affordable prices, it’s a popular spot for a healthy and refreshing treat among locals and tourists alike.
- Location: 177/1 Lý Tự Trọng, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
- Price Range: $
- Opening Hour: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Photo Credits – Quan Trai Cay To – Fruit Bowl
District 3
1. Chè Hiển Khánh
Serves a variety of hot chè, such as black sesame soup (Chè mè đen) and mung bean soup (Chè đậu xanh), known for their rich and smooth textures. It is also open at night for all our late night goers!
- Location: 718 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, Phường 1, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh
- Price Range: $
- Opening Hour: 09:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 02:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Photo Credits – 718 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, Phường 1, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh
2. Che Ky Dong
Chè Kỳ Đồng in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, is a long-standing spot known for its variety of Vietnamese sweet soups, like chè thập cẩm (mixed sweet soup), chè đậu xanh (mung bean), chè đậu đen (black bean), and Thai-style chè. With over 20 dessert options, it also offers savory dishes like bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwiches) and bột chiên (fried rice flour cakes), all served in a spacious and casual setting.
- Location: 436/29 Đ. Cách Mạng Tháng 8, Phường 11, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh
- Price Range: $
- Opening Hour: 09:00 AM – 09:00 PM, everyday
Photo Credits – Nhu Kiet Nguyen
District 4
1. Thi Thi Che
Thi Thi Chè in District 4, Ho Chi Minh City, is popular for its wide range of Vietnamese desserts, especially chè. Known for cleanliness, friendly service, and appealing displays, it features favorites like Chè Khúc Bạch and Chè Thái Lan. Open daily, it’s a go-to spot for sweet treats. Other than that, it also serves Tra Cay Dam alongside their sweet treats for a more natural flavor!
- Location: 233 Tôn Đản, Phường 15, Quận 4, Hồ Chí Minh
- Price Range: $
- Opening Hour: 02:00 PM – 9:00 PM, everyday
Photo Credits – Tam V Hau
2. Chè Cô 7 Cần Thơ
Chè Cô 7 Cần Thơ, located at 49 Đường Số 41 in District 4, Ho Chi Minh City, is a popular spot for traditional Vietnamese desserts. Known for its vibrant signage and comfortable setting, it offers a wide variety of chè, including pomelo chè, pomegranate jelly chè, and a standout blue pea coconut chè, featuring unique ingredients and a natural blue-purple hue. It’s a favorite among both locals and tourists seeking authentic sweet treats.
- Location: 49 Đ. Số 41, Phường 6, Quận 4, Hồ Chí Minh
- Price Range: $
- Opening Hour: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM everyday
Photo Credits – Tieu Myy Tran
District 5
1. Quán chè Hà Ký
Located in District 5’s Chợ Lớn area, this shop has over 30 years of history, offering nearly 40 types of chè with an authentic Chinese flair. Specialties include black sesame soup (Chè Mè Đen), herbal jelly (Cao Quy Linh), and stewed papaya with white fungus (Đu Đủ Tiềm), known for their traditional flavors and quality ingredients.
- Location: 138 Đ. Châu Văn Liêm, Phường 11, Quận 5, Hồ Chí Minh
- Price Range: $
- Opening Hour: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM everyday
Photo Credits // Duong Tran
2. Tiệm đồ ngọt Tường Phong
Also in District 5, this dessert shop is a favorite among the Chinese community, serving unique treats like coconut tofu (Đậu Hủ Dừa), egg tea (Chè Hột Gà), and cooling herbal soup (Sâm Bổ Lượng). Its authentic recipes and cozy atmosphere make it a beloved spot for traditional Chinese sweets.
- Location: 83 Đ. An Điềm, Phường 10, Quận 5, Hồ Chí Minh
- Price Range: $
- Opening Hour: 05:30 PM – 11:00 PM everyday
Photo Credits – Mars Lee
District 10
1. KHANH VY Sweets
Chè Mâm in District 10 is a beloved spot for traditional Vietnamese chè, offering trays with up to 16 types of sweet soups. With nearly 50 years of history, it’s known for authentic flavors and a welcoming atmosphere, attracting both locals and tourists.
- Location: Chung Cư Ngô Gia Tự, 032 lô H, Phường 2, Quận 10, Hồ Chí Minh
- Price Range: $
- Opening Hour: 03:00 PM – 11:00 PM, everyday
Photo Credits – Tam V Hau
2. Y Phuong Sweet Soup
Chè Thái Ý Phương in Ho Chi Minh City is renowned for its authentic Thai-style Chè Thái, featuring a mix of fresh fruits like jackfruit, lychee, and longan with jellies in coconut milk. The menu also includes popular treats like Chè Khúc Bạch and Chè Sầu Riêng, making it a top spot for Thai-inspired and Vietnamese desserts among locals and tourists.
- Location: 382 Đ. Nguyễn Tri Phương, Phường 4, Quận 10, Hồ Chí Minh
- Price Range: $
- Opening Hour: 10:30 AM – 01:00 AM, everyday
Photo Credits – Jennifer M Y Tang
District Binh Thanh
1. Che Quang Dong
Chè Quảng Đông, located in Bình Thạnh, Ho Chi Minh City, is known for its affordable, authentic Vietnamese sweet soups, or chè, including popular options like Chè Đậu Xanh, Chè Thái, and Chè Khúc Bạch. With friendly service and a comfortable setting, it’s a favored spot for locals and tourists looking to enjoy traditional flavors.
- Location: 83 Đ. Ng. Tất Tố, Phường 21, Bình Thạnh, Hồ Chí Minh
- Price Range: $
- Opening Hour: 09:30 AM – 09:00 PM
Photo Credits – Trung Kien Vu
2. Chè Mỹ
Chè Mỹ, located on Nguyễn Văn Đậu in Bình Thạnh, Ho Chi Minh City, is a popular spot for traditional Vietnamese desserts. Known for its quality ingredients and authentic flavors, it offers a variety of chè, including Chè Thái sầu riêng, Chè đậu đỏ sương sáo, and creative options like Chè đậu đỏ mochi matcha. With a cozy atmosphere and friendly service, it’s a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
- Location: 168A Nguyễn Văn Đậu, Phường 7, Bình Thạnh, Hồ Chí Minh
- Price Range: $
- Opening Hour: 03:00 PM – 09:00 PM
Photo Credits – Nguyen Quoc Doan
Lets order desserts!
Vietnamese desserts are a celebration of flavor, texture, and cultural heritage, offering something unique for every palate. From the comforting warmth of chè sweet soups and puddings to the flaky, fragrant pastries, and the vibrant, layered jellies, each dessert highlights the creativity and harmony of Vietnamese cuisine. These treats showcase the country’s deep-rooted culinary traditions and adaptability, blending local ingredients like coconut, pandan, and tropical fruits with influences from Chinese and French cuisines.
For anyone seeking a sweet adventure, Vietnamese desserts offer an unforgettable taste journey through diverse textures and bold flavors, all crafted with an artistry that reflects the essence of Vietnam. Whether enjoyed cold on a hot day or warm for comfort, these sweet creations are a true testament to the Vietnamese spirit of balance, innovation, and joy in every bite.
Speaking of adventure, if you are seeking unusual things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, do check out the article here!
