If you’ve ever had a Vietnamese meal, you know it’s full of bold, bright flavors. But what about dessert? Vietnamese desserts are just as exciting. You’ll taste tropical ingredients like coconut milk, mung beans, sticky rice, and fresh fruit. Many of these sweets are vegan-friendly and naturally gluten-free, too!
So, if you’re wandering through Ho Chi Minh’s night markets or exploring Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets, you’ll find incredible treats that are both fun to eat and easy on the wallet. In this list, we’ll share 9 of the best Vietnamese desserts you must try, plus tips on where to find them and how to plan the tastiest Vietnam food trip ever!
1. Chè Ba Màu (Three-Color Chè)
Chè Ba Màu, yummy three colored dessert! | Photo Credits: Ẩm Thực Đam Mê on Flickr
Chè Ba Màu is one of the most eye-catching che desserts in Vietnam. It’s a colorful mix of red beans, mung bean paste, and green pandan jelly, layered in a tall glass and topped with crushed ice and creamy coconut milk. The sweetness is mellow, the texture is playful, and the look? Total Instagram gold.
You’ll spot it at dessert stalls and local markets, but if you want to taste it on a guided adventure, book this Ho Chi Minh street food tour. A local guide will take you to authentic spots only the locals know.
📍Where to eat it: Local chè dessert shops in Ho Chi Minh City
2. Chè Khúc Bạch (Almond Jelly Dessert)
A refreshing Vietnamese classic: Chè Khúc Bạch | Photo Credits: Phương Huy on Wikimedia
This chilled dessert feels like a cross between panna cotta and fruit salad. Soft almond-scented jelly cubes are served with longan or lychee fruit, crunchy almonds, and a splash of icy syrup. It’s light, creamy, and perfect for hot afternoons.
You can try it in trendy cafes, or book this Hanoi evening food tour that includes chè tastings and other local bites!
📍Where to eat it: Trendy cafes in Saigon and Hanoi
3. Chè Bà Ba (Southern Coconut Sweet Soup)
Chè Bà Ba, a Vietnamese dessert made with coconut milk | Photo Credits: Zxcvasdfqwer888 on Wikimedia
This comforting bowl of coconut milk goodness is a southern favorite. Chè Bà Ba is made with taro, sweet potato, and cassava, gently cooked in coconut milk until soft and rich. It’s warm, thick, and feels like a cozy hug on a rainy day.
You’ll often find it served in the evening or during family gatherings. It’s one of those Saigon desserts you can’t leave without trying.
📍Where to eat it: Traditional dessert shops in Can Tho
4. Kem Dừa (Coconut Ice Cream)
Vietnamese coconut ice cream
Served in a real coconut shell, Kem Dừa is creamy coconut ice cream topped with sticky rice, roasted peanuts, and shaved coconut. It’s cold, fun, and super refreshing. Plus, it’s totally photogenic.
You can find it near beach promenades or night markets in coastal cities. It’s also a favorite among travelers on this Da Nang night food tour, where dessert is always the grand finale!
📍Where to eat it: Night markets in Da Nang and Nha Trang
5. Kem Xôi (Ice Cream with Sticky Rice)
Sticky rice meets coconut ice cream with Kem Xôi
This sweet treat pairs coconut or pandan-flavored ice cream with warm sticky rice. The contrast of hot and cold, chewy and creamy, makes Kem Xôi something special. The rice is often infused with pandan for extra fragrance and color.
Topped with shredded coconut or mung bean crumbles, it’s filling enough to count as a small meal. You’ll often find it at busy street corners during the evening rush!
Want to find the best Kem Xôi? Join this Hanoi Old Quarter food tour, where a local guide will take you to food spots you might miss on your own. You’ll get to sample everything from sizzling bánh xèo and juicy grilled meats to sweet treats like egg coffee or sticky rice desserts.
📍Where to eat it: Dessert vendors in Hanoi Old Quarter
6. Chè Trôi Nước (Glutinous Rice Balls in Ginger Syrup)
Chè Trôi Nước, Vietnam’s holiday treat! | Photo Credits: Alpha on Flickr
Soft, sticky, and filled with mung bean paste, these glutinous rice balls float in warm ginger syrup and are finished with coconut cream.
It’s a common dessert during Vietnamese holidays like Tet or full moon celebrations. Locals believe the round shape symbolizes completeness and togetherness, making it a meaningful and tasty treat!
📍Where to eat it: Family-run dessert shops during festivals
7. Bánh Rán / Bánh Cam (Sesame-Fried Glutinous Balls)
Popular Vietnamese street snack: Bánh Rán | Photo Credits: snowpea&bokchoi on Flickr
Crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, these golden balls are a snack-time favorite. In the north, they’re called Bánh Rán and may have a slightly salty twist, while in the south, they’re known as Bánh Cam and are usually sweeter. Both versions are filled with mung bean paste and rolled in sesame seeds before being fried to perfection.
They’re perfect to munch on while walking through a market or paired with a cup of hot tea. You’ll hear them crackle when you bite in, and the chewy center keeps you coming back for more!
This snack is a common street food, so it's better to join a Saigon street food tour to taste these and more!
📍Where to eat it: Street food stalls in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
8. Bánh Da Lợn (Layered Tapioca Cake)
Bánh Da Lợn with pandan and coconut layers | Photo credits: Crasheerr on Wikimedia
Bánh Da Lợn means “pig skin cake,” but don’t worry, there’s no meat involved! It gets its name from the slightly bouncy, textured surface. This steamed dessert is made with layers of green pandan, yellow mung bean, and sometimes taro or durian, giving it a colorful striped look.
The chewy texture and mild sweetness make it easy to enjoy any time of day. It’s often sliced into squares and sold in little paper wrappers at wet markets or street stalls.
📍Where to eat it: Traditional bakeries in Hoi An
9. Xôi Ngọt (Sweet Sticky Rice Varieties)
A classic Vietnamese breakfast or snack: Xôi Ngọt | Photo Credits: Nha Le Hoan on Wikimedia
Sticky rice isn’t just for savory dishes. In Vietnam, it stars in plenty of sweet versions like xôi gấc (bright orange from gac fruit), xôi dừa (topped with coconut), or xôi đậu xanh (with mung beans). These dishes are rich, filling, and often topped with crunchy coconut flakes or a splash of coconut cream.
You’ll find them sold for breakfast wrapped in banana leaves or served on a plate at dessert shops. Locals love them for their flavor and energy boost, and so will you!
📍Where to eat it: Breakfast stalls across Saigon
Tips for Your Vietnamese Food Trip
Stay connected with a Vietnam eSIM:
Book a Vietnam eSIM to easily search food reviews, map dessert spots, and share sweet moments online.
Try local food tours first
Joining a food tour helps you taste more in less time, and you’ll learn fun stories behind the food.
Bring small bills
Street vendors may not have change for large notes, so carry smaller denominations like 10,000 or 20,000 VND.
Ask locals what’s fresh
Many desserts are seasonal. Locals know what’s best to try at that time of year!
FAQs about vietnamese desserts
What is the most popular dessert in Vietnam?
Chè Ba Màu (three-color chè) is one of the most beloved Vietnamese desserts. It’s sweet, refreshing, and fun to eat, especially on hot days. You’ll find it everywhere, from street carts to high-end restaurants.
What is the 3-flavor Vietnamese dessert?
That’s Chè Ba Màu! It usually includes mung beans, red beans, and green pandan jelly with coconut milk over ice. It’s colorful, delicious, and a must-try on any Vietnam trip.
What is a Vietnamese dessert with banana and tapioca?
You’re thinking of Chè Chuối. It’s a warm dessert made with banana, tapioca pearls, and coconut milk. While it didn’t make this list, it’s still worth hunting down if you love banana-based treats.
What traditional Vietnamese sweets should first-time visitors taste?
Start with Chè Ba Màu, Bánh Da Lợn, and Chè Trôi Nước. These offer a mix of textures and flavors that are iconic in Vietnam. They’re also easy to find at markets or through food tours.
Are there any must-try Vietnamese desserts made with coconut?
Absolutely! Try Kem Dừa, Chè Bà Ba, and Kem Xôi. These all use coconut in different ways (ice cream, milk, or flakes) and show how important coconut is in Vietnamese desserts.
Ready to try Vietnam’s sweet side?
From icy chè desserts and coconut-filled treats to sticky rice delights and sesame-fried bites, Vietnam’s dessert scene is bursting with color, texture, and flavor. If you’re a first-time visitor or a returning foodie, there’s always something new (and delicious!) to try!
Bon appétit, or as locals say, Chúc ngon miệng!
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