Introduction: Vietnamese Desserts
Vietnamese cuisine is known for its diverse range of flavors and unique ingredients, and its desserts are no exception. From sweet coconut milk desserts to sticky rice treats, Vietnamese desserts are a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. Many of these desserts are served chilled or at room temperature, making them perfect for a hot summer day.
Sticky Rice Treats: Xoi
Sticky rice is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, and it’s no surprise that it’s a popular ingredient in many desserts. Xoi is a sweet sticky rice treat that is often topped with a variety of ingredients such as mung bean paste, shredded coconut, or sesame seeds. One popular version of xoi is xoi gac, which is made with glutinous rice and gac fruit. The fruit gives the rice a bright red color and a slightly sweet flavor.
Sweet Coconut Milk Desserts: Che
Che is a sweet dessert soup made with coconut milk, sugar, and a variety of ingredients such as beans, fruits, or jelly. Some popular versions of che include che ba mau, which is made with mung beans, red beans, and green jelly, and che dau xanh, which is made with mung beans and coconut milk. Che is often served cold and is a popular dessert to enjoy on a hot summer day.
Fried Treats: Banh Ran/Banh Cam
Banh ran and banh cam are fried treats that are filled with sweet mung bean paste. Banh ran is a ball-shaped treat that is coated in sesame seeds, while banh cam is a flat disc-shaped treat. Both are crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. These sweet treats are often enjoyed as a snack or dessert.
Sweet Soup: Che Troi Nuoc
Che troi nuoc is a sweet soup that is made with glutinous rice balls filled with sweet mung bean paste. The rice balls are cooked in a sweet ginger syrup and are often topped with toasted sesame seeds or coconut flakes. This dessert is typically served warm and is a popular comfort food during the colder months.
Fruit-Based Desserts: Hoa Qua Dam
Hoa qua dam is a fruit salad that is served with sweet syrup and crushed ice. The salad typically includes a variety of fruits such as mangoes, pineapples, and papayas. Sometimes, the salad is topped with coconut milk or condensed milk for added sweetness. Hoa qua dam is a refreshing dessert that is perfect for a hot summer day.
In conclusion, Vietnamese desserts offer a unique and diverse range of flavors and ingredients. From sticky rice treats to sweet coconut milk desserts, there is something for everyone to enjoy. These desserts are often served chilled or at room temperature, making them perfect for a hot summer day. If you ever find yourself in Vietnam, be sure to try some of these delicious treats.
