Top 7 Must-Try Vietnamese Desserts: Best Sweet Soups (Chè)

Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and vibrant dishes like phở, bánh xèo, and bún bò Huế. But beyond the savory favorites lies a hidden gem that many travelers fall in love with – Vietnamese desserts, especially the traditional sweet soups known as Chè.

Served hot or cold, these sweet treats are much more than just desserts. They represent the heart of Vietnamese culture, rooted in seasonal ingredients, regional specialties, and centuries-old culinary traditions. Whether you’re enjoying a refreshing Chè Ba Màu on a hot summer day or warming up with Chè Trôi Nước in the cooler months, each bowl tells a delicious story.

In this article, Hue Food Tour proudly introduces you to the top 7 must-try Vietnamese sweet soups that every food lover should taste while traveling in Vietnam. Let your culinary adventure begin!

1. Chè Ba Màu – Three Color Dessert

Chè Ba Màu, or “Three Color Sweet Soup,” is perhaps the most Instagram-worthy Vietnamese dessert. Served in a tall glass, this dessert features colorful layers of yellow mung bean paste, red beans, and green pandan jelly, all topped with a rich swirl of coconut milk and crushed ice.

Popular across Vietnam – from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City – you’ll find this dessert at street stalls, casual eateries, and traditional restaurants. It’s especially refreshing on hot days and offers a fun mix of textures: creamy, chewy, and crunchy.

2. Chè Bắp – Corn Sweet Soup

One of the most comforting Vietnamese traditional desserts, Chè Bắp (Corn Pudding or Corn Sweet Soup) features sweet corn, glutinous rice, and tapioca pearls, topped with coconut milk and sometimes sprinkled with roasted sesame seeds.

This dish originates from the central region of Vietnam, particularly Hoi An, where locals use fresh corn harvested from nearby farms. Served warm or chilled, it’s a delightful treat with a natural sweetness and creamy texture that feels both indulgent and nourishing.

3. Chè Trôi Nước – Glutinous Rice Balls in Ginger Syrup

If you’re exploring Vietnam in the winter or attending a traditional family celebration, don’t miss Chè Trôi Nước. This comforting dessert features sticky rice balls filled with mung bean paste, swimming in a warm ginger-infused syrup and topped with a dash of sesame seeds.

The name “Chè Trôi Nước” literally means “floating on water,” referring to how the dumplings rise to the surface when cooked. Popular during festivals and religious ceremonies, it’s a must-try for those wanting a warm, soul-soothing dessert.

4. Chè Chuối – Banana and Coconut Sweet Soup

Bananas are a staple fruit in Vietnam, and Chè Chuối makes the most of their naturally sweet flavor. This creamy pudding combines ripe bananas, tapioca pearls, and coconut milk, often served warm and garnished with roasted peanuts and sesame seeds.

There are also regional variations – such as grilled banana wrapped in sticky rice (chuối nếp nướng)—but this classic coconut banana pudding remains a favorite among both locals and tourists.

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5. Chè Bà Ba – Taro, Sweet Potato, and Cassava Dessert

A southern Vietnamese favorite, Chè Bà Ba features a rich blend of taro, sweet potatoes, and cassava, all simmered in sweet coconut milk. The result is a creamy, comforting dessert with an appealing chewiness.

Commonly found in Ho Chi Minh City, this dessert is often enjoyed warm and can be found at street food stalls or made at home. It’s said to be named after a traditional southern Vietnamese woman (“bà ba”) who would cook this hearty dessert for her family.

6. Chè Khúc Bạch – Almond Pudding with Lychee or Longan

A more modern addition to Vietnamese dessert culture, Chè Khúc Bạch is a cool and elegant treat made with cheese jelly (similar to panna cotta), toasted almonds, and lychee or longan fruits, served chilled in a lightly sweet syrup.

This dessert became wildly popular in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in recent years, especially among young foodies. Variations now include green tea, chocolate, and strawberry versions, adding even more flair to its already delightful presentation.

7. Chè Long Nhãn Hạt Sen – Lotus Seed and Longan Sweet Soup

Originally from Hue, the ancient royal capital, Chè Long Nhãn Hạt Sen is a refined dessert that once graced the tables of Vietnamese royalty. It features dried longan fruits stuffed with lotus seeds, all steeped in a delicate syrup.

Believed to have calming and restorative effects, this dessert is often enjoyed warm before bed or during hot summer days to refresh the body. The subtle floral fragrance and light sweetness make it a beautiful end to a meal.

What Makes Vietnamese “Chè” So Special?

The word “Chè” in Vietnamese refers to a broad category of sweet soups or puddings made with beans, tubers, grains, jellies, and fruits. Often topped with coconut milk and served either hot or cold, Chè represents the perfect balance of nutrition, flavor, and creativity.

From the northern mountains to the Mekong Delta, every region has its own interpretation of this beloved dish, using local ingredients to create desserts that are both nostalgic and innovative.

Popular ingredients in Vietnamese chè:

• Coconut milk
• Glutinous rice
• Mung beans, black beans, red beans
• Tapioca pearls
• Fresh fruits (banana, jackfruit, longan)
• Herbal jellies and syrups

Ready to Taste Authentic Vietnamese Desserts?

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam and want to truly experience its culinary treasures, don’t miss the chance to join a Hue Street Food Tour or Hue Cooking Class with Hue Food Tour. With over 15 years of experience, we are proud to be one of the top-rated food tour companies in Hue, trusted by travelers on TripAdvisor, Viator, Cruise Critic, Private Guides, and other leading travel platforms.

🌟 Why Choose Hue Food Tour?

✅ Taste 10+ authentic Hue dishes and local specialties
✅ Learn to make traditional Vietnamese desserts (Chè)
✅ Explore hidden street food spots with passionate local guides
✅ Immerse yourself in Hue’s rich culinary and cultural heritage

📞 Contact us today and let us guide you through an unforgettable journey of taste, tradition, and local insight. Discover the real flavor of Vietnam!