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Chè

Table of Contents
  1. 1. What is Chè?
  2. 2. Popular Varieties in Ho Chi Minh City
  4. 3. Ingredients & Flavor Profile
  5. 4. Where to Try Chè in Ho Chi Minh City
  6. 5. A Cultural Experience
  7. In Summary

Chè is a beloved Vietnamese sweet dessert soup or pudding, and it plays an essential role in Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant culinary scene. Whether served hot or cold, chè brings together an exciting variety of textures, colors, and tropical flavors in one deliciously satisfying bowl.

1. What is Chè?

Chè refers to a wide range of Vietnamese desserts, often made with combinations of beans, glutinous rice, fruits, jellies, coconut milk, and syrup. In Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll find dozens of varieties served in street-side stalls, food courts, and traditional dessert cafes.

  • Chè Thái: A colorful mix of jackfruit, lychee, jellies, and coconut milk – inspired by Thai flavors but adapted to Vietnamese tastes.

  • Chè Ba Màu (Three-color dessert): Features layers of green mung bean paste, red beans, and pandan jelly topped with coconut cream and crushed ice.

  • Chè Đậu Đen (Black bean sweet soup): Cooked black beans in sugary syrup served with coconut milk – either hot or chilled.

  • Chè Bắp (Sweet corn pudding): A creamy dessert made from sweet corn, glutinous rice, and coconut milk.

  • Chè Trôi Nước: Sticky rice balls filled with mung bean paste, floating in a sweet ginger syrup, often eaten warm.

3. Ingredients & Flavor Profile

Typical ingredients include:

  • Beans (mung, black, red)

  • Tapioca pearls or jelly cubes

  • Lotus seeds or water chestnuts

  • Fruits (banana, jackfruit, longan, durian)

  • Coconut milk and palm sugar syrup

Flavors range from sweet and rich to light and refreshing, depending on the ingredients used.

4. Where to Try Chè in Ho Chi Minh City

  • Chè Mười Khó – A popular dessert spot serving both classic and modern chè varieties.

  • Chè Kỳ Đồng – A local favorite offering a wide selection of chè with generous portions.

  • Street stalls in District 3 or Bến Thành Market – Affordable and authentic chè experiences.

5. A Cultural Experience

Chè is more than just a dessert—it’s a taste of Vietnamese hospitality, often shared among family and friends after meals or during special occasions. In Ho Chi Minh City, it reflects the city’s multicultural influences and love for sweet treats.

In Summary

From colorful three-color chè to comforting warm sweet soups, chè in Ho Chi Minh City offers a unique and delicious way to experience Vietnamese dessert culture. With its delightful combinations and vibrant presentation, it’s a must-try for any food lover visiting the city.

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