Che: The Versatile Sweet Soup
At the heart of Vietnamese dessert culture is "che," a term encompassing a diverse range of sweet soups and puddings. She is a delightful creation that combines various ingredients such as beans, grains, fruits, and jellies, often served in a lovely, fragrant broth. Let's explore some notable variations:
- Che Ba Ba: A southern Vietnamese classic, Che Ba Ba features sweet potatoes, taro, and cassava in a rich coconut milk broth. The creamy coconut flavour balances the sweetness, creating a comforting and indulgent dessert.
- Che Troi Nuoc: Translating to "floating balls," Che Troi Nuoc consists of glutinous rice dumplings filled with mung bean paste floating in a ginger-infused syrup. This dessert is visually appealing and offers a delightful combination of textures and flavours.
Banh Pia: A Lunar New Year Specialty
As the Lunar New Year approaches, Banh Pia emerges as a beloved specialty enjoyed during this festive season. Also known as "Vietnamese moon cake," Banh Pia features a flaky, thin crust filled with a sweet, rich filling. Traditionally, the filling includes green bean paste, lotus seed paste, and sometimes winter melon or durian for added complexity. The outer layer is skillfully crafted to achieve a delicate, pastry-like texture, making Banh Pia a delightful treat symbolic of good luck and prosperity.
Kem Xoi: Sticky Rice Ice Cream
Kem Xoi is a delightful fusion of traditional Vietnamese sticky rice and the beloved concept of ice cream. This dessert artfully combines glutinous rice's chewy texture with ice cream's creamy goodness. Typically served in a cup or cone, Kem Xoi features layers of colourful sticky rice drizzled with coconut milk and topped with a generous scoop of ice cream. The result is a harmonious blend of sweet, cold, and chewy elements, making Kem Xoi a unique and satisfying dessert experience.
Banh Bo Nuong: Honeycomb Cake
Banh Bo Nuong, or honeycomb cake, is a visually stunning dessert with distinct texture and flavour. This cake gets its name from the honeycomb-like pattern that forms as it bakes. The main ingredients include rice flour, tapioca starch, coconut milk, and pandan extract, creating a delightful green hue. The texture is springy and chewy, making each bite a lovely experience. Banh Bo Nuong is often enjoyed alone or with a cup of Vietnamese coffee for a perfect afternoon treat.
Tao Pho: Sweet Soybean Pudding
Tao Pho is a simple yet satisfying Vietnamese dessert highlighting soybeans' versatility. Also known as "tofu pudding," Tao Pho coagulates fresh soy milk into a soft, silky pudding. The pudding is typically served warm and can be enjoyed with toppings such as ginger syrup, coconut milk, or a sprinkle of roasted sesame seeds. With its delicate texture and subtly sweet flavour, Tao Pho provides a comforting conclusion to a Vietnamese meal.
Kem Flan: Vietnamese Creme Caramel
Kem Flan, the Vietnamese version of creme caramel or flan, is a luscious and velvety dessert that combines the richness of caramelized sugar with the smoothness of custard. The dessert is made by layering a thin coat of caramelized sugar at the bottom of a mould, followed by a mixture of eggs, condensed milk, and regular milk. The result is a beautifully caramelized, silky custard that jiggles enticingly. Kem Flan is often served chilled, making it a refreshing and indulgent finale to a Vietnamese feast.
Banh Com: Green Rice Flakes Cake
Banh Com, or green rice flakes cake, is a traditional Vietnamese sweet treat associated with Hanoi. This delicacy features a filling made from young green rice flakes mixed with mung bean paste and a touch of sugar. The mixture is then encased in a layer of aromatic, green-coloured dough made from rice flour. The final product is a bite-sized, visually appealing cake with a unique combination of textures and flavours. Banh Com is often enjoyed during special occasions and symbolizes good luck.
Banh Uot Long Ga: Steamed Layer Cake with Coconut and Mung Bean Filling
Banh Uot Long Ga is a visually striking steamed layer cake that captivates with its intricate design and delightful flavours. This dessert consists of thin layers of rice flour batter alternated with layers of mung bean and coconut fillings. The result is a multi-layered cake with a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Often enjoyed during Lunar New Year and other celebrations, Banh Uot Long Ga is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship involved in Vietnamese dessert-making.
Bi Cuon: Vietnamese Banana Spring Rolls
Bi Cuon, or Vietnamese banana spring rolls, provide a delightful twist to the concept of spring rolls. These sweet treats feature ripe bananas wrapped in delicate rice paper, creating a light and crispy exterior. The rolls are then deep-fried to perfection, resulting in a golden-brown hue and a satisfying crunch. Served with powdered sugar, Bi Cuon offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavours, making it a popular choice for those with a penchant for crispy, sweet indulgences.
To Summarize
As we conclude our exploration of the hidden gems of Vietnamese desserts, it's clear that the world of sweet treats in Vietnam is diverse and enchanting. From the comforting bowls of cheese to the intricate layers of Banh Uot Long Ga, each dessert tells a story of cultural richness and culinary craftsmanship. Whether enjoyed during festive occasions, family gatherings, or as a daily indulgence, Vietnamese desserts uniquely transport taste buds to a realm of sweetness and delight. So, the next time you crave something sweet, consider delving into the delightful secrets of Vietnamese desserts for a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Here are some delicious Vietnamese desserts, food and drinks to try when ordering from PHO restaurants in Toronto:
VVV Va Va Viet
House Special Beef Noodle Soup (Phở Đặc Biệt)
Shrimp and Chicken Pad Thai (Padthai Tôm Gà)
Combination Fried Rice (Cơm Chiên Dương Châu)
Pork and Shrimp Roll (Gỏi Cuốn Tôm Thịt)
Deep Fried Spring Roll (Chả Giò)
