Vietnamese sweets

Vietnamese sweets are gentler than Western desserts — built on beans, fruit, coconut, pandan, and crushed ice rather than sheer sugar. From the endless varieties of chè to condensed-milk yogurt and the French-rooted caramel flan, here’s what to try and where to find it.

© Phương Huy · CC BY-SA 4.0

Chè$0.75–2

Che·cheh

A whole universe of sweet bean, jelly, and fruit "soups" served in a glass.

Nationwide

© Cary Bass · CC BY-SA 2.5

Bánh flan$0.75–1.50

Vietnamese flan·bang flan

The French crème caramel, reborn with condensed milk and often a shot of coffee.

Nationwide

© Buileducanh · CC BY-SA 3.0

Sữa chua$0.50–1.50

Vietnamese yogurt·sua choo-a

Tangy condensed-milk yogurt, eaten frozen, with fruit, or stirred into coffee.

Nationwide