Vietnamese snacks, like Banh Dau Xanh, Kem Bo, Banh Trang Nuong, are a delicious combination of flavors and textures. These snacks are not only delicious, but they also tell stories about Vietnam’s culinary traditions.
From crowded street markets to cozy family kitchens, try these Vietnamese snacks so you can eat like a local. Ready to explore?
15 Best Vietnamese Snacks to Try
If you are a snack lover like me, Vietnam is the perfect destination for you. Wherever you go, whether it is in big cities like Hanoi, Da Nang or in smaller towns, you will find many delicious dishes waiting for you to try. Check out the 15 must-try Vietnamese snacks now!
Banh Dau Xanh (Mung Bean Cubes)
If you are visiting Vietnam, add Banh Dau Xanh to your snack list, a traditional Hai Duong dish! These little balls are soft, sweet and made from mung beans, sugar, a little vanilla and a little fat. These Vietnamese snacks are not too sweet, just the right amount of sweetness and they melt gently in your mouth like a delicious cloud.
Locals often enjoy them with green tea, as the slightly bitter taste of the tea goes well with the sweetness of this cake. Plus, they come in cute little boxes, which are great as gifts for your family and friends.
Banh Ran Vung (Sesame Balls)
The dough is made from glutinous rice flour, and the inside is filled with pureed mung beans. The balls are coated with sesame seeds and deep-fried until golden and crispy. In some places, you can find a version coated with caramel instead of sesame seeds.
What makes Banh Ran Vung special is the combination of texture and flavor. The crust is crispy, the inside is soft, and the rich sesame seeds go perfectly with the sweet mung bean filling. If you have a sweet tooth, these Vietnamese snacks are worth a try.
Banh Chuoi Nuong (Baked Banana Cakes)
Bananas are everywhere in Vietnam and are used in many delicious dishes such as steamed bananas and fried banana cakes. But one dessert you must try is Banh Chuoi Nuong. The cake is made from sticky rice bananas, which are naturally sweet and perfect for grilling.
This dish is simple but delicious: ripe bananas are wrapped in sticky rice, covered with banana leaves and grilled until golden. The grilling process gives the cake a smoky, caramelized flavor that makes the bananas even sweeter.
The cake is often drizzled with a little rich coconut milk and sprinkled with roasted sesame seeds, creating a rich and satisfying flavor. You will find the cake at street food stalls or markets, especially in southern Vietnam.
Banh Trang Tron (Rice Paper Salad)
Banh Trang Tron is one of popular Vietnamese snacks that you can find on the streets, especially in the southern cities. Banh trang tron is made from soft, chewy rice paper mixed with sour lime, spicy chili sauce, crushed peanuts, quail eggs, dried beef and shrimp. All these flavors come together in a way that is rich, interesting and absolutely delicious!
If you want to try it, buy a bag, but not everywhere makes it the same. Look for places with good reviews on social media, ask locals for recommendations. Trust me, you will be addicted.
Banh Trang Nuong (Grilled Rice Paper)
Grilled rice paper is often called “Vietnamese pizza” because of its crispy, delicious and rich coating. These Vietnamese snacks are made from thin rice paper, grilled over charcoal or electric stove until golden and crispy. Then, topped with delicious ingredients such as chicken eggs, green onions, dried shrimp, sausage and vegetables.
Each shop has its own recipe, creating its own uniqueness. The secret to enjoying grilled rice paper is to eat it while it is still hot and crispy, right after it is finished grilling. If the cake cools, the rice paper can become soggy and lose its appeal.
Banh Phong Tom (Prawn Crakers)
Banh Phong Tom is a popular Vietnamese snack that you’ll often see in dishes like spring rolls, lotus root salad, or as a party appetizer. Its light, crispy texture and subtle shrimp flavor make it a perfect match for salads or fresh veggie dishes.
When it’s raw, Banh Phong Tom is just a thin, flat piece. But when you fry it in hot oil, it magically puffs up into a crunchy, delicious snack. You’ll often see them at Vietnamese weddings, served with salads or stir-fried beef.
Banh Mi Kem Trung (Bread with Egg Cream)
Hanoi is the perfect place to try egg cream bread, especially on a chilly day. You will enjoy a cup of smooth, creamy and sweet egg cream combined with crispy bread.
You don’t need to worry about the raw egg taste. When whipped, the eggs blend perfectly with the sugar and condensed milk, creating a sweet, delicious flavor without any strange smell. Egg cream bread shows that sometimes, the best dishes are made from a few simple ingredients prepared properly.
Quay (Vietnamese Crullers)
Quay are long, golden fried dough sticks that are slightly chewy. They are made with flour and baking powder, so they are soft on the inside but still have a little crunch on the outside. They usually come in pairs, two pieces stuck together, about the size of a small sausage.
There are two types: the original (not sweet) and the sweeter ones coated in sugar. The original is more popular and is often served with pho or congee. You can dip them in the broth to soak up all the delicious flavor. These Vietnamese snacks are also great as a quick snack with a cup of tea.
Com Chay (Crispy Rice)
Com Chay is a specialty of Ninh Binh province, made from cooked rice dried in the sun, then fried until golden and crispy. But what makes it more special are the toppings: pork floss, fried onions and rich meat sauce. These create a delicious flavor that goes perfectly with the crispy rice.
Com Chay is not only popular in Vietnam but has also been honored by the Asian Record Organization as one of the top 10 specialties of the country. You can enjoy Com Chay in two ways: eat it straight with grilled goat or beef, vegetables and dipping sauce, or pack it as a snack with toppings like fried onions and pork floss.
Trust me, Com Chay is one of must-try Vietnamese snacks!
Keo Dua (Coconut Candy)
If you are travelling in Southern Vietnam, especially the Mekong Delta, don’t miss out on Coconut Candy. This gooey, gooey candy is a local favourite, made from coconut milk, coconut cream and a touch of maltose. Each piece is wrapped in thin rice paper and packaged in cute little boxes. Locals love to munch on the candy as a sweet treat or give it to loved ones as a gift.
Grab a bag to take home, it’s a little taste of Vietnam that you’ll want to share with your friends and family.
Keo Cu Do (Peanut Rice-paper Candy)
When I was a kid, I used to hear vendors shouting, “One thousand for one cu do!” Cu Do is a traditional Vietnamese candy, created in 1953 by Mr. Dinh Vy (nicknamed Cu Hai) in Ha Tinh province. He mixed peanuts, molasses, and lemon peel, and everyone loved it. Since everyone called him “Hai,” the French translated it to “Deux” (which means two), and over time, the candy became known as Cu Do.
It is chewy, sweet, and crunchy, wrapped in a crispy rice cake. Locals love to have it with tea, which makes it even more delicious. Try it, and you will see why it is so special.
Me Xung (Sesame Candy)
Sesame candy is a Hue specialty, made with a simple process. First, sesame seeds and peanuts are roasted until they are fragrant and delicious. Then, sugar is cooked with rice flour and water until it thickens and turns into a caramel-like syrup. Roasted peanuts and malt are added to the mixture, and all are spread thinly over a layer of golden sesame seeds.
Once cooled, the candy is cut into small, even pieces. The result? A chewy, sweet, and rich treat.
Che (Sweet Soup)
Che is one of super popular Vietnamese snacks that everyone loves, whether you’re at a cafe or making it at home. It’s a colorful dessert with layers of delicious ingredients like mung beans, red beans, jelly, pandan-flavored tapioca pearls, and creamy coconut milk. Each layer has its own unique flavor.
Just stir it all together and you’ve got the perfect treat to cool down on a hot day. Che is sweet, refreshing, and loved by locals and tourists alike. You can find it at street stalls or dessert shops.
Kem Bo (Avocado Ice-cream)
Kem Bo or avocado Ice-cream is famous for its rich and extremely healthy taste. In Vietnam, avocado ice cream is a popular dish, but the best place to try it is in Da Lat. Locals and tourists alike say, “If you come to Da Lat and don’t try this, it’s like you’ve never been there!”
This ice cream is smooth and refreshing, made with rich avocado sauce and creamy coconut cream. It is often topped with shredded coconut, roasted peanuts or jelly for extra crunch. Each spoonful is the perfect combination of flavors and textures. So good!
O mai (Dried Fruits)
O mai is a unique and beloved snack of Vietnamese people. It is made from salted dried fruits such as apricots, plums, peaches, dracontomelon and kumquats.
When you try it, you will first feel the sweetness, then a little bit of saltiness that balances everything. The chewy texture of the fruit adds to the fun, making it a snack that you will want to eat forever. Of course, these Vietnamese snacks are also great gifts for you to give to your friends and family after your trip in Vietnam.
Final Thought
I am sure Vietnamese snacks will be an exciting adventure for you. From sweet and chewy coconut candy to crispy rice shells, each snack represents the rich culture and flavors of Vietnam. You will love every bite!
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