Craving Desserts? Hoi An's 6 Best Sweet Treats

Che Bap (Corn Sweet Soup)

Che Bap, or Corn Sweet Soup, is popular not just in Hoi An but throughout Vietnam. It remains a favorite dessert among both locals and tourists visiting Hoi An. This dish is special because of the corn that is grown along the fertile riverside of the Cam Nam region, which lends it a unique sweetness and aroma. The corn is cooked to achieve a creamy, mushy texture, allowing its natural fragrance to shine through.
Photo: thuthan.vn

Traditionally, corn sweet soup is served in a small bowl on ice, making it a refreshing treat on warm summer days. Some vendors enhance the dish by adding coconut cream, pearl tapioca, and sprinkling shredded coconut or sweet roasted coconut on top. The combination of corn and coconut elevates the creamy taste and smooth texture, while the crunchy coconut adds an enjoyable contrast that completes this delightful experience.

Tao Pho (Sweet Tofu Pudding)

Alongside Che Bap, Tao Pho, or Sweet Tofu Pudding, is one of the beloved desserts in Hoi An. Its appearance may resemble jasmine sugar water tofu or coconut milk tofu typically found in Saigon or Hanoi, but discerning food lovers will appreciate the unique differences. Hoi An's version strikes a delightful balance that sets it apart from the rich brown sugar syrup of Saigon's tofu or the aromatic jasmine fragrance in Hanoi.
Photo: thuthan.vn

The silky, creamy soy bean curd is traditionally enhanced with palm sugar and ginger syrup. Enjoy this dessert either hot or cold, with the option of adding pearl tapioca, jelly, or coconut milk. You can easily find Tao Pho at local eateries along the popular walking street, where street vendors offer this delightful treat.

Che Troi Nuoc Thit Heo (Sweet & Savory Rice Ball Soup)

You may find the idea of pork in a dessert unusual, but don't miss trying Che Troi Nuoc Thit Heo when visiting Hoi An. This traditional sweet rice ball soup is available throughout Vietnam, though Hoi An has its distinctive version featuring savory pork inside the sticky rice dough instead of the typical sweet mung bean filling.
Photo: mytour.com

The unique combination may seem strange at first, but allow your palate to experience the soft, chewy rice ball served in a cozy ginger sugar syrup alongside coconut cream and chopped peanuts. This sweet and savory dish is best enjoyed hot, especially during the cooler months, offering an unforgettable experience for every visitor to Hoi An.

Banh Xoai (Mango Cake)

Banh Xoai, a popular street snack in Hoi An, holds a special place in the hearts of locals as part of their childhood. Surprisingly, despite its name, this cake contains no actual mango. Historically, it was shaped like an oval mango, with a slightly heart-shaped edge and a pure white outer shell carrying the subtle fragrance of fresh rice.
Photo: cooky.vn

The filling typically consists of peanuts, crushed sesame seeds, sandy sugar, and pea butter, delightfully blended together to keep the mixture stable while retaining the crunchiness of the nuts. Though simple in ingredient listing, crafting a perfect mango cake is a convoluted art practiced by skilled chefs over the years to create these delightful confections.

Xi Ma (Black Sesame Soup)

Mr. Thieu is a renowned figure in Hoi An, famed for his unique recipe for Xi Ma, or Black Sesame Soup. Over his long career, he has served this sweet treat to countless visitors, but now the recipe has been passed down to his children, expanding its availability in the town.
Photo: cookbook.com 

Black sesame is the main ingredient, combined with locally available items such as tapioca flour, sweet potato powder, and various herbs, kept as a closely guarded secret among the family. The black sesame is soaked, pureed, and cooked with the other ingredients to create a rich, creamy, and sweet paste. Served in small porcelain bowls, Xi Ma tantalizes with its sweet taste and herbal fragrance.

Notably, Xi Ma is only sold in the mornings, attracting many locals who visit early to pick up this healthy dessert for their families. If you're in Hoi An, make sure to arrive early to savor this iconic soup before it runs out.

Banh Dau Xanh (Mung Bean Cake)

No trip to Hoi An is complete without indulging in a cup of green tea paired with the famous mung bean cake. While mung bean cake is enjoyed across Vietnam, Hoi An's version is unique in its preparation and taste. Historically, this cake was served to royalty and remains an exquisite delicacy today.
Photo: vi.wikipedia.org

What sets Hoi An's mung bean cake apart is that it is baked rather than steamed, resulting in a crunchy texture unlike the silkiness found in northern varieties. Perfectly paired with lotus tea or lemongrass tea, the mild flavor of green tea complements the sweetness of the mung bean cake, creating a harmonious experience.

Enjoying these imperial delights while sitting in an ancient house amidst the tranquil beauty of Hoi An Old Town is undoubtedly one of the most memorable experiences visitors can cherish.