Top 14 Must-Try Desserts in Ho Chi Minh City: Best Local Sweet Treats

Desserts in Ho Chi Minh City offer a spectacular journey into a world of vibrant colors, rich textures, and unforgettable flavors. Beyond the famous bowls of pho and crispy banh mi, the city’s sweet scene is a universe of its own, blending traditional recipes with modern creativity. This GTrip guide is your ultimate ticket to navigating the best sweet treats Saigon has to offer, ensuring you don't miss a single delicious bite. We’ll explore iconic Vietnamese sweet soups, comforting grilled bananas, and refreshing yogurt desserts. You will discover where to find the most authentic local spots, understand what makes each dessert unique, and learn how much to budget for your sweet adventure.

1. Che - Famous dessert in Ho Chi Minh City

Che, a beloved Vietnamese dessert, is a sweet soup or pudding made from a variety of ingredients such as beans, fruits, jellies, glutinous rice, and coconut milk. In Ho Chi Minh City, che is a cultural experience that reflects the city’s vibrant culinary diversity. Available at street stalls, markets, and dessert shops, che can be enjoyed both hot and cold, making it a refreshing treat in the tropical climate of southern Vietnam. Its sweet, creamy flavors and colorful presentation make it a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Typical varieties of Che in Ho Chi Minh City include several beloved options, such as:

• Che ba mau (Three-color dessert): A layered dessert made with mung beans, red beans, green jelly, and coconut milk, often served over crushed ice.
• Che dau do (Red bean dessert): Sweet red beans cooked in syrup with coconut milk, sometimes served with sticky rice or lotus seeds.
• Che chuoi (Banana sweet soup): A warm dessert made from ripe bananas, tapioca pearls, and coconut milk.
• Che Thai (Thai-style dessert): A colorful mix of fruits, jellies, and pandan-flavored ingredients served with crushed ice, inspired by Thai flavors.
• Che troi nuoc (Glutinous rice balls in sweet soup): Sticky rice balls filled with mung bean or sesame paste, served in ginger-flavored syrup.

Famous places to eat sweet soup in Ho Chi Minh:

• Che Hien Khanh: 718 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Ban Co Ward (formerly District 3), Ho Chi Minh City
• Che mam Khanh Vy: 32 Lot H, Ngo Gia Tu Apartment, Vuon Lai Ward (formerly District 10), Ho Chi Minh City
• Che Cot Dien: 476 Tran Hung Dao Street, An Dong Ward (formerly District 5), Ho Chi Minh City

Che is a beloved Vietnamese dessert, sweet soups or puddings with ingredients like beans, fruits, jellies, glutinous rice, and coconut milk

2. Sticky rice ice cream with coconut (Kem xoi dua)

Kem xoi dua is an ingenious dessert that skillfully combines contrasting temperatures and textures. This treat is one of the most delightful desserts in Ho Chi Minh City, offering a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and savory notes. The foundation of the dish is a scoop of warm, pandan-infused sticky rice, which is soft and slightly chewy. This is then topped with a generous scoop of creamy coconut ice cream, which slowly melts into the warm rice. The entire creation is garnished with an array of toppings that add crunch and flavor, such as toasted coconut flakes, roasted peanuts, and sometimes dried jackfruit. The combination of the hot sticky rice and the cold ice cream creates a sensational experience in every spoonful. It's a comforting yet refreshing dessert that captures the essence of tropical Vietnamese flavors.

Famous places to eat kem xoi dua in Ho Chi Minh:

• Kem xoi dua Ap Bac: 11 Ap Bac Street, Tan Binh Ward (formerly Tan Binh District), Ho Chi Minh City
• Kem xoi dua Bui Vien: 103 Bui Vien Street, Ben Thanh Ward (formerly District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
• Kem xoi dua Bubu: No.205 17 Street, Tan Hung Ward (formerly District 7), Ho Chi Minh City

Kem xoi dua is a Ho Chi Minh City dessert of warm pandan sticky rice topped with coconut ice cream and crunchy garnishes, sweet, creamy, and refreshing

3. Grilled sticky rice banana (Chuoi nep nuong)

A true star of Vietnamese street food, chuoi nep nuong is a warm, comforting, and utterly delicious snack. This dessert starts with a ripe banana that is encased in a layer of sweet glutinous rice cooked with coconut milk. The entire bundle is then wrapped securely in banana leaves and grilled over hot charcoals. The grilling process is where the magic happens: the banana leaves impart a subtle, smoky fragrance, while the sticky rice exterior becomes crispy and caramelized. Inside, the banana softens into a sweet, luscious texture. To serve, the grilled parcel is cut into bite-sized pieces and generously drizzled with thick, rich coconut cream and a sprinkle of toasted peanuts or sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. It’s a perfect example of simple ingredients creating an extraordinary taste, making it a beloved comfort dessert for many locals.

Famous places to eat chuoi nep nuong in Ho Chi Minh:

• Chuoi nep nuong To Hien Thanh: 106 To Hien Thanh Street, Hoa Hung Ward, (formerly District 10), Ho Chi Minh City
• Chuoi nep nuong Tran Dinh Xu: 115B Tran Dinh Xu Street, Ong Lanh Bridge Ward (formerly District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
• Chuoi nep nuong Vo Van Tan: 378 Vo Van Tan Street, Ban Co Ward (formerly District 3), Ho Chi Minh City

Chuoi nep nuong is a Vietnamese street dessert of grilled banana wrapped in sweet sticky rice and banana leaves, served with coconut cream and toasted nuts

4. Caramel custard (Banh flan)

Flan is Vietnam’s elegant answer to the classic creme caramel, a dessert cherished for its silky texture and rich flavor. Influenced by French cuisine, this treat has been fully embraced and adapted into the local food culture. The dessert consists of a smooth, delicate custard made from eggs, milk, and sugar, which is steamed to perfection. What sets the Vietnamese version apart is its presentation and an often darker, more intensely flavored caramel sauce. Banh flan is typically served chilled, often with a drizzle of strong Vietnamese coffee and a mound of crushed ice. This addition of bitter coffee and cold ice creates a fantastic contrast that cuts through the sweetness and richness of the custard, making it an incredibly refreshing and sophisticated dessert. It’s a light yet satisfying treat found everywhere from street stalls to upscale cafes.

Famous places to eat banh flan in Ho Chi Minh:

• Banh flan Chi Muoi: C110 Alley 14 Tran Binh Trong Street, Cho Quan Ward (formerly District 5), Ho Chi Minh City
• Banh flan Ngoc Nga: F88 Hoang Dieu Street, Khanh Hoi Ward (formerly District 4), Ho Chi Minh City
• Banh flan Di Chi: 35/8B No.11 8 Street, Tan Hung Ward (formerly District 7), Ho Chi Minh City

Banh flan is Vietnam’s silky custard dessert with rich caramel, often served chilled with coffee and crushed ice for a refreshing, sweet treat

5. Black sticky rice yogurt (Sua chua nep cam)

Sua chua nep cam is a wonderfully healthy and flavorful dessert that combines two simple ingredients into something truly special. This popular treat pairs tangy, creamy yogurt with fermented black or purple sticky rice. The nep cam is cooked and fermented, giving it a unique texture that is both chewy and soft, along with a subtle, wine-like sweetness and a beautiful deep purple hue. When mixed with the cool, plain yogurt, the flavors meld into a perfectly balanced sweet-and-sour taste. This dessert is not only delicious but also highly regarded for its digestive benefits, making it a guilt-free indulgence. It is often served in a simple glass or bowl, sometimes with a touch of coconut milk or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for added richness.

Famous places to eat sua chua nep cam in Ho Chi Minh:

• Yaourt 562: 562 Le Quang Dinh Street, Hanh Thong Ward (formerly Go Vap District), Ho Chi Minh City
• Neca fresh yogurt: 15 Truong Son Street, Hoa Hung Ward (formerly District 10), Ho Chi Minh City
• Sua chua nep cam Phuc Loi: 61 Pho Quang Street, Tay Son Hoa Ward (formerly Tan Binh District), Ho Chi Minh City

Sua chua nep cam is a Vietnamese dessert combining tangy yogurt with chewy fermented black sticky rice, creating a sweet, creamy, and slightly tangy treat

6. Crushed Milo (Milo dam)

A modern and immensely popular dessert, especially among the younger generation, Milo dam translates to "crushed Milo" and is every bit as fun as it sounds. This nostalgic, chocolate-malt treat is a delightful escape from the heat. The dessert is made by heaping finely shaved ice into a cup and generously mixing it with Milo powder and sweetened condensed milk until it becomes a rich, malty slush. But the goodness doesn't stop there. It's then loaded with even more toppings. Popular additions include more Milo powder, chocolate chips, chewy tapioca pearls, jellies, and crunchy biscuits. Every spoonful offers a different texture and an intense chocolatey flavor. Milo dam is the ultimate indulgent treat, perfect for satisfying a sweet craving with its icy, crunchy, and malty combination. It's a testament to the city's fun-loving and creative dessert culture.

Famous places to eat Milo dam in Ho Chi Minh:

• Milo Dam Oh Tea: 48 Bui Thi Xuan Street, Tan Son Hoa Ward (formerly Tan Binh District), Ho Chi Minh City
• Milo dam: 19-1 Ton That Thiep Street, Saigon Ward (formerly District 1), Ho Chi Minh City

Milo dam is a popular Vietnamese dessert of shaved ice mixed with Milo powder, condensed milk, and toppings for a sweet, chocolatey, and crunchy treat

7. Vietnamese Jelly (Rau cau)

Rau cau, also known as Vietnamese jelly, is a popular dessert in Vietnam. It is made from agar-agar powder, water, sugar, and sometimes coconut milk, giving it a soft, chewy, and refreshing texture. Rau cau comes in many varieties, the traditional plain jelly and colorful fruit-flavored or layered versions. It is often served chilled and can be combined with other ingredients, such as fruits, tapioca pearls, or other toppings, making it a versatile treat in many Vietnamese sweet soups (che) or as a standalone dessert. The most iconic form is rau cau dua, a two-layered jelly with a clear coconut water base and an opaque coconut milk top layer, often made inside a whole coconut. Its light sweetness and delicate texture make it a favorite for both locals and tourists, especially in the hot and humid climate of southern Vietnam.

Famous places to eat rau cau in Ho Chi Minh:

• Rau cau dua Sam Phung: 64B Ton That Dam Street, Ton That Dam Market, Cau Ong Lanh Ward (formerly District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
• Rau cau dua Quynh Anh: 519 Doan Van Bo Street, Xom Chieu Ward (formerly District 4), Ho Chi Minh City
• Coconut Pumpkin: 85 Chau Van Liem Street, Cho Lon Ward (formerly District 5), Ho Chi Minh City

Rau cau is a popular Vietnamese jelly dessert made from agar and coconut, served chilled in plain, fruit-flavored, or layered versions

8. Deep-fried banana (Chuoi chien)

Fried bananas are a popular snack in Ho Chi Minh City, loved for their crispy golden exterior and naturally sweet, soft interior. Typically, the bananas are coated in a thin layer of flour and occasionally brushed with honey for extra color and sweetness before being fried to perfection. They are often served with coconut milk, toasted sesame seeds, peanuts, or even coconut jelly, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures. Some vendors offer creative variations like salted plum fried bananas, mung bean-coated bananas, or Thai-style versions, adding unique flavors to this classic treat. Affordable and widely available, fried bananas are perfect for a rainy afternoon snack or a refreshing street-side indulgence, with prices ranging from just 6,000 to 15,000 VND per portion.

Famous places to eat deep-fried banana in Ho Chi Minh:

• Chuoi chien Than Tai - Van Kiep: 81 Van Kiem, Gia Dinh Ward (formerly Binh Thanh District), Ho Chi Minh City
• Chuoi chien me Campuchia: 68/24 Ho Thi Ki, Vuon Lai Ward (formerly District 10), Ho Chi Minh City

Fried bananas in Ho Chi Minh City are a crispy, sweet street snack, often served with coconut, nuts, or creative toppings for a flavorful, affordable treat

9. Enjoy traditional cakes from the Mekong Delta

Traditional cakes from the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam are a vibrant reflection of the area’s culinary heritage and culture. These cakes, such as sticky rice cake, banh da lon, banh bo,... are made with simple, locally sourced ingredients like rice flour, mung beans, coconut, and banana leaves. Each cake offers a unique blend of flavors and textures, from sweet and savory fillings to crispy and chewy exteriors, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of the local people. If enjoyed during festivals or as everyday treats, these traditional cakes are an essential part of the Mekong Delta’s identity and a must-try for anyone exploring Vietnamese cuisine.

Famous places to eat traditional cakes from the Mekong Delta in Ho Chi Minh:

• Banh da lon Ut Van: 336 Le Van Tho Street, An Nhon Ward (formerly Go Vap District), Ho Chi Minh City
• Quan A Muong: 270 Vo Van Tan Street, Ban Co Ward (formerly District 3), Ho Chi Minh City
• Banh bo CocoCake: 18E Tran Quan Dieu Street, Xuan Hoa Ward (formerly District 3), Ho Chi Minh City

Banh da lon is a colorful Vietnamese steamed layer cake with chewy pandan and mung bean layers, sweet coconut flavor, and a visually appealing texture

10. Grass jelly (Suong sao)

Suong sao is a refreshing Vietnamese dessert made from the leaves of the Mesona plant. The jelly has a smooth, slightly bitter taste that pairs perfectly with sweet syrup, crushed ice, and sometimes coconut milk or condensed milk. It’s a popular choice during hot days, known for its cooling properties and light, herbal flavor. Many people enjoy mixing suong sao with suong sam or tapioca pearls for extra texture. It’s a must-try for anyone looking for a healthy, refreshing street dessert in the city.

Famous places to eat suong sao in Ho Chi Minh:

• Tee Tiem Suong Sao: 24/6 Pham Ngoc Thach Street, Xuan Hoa Ward (formerly District 3), Ho Chi Minh City
• Che Co Ly: 2 Le Thuc Hoach Street, Phu Tho Ward (formerly Tan Phu District), Ho Chi Minh City
• Che thap cam Phuc Linh: 200 Le Quang Sung Street, Cho Lon Ward (formerly District 6), Ho Chi Minh City

Suong sao is a refreshing Vietnamese grass jelly dessert, served with syrup, crushed ice, and sometimes coconut milk, offering a light, herbal, and cooling treat

11. Pandan jelly with coconut milk (Banh lot nuoc cot dua)

Banh lot nuoc cot dua features chewy, green pandan-flavored jelly noodles served in sweet coconut milk and crushed ice. The dessert is fragrant, creamy, and refreshing, offering a perfect balance between sweetness and texture. It’s commonly sold at street stalls and often combined with other toppings like red beans or jackfruit. The mix of textures and coconut aroma makes every spoonful delightful and satisfying. This is one of the most iconic southern-style desserts that perfectly captures Vietnam’s tropical charm.

Famous places to eat banh lot nuoc cot dua in Ho Chi Minh:

• Thu Che: 762 Hong Bang Street, Minh Phung Ward (formerly District 11), Ho Chi Minh City
• Many small shops: on Lu Gia Street in the formerly District 11

Banh lot nuoc cot dua is a southern Vietnamese dessert of chewy pandan jelly noodles served in sweet coconut milk and crushed ice, fragrant and refreshing

12. Tofu budding (Tau hu nong)

Tau hu nong is a soft and delicate tofu served with sweet ginger syrup. The warm, silky texture and mild sweetness make it a comforting treat, especially on cool mornings or evenings. This humble yet beloved dessert is a staple of Vietnamese street food culture. It’s often sold from mobile carts, where vendors skillfully ladle the tofu into bowls right on the street. The combination of warm tofu and fragrant ginger syrup creates a simple yet heartwarming experience.

Famous places to eat tofu budding in Ho Chi Minh: Street vendors on Dien Bien Phu Street in formrer Binh Thanh and District 3 can be recognized if you pay close attention and listen for the Vietnamese keywords: “Tau hu nong, Tau hu thom ngon day” (meaning “Warm silken tofu, delicious silken tofu here”).

Tau hu nong is a warm Vietnamese silken tofu dessert served with sweet ginger syrup, soft, comforting, and a beloved street food treat

13. Ice cream (kem)

Ice cream in Ho Chi Minh City is renowned for its wide range of flavors and creative, visually striking presentations. Shops offer everything from gelato, soft serve, popsicles, coconut sticky rice, avocado, and durian ice cream to unique flavors like pho, fish sauce, salted Oreo, mango, coconut, and durian-avocado. The ice cream is typically smooth, moderately sweet, and refreshingly cold, often enhanced with toppings like pearls, jelly, dried coconut, fresh fruit, or wafers. Presentations are colorful and inventive, ranging from traditional cups and cones to fruit-and-topping combinations and even “ice cream hot pots” featuring multiple vibrant scoops with cookies, chocolate, fruits, and almonds. Ice cream shops are usually cozy, youthful, or nostalgically styled, with fast, friendly service, making them a comfortable spot to enjoy a treat.

Famous places to eat kem in Ho Chi Minh:

• Cham: 42 Ngo Quang Huy, An Khanh Ward (formerly District 2), Ho Chi Minh City
• Kem bo Nang Zoe: 92A Truong Sa, Gia Dinh Ward (formerly Binh Thanh District), Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City ice cream is famous for its diverse flavors, creative presentations, and refreshing, richly topped treats served in cozy, inviting shops

14. Fruit bowls (Trai cay to)

Fruit bowls in Ho Chi Minh City are a popular, refreshing treat, celebrated for their variety and visually appealing presentation. A typical bowl includes a colorful mix of bite-sized fruits like mango, watermelon, dragon fruit, kiwi, grapes, and more. The presentation is often eye-catching, with fruits carefully arranged in a large bowl and sometimes garnished with shredded coconut, roasted peanuts, jams, or jelly for extra appeal. Many bowls are enhanced with milk, syrup, lime juice, or yogurt, and occasionally shaved ice, adding a cool, refreshing element. The flavor is naturally sweet and tangy from the fruits, balanced by the creaminess of milk and the subtle tartness of lime or syrup. Fruit bowls are an ideal choice for hot days in Saigon, offered in various sizes to suit different appetites and preferences, making them a beloved local favorite.

Famous places to eat fruit bowls in Ho Chi Minh:

• Kem bo & Trai cay to 251: 163/9 To Hien Thanh, Hoa Hung Ward (formerly District 10), Ho Chi Minh City
• Sinh to 567: 2 Pham Viet Chanh, Thanh My Tay Ward (formerly Binh Thanh District), Ho Chi Minh City

Fruit bowls in Ho Chi Minh City are a refreshing, colorful treat, combining a mix of fresh fruits with toppings and creamy or tangy additions for a cool, satisfying snack

Desserts in Ho Chi Minh City are a true paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth. This guide has journeyed through the city’s most beloved sweet treats, showcasing a dessert scene that is as diverse as it is delicious. Each treat offers a unique blend of flavors and textures, featuring signature Vietnamese ingredients like rich coconut milk, fragrant pandan, chewy sticky rice, and tropical fruits. If you are exploring a local market or relaxing in a trendy cafe, GTrip - Vietnam Travel Agency encourages you to use this guide to dive in and discover the incredible world of desserts in Ho Chi Minh City.