Top 5 Famous Desserts In Hanoi: Traditional Vietnamese Desserts To Try

Famous desserts in Hanoi are more than just sweet treats; they are journeys into the heart of Vietnamese culture, where tradition and flavor blend in every spoonful. Hanoi’s desserts range from hearty hot sweet soups perfect for chilly nights to chilled fruit mixes that keep you cool under the summer sun. This GTrip guide is your ultimate companion for navigating this sweet paradise. We’ll provide everything you need to know, from the most iconic traditional Vietnamese desserts to modern favorites, along with exactly where to find the best versions of each. Get ready to explore the world of che, creamy caramel, chewy yogurts, and so much more.

Che (Vietnamese sweet soup) - Famous desserts in Hanoi

When you ask a Hanoian about dessert, the first word you’ll hear is che. This sweet treat covers a wide variety of soups, puddings, and drinks made from beans, fruits, seeds, and glutinous rice, often flavored with pandan or jasmine and enriched with coconut milk. Served hot or cold, che comes in countless variations, from a warm bowl of che dau den on chilly days to a colorful glass of che thap cam with jellies and fruits in the summer. Exploring che is a must for anyone diving into Hanoi’s food culture.

Top che to try in Hanoi:

• Che do den (Black bean sweet soup): Simple yet comforting, with tender beans in a sweet, earthy broth.
• Che thap cam (Mixed sweet soup): A colorful combo of beans, jellies, taro, and tapioca pearls, topped with coconut milk.
• Che buoi (Pomelo sweet soup): Unique chewy pomelo peel “pearls” with mung beans and coconut milk.
• Che sen nhan (Lotus seed & longan sweet soup): Elegant and refreshing, with soft lotus seeds inside juicy longans, lightly scented with jasmine.
• Che khuc bach (Almond & milk jelly sweet soup): Modern favorite featuring silky almond jelly cubes, crunchy almonds, and juicy longans.
• Che xoai (Mango sweet soup): Tropical and vibrant, blending fresh mango with creamy coconut milk.

Recommended places to enjoy che in Hanoi:

• Che 16: 21A Lo Duc Street, Hai Ba Trung Ward (formerly Hai Ba Trung Ward), Hanoi
• Che Ba Thin: 1 Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem Ward (formerly Hoan Kiem District), Hanoi
• Che Bon Mua: 4 Hang Can Street, Hoan Kiem Ward (formerly Hoan Kiem District), Hanoi

Che is Hanoi’s signature dessert, a versatile sweet soup or pudding made from beans, fruits, seeds, and rice, enjoyed hot or cold in countless delicious variations

Sua chua deo hoa qua (Fruit yogurt pudding)

Sua chua deo hoa qua is a modern Vietnamese dessert that has taken Hanoi by storm. Unlike regular yogurt, sua chua deo translates to "chewy yogurt", which is cut into cubes and has a firm, pudding-like consistency. At Tuan Cafe, this dessert has been a staple since before 2017, when the trend first emerged. The yogurt itself is delightfully chewy with a gentle tang and balanced sweetness. It's served in a bowl and topped with a vibrant assortment of fresh fruits, such as jackfruit, mango, dragon fruit, and strawberries when in season. To finish, it is often drizzled with sweetened condensed milk and sometimes a fruit-flavored syrup. The combination of creamy, tangy yogurt cubes, sweet fresh fruits, and rich milk makes for a refreshing and satisfying dessert that is also visually stunning.

Recommended places to enjoy sua chua deo hoa qua in Hanoi:

• Tuan cafe: 37 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hoan Kiem Ward (formerly Ly Thai To Ward, Hoan Kiem District), Hanoi
• Cay Da: 3 Duong Thanh Street, Hoan Kiem Ward (formerly Cua Dong Ward, Hoan Kiem District), Hanoi

Sua chua deo hoa qua at Tuan Cafe offers chewy yogurt cubes topped with fresh fruits for a refreshing Hanoi dessert

Caramen (Flan)

Caramen is also known as banh flan in South Vietnam. Caramen in Hanoi is the Vietnamese take on the classic creme caramel, and it holds a special place in the city's dessert landscape. While it shares its French origins, the Hanoi version has a distinct character. The custard is typically richer and eggier, with a firmer texture than its European counterpart. The true magic, however, lies in the caramel sauce. It is often made with a hint of Vietnamese coffee, lending it a deep, dark color and a wonderfully complex flavor that is more bittersweet than purely sweet. This perfectly balances the creamy custard. Hang Than Street is famously known as "Caramen Street" for its concentration of vendors specializing in this treat. Served chilled, it is a simple yet elegant dessert that provides a smooth, satisfying end to any meal.

Recommended places to enjoy caramen in Hanoi:

• Kim Yen: 31 Hang Than Street, Ba Dinh Ward (formerly Truc Bach Ward, Ba Dinh District), Hanoi
• Ngoc Thach Quan: 107 K6A, Alley 48 Ta Quang Buu, Hai Ba Trung Ward (formerly Hai Ba Trung District), Hanoi

Hanoi’s caramen offers a rich, eggy twist on creme caramel, with bittersweet coffee-infused sauce for a signature flavor

Sam dua pho mai (Pandan jelly mixed cheese)

This modern dessert is a creative and delicious twist that combines traditional flavors with a surprising ingredient. The base of the dessert is sam dua, a sweet and aromatic jelly flavored with pandan leaf extract. It offers a familiar, fragrant taste that is characteristic of many Southeast Asian sweets. However, what makes this shop's version stand out is its signature cheese topping. These are small, firm cubes of a specially made cheese that is fragrant, lightly chewy, and richly creamy. This savory and rich element provides a stunning contrast to the sweet pandan jelly and coconut milk broth it’s served in. You will not find this unique combination anywhere else, making it a truly one-of-a-kind and famous dessert in Hanoi for adventurous foodies.

You can try sam dua pho mai in Hanoi:

• Che sau Lien: 36 Hang Cot Street, Hoan Kiem Ward (formerly Hang Ma Ward, Hoan Kiem District), Hanoi
• Hanoifood: 53 Pham Hong Thai Street, Ba Dinh Ward (formerly Truc Bach Ward, Ba Dinh District), Hanoi

Sam dua pho mai with a unique chewy cheese topping for a one-of-a-kind dessert in Hanoi

Tao pho hoa nhai (Mixed jasmine tofu pudding)

Tao pho hoa nhai is a beloved traditional dessert in Hanoi. It consists of silky soft tofu made from soybeans, served in a sweet syrup infused with the delicate aroma of jasmine flowers. This dessert is enjoyed both warm and cold, offering a refreshing and soothing taste. The gentle floral fragrance combined with the smooth texture of the tofu makes it a popular street food item loved by locals and visitors alike. Often sold by street vendors in small bowls, jasmine tofu pudding represents a simple yet elegant flavor that captures the essence of Hanoi’s culinary charm. It is a perfect treat for those seeking a light and fragrant dessert after a meal or as a refreshing snack on a hot day.

You can try tao pho hoa nhai in Hanoi:

• Vua Tau Pho: 19 Hang Bong Street, Hoan Kiem Ward (formerly Hoan Kiem District), Hanoi
• Xoi che Ky gia: 46 - 50 Nguyen Truong To, Ba Dinh Ward (formerly Truc Bach, Ba Dinh), Hanoi

Tao pho hoa nhai is a silky tofu pudding in jasmine syrup, a fragrant and refreshing Hanoi street dessert

Read more:

• 20+ Best Street Foods In Hanoi For Your Unforgettable Trip
• Top 7 Authentic Egg Coffees in Hanoi: Beloved Local Spots You Can’t Miss
• Top 8 Places for Brunch in Hanoi You Absolutely Must Try

Famous desserts in Hanoi reflect a vibrant culture that offers an irresistible mix of tradition and creativity. Hanoi’s dessert scene blends heritage and modernity, from timeless che to fruity yogurt and creamy caramel. Each sweet dish showcases the city’s cultural richness and culinary passion, turning every bite into a memorable experience. As you plan your food journey, let GTrip - Vietnam Travel Agency guide you beyond the main dishes and into Hanoi’s sweetest corners.