Top 6 Vietnamese Desserts Recommended by the MICHELIN Guide  

A Sweet Journey for International Travelers

 

Vietnamese cuisine is world-famous for its savory dishes, but desserts are an equally fascinating part of the food culture. According to the MICHELIN Guide, many Vietnamese desserts stand out thanks to their balance of sweetness, texture, and local ingredients.

If you’re traveling to Vietnam and want to explore local flavors beyond pho and banh mi, here are six Vietnamese desserts recommended or highlighted by the MICHELIN Guide, along with price ranges and suggested places to try them.

 

1. Chè – Vietnamese Sweet Soup  

Chè is one of the most iconic Vietnamese desserts. It comes in many varieties made with beans, fruits, jelly, coconut milk, and sometimes sticky rice. The MICHELIN Guide especially highlights chè bưởi (pomelo sweet soup) for its chewy texture and fragrant coconut flavor.

Price range:

• Street food stalls: VND 15,000 – 40,000 (USD 0.6 – 1.6)

• Cafés / restaurants: VND 50,000 – 90,000 (USD 2 – 4)

Where to try:

• Old Quarter, Hanoi – traditional chè stalls

• Che Tam Tam, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City

???? A perfect dessert for first-time visitors due to its variety and refreshing taste.

 

2. Banana Ice Cream (Kem Chuối)  

A simple yet beloved dessert, banana ice cream combines ripe Vietnamese bananas, coconut milk, roasted peanuts, and shredded coconut. The MICHELIN Guide recommends this dish as a refreshing street-food dessert.

Price range:

• Street vendors: VND 20,000 – 40,000 (USD 0.8 – 1.6)

• Dessert cafés: VND 50,000 – 70,000 (USD 2 – 3)

Where to try:

• Street vendors in Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City

• Local dessert stalls in Hanoi

???? Best enjoyed on hot days and very popular among international travelers.

 

3. Grilled Honeycomb Cake (Bánh Bò Nướng)  

Known for its airy “honeycomb” texture, bánh bò nướng is made with rice flour, coconut milk, eggs, and pandan. The MICHELIN Guide recommends trying this dessert in modern cafés that elevate the traditional recipe.

Price range:

• Bakeries: VND 25,000 – 40,000 (USD 1 – 1.6)

• Cafés / dessert bars: VND 70,000 – 120,000 (USD 3 – 5)

Where to try:

• Little Bear Dessert Café, Ho Chi Minh City (MICHELIN-mentioned)

• Specialty cafés in District 1 & District 3, HCMC

???? Great for travelers who love unique textures and photogenic desserts.

 

4. Coffee Flan (Vietnamese Caramel Custard)  

Vietnamese coffee flan is a fusion of French custard and strong Vietnamese coffee. The MICHELIN Guide highlights this dessert for its balance between sweetness and bitterness.

Price range:

• Local eateries: VND 15,000 – 30,000 (USD 0.6 – 1.2)

• Restaurants / cafés: VND 60,000 – 100,000 (USD 2.5 – 4)

Where to try:

• Vietnam House Restaurant, Ho Chi Minh City (MICHELIN-recommended)

• Cafés around Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi

???? A familiar yet distinctly Vietnamese dessert for Western visitors.

 

5. Cheese Jelly Sweet Soup (Chè Khúc Bạch)  

This modern dessert features soft cheese jelly, almonds, fruit, and light syrup. According to the MICHELIN Guide, it’s one of the most refreshing desserts for Vietnam’s tropical climate.

Price range:

• Cafés: VND 30,000 – 60,000 (USD 1.2 – 2.5)

Where to try:

• Madame Lân Restaurant, Da Nang

• Dessert cafés along Nguyen Hue Walking Street, HCMC

???? Light, creamy, and not overly sweet — ideal for international guests.

 

6. Grilled Sticky Rice Banana (Chuối Nếp Nướng)  

A classic Vietnamese street dessert, chuối nếp nướng features ripe bananas wrapped in sticky rice and grilled over charcoal, then topped with coconut sauce and peanuts. The MICHELIN Guide praises this dish for its bold flavors.

Price range:

• Street food stalls: VND 20,000 – 40,000 (USD 0.8 – 1.6)

• Restaurants: VND 50,000 – 90,000 (USD 2 – 3.5)

Where to try:

• Street stalls near Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi

• Evening food streets in Ho Chi Minh City (Bui Vien area)

???? One of the best street-food desserts to experience authentic Vietnamese flavors.

 

Tips for Travelers Exploring Vietnamese Desserts  

• Bring cash when eating street food

• Ask for less sugar if you prefer lighter flavors

• Desserts are best enjoyed during walking or food tours

• Cafés and MICHELIN-recommended restaurants usually offer English menus

 

Ready to taste the best of Vietnamese cuisine?

Explore Vietnam with Asianway Travel and enjoy authentic food experiences — street-food desserts to MICHELIN-recommended restaurants — all thoughtfully included in our tailor-made itineraries.