RJ Samantha 
Discover a variety of Vietnamese pastries rich in flavor, from sweet to savory, that will enrich your culinary experience with authentic flavors and distinctive textures.
Vietnam is famous for its very rich and diverse culinary diversity, especially when it comes to traditional cakes. Each Vietnamese cake has its own unique taste and texture that is very appetizing.
Natural ingredients such as rice, coconut, coconut milk, and nuts are the main ingredients in many of these cakes, making them not only delicious but also authentic.
If you want to experience the uniqueness of Vietnamese cuisine, here are 10 Vietnamese cakes that you must try to get an unforgettable culinary experience.
1. Banh Bo (Cow Cake)
Banh Bo, nicknamed “cow cake,” is a traditional Vietnamese pastry known for its chewy and sweet texture. Made from rice flour, water, sugar, coconut milk, and yeast, Banh Bo has a light yet chewy sponge cake texture.
There are two variants of Banh Bo that can be found in Vietnam, namely steamed Banh Bo Hap and grilled Banh Bo Nuong.
Steamed Banh Bo, a Typical Vietnamese Food, tends to be chewier and softer, while baked ones have a denser and crispier outer layer. These cakes are usually served in small bowl-sized portions and are perfect for a sweet afternoon snack.
2. Banh khoai mi
Banh Khoai Mi is a cake made from grated cassava, sugar, coconut milk, and salt, creating a blend of sweet, savory, and legit flavors.
With basic ingredients similar to wingko from Indonesia, Banh Khoai Mi has a chewy and dense texture.
Available in two types, namely Banh Khoai Mi Nuong (grilled) and Banh Khoai Mi Hap (steamed), these two types have different textures. Baked Banh Khoai Mi is usually crispier on the outside, while steamed ones are softer on the inside.
3. Banh Da Lon (Pork Skin Cake)
Although it is called “pork skin cake”, Banh Da Lon does not actually contain any pork skin ingredients.
The name refers to its chewy, slippery texture, similar to pork skin. Made from tapioca flour, rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar, Banh Da Lon has chewy layers similar to Indonesian layer cake.
This cake is served as a snack in traditional Vietnamese markets and is very popular among locals, especially on festive occasions.
4. Banh Com (Green Cake)
Banh Com is a traditional Vietnamese cake made from glutinous rice and mung beans, giving it a taste similar to the Indonesian kue ku.
This cake has a striking appearance with a coating of finely ground glutinous rice and green coloring.
Its chewy and sticky taste makes it very popular with many people. Banh Com is very popular in Hanoi, especially as a snack during certain celebrations or as a typical Vietnamese souvenir.
5. Banh Chuoi (Banana Cake)
Banh Chuoi is a Vietnamese banana cake made from bananas, coconut milk, sugar, bread, grated young coconut, condensed milk, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
There are two types of Banh Chuoi: Banh Chuoi Nuong, which is baked until golden brown and crispy, and Banh Chuoi Hap, which is steamed with rice flour, giving it a texture similar to bread pudding.
Banh Chuoi is a popular sweet dessert in Vietnam, perfect for enjoying with tea or as a snack during leisure time.
6. Banh Phu The (Husband and Wife Cake)
Banh Phu The, meaning “husband and wife cake”, is a Vietnamese cake often served at weddings as a symbol of togetherness. It is made of rice filled with mung beans and wrapped in a pandan leaf box.
Although it looks simple, Banh Phu The has a deep meaning and is a symbol of a harmonious marriage. Its chewy, white shape resembles papeda cake from Papua, Indonesia. This cake is often shared with invited guests at wedding celebrations in Vietnam.
7. Banh Pia (Durian Cake)
Banh Pia is a traditional Vietnamese pastry made from flour dough filled with sweet durian paste and sometimes salted egg turmeric. It has a soft skin texture and a rich durian filling, making it a favorite especially for durian lovers.
Banh Pia is a perfect choice for a tea time snack, or as a Vietnamese souvenir. With its strong taste and distinctive durian aroma, Banh Pia is a cake that creates unforgettable culinary memories.
8. Banh Mi (Vietnamese Bread)
Banh Mi is a typical Vietnamese bread that is famous throughout the world. Made from a mixture of wheat flour and rice flour, Banh Mi has a light yet dense texture.
This bread is usually filled with various ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and rich sauces. Banh Mi is very popular in Vietnam as breakfast or an all-day snack.
With a crispy outer skin and soft inside, Banh Mi provides a mouth-watering taste sensation and is often considered an iconic Vietnamese dish.
9. Banh Ran (Vietnamese Fried Cake)
Banh Ran is a Vietnamese fried cake made from a mixture of glutinous rice flour filled with coconut sugar or mung beans.
Once filled, the cake is fried until golden brown and has a crunchy texture on the outside, but chewy on the inside.
Banh Ran is very popular in traditional markets and is often served at celebrations or as a dessert. Its sweet and savory taste makes it a favorite snack in many Vietnamese households.
10. Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancakes)
Banh Xeo is a Vietnamese pancake made from rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric, giving the batter its bright yellow color.
It is usually filled with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and fresh vegetables. Banh Xeo is served rolled in lettuce leaves and dipped in a signature fish sauce.
Although better known as a main dish, Banh Xeo can also be enjoyed as a savory and slightly spicy snack, providing a rich and satisfying taste experience.
With their rich flavors and textures, Vietnamese pastries are an essential part of the country’s culinary heritage.
From sweet to savory, each pastry offers a unique and different culinary experience. Typical Vietnamese Souvenirs often include these delicious pastries, allowing you to take home a taste of Vietnam.
No visit to Vietnam would be complete without sampling one of these pastries, which not only delight the palate but also provide a deep insight into Vietnam’s rich culture and traditions.
Don’t hesitate to try these pastries when you visit Vietnam and enjoy an incredible authentic culinary experience.
