Vietnamese cakes: Top 23 sweet and savory treats to satisfy all cravings

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Vietnamese cakes have a delightful blend of flavors and textures (Source: Collected)

The delightful world of Vietnamese cakes holds an essential place within the spectrum of Vietnamese foods. From classic recipes passed down through generations to modern twists on beloved treats, Vietnamese cakes offer a taste of culture and sweetness that is truly irresistible. Read on to discover the top 23 most exquisite cakes that you should try on your Vietnam travel journey.

1. Best Vietnamese cakes to satisfy your sugar cravings

1.1. Banh bo (Vietnamese honeycomb cake)

Vietnamese honeycomb cake has different versions like grilled, steamed, and coconut-flavored. This Vietnamese cake is easily recognizable by its sponge-like surface. One special thing about Banh Bo is that it is made with coconut milk, which gives it a distinctively sweet and rich aroma. Freshly steamed banh bo is white with a light scent of rice flour and a unique yeast smell. This cake truly embodies simplicity and delightful flavors.

Banh bo is a popular cake in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

1.2. Banh xu xe (Vietnamese husband and wife cake)

Banh xu xe is crafted from common ingredients like green beans, coconut, tapioca flour, water, and roasted sesame. This Vietnamese cake plays a special role in wedding celebrations as it is often regarded as a Vietnamese symbol for love. These cakes are either placed in red boxes or have a red outer layer, symbolizing luck and joy in the couple’s wedding ceremony. This Vietnamese wedding cake carries with it the essence of togetherness and is a sweet representation of unity in marriage.

1.3. Banh to

Banh to is a wonderful treat made from glutinous rice flour, sugar, fresh ginger root, and fragrant roasted white sesame. This Vietnamese cake is wrapped in smooth banana leaves, giving it a simple yet inviting look. The gentle ginger scent combines with the rich sesame flavor in a way that is hard to forget. You really have to taste this banh to to appreciate its distinct and delicious sweetness, which sets this Vietnamese cake apart from other cakes.

Banh to is often eaten during the Tet Holiday (Source: Collected)

1.4. Banh gai (Vietnamese ramie leaf cake)

Banh gai has its roots in the Northeast region of Vietnam and carries rich traditions. While different areas have their own unique ways of wrapping and ingredient choices, the core elements remain consistent: ramie leaves, green beans, sticky rice, and a meticulous preparation process. Banh gai takes on a square shape and is instantly recognizable due to the black color of the ramie leaves. The taste of this Vietnamese cake is a delightful blend of sweetness, richness, and a wonderful aroma, all combined with a pleasantly flexible texture. 

1.5. Banh chuoi nuong (Vietnamese banana cake)

Vietnamese banana cake is a delightful treat with a gorgeous golden brown color thanks to the delicious caramelized banana chunks on top. The key ingredients of this Vietnamese cake include ripe bananas, flour, eggs, condensed milk, dried grapes, oil, and sesame seeds. This combination creates a wonderful balance of flavors and textures that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Banh chuoi nuong is an easy-to-make Vietnamese cake (Source: Collected)

1.6. Banh da lon (Vietnamese steamed layer cake)

Vietnamese steamed layer cake, also called banh da lon (pig skin) or banh chin tang may (nine-tiered cloud), is a special dessert made from tapioca flour, green beans, and white sugar. The name “pig skin” is derived from its smooth texture, while “nine-tiered cloud” comes from its multiple layers. Some people even get creative and add ingredients like taro or durian to make the cake even more flavorful and enjoyable.

1.7. Banh troi – Banh chay (Vietnamese glutinous rice balls)

Banh troi and banh chay are two special Vietnamese treats made from glutinous rice flour. They are a big part of the “Hàn Thực” Festival, where families gather to remember their ancestors. Banh troi are small, round rice balls topped with coconut, sesame, sugar, and salt. Banh chay is a bit bigger, has mung bean filling, and is often served with a tasty, sweet slurry infused with aromatic ginger. These treats are not only delicious, but they also bring people together to celebrate tradition and flavors.

Banh troi is a favorite Vietnamese rice cake dessert (Source: Collected)

1.8. Banh khoai mi (Vietnamese cassava cake)

Banh khoai mi, or Vietnamese cassava cake, holds a special place in Vietnamese cuisine due to cassava’s long-standing role in nourishment and health benefits. Crafting the traditional version of this Vietnamese cake involves a meticulous process. Cassava tubers are boiled and carefully grated to create a smooth puree. This puree is then combined with familiar ingredients like coconut water, sugar, and a touch of salt. The result is a harmonious blend of cassava’s comforting essence and the indulgent richness of coconut milk.

1.9. Banh com (Vietnamese green sticky rice cake)

If you are traveling to Hanoi, make sure not to miss out on Vietnamese com cake, also known as green sticky rice cake. This local specialty, both wonderfully chewy and flavorful, is a real treat. Among the Vietnamese cakes, banh com stands out with its signature ingredient combination: fragrant green rice (“cốm” in Vietnamese) and a velvety filling of sweet mung bean paste and delicate coconut strands. Not only is banh com popular as a snack or food souvenir, but it is also closely intertwined with Vietnamese culture. Its presence is indispensable in Vietnam wedding ceremonies.

Banh com is a specialty of Hanoi (Source: Collected)

1.10. Banh dau xanh (Vietnamese mung bean cake)

Vietnamese mung bean cake might appear simple to make, but it carries within it the treasured ancestral secrets that define this specialty from the northern countryside. The process of crafting this Vietnamese cake is actually quite meticulous. The ingredients for the cake, such as mung beans, sugar, fat or cooking oil, grapefruit flower essential oil, and coconut oil, are carefully chosen. These elements are blended in specific proportions to bring out the unique and authentic flavor of the cake. The making of banh dau xanh encapsulates tradition and a keen eye for detail, turning every bite into a taste of the culinary heritage of the northern countryside.

2. Best Vietnamese savory cakes that you must try while traveling in Vietnam

2.1. Banh xeo (Vietnamese pancake)

Vietnamese pancakes are a popular dish that is highly preferred by people in southern Vietnam. Locals’ tips for getting the perfect crust are to use finely ground rice powder instead of premade pancake mix, then incorporate it with coconut water and beer for enhanced richness and lasting crispiness. When fried, this Vietnamese cake turns a lovely golden color and has a tempting fragrance. Once ready, the crust holds a mix of pork, black tiger shrimp, bean sprouts, and fried green beans. Different regions put their own spin on fillings with ingredients like lotus root, bamboo shoots, cassava roots, or Siamese duck meat, making each pancake unique.

Accompanying this Vietnamese cake is the dipping sauce, typically a combination of chili garlic fish sauce and tamarind for a sweet and sour kick. Some also incorporate pickled white and shredded red radishes to prevent monotony. Raw vegetables are a must when eating banh xeo. From lettuce to herbs and lentil leaves, the more variety, the better the pancakes taste and look.

Banh xeo is a nutritious Vietnamese cake (Source: Collected)

2.2. Banh cuon (Vietnamese steamed rice cake)

Banh cuon, a Vietnamese delicacy, showcases a fascinating process. The making of this Vietnamese cake starts with using a batter of finely ground rice flour, spread thinly on a steamer. The result is a delicate, smooth, and warm crust that forms the base. Then, a mix of minced pork, shrimp, and wood ear mushrooms is put on top before the cake is rolled up and cut into bite-sized pieces.

No banh cuon dish is complete without the essential dipping sauce, which is typically made from diluted fish sauce. For an extra burst of flavor, fried onions and peanuts are often sprinkled on top. In some regions, this Vietnamese steamed cake is accompanied by spring rolls and fresh bean sprouts for extra freshness, enhancing the overall culinary delight. 

2.3. Banh bot loc (Vietnamese tapioca cake)

Banh bot loc, originating from Hue, is a delightful dish made from cassava flour. The process involves creating a dough using tapioca starch, filling it with a shrimp and meat mixture, shaping it, wrapping it nicely in banana leaves, and then steaming it to perfection. Some versions of this Vietnamese cake also incorporate wood ear mushrooms for an added crunch.

Banh bot loc is enjoyed with a dipping sauce, often chili fish sauce, which adds an exciting and flavorful dimension. Beyond its taste, this Vietnamese cake’s appeal lies in its transparent tapioca starch exterior, which beautifully contrasts with the red hues of the shrimp. 

A delectable dish of banh bot loc (Source: Collected)

2.4. Banh beo (Vietnamese water fern rice cake)

Banh beo, a cherished delicacy found in the Central and Southern provinces, holds a special place in the local culinary tradition. Banh beo consists of steamed rice flour cakes served with an array of toppings and dipping sauces. The filling of this Vietnamese cake varies across regions, offering a diverse range of options such as ground peanuts and minced shrimp or pork. Each filling has its own distinctive and tantalizing flavors, captivating those who indulge in their individual charm.

Banh beo is a must-try Vietnamese rice cake with meat (Source: Collected)

2.5. Banh te – Among the best Vietnamese traditional cakes

Banh te is always regarded as one of the must-try Vietnamese rice cakes. It captures the essence of traditional Vietnamese village life with its simplicity and sense of community. Unwrapping the green leaves reveals a flawless white cake, emanating the alluring scent of its savory meat filling. Savoring this Vietnamese cake at its freshest, when it is still warm, is ideal. A dip in delectable fish sauce, paired with a dash of pepper, elevates the flavors for a truly enjoyable experience.

2.6. Banh nam (Vietnamese flat rice cake)

Banh nam, a cherished traditional treat, invites tourists to embark on an unforgettable culinary adventure. This Vietnamese rice cake carries a delightful aroma and a smooth texture with a subtle shrimp flavor, appealing to people of all ages. If you are familiar with banh beo and banh bot loc, be sure not to pass up the opportunity to savor banh nam.

Banh nam can be found at many local markets (Source: Collected)

2.7. Banh ram it

Banh ram it is a delightful fusion of two familiar Hue cakes: ram cake and it cake. This Vietnamese cake boasts a fried ram cake as its foundation, crowned with a small round white cake on top. This expert pairing and preparation create a truly unique flavor experience. You will enjoy the softness of the It cake flour, the savory shrimp, and the wood ear filling, all perfectly complemented by the crispy and intriguing taste of the fried ram cake.

2.8. Banh chung (Vietnamese square sticky rice cake)

Chung cake, the square sticky rice cake, is really special in Vietnamese culture. It is a symbol of coming together, like the heavens and the earth, to wish for a good new year. When there are traditional celebrations, especially during the Lunar New Year. Making this Vietnamese cake takes time and care. Sticky rice, pork belly, mung beans, shallots, and pepper are put together, then wrapped in Dong leaves. It is a process that needs patience, and each step is important to make sure all the flavors blend just right in the chung cake.

Banh chung – the most famous Vietnamese sticky rice cake (Source: Collected)

3. Vietnamese cakes that have both sweet and savory fillings

3.1. Banh it tran

Banh it tran comes in two yummy types: sweet and savory. Both are made from glutinous rice flour, shaped into small cakes, and steamed until soft and chewy. For the savory kind, the filling is the star, with minced pork, mushrooms, and shallots mixed together. Fish sauce and a bit of black pepper can be added for more depth of flavor. Meanwhile, the sweet version is different. This Vietnamese cake can have shredded coconut or mung beans inside, giving it a touch of sweetness. It is a nice balance to the savory one.

3.2. Banh tet (Vietnamese cylindrical sticky rice cake)

Banh tet, a traditional cake from southern Vietnam, holds a special place. Banh tet is shaped like a long cylinder wrapped in banana leaves. The yummy outside is made of sticky glutinous rice, while the inside is soft, binding together to give this Vietnamese cake the meaning of togetherness and friendship. You can find two types of banh tet: sweet and salty fillings. The sweet one usually has green beans, coconut milk, and bananas, while the savory version consists of pork belly and salted mung beans.

Banh tet is a flavorful Vietnamese cake (Source: Collected)

3.3. Banh giay

Banh giay comes in two delicious variations: the sweet banh giay dau xanh and the savory banh giay gio. The process of making them is quite involved. First, high-quality glutinous rice is carefully selected and sometimes cooked twice. Then, this Vietnamese cake is pounded in a mortar until it turns into a soft, sticky dough, demanding careful attention.

The sweet version, banh giay dau xanh, is made from this soft, sticky rice dough. Inside, you will find delightful surprises like sweet green beans and coconut, adding bursts of flavor. On the other hand, banh giay gio is not filled, and it is often enjoyed alongside Vietnamese steamed pork sausage. 

3.4. Banh duc

There are three delightful variations of this Vietnamese cake. Banh duc la dua features a cool, tea-like flavor from sweet pandan leaves and a lovely green color. Diners just need to add coconut milk, jaggery, and roasted sesame for a quick and tasty treat. Banh duc cham tuong, popular in Hanoi since the 1960s, is a smooth, plain white cake with peanuts inside. Banh duc is best enjoyed with “tuong”– a distinctive savory sauce made from fermented glutinous rice and soybeans. Finally, banh duc nong is filled with wood ear and meat, topped with hot broth, dried onions, and green onions. It might be simple, but its addictive taste warms the heart.

An exquisite bowl of banh duc nong (Source: Collected)

3.5. Banh ran (Vietnamese deep-fried cake)

Banh ran, the Vietnamese deep-fried cake, is a familiar treat to locals, but this Vietnamese cake is hard for international visitors to resist. There are different types of banh ran to try. For the sweet ones, sesame-, honey-, and sugar-coated Banh Ran are the most popular. The savory ones are filled with meat and wood ear mushrooms, served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce to balance the flavors. 

Banh ran is one of the not-to-be-missed Vietnamese cakes (Source: Collected)

Besides Vietnamese cakes, there are a plethora of exquisite dishes that you should not miss out on during your travel journey in Vietnam, including Vietnamese noodles, Vietnamese chicken rice, Vietnamese noodle salad, Vietnamese spring rolls, mi Quang, bun dau mam tom, Pho rolls, Vietnamese broken rice.

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The energetic atmosphere at VinWonders Nam Hoi An

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As we delve into the world of Vietnamese cakes, it becomes evident that these treats are much more than just confections; they are a reflection of the country’s rich culinary heritage and the warmth of its people. With every bite, you savor the essence of tradition, the artistry of preparation, and the pleasure of enjoying something that connects generations and cultures. Vietnamese cakes truly encapsulate the spirit of sharing, celebrating, and savoring life’s simple joys.