Unusual Sweets in Hoi An

Unusual sweets in Hoi An, the ancient riverside town in Vietnam

When talking about Vietnam, many people probably think of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Nha Trang Beach. But for me, mr.hotsia, Hoi An is a small town with deep charm and unique delicious treats that you must try at least once in your life. I arrived in Hoi An in the afternoon when the sun was not too strong. I wandered through old alleys lined with yellow-orange wooden houses and ancient wooden doors. The atmosphere felt like stepping back in time to ancient Vietnam.

But what excited and fascinated me the most were the “unusual sweets” sold along the narrow walkways. Some looked strange, some I had never seen before. I followed the sweet aroma and the friendly calls of an elderly vendor sitting in front of an old wooden shop. The scent of flour and caramelized sugar mixed with some herbs made me stop and try them immediately.

Sweets in Hoi An You Must Try

One of my favorite sweets is called “Bánh y.” It looks like a small round pale yellow ball made mainly from glutinous rice flour and coconut milk. It tastes sweet, creamy, and melts softly in your mouth. Another interesting treat is “Kuey” or “Kuey” here, which differs from what we have at home. It has various fillings such as taro, sweet potato, and grated coconut mixed with palm sugar. When eaten, you experience a crispy outside and soft inside combined with the gentle sweetness of palm sugar, a dessert unique to Hoi An.

There is also a sweet called “Bánh đúc,” made from steamed glutinous rice flour cut into small pieces and topped with a dipping sauce made from crushed peanuts and sugar. It has a perfectly balanced sweet and salty flavor. I tasted these sweets with the elderly vendor who told me these recipes are ancient, passed down from ancestors, and remain fresh in every step of preparation.

Markets and Riverside Atmosphere in Hoi An

After enjoying the unusual sweets to my heart’s content, I walked to the local market not far from the sweets stall. The market offers a variety of goods including fresh vegetables, fruits, daily necessities, and many local foods. The vendors’ faces showed fatigue but they still smiled warmly at tourists like me, making me feel cozy and eager to experience the local lifestyle more deeply.

Hoi An is a small town located by the Thu Bon River, which I have written about in an articleLang Son Province, Vietnamabout the importance of rivers in the lives of northern Vietnamese people. It’s no different here. Taking a boat ride along the river in the evening while watching the lights from wooden houses and colorful lanterns reflecting on the water is an unforgettable experience for me, mr.hotsia.

Travel Tips and How to Taste Sweets like mr.hotsia

If you are planning to travel to northern Vietnam and want to try these unusual sweets, I recommend traveling to Hoi An by bus from nearby major cities. If you are interested, I have previously recommendedVinh Long Bus Stationwhich is a key transfer point in southern Vietnam. From there, it’s easy to catch a bus to Hoi An.

When you arrive in Hoi An, I suggest exploring the alleys away from the main roads because the unusual sweets I mentioned are often hidden in small stalls or roadside stands run by locals. Especially in the late afternoon when vendors start selling and tourists begin strolling, you will discover sweets that are not only visually unique but also full of stories and flavors you have never tasted before.

Impressions and Reflections from Tasting Sweets in Hoi An

For me, mr.hotsia, traveling to taste unusual sweets in Hoi An is not just about food. It’s about experiencing the lifestyle and culture of Vietnamese people through the flavors and aromas of each sweet. Every bite feels like learning a small piece of the city’s history. Most importantly, the friendliness of the vendors made me feel like a special guest in this ancient town.

If you are interested in more stories about travel and culture in northern Vietnam, you can read my other articles such asLang Son Province, Vietnamor if you want to learn about Buddhist temples in Da LatBuddhist Temples in Da Latwhich I have written before.

Finally, if you want to see live footage and the atmosphere of tasting unusual sweets in Hoi An, I recommend the video I madeUnusual Sweets in Hoi AnWatching it will feel like walking around with me, mr.hotsia, in person.