What Is Che? A Guide to Vietnam's Beloved Dish

Che isn't one dish but a whole family of Vietnamese sweet treats: colorful, layered cups and bowls of beans, jellies, fruit, and coconut milk, served warm or over ice. It's dessert, snack, and street food rolled into one, and there's a che for every mood.

If you have a sweet tooth, che will be your favorite discovery in Vietnam. Walk past a che stall and you'll see rows of jars in every color, each a different combination of beans, jellies, and syrups. Here's how to make sense of it all.

What che is

Che is the umbrella term for traditional Vietnamese sweet soups, puddings, and drinks. There are dozens upon dozens of varieties, but they share a common spirit: sweet, often featuring beans or other starchy ingredients, and frequently finished with coconut milk. Some che are served hot, some cold over crushed ice, and some are thick enough to eat with a spoon while others are drinkable.

Despite the wide range, che is generally an affordable, everyday treat rather than a fancy dessert. It's the kind of thing you grab from a street vendor on a hot afternoon or enjoy as a light sweet after a meal.

Common ingredients in che

Because che comes in so many forms, the ingredients vary widely. Some you'll often encounter include:

• Beans: mung beans, red beans, and black-eyed peas are all common bases.
• Jellies: grass jelly, agar jelly, and colorful pandan jellies.
• Starches: tapioca pearls, sticky rice, and lotus seeds.
• Fruit: jackfruit, longan, banana, and durian in some versions.
• Coconut milk: a creamy, slightly salty topping that ties many che together.
• Ice: crushed ice for the cold, refreshing versions.

The fun is in the combinations. A single cup of che can layer beans, jelly, fruit, and coconut milk into a treat that's sweet, creamy, and full of texture.

Popular kinds of che to try

With so many varieties, it helps to know a few favorites to look for:

• Che ba mau: "three-color che," a classic layered cup of beans, jelly, and coconut milk over ice.
• Che chuoi: warm banana che in coconut milk with tapioca.
• Che dau xanh: a smooth, sweet mung bean che.
• Che thai: a fruity, creamy version inspired by Thai flavors.
• Che troi nuoc: glutinous rice balls filled with mung bean in ginger syrup, often eaten on special occasions.

Don't be afraid to point and try something new. Most vendors are happy to scoop a little of several kinds.

Why Vietnamese families love it

Che is woven into daily life and special occasions alike. It's an after-school treat, an afternoon pick-me-up, and a sweet served at festivals and family gatherings. Certain types of che even carry cultural meaning and appear at ceremonies and holidays.

For the diaspora, che is a strong link to childhood and home. Many people remember a grandmother's particular che, or a favorite stall from their old neighborhood. Making che at home is a way to pass down those flavors and memories across generations, and the variety means there's always a version that feels personal.

Where to try che

Che is sold everywhere in Vietnam, from dedicated che shops to street carts and market stalls. Some shops specialize in just a few kinds, while others offer a dazzling array. Look for busy stalls with fresh ingredients and a steady local crowd, especially in the afternoon when che is a popular snack.

As a visitor, che is an easy and inexpensive way to explore Vietnamese flavors beyond the savory dishes. Try a few kinds, note which you like, and don't be surprised if you develop a daily che habit.

Planning a sweet trip to Vietnam

Che is just one corner of Vietnam's vast food and drink culture, and a delicious one. If you're planning a trip, take care of the travel basics early so you can focus on eating well. Use our visa checker to see whether you need a visa, and if you do, you can start your application ahead of time. Our visa FAQ answers the common questions about timing and entry.

To round out your sweet and caffeinated exploring, our guide on ca phe sua da covers Vietnam's famous iced milk coffee.

Ready to taste your way through Vietnam's rainbow of sweet treats? Check what you need with our visa checker, then start your application and plan your trip.

📌Start here: All Vietnam food and drink guides

Frequently asked questions

What is che?

Che is a beloved Vietnamese sweet dessert that can be served warm or cold, made from ingredients like beans, sticky rice, tapioca, jelly, fruit, and coconut milk. Ranging from soupy to pudding-like, it comes in countless varieties and is a refreshing treat enjoyed across Vietnam, especially in hot weather.

What is in che and how is it served?

Che typically combines sweetened beans, glutinous rice, jellies, tapioca pearls, or fruit with creamy coconut milk, often layered in a glass with ice. Some versions are warm. It's eaten with a spoon as a snack or dessert. The exact ingredients vary widely by region and the specific type of che.

What are popular types of che in Vietnam?

Popular varieties include che ba mau (three-color dessert), che dau xanh (mung bean), che chuoi (banana with coconut), che troi nuoc (glutinous rice balls), and che thai (mixed fruit and jelly). Each offers different textures and flavors. Trying several at a che stall is the best way to explore them.

Where can I try che in Vietnam?

Che is found everywhere from street carts and markets to dedicated che shops, especially popular in the afternoon and evening. Specialist stalls often display many types to choose from. It's affordable and family-loved, so pointing at colorful options and sampling a few is an easy, fun way to enjoy it.

General information to help you plan, not legal advice; visa and travel rules change. Contact us for your specific situation.