Vietnamese desserts, or “tráng miệng,” are sumptuous treasures that beckon food enthusiasts to explore a realm of unique flavors and textures. In the vibrant tapestry of New York City, where cultures intertwine, these confections serve as a sweet reflection of Vietnam’s culinary heritage. Each district offers distinct offerings, evoking the bustling streets of Hanoi or the serene gardens of Saigon. Here are ten delightful Vietnamese desserts, complete with addresses, contact information, and websites, inviting you to embark on a delectable journey.
1. Bánh Flan (Flan)
Located at: Cha Gio, 245 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003
Contact: (212) 673-1588
Website: www.chagiony.com
Bánh Flan is a silky-smooth custard that embodies the essence of creaminess, drizzled with a luscious caramel sauce. Cha Gio’s rendition excels in balance, where sweet and savory elements harmonize like a captivating duet. As you savor each spoonful, the flan transports you to a tranquil riverside, perhaps where coffee and dessert intertwine in the warm Vietnamese sun.
2. Chè Ba Màu (Three Color Dessert)
Located at: Thai Son, 261 E 32nd St, New York, NY 10016
Contact: (212) 689-9888
Website: www.thaisonrestaurant.com
Chè Ba Màu is a vibrant tricolor dessert that visually basks in the abundance of ingredients. Comprised of mung beans, kidney beans, and pandan jelly, this delightful melange is enveloped in coconut milk. Each color represents a distinct layer of flavor, reminiscent of the vibrant markets in Vietnam, where every hue tells a story and every spoonful evokes the joy of discovery.
3. Bánh Khoai Mì Nướng (Baked Cassava Cake)
Located at: Hao Noodle and Tea, 119 E 59th St, New York, NY 10022
Contact: (212) 750-0660
Website: www.haonoodle.com
This baked cassava cake is a celebration of texture, with its chewy interior and slightly crisp exterior. Serve it warm for an optimum experience, as the flavors of coconut emerge like a gentle tide, washing over your palate. Bánh Khoai Mì Nướng is often found at festive gatherings, encapsulating the spirit of unity and shared indulgence that is vital to Vietnamese culture.
4. Kem Xôi (Sticky Rice Ice Cream)
Located at: Little Vietnam Kitchen, 56 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013
Contact: (212) 966-7071
Website: www.littlevietnamkitchen.com
Imagine a confection that marries the heartiness of sticky rice with the refreshing chill of ice cream. Kem Xôi brings this fantasy to fruition, with coconut milk-infused ice cream layered over sweet, sticky rice. Each bite is like a dance of temperatures, a playful and delightful contrast that echoes the duality of life in Vietnam, where the sun-soaked days meet starry nights filled with laughter and joy.
5. Sương Sáo (Grass Jelly)
Located at: Sing Kee Seafood, 86-20 37th Ave, New York, NY 11372
Contact: (718) 899-2000
Website: www.singkeeseafood.com
Sương Sáo, or grass jelly, is a dessert that cools and refreshes like a gentle Southeast Asian breeze. Typically served with sweet syrup and crushed ice, it offers a soothing respite on sweltering summer days. Its gelatinous texture embodies tranquility, while the subtle herbal notes remind us of nature’s bounty, often found in hidden nooks of Vietnamese gardens.
6. Bánh Tận (Sweet Potato Cake)
Located at: Banh Mi Zon, 252 E 6th St, New York, NY 10003
Contact: (646) 370-5573
Website: www.banhmizonn.com
The Bánh Tận is an enticing fusion of sweet potatoes, sugar, and coconut milk, making it a dessert that feels like a hug on a plate. This cake, with its distinctively soft and crumbly texture, resonates with a comfort similar to that of a well-worn blanket. Savor it with a cup of coffee or tea, and every bite becomes a revelation of heritage and hospitality.
7. Chè Bưởi (Grapefruit Dessert)
Located at: Greenwich Village Vietnamese, 45 W 8th St, New York, NY 10011
Contact: (212) 533-3939
Website: www.greenwichvillagevietnamese.com
Chè Bưởi is an extraordinary dessert that combines the bitterness of grapefruit with the sweetness of syrup, creating a sublime counterpoint of flavors. This dish is much like a sonnet, where contrasting elements come together to create a delightful harmony. The unexpected interplay captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine, fascinating and inviting you to explore its depths.
8. Bánh Đậu Xanh (Green Bean Cake)
Located at: Cha Ca La Vong, 76-78 St., New York, NY 10005
Contact: (212) 486-1620
Website: www.chacala.com
Bánh Đậu Xanh is a delicacy crafted from mung beans, depicting simplicity in culinary artistry. Its subtle sweetness and delicate texture evoke images of serene rice paddies and slow, mindful living. Consumed fresh or baked, it’s a morsel reminiscent of beloved childhood memories, a simple treasure in the vast mosaic of Vietnamese desserts.
9. Bánh Bò (Steamed Honeycomb Cake)
Located at: Viet Cafe, 88 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002
Contact: (212) 346-0378
Website: www.vietcafenewyork.com
Reviving the nostalgic sensations of bygone days, Bánh Bò is a light, airy cake that boasts a mesmerizing honeycomb structure. Its flavor, both sweet and subtly tangy, captures the exuberance of Vietnamese festivities. Each texture transports your tastebuds to a joyous celebration where simplicity reigns, and sweetness is found in life’s little moments.
10. Sinh Tố (Fruit Smoothie)
Located at: Viet Bakery, 165-06 Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY 11358
Contact: (718) 358-1158
Website: www.vietbakery.com
Sinh Tố is not merely a smoothie; it is a celebration of seasonal fruits that showcases the bounty of nature’s palette. Blending fresh mango, jackfruit, and avocado produces a refreshing elixir that revitalizes the spirit. Sip it slowly, and feel each ingredient whisper stories of sun-ripened fruit, beckoning you to embrace the warmth of Vietnamese culture.
With every indulgence in these delightful Vietnamese desserts, you are not merely relishing a dish; you are partaking in a rich narrative that transcends boundaries and unites disparate worlds. New York City’s embrace of Vietnamese cuisine is a testament to the beauty of diversity and the power of flavors to forge connections. Explore these eateries and allow the sweet allure of tráng miệng to enrich your culinary exploration.
