20 Vietnamese Pastries You Need to Know About

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and unique cooking techniques, particularly when it comes to pastries. The country boasts a wide array of delicious treats that reflect its rich culinary heritage. Here are 20 Vietnamese pastries you need to know about:

1. Bánh mì

Bánh mì is a beloved Vietnamese sandwich that combines a crispy baguette with various fillings like pork, chicken, or tofu, along with fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and spicy sauces.

2. Bánh bao

These fluffy steamed buns are usually filled with minced pork, mushrooms, and quail eggs, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

3. Bánh cuốn

Bánh cuốn are delicate rice flour rolls filled with a mixture of seasoned ground pork and mushrooms, often served with a side of sweet and savory dipping sauce.

4. Bánh tét

A traditional rice cake usually made for special occasions, bánh tét consists of glutinous rice filled with mung beans and pork, wrapped in banana leaves and boiled for hours.

5. Bánh flan

This creamy Vietnamese custard is often topped with caramel sauce and served chilled, making it a popular dessert choice among locals.

6. Bánh kem

Vietnamese cakes or bánh kem are fluffy sponge cakes layered with cream, fruit, or sweetened condensed milk, perfect for celebrating birthdays or special events.

7. Bánh rán

These deep-fried pastries are made from glutinous rice flour and typically filled with sweet mung bean paste, providing a crunchy exterior and a sweet, soft center.

8. Bánh xèo

These savory pancakes are made from rice flour and turmeric, filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs, offering a crunchy exterior and a burst of flavors.

9. Bánh phồng tôm

These prawn crackers are light and crispy snacks made from fish and tapioca flour, often enjoyed as a crispy accompaniment to many Vietnamese dishes.

10. Bánh chưng

A traditional square-shaped rice cake, bánh chưng is typically filled with mung beans and pork, symbolizing the Earth in Vietnamese culture, and is often made during Tết (Lunar New Year) celebrations.

11. Bánh bò

Bánh bò is a traditional steamed cake made from rice flour and coconut milk, characterized by its unique honeycomb texture and sweetness.

12. Chả lụa

This Vietnamese pork sausage is made from finely ground pork and seasoned with traditional spices, often served alongside rice dishes and salads.

13. Bánh tráng

These rice paper wrappers are used to make fresh spring rolls or fried dishes, offering a light and chewy texture that complements a variety of fillings.

14. Bánh tươi

These soft and chewy cakes are made from glutinous rice flour and filled with sweet or savory fillings, a delightful treat for any time of the day.

15. Bánh mì ngọt

Bánh mì ngọt, or sweet bread, is a fluffy, slightly sweet loaf often filled with various sweet fillings like coconut or chocolate, perfect for breakfast or dessert.

16. Bánh hỏi

Bánh hỏi are delicate rice vermicelli noodles that are formed into thin sheets, typically served with grilled meats and fresh herbs for a light yet satisfying meal.

17. Bánh kẹp

These grilled rice cakes are filled with savory ingredients and are often served with fresh herbs and dipping sauces, showcasing the balance of flavors typical of Vietnamese cuisine.

18. Tàu hủ ky

Tàu hủ ky, or tofu skin, is often used in various Vietnamese pastries and dishes, adding a delicate texture and flavor that complements many fillings.

19. Bánh tươi bắp

These corn-flavored cakes are distinctive with bits of sweet corn included, creating a warm, comforting pastry that's perfect for any corn lover.

20. Bánh mì que

Bánh mì que are long, thin baguettes filled with various meats and herbs, making them a popular street food choice for a quick and delicious meal.