
Mixed Sweet Dessert Soup
Chè Thập Cẩm
Hanoi's colorful mixed sweet dessert soup
What's in it
- Mung beans
- Red beans
- Grass jelly
- Pandan jelly
- Tapioca pearls
- Coconut milk
- Sugar syrup
- Crushed ice
- Sweetened condensed milk
Best moments to enjoy it
Commonly enjoyed in the afternoon or evening, and many Hanoi dessert shops serve it until late.
Origin & history
Chè is a long-standing Vietnamese dessert category found across the country, and chè thập cẩm became popular as a mixed-style version that combines several sweet toppings in one bowl. In Hanoi, it is commonly sold in old-quarter dessert shops and street stalls as an affordable everyday treat.
How to order & pay
For solo diners, order one small bowl or cup first because portions are usually filling enough for one person. Ask for 'ít đá' if you want less ice, and 'ít ngọt' if you prefer it less sweet. If you want the classic mixed version, say 'chè thập cẩm nóng' for warm or 'chè thập cẩm đá' for iced.
Cash is still the safest option at many Hanoi street stalls, so carry small notes like 10,000-50,000 VND. Some shops may accept mobile transfers or e-wallets, but do not assume card payment is available.
Allergens, nutrition & health
Allergens
May contain coconut, dairy, and traces of peanuts or sesame depending on the stall; ask before ordering if you have allergies.
Nutrition & benefits
Provides quick energy from beans and sugar, plus some fiber from beans and jelly ingredients; best enjoyed as an occasional treat.
Health notes
If you are sensitive to sugar or dairy, ask for less syrup and less condensed milk. On hot days, choose a clean, busy stall and avoid ice if you are unsure about water quality.
How to eat it
Stir the cup gently so the coconut milk, syrup, beans, and jellies mix evenly. Eat with a spoon, starting from the top and working through the layers. If it is served with ice, let it sit briefly so the flavors blend before eating.
Best spots in Hanoi
- 4.2
Xôi chè bà Thìn
1 P. Bát Đàn, Phố cổ Hà Nội, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
- Hours
- 8:15 AM – 11 :00 PM
5Chè Gỗ - 18 Hàng Thiếc
Chè gỗ 18 hàng thiếc
18 P. Hàng Thiếc, Phố cổ Hà Nội, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 10000, Vietnam
- Hours
- 1:30PM–9:30 PM
- 4.3
Chè Hương Hải 93 Hàng Bạc
85 P. Hàng Bạc, Phố cổ Hà Nội, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
- Hours
- 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- 4
Chè 4 Mùa Hàng Cân
4 P. Hàng Cân, Phố cổ Hà Nội, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
- Hours
- 9:30 AM - 11:00 PM
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