Vietnamese Cake Guide: 10 Must-Try Traditional Varieties by Region

Discover the fascinating world of Vietnamese cake through this curated collection of authentic traditional delicacies. From the iconic Chung cake of the North to the delicate water fern cakes of Central Vietnam, each regional specialty showcases unique flavors and time-honored preparation methods that reflect Vietnam's rich culinary heritage.

Northern Vietnam

1. Bánh Chưng (Chung cake)

Bánh Chưng is one of Vietnam’s most iconic traditional cakes. Made with glutinous rice, pork, and mung beans, it is wrapped in dong leaves to give it a distinctive green color and earthy aroma. The square shape symbolizes the earth, reflecting the ancient Vietnamese belief in the harmony of the universe.

• Region: Popular across the country, especially in Hanoi and the northern provinces.
• Price: Around 50,000–80,000 VND per piece. (or >100.000 VNĐ)
• Famous spots: Hàng Than Street in Hanoi is known for its high-quality Bánh Chưng.
• Occasion: This cake is traditionally made and enjoyed during Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year). It plays a central role in family gatherings, symbolizing unity and gratitude to ancestors.

Steamed for hours, Bánh Chưng has a soft, sticky texture and rich, savory filling. It is often served with pickled onions or dipped in soy sauce for added flavor. Beyond its taste, this cake holds deep cultural significance, making it a must-try for anyone exploring Vietnamese cuisine.

2. Bánh Gai (Gai Cake)

Bánh Gai is a traditional Vietnamese cake known for its distinct black color and delightful sweetness. Made with glutinous rice flour and ramie leaves, the cake gets its dark hue and subtle herbal aroma from the ramie. Inside, it is filled with a sweet mixture of mung beans, shredded coconut, or ground peanuts, wrapped in dried banana leaves for a rustic look.

• Region: Famous in Hải Dương and Nam Định provinces.
• Price: Typically 5,000–20,000 VND per piece.
• Famous spots: Bánh Gai shops in Hải Dương, such as Bánh Gai Bà Thi.
• Occasion: Often enjoyed during festivals (especially for offerings during ceremonies, celebrations, and the death anniversaries of the village's tutelary deity), weddings, and gifted as a symbol of thoughtfulness and care.

The chewy texture of Bánh Gai, combined with its mildly sweet and nutty filling, makes it a popular snack or dessert. Its unique flavor and cultural significance make it a must-try for anyone seeking to explore the diversity of Vietnamese cuisine.

3. Bánh cốm (Rice cake)

Bánh cốm is a traditional Vietnamese cake made from young green rice (cốm) that is toasted and then wrapped with a sweet filling, often made of mung beans or coconut. The cake has a soft, chewy texture, with the toasted rice giving it a unique nutty flavor. It is often wrapped in banana leaves, which add a subtle fragrance to the cake.

• Region: Most famous in Hanoi and the northern regions of Vietnam.
• Price: Typically 4,000–8,000 VND per piece.
• Famous spots: The well-known Bánh cốm shops in Hanoi's Old Quarter, such as Com Cake of Vong Village, Hanoi, Mrs. Hoan (Bánh cốm Làng Vòng Hà Nội Bà Hoản), Nguyen Ninh Green Rice Cake Hang Than (Bánh cốm Nguyên Ninh Hàng Than).
• Occasion: Traditionally served during the Mid-Autumn Festival or as a gift to family and friends, symbolizing prosperity and respect.

The soft, chewy texture of Bánh Cốm, combined with the sweet filling and nutty undertones of the rice, makes it a perfect snack or dessert. Its cultural significance and unique flavor make it a must-try treat for those exploring Northern Vietnamese sweets.

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Central Vietnam

4. Bánh bèo (Water fern cake)

Bánh Bèo is a beloved specialty from central Vietnam, known for its soft, steamed rice cake base and flavorful toppings. The name "Bánh Bèo" translates to "water fern cake," as its round, thin shape resembles a water fern leaf. The cake is typically topped with minced shrimp, crispy pork skin, scallion oil, and a drizzle of fish sauce, creating a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

• Region: Most famous in Huế, the ancient capital of Vietnam.
• Price: Around 20,000–60,000 VND for a set of small plates (~about 15 cups)
• Famous spots: Bánh Bèo Quán, Bánh bèo Sương in Huế or street vendors in central Vietnam.
• Occasion: Commonly enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, especially during gatherings or casual meals.

The soft, slightly chewy rice cakes pair beautifully with the savory toppings, and the accompanying fish sauce enhances the flavor. Served on small plates, Bánh Bèo is often eaten in sets, making it a perfect communal dish to share with friends and family.

5. Bánh ít lá gai (Ramie leaf rice cake)

Bánh Ít Lá Gai is a traditional Vietnamese cake with a distinct greenish-black hue, made from glutinous rice flour and lá gai (ramie leaves). These leaves give the cake its unique color and a mildly herbal flavor. The filling usually consists of sweet mung bean paste or grated coconut, and the cake is wrapped in banana leaves, adding a rustic charm.

• Region: Famous in Bình Định Province.
• Price: Approximately 5,000–10,000 VND per piece.
• Famous spots: Local markets in Bình Định, such as Quy Nhơn City’s traditional shops.
• Occasion: Often gifted during weddings, festivals (village festivals, and the death anniversaries of the village's tutelary deity), or family celebrations, symbolizing care and thoughtfulness. 

The chewy, slightly sticky texture of Bánh Ít Lá Gai, combined with its sweet filling, creates a harmonious flavor. Its simplicity and connection to traditional ceremonies make it a cherished dessert in Vietnamese culture.

6. Bánh nậm (Flat steamed rice dumplings)

Bánh nậm is a traditional Vietnamese steamed rice cake that showcases the culinary elegance of Huế, the imperial city of Vietnam. Made from a thin layer of rice flour, it is filled with a savory mixture of minced shrimp and pork, seasoned with spices. The cake is wrapped in banana leaves, which infuse it with a delicate aroma during steaming.

• Region: Most famous in Huế, Central Vietnam.
• Price: Around 10,000–20,000 VND per piece.
• Famous Spots: Bánh Nậm Bà Đỏ in Huế is a well-known destination.
• Occasion: Often served as a snack or appetizer, particularly during casual meals or family gatherings. "Vegetarian bánh nậm" (steamed rice flour cakes with vegetarian fillings) is also used by the people of Huế in offerings during New Year's Eve ceremonies, as well as on full moon days and the first day of the lunar month."

The soft, silky texture of the rice cake melts in your mouth, while the flavorful filling offers a delightful contrast. Usually enjoyed with fish sauce for dipping, Bánh Nậm is a must-try for those seeking the refined flavors of central Vietnamese cuisine.

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Southern Vietnam

7. Bánh Tét (Tacos)

Bánh Tét is a traditional Vietnamese cake that resembles Bánh Chưng but is cylindrical in shape. Made with glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork, it is wrapped in banana leaves and tied tightly before being boiled for hours. Its rich flavor and satisfying texture make it a popular dish during celebrations.

• Region: Most popular in southern Vietnam, particularly in the Mekong Delta.
• Price: Aproximately 50,000–100,000 VND per roll, depending on size.
• Famous spots: Traditional markets in Cần Thơ or Vĩnh Long.
• Occasion: Primarily enjoyed during Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), symbolizing family unity and prosperity.

The soft glutinous rice is perfectly balanced by the savory pork and creamy mung beans. Variations of Bánh Tét include sweet fillings like bananas or black beans for those with a sweet tooth. This versatile and meaningful dish is a must-try for anyone exploring Vietnamese festive cuisine.

8. Bánh chuối hấp (Steamed banana cake)

Bánh chuối hấp is a popular Vietnamese steamed banana cake made with ripe bananas, glutinous rice flour, and sugar. The cake has a moist, soft texture and a natural sweetness from the bananas. It is often flavored with coconut milk, giving it a rich and creamy taste.

• Region: Commonly enjoyed throughout Vietnam, especially in the south.
• Price: Around 10,000–20,000 VND for a portion.
• Famous Spots: Street vendors or local markets in Ho Chi Minh City, such as Solar Food, Chuối nếp nướng Võ Văn Tần,... 
• Occasion: A popular snack or dessert during family gatherings, casual meals, or festivals.

Steamed to perfection, Bánh Chuối Hấp offers a comforting taste of ripe bananas with a soft, almost pudding-like consistency. It’s a simple yet delicious dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of bananas, often enjoyed with a cup of tea or as a treat after meals.

9. Bánh da lợn (Pig skin cake)

Bánh da lợn is a traditional Vietnamese steamed cake known for its colorful, layered appearance and unique texture. Made from rice flour, tapioca flour, and mung beans, the cake is often flavored with pandan leaves or coconut milk, giving it a subtle, aromatic sweetness. The layers are alternately green and yellow, creating a beautiful visual effect.

• Region: Popular in Southern Vietnam, especially in Ho Chi Minh City
• Price: Approximately 10,000–30,000 VND per portion.
• Famous Spots: Available at local cake shops and markets, such as Bánh da lợn Út Vân, Quán A Muỗi,...  in Ho Chi Minh City.
• Occasion: Typically enjoyed during special occasions, festivals (Ullambana Festival,  Mid-Autumn Festival, Lantern Festival) or as a snack with family and friends.

The soft, chewy texture of Bánh Da Lợn is complemented by the rich, coconut flavor, making it a delightful treat. Its vibrant colors and layered structure not only make it visually appealing but also offer a sweet, satisfying taste that's perfect for dessert or an afternoon snack.

10. Bánh cam/Bánh rán (Orange cake)

Bánh cam is a traditional Vietnamese dessert known for its crispy outer shell and sweet, rich filling. Made from glutinous rice flour, the dough is shaped into small balls and filled with a sweet mixture of mung beans and sugar. The balls are deep-fried until golden brown, creating a crunchy exterior that contrasts with the soft, sweet interior. Some variations include sesame seeds sprinkled on top for extra flavor.

• Price: Typically 10,000–15,000 VND per piece. (3 pieces)
• Famous spots: Found at street vendors or local dessert shops in Ho Chi Minh City, such as Bánh Cam ngon, chị Thương. 
• Occasion: Commonly enjoyed as a snack or dessert during festivals (Ky Yen Festival), family gatherings, or as a casual treat.

The combination of crispy, golden exterior and sweet mung bean filling makes Bánh Cam a delightful bite. It's a favorite for those who enjoy a balance of textures, and its simplicity and accessibility make it a beloved treat across Vietnam.

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Each of these cakes brings something special to the table, offering a mix of textures, flavors, and stories from different regions of Vietnam. Whether you’re enjoying them during a festive occasion or as a simple snack, these traditional treats are sure to leave a lasting impression. So, the next time you find yourself in Vietnam, make sure to savor these iconic cakes and experience the heart of Vietnamese culture, one bite at a time!