The unforgettable flavors of Hoi An's specialty sweet soups: Conquer the sweet soup map

Strolling through the charming streets of Hoi An Memories Land and the rest of Hoi An, visitors are captivated by the vibrant tea baskets lining the sidewalks and the quaint tea shops nestled in hidden corners.

Although Hoi An's sweet soups are rustic and simple, they have won over countless diners, contributing to the unique tapestry of Hoi An's culinary landscape. If you have a penchant for sweets, don't miss the delectable desserts and the charming places to savor them that we are about to unveil in this article!

1. Must-try sweet soups for tourists visiting Hoi An

1.1 Embark on a journey to the "map" of Hoi An food with rustic corn sweet soup

Corn sweet soup may not be a "specialty" native to this land, nor does it carry a long historical legacy like many other dishes. However, through the ingenuity and sophistication of the people of Hoi An Ancient Town, corn sweet soup has become a beloved treat that captures the hearts of tourists, adding to the unique culinary beauty of Hoi An food.

The star ingredient of this famous corn sweet soup is the golden corn grown in Cam Nam – a fertile land renowned for its generations of corn cultivation. Cam Nam corn boasts a distinct flavor, unlike any other: the corn kernels are fragrant, plump, and naturally sweet. Combined with this "special" ingredient, the people of Hoi An skillfully add their own culinary secrets, resulting in a corn sweet soup with a unique flavor that can only be found in Hoi An. The sweetness, not overly cloying, blends harmoniously with the richness of coconut milk and the chewy texture of corn kernels, creating a delicate culinary symphony that awakens all the senses of diners.

Enjoying Hoi An corn sweet soup under the radiant golden sunshine of the Central region, visitors find solace from the sweltering heat of the old town. The elegant sweetness and fragrant aroma of the sweet soup permeate every cell, bringing a sense of refreshment, relaxation, and nostalgia that lingers.

Corn sweet soup - a Hoi An food delicacy that captivates the hearts of many tourists

1.2 The secret behind the allure of Hoi An black sesame sweet soup

Black sesame sweet soup, a rustic yet sophisticated gift, entices tourists with its delectable, creamy flavor and remarkable health benefits. Also known as "toi ma phe sweet soup," the main ingredients of this dessert are precious black sesame seeds, soaked, pureed, and cooked with tapioca starch, glutinous rice flour, and sugar. The flavor of black sesame sweet soup is a harmonious blend of the richness of coconut milk, the nutty essence of black sesame, and the sweetness of sugar, creating a delicate culinary symphony that awakens all the senses.

Indulging in black sesame sweet soup not only satisfies sweet cravings but also nourishes the body with abundant nutrients. It is not merely a delightful treat but is also considered a "tonic" that has been passed down through generations. This sweet soup is regarded as a folk remedy that helps improve health, promote blood circulation, aid digestion, prevent heatstroke, combat body weakness, and effectively cool down the body.

See more: Famous places to enjoy Xi Ma sweet soup in Hội An 

Hoi An black sesame sweet soup - the perfect piece for the Hoi An food picture

1.3 Continuing the journey: lotus seed sweet soup – an elegant and delicate delight

Renowned as the land that produces the most exquisite lotus seeds, Hoi An's lotus seed sweet soup boasts an elegant, delicate sweetness that captivates anyone who tastes it. The secret to the success of this sweet soup lies in the perfect combination of the sweet and refreshing rock sugar syrup, the richness of coconut milk, and the soft, fleshy lotus seeds that have been meticulously prepared with their hearts removed.

Notably, Hoi An lotus seed sweet soup also offers an enticing "mixed" version. Not only can you savor the delectable taste of lotus seeds and the sweet soup, but you can also experience the cooling sensation of tofu and the chewy texture of black jelly. Each ingredient blends together seamlessly, creating a harmonious whole that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

Enjoying Hoi An lotus seed sweet soup in the late afternoon, under the magical shimmer of lantern light, allows you to fully immerse yourself in the flavors and cultural beauty of the old town. This promises to be an unforgettable culinary experience on your journey to discover Hoi An food.

Lotus seed sweet soup - Elegant and delicate sweet soup

1.4 A Diverse experience: sweet soup with pork filling – A unique sweet soup

Unlike other regions, Hoi An's floating sweet soup bears the mark of the Chinese community that has long resided here. The hallmark of this dessert is the harmonious fusion of the sweetness of the sugar water and the savory richness of the stir-fried meat filling encased in a glutinous rice cake crust.

At first glance, you might find it unusual to enjoy this "sweet and salty" dessert. However, let your taste buds guide you to discover the unique flavor of these round dumplings. The soft, snow-white crust complements the rich stir-fried meat filling, creating the perfect marriage of two seemingly opposing flavors.

See more: Light up your trip! 10 must-see festivals in Hoi An 

Take a bite, and you'll experience the sweet and salty notes dancing on your palate, intertwined with the sweetness of sugar water and the passionate aroma of sesame and ginger. This irresistible taste will leave you "craving more" from the very first try.

Sweet soup with pork broth - Unique sweet soup

1.5 The final destination: Che chuoi – Chewy sweet soup with the fragrance of ginger

Unlike regular sweet soup, che chuoi is crafted from waxy taro – a specialty potato of Hoi An – along with tapioca flour and the family secrets of the locals. The creamy texture of taro blends with the chewy tapioca pearls, creating a delicate culinary symphony that awakens all the senses.

Che chuoi is cooked in the "Northern" style, with the addition of brown sugar, ginger, and sticky rice, resulting in a characteristic smoothness and consistency. The elegant sweetness of the sweet soup is not overwhelming, and it mingles with the passionate aroma of ginger, offering a refreshing and relaxing experience after hours of strolling and exploring the old town.

Che Chung - Chewy sweet soup, fragrant with ginger

See more: Have you tried crushed rice crackers with stir-fried clams in Hoi An?

2. The secret to enjoying Hoi An sweet soup

To fully savor the special flavors of sweet soup – an enticing Hoi An delicacy – keep the following tips in mind:

• Choose a location: Hoi An boasts countless delicious sweet soup shops, each with its own unique style and flavor. Refer to online recommendations or ask locals to find a restaurant that suits your preferences.
• Discover a variety of sweet soups: Hoi An is renowned for its diverse selection of unique sweet soups, such as corn sweet soup, taro sweet soup, black sesame sweet soup, pork sweet soup, and che chuoi. Each type offers its own distinct flavor, promising to take you on new culinary adventures.
• Enjoy properly: Each type of sweet soup has its own ideal way to be enjoyed. For instance, corn sweet soup is often served hot with rich coconut milk, black sesame sweet soup can be enjoyed hot or cold depending on preference, and che chuoi is often served with shaved ice for an extra refreshing touch.
• Embrace the atmosphere: Enjoying Hoi An sweet soup is not just about indulging in the flavors but also about experiencing the local culture and way of life. Take the time to chat with the owner, admire the surrounding scenery, and soak in the simple, elegant ambiance of the old town.
• Inquire about prices before ordering: Although Hoi An is known for its friendly and peaceful atmosphere, and the risk of being overcharged is not as high as in other tourist areas, it's always wise to confirm the price before placing your order!

See more: Places to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Hoi An. 

3. Suggest 5 "standard" Hoi An tea shops that make you want to come back

3.1 Miss Lien's sweet soup basket

• Address: No. 3 Nguyen Hue Street, Hoi An City
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – Until the sweet soup runs out
• Price Range: 5,000 VND – 10,000 VND

Renowned for its rustic charm, Miss Lien's tea basket is like a simple beauty in the heart of Hoi An food's  ancient town. This place is not about sophistication or luxury; it's a humble roadside street vendor that captivates tourists with its irresistibly delicious sweet soup.

Miss Lien's tea basket offers only a few simple dishes, such as green bean sweet soup and black bean sweet soup, but they boast a delectable, elegant flavor that visitors will cherish. The sweetness of the sweet soup harmonizes with the richness of the beans, creating a delicate culinary symphony that awakens all the senses.

More than just a tea basket, this spot also provides a space for visitors to chat and confide in Miss Lien – a gentle and cheerful woman. Under the shade of the Poinciana tree, Miss Lien's witty stories and heartfelt conversations seem to dispel the summer heat, leaving visitors with a sense of relaxation and tranquility.

Miss Lien's sweet soup basket

3.2 Miss Hiep's Sweet Soup

• Address: 24 Le Loi Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City
• Opening Hours: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Price Range: 10,000 VND – 20,000 VND

When it comes to sweet soup shops that embody the essence of "Hoi An," one cannot overlook Che Co Hiep a simple destination that attracts tourists with its delicious taste and affordable prices. Stepping into the restaurant, visitors feel as if they are transported to an old, rustic space with simple wooden tables and chairs, and bamboo fans hanging from the ceiling. The culinary scene here appears unpretentious with familiar sweet soup dishes such as black bean sweet soup, green bean sweet soup, black sesame sweet soup, lotus seed sweet soup... Each cup of sweet soup is prepared by Ms. Hiep with passion and meticulousness, resulting in an elegant, sweet flavor that is not overwhelming.

The refreshing taste of the sweet soup, combined with the richness of coconut milk, the nutty flavor of beans, the aromatic essence of black sesame or lotus, all create a delicate culinary symphony that awakens all the senses.

In addition to sweet soup, the restaurant also serves other snacks like tofu pudding, tofu, and jelly, which are also quite popular with tourists.

Discover more: Enchanting Hoi An: Must-visit spots and unforgettable experiences 

3.3 Muoi Sweet Soup

• Address: No. 4 Hoang Dieu Street, Hoi An City
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Price Range: 8,000 VND – 15,000 VND

Upon entering the shop, you'll be amazed by the diverse selection of sweet soups beautifully presented. From familiar options like corn sweet soup, taro sweet soup, and green bean sweet soup to unique flavors like sweet soup with pork filling and mung bean sweet soup, all promise an unforgettable culinary experience. Among them, the sweet soup with pork filling is the restaurant's "star," captivating diners with its uniqueness and irresistible taste. The soft, glutinous rice cake crust blends with the savory pork filling, served in warm ginger sugar water, creating a delicate culinary symphony that awakens all the senses.

Although the restaurant is small, it offers a cozy, clean space and a team of attentive and dedicated staff. You'll surely feel satisfied and eager to return to Che Ba Muoi time and again.

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3.4 Mr. Thieu's black sesame sweet soup in Hoi An

• Address: Opposite 118 Nguyen Truong To Street, Hoi An
• Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
• Price: 10,000 VND/cup

The black sesame sweet soup from Mr. Thieu, an elderly gentleman nearly a century old, is a simple yet sophisticated gift that attracts tourists with its unique flavor and long-standing tradition.

Mr. Thieu's small stature, white hair, and gentle smile have become a familiar sight to locals and tourists alike. Every morning, at 3 a.m., he rises to prepare ingredients and cook a steaming pot of sweet soup. At 6 o'clock, he promptly carries his load to the familiar street corner, where he has been stationed for many years.

Mr. Thieu's black sesame sweet soup is not merely a combination of familiar ingredients like black sesame, tapioca starch, glutinous rice flour, and sugar, but it also contains a secret passed down through generations. The special "Chinese medicine" that Mr. Thieu adds is the soul of the sweet soup, creating a delicious, creamy, and unforgettable flavor.

Few know that Mr. Thieu learned the secret to making this sweet soup from Chinese traders during his time as a porter for them. Through the many ups and downs of life, he has preserved the family recipe and transformed black sesame sweet soup into a renowned brand throughout Hoi An.

Mr. Thieu's black sesame tea in Hoi An

3.5 Che Thuong Miss Le

• Address: No. 369 Cua Dai, Cam Chau, Hoi An
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Price Range: 10,000 VND – 15,000 VND

Famous for generations, Ms. Le's sweet soup shop is a must-visit destination for those who love to explore Hoi An's cuisine. The name "che thuong" comes from the main ingredient of this sweet soup – taro. The taro is finely ground and cooked with coconut milk, resulting in a rich and aromatic flavor. With just one taste, you'll experience the perfect blend of the sweet soup's sweetness, the rich taro flavor, and the creaminess of coconut milk.

At Ms. Le's sweet soup shop, visitors can not only enjoy the long-standing traditional sweet soup but also have the opportunity to try new sweet soup dishes that have recently been added to the menu. While not the shop's "secret" dishes, these sweet soups are still delicious and enticing, on par with any other sweet soup shop in Hoi An. Green bean sweet soup, corn sweet soup, lotus seed sweet soup... each type boasts a unique flavor, promising visitors unique culinary experiences.

Hoi An sweet soup is not merely street food but also a quintessential cultural beauty of the old town. Each type of sweet soup has its own distinct flavor, ranging from elegant and refreshing to creamy and rich, leaving visitors passionately indulging in its delights. No matter how many delicious sweet soups you've enjoyed elsewhere, when you come to Hoi An, you'll still be captivated by the special flavors of the sweet soups here. The sweetness is elegant, not overwhelming, blended with the richness of coconut milk, the fragrant aroma of lotus seeds, the nutty essence of taro... all creating a sweet aftertaste that lingers in visitors' memories. Enjoy a refreshing cup of sweet soup in the heart of Hoi An food's ancient town to fully experience the beauty and unique flavors of this land!

See more: List of 10 delicious chicken rice dishes.