When Hanoi's heat bears down, locals cool off with che — a category of sweet soups and puddings layered with beans, jellies, fruit and coconut. Part drink, part dessert, always refreshing. Here's your guide.
1. What Is Che?
Che is an umbrella term for Vietnamese sweet soups and puddings, served warm in winter or over ice in summer. Endlessly varied, it mixes beans, jellies, fruit, seeds and coconut milk.
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2. Cooling Summer Varieties
On hot days go for iced che with grass jelly, mung bean, lotus seed and coconut milk over crushed ice — sweet, textural and instantly reviving.
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3. Lotus Seed Che (Che Sen)
A Hanoi favourite: delicate lotus seeds in a light, subtly sweet syrup, prized for its refined flavour and cooling properties.
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4. Where to Find It
Che stalls and shops dot the Old Quarter, often specialising in a dozen varieties displayed in bowls. Point at what looks good and mix and match.
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5. How to Enjoy It
Stir it all together so every spoon has beans, jelly and coconut, and eat it as an afternoon pick-me-up or after-dinner treat.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is che?
A: A category of Vietnamese sweet soups and puddings with beans, jellies, fruit and coconut, served hot or iced. A beloved dessert.
Q: What's the best che for hot weather?
A: Iced varieties with grass jelly, mung bean and coconut milk over crushed ice — wonderfully cooling.
Q: Where can I try che in Hanoi?
A: Che stalls throughout the Old Quarter display many varieties — just point at what appeals and mix and match.
