Sweet beans

Up an alley just next the Khoai My stall at 25 Nguyen Binh Khiem I sniffed out a Che seller. Che are the ubiquitous sweet desserts sold all over southern Vietnam, but rarely found in the north. Normally consisting of various combinations of tapioca, beans, sweetened coconut milk, fresh fruit and sugar. They're a dentist's nightmare, but a pleasant and no doubt healthier alternative to a Cornetto.

I ordered a Che dau van (Haricot bean che). Actually that's a complete lie. I tried to order a Che chuoi (Banana and tapioca che), and clearly failed. And of that I am glad. The Che chuoi, and pretty much any Che I have tried, tend to be a tad heavy. So I was pleased when this 1,000VD bag of beans didn't drop anchor in my stomach and refuse to budge for the rest of the day. One is light enough to keep you on the move, but go for two and you'll be needing a nap.

I strongly recommend Che and it's worth tracking down a street seller who'll flog you the stuff. Or sample the excellent selection served at one or two of the stalls on Ben Thanh Market.

Comments

[Nguyen]

The pink fruits in picture #3 is called "ma^.n"...tangy, crunchy, fragrant.

[Nguyen]

Haha, I'm new here and still fumbling around. I realized that many people have commented on that fruit already. Disregard my post.

[pieman]

No worries - happens all the time;)

[Nancy Nguyen]

The section on 'Xoi'
I don't know what all the ingredients that goes in but I know that for the one labelled 'xoi bap, BAP is vietnamese for corn.
I haven't gotten a chance to return to VN but that's the one thing I dream of eating the most, and all its fruits.
Your comments were very well documented. Excellent descriptions.

[Thuy]

i was looking for banana pudding and come upon your page....i say that the someof the food on you page makw me hungry it like 10:30pm!