Hue, Vietnam’s ancient imperial capital, is a culinary haven where tradition meets creativity, and its sweet soups—known locally as che—are a delightful testament to this legacy. With over 50 varieties, these desserts weave together fruits, nuts, tubers, and even unexpected ingredients like barbecue pork into a tapestry of flavors. Served as a meal’s finale, a mid-afternoon treat, or a party highlight, Hue’s sweet soups offer a taste of the city’s rich culture. For travelers and food lovers, exploring this dessert tradition is a must-do Hue experience.
A Closer Look at Hue’s Sweet Soup Varieties
Hue’s sweet soups are as diverse as they are delicious, each crafted with care and local flair. Here’s a dive into some standout types:
Che Hat Sen (Lotus Seed Sweet Soup): Skinned lotus seeds, with their bitter plumules removed, are steamed and simmered in sugar or rock sugar water. The result is a fragrant, mildly sweet delicacy that’s a Hue classic.
Che Nhan Boc Hat Sen (Longan and Lotus Seed Sweet Soup): Lotus seeds wrapped in longan flesh are gently cooked, blending the nutty richness of lotus with longan’s subtle sweetness—a refined treat for discerning palates.
Che Dau Ngu (Kidney Bean Sweet Soup): Steamed kidney beans are cooked with sugar over low heat, creating a simple yet comforting dessert.
Che Dau Xanh (Mung Bean Sweet Soup): Mung beans shine in varieties like che xanh danh (split mung bean) and che bong cau (areca flower-style), where beans mimic flower petals in clear sugar water, sometimes thickened with tapioca flour.
Che Dau Den (Black Bean Sweet Soup): Soaked black beans are cooked soft and sweetened, with tapioca flour optional for a thicker texture.
Che Khoai Tia (Purple Potato Sweet Soup): Purple potatoes are boiled, mashed, and cooked again in their own water with sugar, forming a thick, vibrant purple delight.
Che Bap (Corn Sweet Soup): A Hen Islet favorite, this sticky, mildly sweet soup uses corn cooked in corncob water with sugar.
Che Troi Nuoc (Glutinous Rice Balls Sweet Soup): Sticky rice balls are simmered in ginger-infused sugar water, topped with roasted sesame for a fragrant finish.
Che Nha Dam (Aloe Vera Sweet Soup): Aloe vera cubes retain their shape while absorbing a gentle sweetness from sugar water, offering a refreshing twist.
Che Thap Cam (Mixed Sweet Soup): A medley of ingredients like beans, fruits, and tapioca, this vibrant mix is elevated with coconut milk and roasted peanuts.
From fruity options like banana and jackfruit to unique creations like che bot loc (tapioca balls with pork filling), Hue’s sweet soups balance textures—soft, chewy, or sticky—with delicate sweetness, often enhanced by ginger, coconut, or sesame.
Savor Hue’s Sweet Legacy with Hue Smile Travel
Hue’s sweet soups are more than desserts—they’re a cultural celebration, reflecting the city’s knack for turning simple ingredients into extraordinary treats. Whether you’re sipping the elegant che hat sen or digging into the hearty che thap cam, each spoonful tells a story of Hue’s culinary soul. Ready to taste this tradition? Let Hue Smile Travel guide you through Hue’s food scene—book your culinary tour today at huesmiletravel.com and delight in the sweet flavors of this imperial city!
Indulge in the Sweet Symphony of Hue’s Sweet Soups
Hue, Vietnam’s ancient imperial capital, is a culinary haven where tradition meets creativity, and its sweet soups—known locally as che—are a delightful testament to this legacy. With over 50 varieties, these desserts weave together fruits, nuts, tubers, and even unexpected ingredients like barbecue pork into a tapestry of flavors. Served as a meal’s finale, a mid-afternoon treat, or a party highlight, Hue’s sweet soups offer a taste of the city’s rich culture. For travelers and food lovers, exploring this dessert tradition is a must-do Hue experience.
A Closer Look at Hue’s Sweet Soup Varieties
Hue’s sweet soups are as diverse as they are delicious, each crafted with care and local flair. Here’s a dive into some standout types:
Che Hat Sen (Lotus Seed Sweet Soup): Skinned lotus seeds, with their bitter plumules removed, are steamed and simmered in sugar or rock sugar water. The result is a fragrant, mildly sweet delicacy that’s a Hue classic.
Che Nhan Boc Hat Sen (Longan and Lotus Seed Sweet Soup): Lotus seeds wrapped in longan flesh are gently cooked, blending the nutty richness of lotus with longan’s subtle sweetness—a refined treat for discerning palates.
Che Dau Ngu (Kidney Bean Sweet Soup): Steamed kidney beans are cooked with sugar over low heat, creating a simple yet comforting dessert.
Che Dau Xanh (Mung Bean Sweet Soup): Mung beans shine in varieties like che xanh danh (split mung bean) and che bong cau (areca flower-style), where beans mimic flower petals in clear sugar water, sometimes thickened with tapioca flour.
Che Dau Den (Black Bean Sweet Soup): Soaked black beans are cooked soft and sweetened, with tapioca flour optional for a thicker texture.
Che Khoai Tia (Purple Potato Sweet Soup): Purple potatoes are boiled, mashed, and cooked again in their own water with sugar, forming a thick, vibrant purple delight.
Che Bap (Corn Sweet Soup): A Hen Islet favorite, this sticky, mildly sweet soup uses corn cooked in corncob water with sugar.
Che Troi Nuoc (Glutinous Rice Balls Sweet Soup): Sticky rice balls are simmered in ginger-infused sugar water, topped with roasted sesame for a fragrant finish.
Che Nha Dam (Aloe Vera Sweet Soup): Aloe vera cubes retain their shape while absorbing a gentle sweetness from sugar water, offering a refreshing twist.
Che Thap Cam (Mixed Sweet Soup): A medley of ingredients like beans, fruits, and tapioca, this vibrant mix is elevated with coconut milk and roasted peanuts.
From fruity options like banana and jackfruit to unique creations like che bot loc (tapioca balls with pork filling), Hue’s sweet soups balance textures—soft, chewy, or sticky—with delicate sweetness, often enhanced by ginger, coconut, or sesame.
Savor Hue’s Sweet Legacy with Hue Smile Travel
Hue’s sweet soups are more than desserts—they’re a cultural celebration, reflecting the city’s knack for turning simple ingredients into extraordinary treats. Whether you’re sipping the elegant che hat sen or digging into the hearty che thap cam, each spoonful tells a story of Hue’s culinary soul. Ready to taste this tradition? Let Hue Smile Travel guide you through Hue’s food scene—book Hue Street Food tour today at huesmiletravel.com and delight in the sweet flavors of this imperial city!
