7 exquisite desserts from Southeast Asian countries

Buzz

From Malaysia to Thailand or Vietnam, desserts hold a particularly important position in the culinary scene of Southeast Asian countries.

1. Mango Sticky Rice

As one of the famous desserts in Thailand, mango sticky rice is sold on every street corner from sidewalk vendors to upscale restaurants. A plate of enticing mango sticky rice consists of sticky rice, sliced mangoes, a bit of coconut cream, and mung beans evenly spread on top. The slight sourness of mango balances the sweet and creamy taste of coconut cream, creating an unforgettable flavor for this dish.

Where to enjoy: Thailand

2. Cendol

Cendol is a traditional and popular dessert in many places in Malaysia. Cendol is made from ingredients such as shaved ice, pandan leaves, palm sugar, red beans, peanuts, durian... and this dish tastes even better when enjoyed on hot sunny days. At first glance, this dish resembles Vietnam's banh lot che.

Where to enjoy: Malaysia

3. Ice Cream Sandwich

This is a quite special dish in Singapore with soft and fragrant sandwich buns filled with cold ice cream. When you eat it, you will feel the crispy outer layer of the bun and inside is the cool ice cream layer, definitely worth a try.

Where to enjoy: Singapore

4. Sweet Soup

Che is a popular dessert in Vietnam. The ingredients for making che are very diverse, including various types of beans, rice, glutinous rice, cereals... Therefore, depending on the ingredients and processing method, there are many different types of che such as three-color che, banh lot che, green bean che, banana che,...

Where to enjoy: Vietnam

5. Coconut Rice Cakes

Nom Krok, also known as coconut cakes, is a famous street food in Cambodia. Nom Krok is mainly made from coconut milk, sugar, glutinous rice, and flour, then coated in iron pans with cake molds. When cooked, a little spring onion is sprinkled on top of the cake for added visual appeal as well as to enhance the aroma and reduce the richness of the coconut cream.

Where to enjoy: Cambodia and Thailand

6. Bibingka

Bibingka is a traditional dish during every Christmas or festival of the Filipino people. Bibingka is simply made by kneading rice flour with coconut milk then wrapped in banana leaves and baked in a clay pot, topped with a layer of cheese and sprinkled with grated coconut. Bibingka is often made in large sizes and when served, it is cut into small pieces for easy enjoyment.

Where to enjoy: Philippines

7. Layered Kuih Legit

Also known as spekkoek, this is a special dessert of Indonesia both in appearance and taste. Layered Kuih Legit is made from coconut milk, tapioca flour, caster sugar, rice flour, and pandan leaves. This steamed cake consists of 10 layers or even more stacked on top of each other with attractive colors. The cake is very soft, fragrant, and seems to melt in your mouth when you take the first bite.

Where to enjoy: Indonesia

By Ha Mi (Source: Goasean)

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour

MytourJanuary 21, 2016

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Mango Sticky Rice a must-try dessert in Thailand?

Mango Sticky Rice is renowned for its perfect blend of sticky rice, fresh mango slices, coconut cream, and mung beans. This dessert’s unique combination of sweetness and slight sourness creates an unforgettable culinary experience found on every street corner in Thailand.

How is Cendol prepared and enjoyed in Malaysia?

Cendol is a traditional Malaysian dessert made with shaved ice, pandan leaves, palm sugar, and various toppings like red beans and durian. It’s especially refreshing on hot days and resembles Vietnam's banh lot che, offering a delightful mix of flavors.

Why should you try Ice Cream Sandwich when in Singapore?

Ice Cream Sandwich is a unique treat in Singapore, featuring soft sandwich buns filled with cold ice cream. The combination of a crispy bun exterior and creamy ice cream interior creates a delightful contrast that’s perfect for dessert lovers.

What are the different types of Che popular in Vietnam?

Che is a versatile Vietnamese dessert made from beans, rice, and various cereals. Popular variations include three-color che, green bean che, and banana che, allowing for a wide range of flavors and textures based on the ingredients used.