Top 7 Longstanding Dessert Shops in Saigon

Tường Phong Che is regarded as the most authentic Chinese-style che shop in Saigon. The che is known for its delicate sweetness and smooth richness, avoiding the overpowering sweetness found in many other che shops. Tường Phong Che is especially famous for its almond tofu, black sesame che, and stewed papaya. Black sesame che, a classic dish, is something almost every Chinese family must try. It has a thick, dark consistency made from ground black sesame seeds. Though it may seem unappealing at first glance, once tasted, the creamy, fragrant flavor will make you understand why it's so beloved. This dish is best served hot to bring out its full aroma without feeling too heavy. Tường Phong's black sesame che perfectly meets the standards for a delicious serving of this dish.

The stewed papaya at Tường Phong Che leaves a lasting impression on every visitor. Stewed papaya is a unique dish in Vietnamese cuisine, rarely found in other culinary traditions. To make it perfect, the papaya must be ripe but not too soft, and its sweetness must begin to develop. The papaya is placed in a stone pot and simmered over low heat with rock sugar syrup. This slow-cooked process, known as 'tiềm', transforms the papaya into a tender, subtly sweet dessert.

Tàu Cột Điện Che is the beloved name of an old Chinese dessert shop located on Trần Hưng Đạo B Street, right beside a telephone pole. The shop doesn't have a sign or fancy seating, yet it draws a steady stream of customers every day. Unlike the simple desserts of the North or the elaborate and visually striking che of Hue, the Chinese-style che here blends sweet and savory flavors in a delightful harmony.

The Tàu Cột Điện Che shop offers a variety of che, such as tea-infused egg che, Gui Ling Gao, black sesame paste, and refreshing lotus root che. Tea-infused egg che features dark yellow eggs bathed in a sweet, slightly bitter tea, creating a rich yet subtle taste. It can be enjoyed hot or cold, but in the hot Saigon weather, most people prefer it chilled. Gui Ling Gao, a black, soft, chewy jelly, has a slightly bitter taste with a fragrant aroma. The downside of this place is the slow service and the fact that the che, though delicious, can become overwhelming if consumed in large quantities. Additionally, there's no parking at the shop, so visitors must park across the street at the market for a fee of 5,000 VND per vehicle.

Established in 1959, Hien Khanh Che has been a beloved spot for generations of Saigon residents. The shop is famous for its unique jelly-based desserts, including white jelly, mung bean jelly, and lotus seed jelly. It can be considered the first place in Saigon to serve these jelly-based che.

What makes their che stand out is the delicate sweetness and the subtle fragrance of jasmine-infused syrup. Enjoying each bowl of che, you can savor the chewy texture of the jelly and the cool sensation that lingers in your throat. The lotus seeds, mung beans, and ginkgo nuts add a delightful, slightly nutty flavor. Today, Hien Khanh Che has expanded its menu with other options such as yogurt, agar-agar, and sam bo luong, offering a wider variety of choices for customers. The rustic ambiance, decorated with poetry and classical verses, along with the refreshing, cooling che, has made this place a popular stop for many Saigon locals.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Address: 718 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, District 3, HCMC

Opening Hours: 09:00 - 12:25 | 14:40 - 21:50

Oil Lamp Che has been serving its customers for over 40 years, starting just a year after the country’s reunification. The shop remains unchanged, with five large pots of che on a simple table, illuminated by the soft glow of an oil lamp, and a few small chairs. Though it’s referred to as a shop, it’s really just a modest stand tucked in a corner of the sidewalk. There’s a warm, peaceful vibe here, offering a contrast to the noisy, bustling street outside. Despite its small size, the shop always has a steady stream of customers, not only for the delicious che but also to support the elderly couple, who are in their 70s.

Oil Lamp Che opens at 7 PM and continues until everything is sold out. On dry nights, the che sells out quickly, but during rainy weather, the elderly couple might stay open until 2 AM to serve their loyal customers. The shop offers five varieties of che: steamed banana, floating rice dumplings, sweet apple, mung beans with tapioca pearls, and white beans. The couple’s dedication to their craft is reflected in their low prices. Many say they don’t make a profit, but the couple just smiles and keeps the prices unchanged.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Address: 504 Nguyễn Kiệm, Phú Nhuận District, HCMC

Opening Hours: 19:00 - 00:00

Located just 100 meters from the West Gate of Ben Thanh Market, on the right side, you'll find Be Che, known as the oldest che shop in Ben Thanh Market. Over time, customers' tastes have evolved, and the shop has adapted its flavors based on customer feedback, rather than sticking rigidly to the traditional recipes created by the owner's parents. Since 1968, Be Che has remained a popular spot for both locals and tourists in the Ben Thanh area.

Be Che operates daily from 7 AM until around 4 PM. The shop's most eye-catching feature is its colorful bowls of che, which are a refreshing treat in the hot weather of Saigon. Many passersby are drawn in to enjoy a cold, refreshing bowl before continuing on their way. The shop offers a wide variety, including 9 cold che and 9 hot che options, each priced at 25,000 VND per bowl, with a smaller serving available for 20,000 VND.

Long-time residents of Saigon are certainly familiar with Ha Ky Che, located on Chau Van Liem Street. This shop has been around for over 30 years, starting from a small street cart and growing into a more established location. However, the shop remains compact, with limited seating, so most customers prefer to take their che to go. The shop is always busy, and there is usually a line of people waiting to be served.

The Ha Ky Che menu offers a wide variety of desserts and savory dishes. As a Chinese-style che shop, the flavors are unique and diverse. For a warm, comforting dessert, try the mung bean che, black sesame che, or sweet rice dumplings. If you prefer something refreshing, try the cold egg che, ginkgo che, almond tofu, or strawberry che. Many customers especially enjoy the fresh milk and egg che, a rare and indulgent treat that has a rich, creamy texture without any fishiness. In addition to the che, the shop also serves light vegetarian dishes like vegetarian spring rolls, rice cakes, and rice noodles.

Thanh Tam Che is one of the oldest and busiest Chinese dessert shops in Saigon. Located in District 5, in the heart of the Chinese community, it attracts a large crowd of locals and visitors. The shop stays open late, and the later it gets, the busier it becomes. Although the shop is spacious and clean with plenty of seating, it can still get crowded, especially during peak hours.

The menu at Thanh Tam Che is both diverse and enticing, featuring traditional offerings like lotus seeds, water chestnuts, and herbal che, as well as unique options like tea-infused egg che and tofu skin che. However, the quality of the desserts can sometimes be inconsistent—some customers report that certain che can be too sweet, or not cooked to the right texture. That said, when you visit, make sure to try the signature desserts like the silky white almond che, steamed egg che, and tea-infused egg che, which are the most popular items on the menu. The tea-infused egg che has a distinct tea fragrance and is absolutely free of any fishiness. If you're a fan of Chinese-style che, this place is a must-visit!