Candy is a popular treat enjoyed by people of all ages and cultures, and Vietnam is no exception. Vietnamese candy comes in a variety of flavors, textures, and shapes, from chewy and fruity to hard and nutty. In this article, we will explore the world of candy from Vietnam, including its ingredients, types, and popularity.
1 - Ingredients Used in candy from Vietnam
Vietnamese candy typically uses a range of natural ingredients, reflecting the country's agricultural abundance. Some of the most commonly used ingredients include:
- Coconut: Coconut is a staple ingredient in many Vietnamese desserts, including candy. It adds a creamy and tropical flavor to the candy, and is often used in combination with other ingredients like peanuts, sesame seeds, or durian.
- Sticky rice: Also known as glutinous rice, sticky rice is a staple in many Vietnamese lollies treats, including candy. It adds a chewy and sticky texture to the candy, and is often paired with mung bean or lotus seed filling.
- Peanut: Peanut is a popular ingredient in candy from Vietnam, and is often roasted and mixed with sugar or honey. It adds a crunchy and nutty flavor to the candy, and is commonly used in combination with coconut or sesame seeds.
- Sesame seeds: Sesame seeds are a versatile ingredient used in many Vietnamese sweet treats, including candy. They can be roasted or ground, and add a nutty and slightly sweet flavor to the candy.
- Durian: Durian is a unique and divisive fruit that is commonly used in Vietnamese candy. It has a pungent smell and a sweet and creamy flavor that pairs well with coconut or sticky rice.
2 - Types of popular candy from Vietnam
Vietnamese candy comes in a variety of forms, from chewy and fruity to hard and nutty. Here are some of the most popular types:
- Mứt (candied fruit): Mứt is a type of candied fruit that is made by boiling fruit in sugar syrup until it becomes sticky and sweet. It is a popular snack in Vietnam and comes in a variety of flavors, including kumquat, ginger, mango, and tamarind.
- Kẹo dừa (coconut candy): Kẹo dừa is a chewy candy made from coconut milk, sugar, and malt syrup. It has a creamy and slightly nutty flavor, and is often served as a dessert or snack.
- Kẹo mè (sesame candy): Kẹo mè is a hard candy made from roasted sesame seeds, sugar, and malt syrup. It has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, and is often served as a snack or dessert.
- Kẹo cà phê (coffee candy): Kẹo cà phê is a Vietnamese hard candy made from coffee, sugar, and malt syrup. It has a strong coffee flavor and is often served as a dessert or snack.
- Kẹo cu đơ (peanut candy): Kẹo cu đơ is a hard candy made from roasted peanuts, sugar, and malt syrup. It has a crunchy and nutty flavor, and is often served as a snack.
- Kẹo Sữa (Milk Candy): This candy from Vietnam is made from milk, sugar, and sometimes coconut milk. It has a chewy texture and a sweet, creamy taste. Milk candy is a popular gift during the Lunar New Year holiday.
- Kẹo Bông Gòn (Cotton Candy): Vietnamese cotton candy is similar to the cotton candy found in other countries, but it often has a unique flavor, such as durian or pandan. It is a popular treat at carnivals and fairs.
- Kẹo Dẻo (Jelly Candy): This candy is made from agar-agar, a type of seaweed, and sugar. It has a firm, jelly-like texture and comes in a variety of flavors, such as lychee, mango, and green tea.
In conclusion, candy from Vietnam offers a wide variety of flavors and textures that reflect the country's unique culture and ingredients. From the nutty lotus seed candy to the fruity jelly candy, there is something for everyone's taste buds. These candies make great gifts or souvenirs to take home after a visit to Vietnam. Be sure to try some of these delicious treats on your next trip to this beautiful country.