4 Irresistible Vietnamese Autumn Desserts to Savor in 2025

Autumn in Vietnam is a season of subtle beauty, gentle breezes, and, most importantly, a celebration of flavors. It is the time when streets and markets are filled with vibrant colors and irresistible aromas, signaling the arrival of Vietnamese autumn desserts that locals and visitors alike eagerly anticipate. From the soft, fragrant “cốm” (green rice flakes) cakes to the sweet and chewy “hồng Đà Lạt treo gió” (air-dried Da Lat persimmons), and from tangy “sấu chín dầm” (ripe dracontomelon in sweet syrup) to the legendary “bánh trung thu” (mooncakes), every bite tells a story of tradition, culture, and seasonal abundance.

Experiencing these treats is not just about satisfying a sweet tooth; it is about connecting with Vietnamese culture and culinary heritage. Whether you are wandering through Ho Chi Minh City or enjoying the cool air of Đà Lạt, autumn in Vietnam presents a unique opportunity to savor Vietnamese cuisine deeply rooted in the rhythms of the land and its festivals.

Cốm – The Star of Autumn Sweets

No discussion of Vietnamese autumn desserts is complete without mentioning cốm (green rice flakes), the ingredient that symbolizes the freshness of early autumn. This humble rice transforms into a variety of sweet delights cherished across the country.

Bánh cốm (green rice cake), perhaps the most iconic, is a soft, chewy rice cake wrapped in delicate green leaves. The sticky texture combined with a sweet mung bean filling creates a harmonious bite that evokes nostalgia and warmth. Often given as gifts during celebrations, bánh cốm is not only a staple of traditional Vietnamese desserts but also traditionally appears on wedding trays, symbolizing prosperity and sweetness in married life. For many Vietnamese children, it is an inseparable part of their childhood, bringing back fond memories of family gatherings and festive occasions.

For those seeking a simpler snack, xôi cốm (sticky green rice) – a mixture of sticky rice and cốm – offers a subtly sweet and aromatic experience. Topped with roasted sesame seeds or fresh coconut shavings, xôi cốm can be enjoyed as a breakfast treat or afternoon snack, showcasing the seasonal abundance in Vietnamese food.

Meanwhile, chè cốm (green rice sweet soup) presents a liquid dessert version of this autumn favorite. Served with coconut milk and sometimes lotus seeds, this sweet soup balances texture and flavor, offering a comforting warmth on cooler days. 

Through these dishes, cốm becomes more than an ingredient; it is a celebration of harvest, craftsmanship, and the poetic rhythm of Vietnamese cuisine.

Persimmons – Sweet, Fragrant, and Versatile

Autumn also brings the arrival of hồng (persimmons), which come in a variety of forms and flavors. Fresh persimmons, known as hồng tươi (fresh persimmons), are eaten as-is, offering a crisp, juicy sweetness that perfectly complements the season’s cooling air.

For a more traditional treat, hồng Đà Lạt treo gió (air-dried Da Lat persimmons) – persimmons dried in the highlands of Đà Lạt – are a chewy, naturally sweet delight. Hung to dry in the wind, these persimmons develop a unique texture and concentrated flavor, making them a cherished snack during autumn afternoons. Another variant, hồng mật khô (dried persimmons with concentrated sweetness), features a denser sweetness that pairs wonderfully with tea or is enjoyed on its own. These persimmons exemplify the meticulous care and seasonal awareness intrinsic to Vietnamese culture, transforming simple fruit into a culinary experience.

Whether enjoyed fresh or dried, hồng (persimmons) are a testament to the harmony of flavor, tradition, and the seasonal bounty celebrated in Vietnamese cuisine. As the bright orange fruits ripen and hang from branches or market stalls, persimmons serve as a true symbol of autumn’s arrival in Vietnam. Walking through autumn markets and tasting these fruits is a sensory journey that encapsulates the essence of Vietnamese autumn desserts.

Sấu Chín Dầm – Vietnam’s Tangy and Sweet Autumn Treat

Another special Vietnamese autumn dessert is sấu chín dầm (ripe dracontomelon in sweet syrup). This treat offers a refreshing balance of tartness and sweetness, often enhanced with sugar, salt, or a hint of chili. Served chilled, it is a popular snack to beat the lingering heat of early autumn.

Sấu chín dầm can be enjoyed in small bowls at street stalls, with syrupy juices soaking into every bite. The interplay of flavors exemplifies the creative simplicity found in Vietnamese food, highlighting how seasonal fruits are transformed into delightful, palate-pleasing experiences. 

Many Vietnamese students enjoy it during recess or after classes, making it a popular treat to nibble on while chatting and hanging out with friends. Its sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor is perfect for sharing and enjoying in the lively atmosphere of school life during the autumn season.

Bánh Trung Thu – Mooncakes of 1001 Varieties

Bánh trung thu (mooncakes) carries deep symbolic meaning. The round shape represents unity and completeness, reflecting the gathering of family and friends under the full moon. Sharing mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival is a gesture of goodwill, blessing, and togetherness, making this dessert not only a culinary delight but also a cherished vessel of cultural heritage across generations.

Celebrated throughout Vietnam, these iconic Vietnamese autumn desserts are also beloved for their rich flavors and variety. Mooncakes come in two main types:

• Bánh nướng (baked mooncakes): Characterized by a golden-brown, tender crust, bánh nướng is traditionally filled with lotus seed paste, mung bean paste, or sweetened bean paste, often accompanied by a salted egg yolk at the center. The texture is dense yet soft, with a rich, buttery aroma, making it a favorite for those who enjoy deep, indulgent flavors.
• Bánh dẻo (glutinous mooncakes): Made from soft glutinous rice flour, bánh dẻo has a smooth, chewy texture and a delicate sweetness. Traditional fillings include lotus seed paste, mung bean, and coconut, often lightly perfumed with osmanthus or pandan. Its soft, melt-in-the-mouth quality contrasts with the firmer bánh nướng, offering a different but equally beloved tasting experience.

Some artisanal bakers also experiment with colorful designs, unique crust flavors, or mixed textures, creating a multitude of unique mooncake experiences for both locals and visitors.

Yet beyond the creativity, the heart of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam has always belonged to children. Mooncakes were made so that, on the brightest night of the year, little ones could gather to enjoy the festive feast, join lantern parades, and play under the moonlight – until their laughter echoed under the full moon, their hands sticky with cakes, their eyes glowing brighter than the lanterns they carried. For generations, this has been the true meaning of the Mid-autumn festival: a celebration of childhood, of innocence, and of hope for the future. With every bite of mooncake, one tastes not only sweetness but also the warmth of family, the joy of community, and the timeless rhythm of Vietnamese traditions.

A Season of Sweets and Upcoming Celebrations

Autumn in Vietnam is a season to indulge in nature’s bounty, when the air turns crisp, leaves begin to turn golden, and markets brim with seasonal treasures. Vietnamese autumn desserts capture the essence of this vibrant season, offering a sensory journey through textures, flavors, and centuries-old traditions. From the tender, fragrant “cốm” that melts in your mouth, to the rich, intricate “bánh trung thu”, and the naturally sweet “hồng Đà Lạt treo gió”, to the tart-sweet flavour of “sấu chín dầm”, each treat is a story waiting to be tasted, a reflection of the harvest, and a celebration of Vietnamese culinary heritage.

This autumn brings more than just indulgent flavors. VLS is thrilled to host a series of charity-cultural events in September and October, celebrating these traditional sweets while supporting meaningful causes in the community. Attendees can enjoy the seasonal delicacies, explore the cultural stories behind each treat, and experience the festive spirit that unites people through taste, tradition, and giving. These events offer a unique way to immerse oneself in Vietnamese culture and cuisine, connect with like-minded enthusiasts, and contribute to charitable initiatives, all in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

Why Vietnamese Language Studies (VLS)?

At VLS, learning Vietnamese is more than mastering words and grammar; it’s an immersive journey into Vietnamese culture, lifestyle, and traditions. Our experienced teachers bring authentic insights from across Vietnam, blending language instruction with a deep understanding of local customs, culinary arts, seasonal festivals, and social etiquette. This approach equips you not only with linguistic skills but also the confidence to navigate daily life, engage in meaningful conversations, and fully enjoy Vietnam’s rich cultural calendar, from bustling markets to seasonal celebrations.

VLS offers a supportive and engaging community where students can practice, explore, and connect with like-minded learners. By joining VLS, you gain access to unique experiences that make language learning tangible — whether it’s appreciating the stories behind Vietnamese autumn desserts, understanding cultural rituals, or participating in seasonal events that bring traditions to life.

This autumn, don’t just observe — immerse yourself. Join us to savor the flavors of Vietnamese sweets, experience the culture firsthand, and take your first confident step toward mastering Vietnamese at VLS. Sign up now and become part of a vibrant community where language, tradition, and discovery come alive, and where every lesson connects you deeper to the heart of Vietnam.