Tea Time Delights: 12 Best Vietnamese Treats to Pair with Tea
When it comes to Vietnamese tea, the delicate and premium flavors immediately come to mind. But what could be more enticing than enjoying this tea with some sweet and perfectly paired traditional cakes and candies? Let's explore some delicious options that go perfectly with unique Vietnamese tea, creating an unforgettable culinary experience!
Best 12 Vietnam specialty treats to enjoy with tea
1. Phuc Linh Cake
Phuc Linh cake, a culinary symbol of Hue, is not only a unique delicacy but also the epitome of craftsmanship and sophistication. Made from natural ingredients such as tapioca flour, coconut milk, and pandan leaves, biting into a piece of this pure white cake will instantly melt the sweet taste on your tongue. Pairing Phuc Linh cake with a sip of pure lotus tea promises an unforgettable culinary experience.
2. Sesame Candy Rolls
Sesame candy rolls are another delightful option to enjoy with tea. These sweet candies, with their chewy texture of malt, along with the nutty and crispy taste of peanuts and sesame seeds, create a perfect harmony when paired with lotus-infused tea from the Imperial City of Hue.
3. Green Bean Cakes
Green bean cakes, a specialty of Vietnam from Hai Duong province, carry the distinctive rich and sweet taste of green beans, ensuring satisfaction for those with a sweet tooth. When combined with tea, the refreshing flavor of green tea complements the rich texture of the cake, creating a wonderful fusion of flavors.
4. Rolled Banana Candy
Rolled banana candy boasts the sweet flavor of bananas, combined with a hint of spiciness from ginger and the creamy crunch of peanuts. Crafted skillfully from fresh bananas, peanuts, ginger, and coconut milk, this candy offers a diverse and enticing flavor profile. Tea and rolled banana candy promise to be a harmonious and delightful pairing.
5. Green Rice Flake Cakes
Green rice flake cakes are a traditional Vietnamese delicacy made from glutinous rice, green rice flakes, and mung beans, carrying the characteristic aroma of the Red River Delta. The fragrant scent of rice, when enjoyed with tea, creates a refreshing and harmonious combination.
6. Nuts and Sweet Preserves
Nut snacks rich in fatty acids and fiber are an excellent choice for an afternoon snack. Enjoying tea with nuts helps to reduce the richness of nuts thanks to the refreshing taste of tea. Similarly, sweet preserves complement tea exceptionally well, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
7. Pork Sausage Cake
Pork sausage cake, a signature dish of Hanoi, is made from pork fat, Chinese sausage, and lime leaves. While this cake is considered savory, it is still delicious when enjoyed with tea. Enjoying pork sausage cake with a cup of green or white tea creates a unique and appealing culinary experience.
8. Assorted Chocolates
Chocolates are a delightful treat that pairs well with various types of tea. From soft nama chocolates to rich dark chocolates, each type offers a special flavor experience. Chus recommends trying oolong tea with white chocolate or black tea with dark chocolate for a satisfying taste sensation.
9. Mooncakes
Mooncakes come in various fillings, from sweet mung bean and taro to savory pork, chicken, and Chinese sausage. Many people enjoy tea with mooncakes, as the lightness of the tea helps balance the richness of the cakes and aids digestion due to their high energy and fat content. To fully enjoy the flavor of mooncakes, try pairing them with premium teas such as lotus seed tea, snow Shan tea, or high-quality floral-scented teas like pomelo flower tea.
10. Sweet Pastries
The combination of sweet pastries and tea is a familiar sight at Western-style afternoon tea gatherings. Black tea, with its mild bitterness and sweet aroma, pairs well with a variety of sweet treats such as cakes, brownies, and macarons.
11. Sour Preserved Fruits
Preserved fruits, also known as "omai" or "xi muoi," are a traditional type of preserve made from sour fruits. Some popular varieties include plum, apricot, cherry, and apple. The unique blend of sour, salty, and sweet flavors in preserved fruits creates a diverse and harmonious taste experience. Enjoying preserved fruits with tea helps balance and enhance their flavors. Preserved fruits are particularly well-suited for pairing with green, white, or oolong teas rather than black or Pu'er teas.
12. Biscuits
Crunchy biscuits are a delicious and easy-to-enjoy snack. Biscuits come in a variety of flavors and textures depending on the ingredients and baking method. From buttery shortbread to fragrant floral cookies or nutritious grain biscuits, each type offers its own unique flavor profile and pairs well with tea. Whether it's green tea, oolong tea, or white tea, all teas are sure to complement biscuits perfectly.
In conclusion
We hope you have discovered a variety of delicious cakes, candies, and preserves that are perfect for enjoying with tea. At Chus, you can find a selection of premium teas from reputable vendors, all guaranteed to be of high quality, sourced from specialty tea regions in Vietnam such as Thai Nguyen, Ha Giang, Da Lat, and many others. Additionally, you can also find high-quality handmade cakes, candies, and preserves, offering the perfect combination for a unique and delightful tea experience. Visit Chus to explore!
