- Jun 18, 2025
5 Must-Buy Vietnamese Specialty Gifts That'll Wow Everyone
- 1. Vietnamese Chocolate - the pride of "Made in Vietnam"
- 2. Vietnamese Coffee - the flavor of the Central Highlands
- 3. Hanoi Preserved Fruits (O Mai) - childhood flavors of the capital
- 4. Con Dao Sea Almond Seeds - a one-of-a-kind specialty
- 5. Dried Specialties - Vietnamese specialty gifts showcasing culinary essence from all regions
- Secrets to choosing and preserving quality specialties
- Transportation and storage notes during your journey
- Wrap it up
When your summer vacation in Vietnam comes to an end, choosing Vietnamese specialty gifts to bring back and share with family and friends is always a top concern for many travelers. Instead of buying imported souvenirs from far away, why not choose "Made in Vietnam" specialties that carry the essence of our homeland - delicious and meaningful at the same time?
After surveying the market and gathering opinions from experienced travelers, CHUS has selected the 5 most outstanding Vietnamese specialty gifts. From "world-class" chocolate to traditional specialties, each item has its own story and deep cultural value.
Discover the top 5 most outstanding Vietnamese gifts for your summer trip
1. Vietnamese Chocolate - the pride of "Made in Vietnam"
Who says good chocolate only comes from Belgium or Switzerland? Vietnamese chocolate is now making the world take notice. Many Vietnamese chocolate brands have gained international recognition and are exported to dozens of countries worldwide. This is the perfect choice on the list of Vietnamese specialty gifts that travelers are hunting for.
Vietnamese chocolate is becoming the most beloved Vietnamese specialty gift
What makes Vietnamese chocolate special
Made from 100% Vietnamese cacao from famous regions like Ben Tre, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, and Dong Nai. The handcrafted process following the "bean-to-bar" method helps preserve the natural flavor of cacao.
Unique combinations
Vietnamese chocolate doesn't stop at pure cacao flavor but also combines with Vietnam's signature ingredients like Phu Quoc pepper, tamarind, black sesame, pandan leaves, creating completely new taste experiences.
Nutritional value
Vietnamese dark chocolate contains high cacao content from 60-85%, rich in antioxidants, good for cardiovascular health and brain function.
2. Vietnamese Coffee - the flavor of the Central Highlands
Vietnam is the world's second-largest coffee exporter, and Buon Ma Thuot Robusta is the brightest "star." Grown on the fertile red basalt soil of the Central Highlands, Vietnamese Robusta coffee has a rich, strong bitter taste and caffeine content twice that of Arabica. Coffee is one of the most internationally recognized Vietnamese specialty gifts.
Central Highlands coffee carries the distinctive flavor of mountains and forests
Outstanding characteristics
Buon Ma Thuot Robusta coffee has a distinctive aroma of chocolate and caramel, a rich bitter taste without being harsh, and a naturally sweet aftertaste. This is the type of coffee used by many top espresso shops worldwide to create beautiful crema layers.
Da Lat Arabica - refined and elegant
In contrast to the strong Robusta, Da Lat Arabica offers a gentle flavor with natural acidity and fruity, floral aromas. Grown at altitudes above 1,000m, Da Lat Arabica coffee suits those who prefer more delicate flavors.
3. Hanoi Preserved Fruits (O Mai) - childhood flavors of the capital
Hanoi preserved fruits are not just familiar snacks but also cultural symbols of the thousand-year-old capital. From tiny preserved plums to sweet and sour varieties, from salted lime preserved fruits to tamarind ones, each type has its own distinctive flavor and has become a Vietnamese specialty gift with strong traditional values.
Hanoi preserved fruits - traditional snacks of the capital's people
Traditional processing method
Preserved fruits are made from the finest fresh plums. After removing the pits, they are marinated with salt, sugar, tamarind, lime, and secret spices. The marinating process can last from several days to weeks to create rich flavors.
Nutritional value
Preserved fruits contain lots of vitamin C and fiber, helping with good digestion and cooling the body during hot summer days. This is also a snack favored by pregnant women to reduce nausea.
4. Con Dao Sea Almond Seeds - a one-of-a-kind specialty
Roasted Con Dao sea almond seeds are an extremely unique specialty found only on this island. The almond seeds look like rice grains but are 4-5 times larger, pointed at both ends, with a deep yellow silky shell. With their uniqueness and deep historical significance, Con Dao almond seeds are Vietnamese specialty gifts that many travelers seek.
Con Dao almond seeds carry within them a tragic yet heroic historical story
A touching story
The almond trees of Con Dao not only provide shade but are also linked to the nation's tragic yet heroic history. Dried almond leaves were once used by prisoners in the old Con Dao prison to fight against cold and heat, and even used to write letters and send messages in prison.
Special flavor
Almond seeds come in two main preparations: salt-roasted and sugar-roasted. When you taste them, you'll experience a rich, buttery, crispy texture mixed with a slightly salty or sweet taste depending on the type, creating an unforgettable sensation on your tongue.
5. Dried Specialties - Vietnamese specialty gifts showcasing culinary essence from all regions
Ca Mau Dried Shrimp - the "white gold" of the Mekong Delta
Ca Mau dried shrimp is made from field shrimp that grow naturally under the canopy of mangrove forests, with firmer and sweeter meat than other types of shrimp. Not only used for cooking, Ca Mau dried shrimp can also be eaten directly as a nutritious snack. This is one of the Vietnamese specialty gifts most loved by travelers from the South.
Ca Mau dried shrimp with distinctive "white gold" quality
Ha Giang Kitchen-Smoked Buffalo Meat - mountain forest flavors
This is a specialty of the Black Thai people, processed using traditional methods by hanging the meat above the kitchen to slowly smoke for months. The meat has a chewy texture, smoky aroma, and rich flavor, perfect as a snack or eaten with rice.
Da Nang Dried Beef - coastal specialty
Beef is marinated with Central region's distinctive spices along with spicy chili, then dried to create an irresistibly delicious flavor. This is a snack loved by office workers and also an excellent choice on the list of Vietnamese specialty gifts.
Dried beef is marinated with Central region's distinctive spices along with spicy chili
Da Nang Tamarind Glazed Squid - unique seafood specialty
Da Nang tamarind glazed squid is a delicious and appealing seafood specialty made from dried squid marinated with tamarind, sugar, chili, and spices. The dish has a perfect blend of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors, creating a rich and irresistible taste. The chewy, sweet squid meat combined with thick, deep red tamarind sauce is very appetizing.
Secrets to choosing and preserving quality specialties
Golden rules when buying specialties
- Check origin and source Always prioritize products with clear labels, produced in regions famous for those specialties. For example: chocolate must originate from Marou or Pheva, Robusta coffee must be from Buon Ma Thuot. Choosing the right origin ensures you get authentic and highest quality Vietnamese specialty gifts.
- Pay attention to expiration dates and packaging Especially important for chocolate and coffee - products easily affected by humidity and temperature. Choose products that are carefully packaged with long expiration dates.
- Try before buying With specialties like preserved fruits and almond seeds, shops usually let customers try before deciding to buy. This is the best way to assess quality.
Careful selection will help you get the most meaningful gifts
Effective preservation methods
Chocolate: Store at 15-18°C, avoid direct sunlight and high humidity. Can be kept in the refrigerator during summer.
Coffee: Store in airtight containers in dry, cool places. Avoid placing near strong-smelling spices as coffee easily absorbs odors.
Dried specialties: Keep in dry places, can be refrigerated to extend shelf life.
Proper storage will maintain the fresh flavor of specialties
Transportation and storage notes during your journey
Aviation regulations
Chocolate: No special restrictions, but should be carefully packaged to avoid melting.
Coffee: Allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. Should be packaged securely to avoid spilling.
Dried specialties: Follow regulations for dried foods, pack tightly to avoid odors affecting other luggage.
Storage during travel
Use thermal bags: For chocolate on hot days.
Avoid impacts: Especially with products in glass packaging or fragile items.
Check regularly: To ensure products aren't damaged during transport. Careful handling will help your Vietnamese specialty gifts reach recipients in perfect condition.
Pack carefully to protect specialties throughout the journey
Wrap it up
Are you looking for quality and meaningful specialty gifts?
Don't worry! Visit CHUS right away to explore our diverse and rich collection of Vietnamese specialties. CHUS will help you find authentic, high-quality Vietnamese specialty gifts at the most reasonable prices.
