Chè dập cẩm is a traditional Vietnamese dessert that combines various types of beans, jelly, fruit, tapioca pearls and coconut milk into one refreshing treat. The name dập cẩm means “mixed”, so there is no single correct recipe – each family and region has its own combination of ingredients. Served chilled, often with ice, it is one of the most popular sweet desserts during the hot summer days in Vietnam.
Tea with rice
A refreshing mixed dessert made from beans, tapioca pearls, agar jelly, fruit and a delicate coconut sauce.
🥄 What is Chè xốc cẩm?
The word chè in Vietnamese refers to a wide group of sweet soups, puddings, and desserts. They can be hot or cold and are made with beans, rice, tapioca, fruit, jelly, coconut milk, and other ingredients.
Thập cẩm means “mixed” or “varied.” Chè thập cẩm is not one specific dessert, but a varied combination of several prepared ingredients layered in a glass or bowl.
Why is each cup different?
The ingredients vary by region, season, vendor, and family recipe. Some versions contain more beans, others fruit, pandan jelly, sweet potato, or lotus seeds.
🛒 Ingredients
The quantities are for approximately 4 to 6 servings. You can prepare the individual ingredients in advance and simply layer them before serving.
Base
- 150 g cooked red adzuki beans
- 150 g cooked mung beans
- 100 g tapioca pearls
- 150 g agar jelly, cut into cubes
Coconut sauce
- 400 ml coconut milk
- 50 g sugar or to taste
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 tsp tapioca or cornstarch, optional
Optional accessories
- lotus seeds
- jackfruit, longan or lychee
- sweet potatoes or taro
- crushed ice and syrup to taste
Agar dessert with Thai flower flavor LOBO 115g
Tapioca starch with coconut flavor VINH THUAN 1kg
Dried lotus seeds NBH 150 g
👩🍳 Step by step procedure
If using dried red adzuki beans and mung beans, soak them separately as needed and cook each separately until soft. They should not be mushy. Drain and let cool.
Prepare the tapioca pearls according to the instructions on the package. After cooking, rinse them with cold water. Do not leave them dry for too long, as they will start to stick.
Prepare the agar agar according to the instructions on the package. Pour the mixture into a shallow container, let it set completely, and then cut the jelly into small cubes or thin strips.
In a saucepan, combine the coconut milk, sugar and a pinch of salt. Heat over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Do not boil vigorously. For a thicker sauce, add cornstarch dissolved in a little cold water and heat briefly.
Let the beans, tapioca, agar jelly, and coconut sauce cool before layering. Cold ingredients will retain their texture better.
Layer red beans, mung beans, tapioca pearls and agar jelly in a glass or bowl. Add fruit, lotus seeds or other prepared ingredients to taste. Pour over coconut sauce and add crushed ice.
❄️ How to serve Chè dạc cẩm
Serve the dessert well chilled. Before eating, the individual layers are mixed to combine the sweetness of the beans, the softness of the tapioca, the firmer texture of the agar, and the creamy coconut sauce.
If you don't want to use ice, leave all the prepared ingredients in the refrigerator to cool sufficiently. However, crushed ice creates a lighter and more refreshing consistency typical of street food in Vietnam.
💡 Tips for a great dessert
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chè dạp cẩm have to contain white beans?
No. There is no one set combination of ingredients. In this version, we use red adzuki beans and mung beans, without white beans.
What kind of jelly is used?
Jelly made from agar is suitable. It can be clear, pandan, coconut, fruit or flavored according to the available ingredients.
Can the dessert be prepared in advance?
Yes. You can prepare the beans, tapioca, agar jelly, and coconut sauce in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the cups just before serving.
Is it possible to omit the crushed ice?
Yes. However, the dessert must be well chilled. Without ice, it will be a little thicker and sweeter.
How can the recipe be modified?
You can add jackfruit, longan, lychee, lotus seeds, taro, sweet potatoes, or different types of agar jelly.
🛍️ Raw materials for Chè xốc cẩm
Tapioca pearls, agar, coconut milk, and Asian beans are particularly suitable for preparation. Choose according to the specific recipe and instructions on the package.
.svg)
Add new comment:
Add reply to comment: