The sweet side of Southeast Asia is just as diverse and vibrant as its savory dishes. Across the ASEAN countries, there are a variety of unique and delicious desserts that satisfy sweet cravings while offering a glimpse into local traditions. After consulting with expats who have embraced these cultures, we’ve curated our top three favorite desserts from each ASEAN country. These selections are not only loved by locals but have also become favorites for those living or traveling throughout the region.
1. Thailand
- Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang): A must-try Thai dessert, mango sticky rice features sweet, ripe mangoes served with sticky rice and a drizzle of coconut milk. Expats frequently rave about its perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess, making it a top pick.
- Khanom Buang (Thai Crispy Pancakes): These thin, crispy crepes filled with sweet coconut cream and topped with either sweet or savory ingredients like shredded coconut or egg yolk are a street food favorite that delights many expats.
- Tub Tim Grob (Red Rubies): A refreshing dessert made of crunchy water chestnuts coated in red syrup and served with coconut milk and ice. Expats often mention how it’s the perfect treat on a hot day.
2. Vietnam
- Chè: A broad term for Vietnamese sweet soups or puddings, chè comes in countless varieties, often made with ingredients like mung beans, jellies, and coconut milk. Expats love trying the different versions, with each region offering its own spin on this beloved dessert.
- Bánh Flan: A Vietnamese version of crème caramel, this dessert is smoother and less sweet than its Western counterpart, making it a hit with expats who enjoy a light, silky treat.
- Chuối Chiên (Fried Bananas): Simple yet delicious, fried bananas are a popular street food dessert in Vietnam. The crisp outer layer and soft, sweet banana inside make it a favorite for expats and locals alike.
3. Malaysia
- Cendol: This refreshing dessert is made with shaved ice, coconut milk, green pandan jelly noodles, and palm sugar syrup. Expats often list cendol as their go-to treat on a hot day due to its combination of textures and cooling effect.
- Ais Kacang: Another shaved ice dessert, ais kacang features a mountain of ice topped with red beans, sweet corn, jelly, and a variety of syrups. Its colorful and playful presentation often makes it a favorite among expats.
- Kuih Lapis: A layered steamed cake made from rice flour, kuih lapis comes in vibrant colors and is both fun to eat and visually appealing. Expats appreciate its mildly sweet taste and chewy texture.
4. Indonesia
- Es Teler: A popular Indonesian fruit cocktail made with avocado, jackfruit, coconut meat, and sweetened condensed milk over shaved ice. Expats love the tropical flavors and the refreshing nature of this dessert.
- Dadar Gulung: This green pandan-flavored crepe is filled with sweetened coconut. Expats often rave about its unique flavor and vibrant color, making it a fun treat to try.
- Klepon: These sweet rice cakes filled with palm sugar and coated in grated coconut are a hit among expats for their chewy texture and surprise burst of sweetness.
5. Singapore
- Kueh Salat: A beautifully layered dessert, kueh salat has a glutinous rice base topped with a fragrant, pandan-flavored custard. Expats often enjoy its rich flavor and unique combination of textures.
- Tau Huay (Soybean Pudding): A silky-smooth tofu pudding served with syrup, tau huay is a simple yet comforting dessert that’s light enough to enjoy any time of the day. Many expats find it refreshing and wholesome.
- Ice Kachang: Similar to Malaysia’s ais kacang, ice kachang is a colorful shaved ice dessert topped with a variety of sweet syrups and toppings. Expats appreciate its vibrant presentation and refreshing taste.
6. Philippines
- Halo-Halo: Perhaps the most iconic Filipino dessert, halo-halo is a mix of shaved ice, evaporated milk, ube (purple yam), sweet beans, fruits, and other toppings. Expats love the variety of textures and flavors in this cold, colorful dessert.
- Leche Flan: This rich, creamy caramel custard is a popular dessert in the Philippines. Expats often enjoy its smooth texture and sweetness, making it a staple at celebrations.
- Turon: A crispy fried spring roll filled with banana and sometimes jackfruit, turon is a street food favorite that expats find both comforting and delicious.
7. Brunei
- Kuih Mor: These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are made from flour, butter, and sugar, and are often served during festive occasions. Expats appreciate their simplicity and crumbly texture.
- Wajid: A sticky rice cake flavored with palm sugar and coconut milk, wajid is a popular dessert that’s both rich and sweet. Expats often enjoy its chewy texture and deep caramel flavor.
- Cucur Pisang: These banana fritters are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a favorite among expats for a quick, satisfying snack.
8. Cambodia
- Num Ansom Chek: A sticky rice and banana cake steamed in banana leaves, this dessert is popular during Cambodian festivals. Expats appreciate its simplicity and natural sweetness.
- Banh Chhev: These Cambodian pancakes are made from rice flour and coconut milk and filled with sweet or savory ingredients. The sweet version with coconut and palm sugar is a favorite among expats who enjoy its light, crispy texture.
- Chè Kdam (Crab Sweet Soup): Despite its unusual name, this dessert doesn’t contain crab. Instead, it’s a sweet soup made with coconut cream, sugar, and glutinous rice flour. Expats often find its unique texture and mild sweetness intriguing.
9. Laos
- Khao Nom Kok: These coconut rice pancakes are cooked in a special cast-iron pan, giving them a crispy exterior and soft, creamy center. Expats enjoy their delicate sweetness and unique texture.
- Nam Van: A sweet coconut-based soup filled with tapioca pearls, jelly, and fruits, nam van is a cooling dessert that’s perfect for hot days. Expats often praise its refreshing taste and varied textures.
- Laotian Fried Bananas: Simple yet satisfying, these deep-fried bananas coated in batter are a street food favorite that many expats love for their crispy exterior and soft, sweet inside.
10. Myanmar
- Shwe Yin Aye: A refreshing dessert made with coconut milk, sago pearls, agar jelly, and bread, Shwe Yin Aye is perfect for cooling off in Myanmar’s warm climate. Expats enjoy the unique combination of textures and the mild, sweet flavor.
- Mont Lone Yay Paw: These sticky rice balls are filled with jaggery (palm sugar) and rolled in grated coconut. Expats often mention how they enjoy the surprise burst of sweetness in each bite.
- Semolina Cake (Shwegyi Sanwei Makin): A rich and buttery semolina cake topped with sesame seeds, this dessert is a favorite for its soft, dense texture. Expats love it for its simplicity and satisfying sweetness.
These top dessert picks from each ASEAN country highlight the unique and diverse flavors that define Southeast Asia’s sweet treats. From tropical fruit concoctions to rich custards and sticky rice-based desserts, these indulgences have won the hearts of expats who’ve explored the culinary delights of the region. Whether you’re a fan of refreshing treats or prefer something more decadent, there’s a dessert in ASEAN that will satisfy your sweet tooth!