10 Typical Vietnamese Souvenirs You Must Bring Home
From unique drinks to traditional handicrafts, Vietnam offers a variety of unique souvenirs that are a must-bring home as a memento of your trip.
Vietnam, a country rich in culture and tradition, offers a wide selection of unique souvenirs that can serve as precious keepsakes or special gifts for family and friends.
From mouth-watering traditional foods to stunning handicrafts, Vietnam has plenty of options to bring home a piece of the country’s beauty and rich culture.
In this article, we ’ll cover 10 must-buy Vietnamese Souvenirs when visiting the country. Each of these items not only represents Vietnamese culture but also offers a taste or beauty that is hard to find anywhere else.
1. Coca Cola Vietnam: Unique Flavor Variants
For fans of soft drinks, Coca-Cola Vietnam offers different flavors than what you usually find in other countries. One of them is ginger-flavored Coca-Cola which gives a fresh and warm sensation, perfect for enjoying in cold weather or when it’s raining.
There is also coffee-flavored Coca-Cola, which combines the sweet taste of Coca-Cola with the strong aroma of Vietnamese coffee.
Both of these variants are very popular as souvenirs because of their uniqueness and are easy to find in supermarkets or local shops. If you are looking for a refreshing drink with a local touch, this variant could be the right choice.
2. Lotus Seed Nuts: Healthy and Delicious Snack
Lotus seed nuts are one of the healthy and delicious snacks that are typical Vietnamese souvenirs. Lotus seeds, which have an ivory yellow color, are processed into a light snack similar to jack beans.
Its savory and crunchy taste makes it a favorite snack. In addition to being delicious, lotus seed nuts are also known to be rich in health benefits, because they do not contain harmful ingredients.
Therefore, lotus seed nuts are the right choice for those of you who are looking for healthy and nutritious Vietnamese souvenirs.
3. Vietnamese Coffee: Enjoy the Quality of Local Coffee
Vietnam is known as one of the largest coffee producers in the world, especially robusta coffee. Therefore, Vietnamese coffee is a souvenir that should not be missed.
You can buy various types of Vietnamese coffee directly from the best coffee producing areas such as Trung Nguyen, Arabica, or “Cà Phê Chồn” coffee (Vietnamese civet coffee).
These coffees have a distinctive taste and can be enjoyed in the traditional Vietnamese way, using a small filter to create a richer coffee flavor.
4. Corn Milk: Sweet Drink Made from Corn
Corn Milk is a traditional Vietnamese drink that is currently very popular. With a thick texture like corn porridge, corn milk has a sweet and smooth taste that pampers the tongue.
There are many variants of corn milk that you can find in supermarkets or souvenir shops in Vietnam, and you can take it home in ready-to-drink packaging.
Its unique taste and texture that is different from regular milk make it a refreshing and unique souvenir.
5. Legendary Chocolatier Chocolate: Premium Chocolate from Vietnam
Chocolate from Legendary Chocolatier is a premium chocolate option that you can bring home as a souvenir from Vietnam.
Made from high-quality cocoa beans from Ben Tre, Vietnam, this chocolate has a unique taste thanks to the mixture of local ingredients such as coconut or peanuts.
In addition, Legendary Chocolatier also has a positive impact on local cocoa farmers by supporting sustainable farming practices. This chocolate is not only delicious, but also a great choice to support local products.
6. Thai Binh Cay Cake: Spicy Cake from Thai Binh
Bánh Cay, or Thai Binh spicy cake, is a traditional snack originating from Thai Binh province, Vietnam. Made from glutinous rice, mung beans, sesame seeds, and sugar, Bánh Cay has a sweet taste combined with the spiciness of natural spices.
The cake is known for its crunchy texture on the outside and soft on the inside, making it a delicious and nutritious snack. Its complex and unique taste makes it a very typical souvenir choice from Vietnam.
7. Banh Pia: A Vietnamese Cake Similar to Bakpia
If you are a fan of bakpia, then you will love Bánh Pia, which is the Vietnamese version of this traditional cake. This cake has many flavors, both sweet like soy, and savory like salted egg or egg yolk.
Bánh Pia is usually made from glutinous rice flour dough filled with various ingredients, creating a unique taste. Although there are variants that contain non-halal ingredients, there are many other variants that are suitable for all groups.
8. Coconut Candy: Vietnamese Coconut Candy
sweet souvenir made from grated coconut mixed with sugar and a little pandan to give it a distinctive aroma. The texture is chewy and quite hard, similar to dodol, but with a very strong coconut flavor.
In addition to coconut flavor, there are also candy variants with pandan and durian flavors, providing an interesting variation for fans of exotic flavors.
Coconut Candy is the right choice for those of you who want to bring home the taste of Vietnam in the form of sweets.
9. Ao Dai: Elegant Traditional Clothing
Ao Dai is a traditional Vietnamese dress known for its elegant and graceful designs. Made of silk or cotton, Ao Dai has a long cut that hugs the body beautifully.
This garment is not only available for women, but also for men, with a similar design, namely a long skirt and white pants.
Ao Dai is often worn on formal or cultural occasions, so bringing Ao Dai home as a souvenir is a perfect way to appreciate Vietnamese cultural heritage.
10. Lacquerware Craft: Traditional Vietnamese Lacquer Art
Lacquerware or varnish crafts are one of the most distinctive art products from Vietnam. Made of wood coated with glossy varnish, these crafts are decorated with various beautiful patterns, including floral images or typical Vietnamese paintings.
The shapes can vary, such as plates, bowls, glasses, or vases. Each piece of Lacquerware is made by hand, making it a unique work of art and suitable as an exclusive souvenir.
Vietnam offers a variety of souvenirs that reflect the richness of local culture and traditions. From specialty foods like Typical Vietnam Food, coffee, and lotus seed nuts, to handicrafts like Lacquerware and Ao Dai, the choice of souvenirs from Vietnam is varied.
Not only as a keepsake, but also as a way to take home a little of the uniqueness and beauty of this country. So, make sure you bring home some unforgettable Vietnamese souvenirs on your next trip!