National Dish Vietnam: Che Dau Xanh (Recipe)
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Discover Che Dau Xanh, Vietnam’s much-loved sweet mung bean pudding! This gentle, comforting dessert brings together tender green mung beans, creamy coconut milk and just enough sugar to round things off. Soft, soothing and surprisingly simple to make, it is the kind of treat that turns up at family gatherings and festive celebrations across the country. Bring a little taste of Vietnam’s dessert culture into your own kitchen.
About Che Dau Xanh
Che Dau Xanh, also known as mung bean pudding, is a traditional Vietnamese dessert made chiefly from mung beans, coconut milk and sugar. It wins people over with its soft, creamy texture and its uncomplicated preparation. Often served at family celebrations and festivals, it holds a special place in Vietnamese culture. The ingredients are inexpensive and easy to find, which makes Che Dau Xanh a firm favourite in many households. With countless variations to explore, this dish is a genuine treat — so let us dive into the world of this wonderful dessert.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 100g dried mung beans
- 400ml coconut milk
- 100g sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Water, for soaking and cooking
Shopping for the ingredients
The ingredients for Che Dau Xanh are easy to track down in well-stocked supermarkets or Asian grocery shops. Be sure to buy dried mung beans, as these form the base of the dessert. Good-quality coconut milk makes a real difference to the flavour, so it is worth choosing a reliable brand. The remaining ingredients, such as sugar and salt, are likely already sitting in your cupboard.
Preparing the dish
Before you start cooking, the mung beans need to soak in water for at least four hours, and ideally overnight. This softens the beans and makes them far quicker to cook. Once the mung beans have soaked, rinse them thoroughly and leave them to drain. A little advance preparation here ensures the dessert comes together smoothly.
Step-by-step instructions
- Tip the soaked mung beans into a pan and cover with water. Bring to the boil over medium heat.
- Simmer for around 20–30 minutes until the beans are soft, stirring regularly and adding more water if needed.
- Add the coconut milk, sugar and salt and stir well. Simmer for a further 10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Take the pan off the heat and let the Che Dau Xanh cool a little. It can be served either warm or chilled.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Che Dau Xanh is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, provided you use pure coconut milk. Keep an eye out for additives in the coconut milk that might contain wheat or dairy. It is worth checking the labels carefully to make sure every ingredient is free from gluten and lactose, so the dessert suits anyone with an intolerance.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
This dish is perfectly suited to vegans and vegetarians, as it contains no animal products at all. Just make sure that everything you buy — the coconut milk in particular — is certified vegan, so you can be confident no animal-derived additives have slipped in. Che Dau Xanh is a simple yet delicious vegan dessert that appeals to just about every palate.
More tips and tricks
To vary the flavour of Che Dau Xanh, you can cook a few pandan leaves along with the beans. These lend the dessert a lovely, distinctive aroma. For a special occasion, garnish your Che Dau Xanh with toasted coconut flakes or a scattering of mung bean seeds. Play around with the ingredients and aromas to find your own perfect version of this dessert.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
If you prefer things less sweet, simply reduce the amount of sugar. For a creamier consistency, add a little more coconut milk. You can also swap in coconut palm sugar in place of ordinary sugar to bring out a gentle, caramel-like flavour. The recipe is wonderfully flexible and easy to tailor to your personal preferences — much like the sweet sticky rice of Xoi Dau Xanh.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have mung beans to hand, you can use peas or red lentils instead. These may need different cooking times, so keep an eye on the consistency as they soften. The coconut milk can also be replaced with almond milk or oat milk, though the flavour will be a little different. Substitutions like these help you adapt the recipe to what you have available.
Drink pairing ideas
Che Dau Xanh goes beautifully with traditional Vietnamese teas such as green tea or jasmine tea. A lemon iced tea or a lightly sweetened soya milk drink also make wonderful partners. For something a bit different, you could even serve it alongside a refreshing coconut water cooler, or round off the meal with the rich Ca Phe Trung egg coffee.
Serving and presentation ideas
An appealing presentation can lift the whole experience. Serve Che Dau Xanh in small bowls or glasses and garnish with toasted coconut flakes or fresh mint leaves. A scattering of edible flowers or a few drops of pandan syrup can make it look truly special. Thoughtful plating turns a humble pudding into an inviting centrepiece.
A bit of history
Che Dau Xanh has a long tradition and is deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture. It began life as a simple, rustic country dish, but over time it has grown into a popular dessert enjoyed across every walk of life. It is often served at festivals such as Tet (Vietnamese New Year), where it symbolises the wish for a sweeter, happier year ahead. This sweet treat sits comfortably within the wider world of Vietnamese cuisine, alongside savoury favourites like Goi Cuon Tom Thit.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Che Dau Xanh
Che Dau Xanh is a simple yet delicious dessert that plays a special role in Vietnamese cooking. With its mild sweetness and creamy texture, it delights people of every age. The recipe’s simplicity and flexibility make it ideal for anyone keen to explore Vietnam’s dessert culture. Give it a try and let its delicious flavours work their magic.
