Chè Bà Ba: Basic Information
Pronunciation
Alternative Name(s)
Dish Type
Course
Mealtime
Popular Variations
Chè Bà Ba: Origin and Region
Origin
Continent’s Region
Country’s Region
Associated Region
Chè Bà Ba: Ingredients and Preparation
Main Ingredients
Main Cooking Method
Preparation Process
Chè Bà Ba: A Deep Dive
Cultural Significance
Taste
Texture
Aroma
Color
Serving Style
Serving Temperature
Accompaniment
Occasions
Seasons
Special Diets
Calories
Popularity
Popular Similar Dishes
- Bubur Cha Cha
- Thapthim Krop
- Cendol
- Halo-halo
- Tong Sui
Popular Dining Area
Chè bà ba, also known as chè thưng, is a traditional Vietnamese sweet dessert soup hailing from the southern region.
It consists of coconut milk, sugar, mung beans, and chopped tubers like taro, cassava, and sweet potatoes.
There can be additional add-ons to chè bà ba, such as bột báng (tapioca grains), bananas, dried fruits, condensed milk, lotus seeds, etc. Chè bà ba sold as street food can have multiple extra ingredients.
Stay tuned for the intriguing story behind the origin of chè bà ba. I will also delve into the advantages and disadvantages of this dessert before covering commonly asked questions and recommending similar dishes.
Key Points
What Is the Origin of Chè Bà Ba?
There are two popular theories concerning how chè bà ba, which originated in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) in the 20th century, acquired its name.
The first one says that chè bà ba was first sold by a woman who was the third child in her family, and the name literally means “Ms. Third’s sweet soup.” Referring to somebody by their birth order is a popular custom in Vietnam, hence the name.
The second theory speculates that chè bà ba derived its name from áo bà ba, a local garment. Áo bà ba was, in turn, named after the Baba Nyonya (or the Peranakans), an ethnic group of Chinese descent in the Malay Peninsula. Chè bà ba represents Southern Vietnamese heritage as much as áo bà ba, creating the connection.
After shedding some light on the origin of chè bà ba, I will guide you through the upsides and downsides of this dessert soup.
Pros and Cons of Eating Chè Bà Ba
Chè bà ba has the following strengths and weaknesses.
Pros
Cons
After providing you with facts about the pros and cons of chè bà ba, I will go into other aspects of this dessert in the FAQs section.
Truc Tran (Kris)
Senior Food Editor
Expertise
Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert
Education
Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.