A Guide to Kẹo Dừa

Fact: In 2009, at the first-ever coconut festival in Vietnam, people created a giant piece of kẹo dừa that weighs up to 600 kilograms (1322.77 lbs).

#134 in Vietnam

Kẹo Dừa: Basic Information

Pronunciation

/kay-oh zua/

Alternative Name(s)

Dish Type

Snacks

Course

Non-course dish

Mealtime

Anytime

Kẹo Dừa: Origin and Region

Origin

Vietnam

Continent’s Region

Southeast Asia

Country’s Region

Southern Vietnam

Associated Region

Ben Tre

Popular Kẹo Dừa Variations

Kẹo Dừa Bến Tre

Kẹo Dừa Lá Dứa

Kẹo Dừa Sầu Riêng

Kẹo Dừa Đậu Phộng

Kẹo Dừa Hạt Điều

Kẹo Dừa Khoai Môn

Kẹo Dừa Cuộn

Kẹo Dừa: Ingredients and Preparation

Main Ingredients

Coconut, brown rice syrup, sugar

Main Cooking Method

Candying

Preparation Process

Grating coconut, extracting milk and cream, adding brown rice syrup and sugar before heating and molding.

Kẹo Dừa: A Deep Dive

Cultural Significance

A popular candy in Vietnam, especially in Ben Tre Province

Taste

Sweet

Texture

Chewy, sticky

Aroma

Mild coconut

Color

Brown, green

Serving Style

In individual wrappers

Serving Temperature

A room temperature

Accompaniment

Tea

Occasions

On any occasions

Seasons

Year-round

Special Diets

Vegan, vegetarian

Calories

507 calories, according to data of MyFitnessPal for a 100-gram serving of Kẹo dừa.

Popularity

Southern Vietnam

Popular Similar Dishes

Kẹo gừng
Kẹo Lạc
Mè Xửng

Popular Dining Area

Local stores and candy shops in Vietnam

Kẹo dừa, or coconut candy, is a Vietnamese specialty from the Ben Tre Province in the country made by combining coconut milk and coconut cream. Thanks to the abundant amount of coconut plants in Ben Tre, traditional kẹo dừa was usually associated with the Mo Cay area.

First created by a woman named Nguyen Thi Ngoc, the candy was first called “kẹo Mỏ Cày” before changing its name to kẹo dừa Bến Tre by Nguyen Thi Vinh in 1970. With the name changed, the kẹo dừa recipe combines coconut milk with maltose and sugar.

Once set and cool, the candy is super sticky and chewy and often comes in a brown color. Additionally, kẹo dừa is also dyed green using pandan leaves for an aromatic taste. Plus, this Vietnamese coconut candy is often wrapped with a thin layer of rice paper mixed with crushed peanuts.

Get ready to explore more about kẹo dừa with various versions of this candy. Then, explore the process of making kẹo dừa before diving into the positive and negative features of eating this coconut candy. Also, I suggest taking a look at the common concerns of kẹo dừa before exploring other candy options of the same concept.

Key Points

Kẹo dừa is a Vietnamese coconut candy from Ben Tre Province.
It was first created by Nguyen Thi Ngoc and later renamed by Nguyen Thi Vinh in 1970.
It has a sticky and chewy texture.

Kẹo Dừa Images

What Are the Variants of Kẹo Dừa?

Kẹo dừa is not simply full of coconut flavor since this candy is also infused with a wide range of flavors for people to explore. Below are 7 most popular variants of kẹo dừa to consider:

Kẹo Dừa Bến Tre

Traditional coconut candy from Ben Tre
Possesses a rich coconut flavor

Kẹo Dừa Lá Dứa

Coconut candy flavored with pandan leaves
Has a unique aroma and green color

Kẹo Dừa Sầu Riêng

Infused with the flavor of durian

Kẹo Dừa Đậu Phộng

Includes peanuts, adding a nutty flavor and crunchy texture

Kẹo Dừa Hạt Điều

Features cashew nuts, providing a creamy, rich taste and additional crunch

Kẹo Dừa Khoai Môn

Made with taro, offering a slightly earthy flavor

Kẹo Dừa Cuộn

A rolled version of kẹo dừa

In case you find kẹo dừa an interesting treat, make sure to fully comprehend this candy by looking into its creation process.

How to Make Kẹo Dừa?

In Vietnam, kẹo dừa is made using a process of cooking coconut with sugar and other ingredients until it reaches a chewy, candy-like consistency. Here’s a general overview of the process:

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

You’ll need grated coconut meat, sugar, and any additional flavors or ingredients specific to the variation you’re making (like pandan leaves for color and aroma, or nuts for added texture).

Step 2: Cook the Mixture

Combine the coconut and sugar in a large pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. The sugar will melt and mix with the coconut, creating a sticky mixture.

Step 3: Add Flavors

If you’re adding any additional flavors (like vanilla extract, pandan extract, or durian paste), incorporate them once the sugar has fully melted and combined with the coconut.

Step 4: Thicken the Mixture

Continue cooking and stirring the mixture until it thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan. This can take some time and requires constant attention to prevent burning.

Step 5: Shape the Candy

Once the mixture is thick and sticky, transfer it to your station. Flatten it into an even layer, and let it cool slightly. While still warm, cut it into small squares or rectangles.

Step 6: Cool and Wrap

Allow the candies to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool. Once cooled, wrap each piece in wax paper or cellophane for storage.

Also, you should explore some of the benefits and drawbacks that people will face when eating this coconut candy from Vietnam.

Pros and Cons of Eating Kẹo Dừa

Before eating kẹo dừa, you should know about the good and bad features of this sweet treat to avoid any unwanted effects:

Pros

Energy Boost: As a candy, it provides a quick source of energy due to its sugar content.
Variety: With different variations available, there’s a range of flavors to explore.
Portable Snack: Its packaging and size make it an easy and convenient snack to carry, perfect for on-the-go moments.

Cons

High Sugar Content: Kẹo dừa is high in sugar, which can be a concern for those monitoring their sugar intake.
Sticky Texture: The chewy, sticky texture might not be appealing to everyone and can be a dental concern, especially for those with braces or dental work.

To know more about this coconut candy in Vietnam, I suggest taking a peek at the inquiries related to kẹo dừa.

Kẹo Dừa FAQs

Yes, when stored properly in a cool, dry place, it can last for several weeks or months.

Traditional recipes are vegan, as they contain no animal products.

While the basic version is nut-free, some variations with peanuts or cashews might not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Yes, it’s a popular and traditional gift, especially for those visiting from regions known for their coconut production.

Similar Dishes of Kẹo Dừa

Kẹo Gừng

Kẹo gừng is a Vietnamese ginger candy possessing a spicy, sweet, and slightly chewy profile.

Kẹo Lạc

Kẹo lạc is a Vietnamese peanut candy characterized by its crunchy texture and sweet, nutty flavor.

Mè Xửng

Mè xửng is a traditional Vietnamese candy made from sesame seeds, peanuts, and maltose, known for its sweet, chewy texture.

Explore 10 Delicious Dishes That Start With the Letter K

Explore Most Popular Vietnamese Dishes

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

Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

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.