Mè Xửng

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

Lastest Updated May 27, 2024
Verified by A-Z Cuisines Team
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Fact: During the final era of the Nguyen family in Vietnam, mè xửng was used as a gift by people in Hue.

Flag of Vietnam#135 in Vietnam

Basic Information

Mè Xửng: Basic Information

Pronunciation

/meh soong/

Alternative Name(s)

Kẹo mè xửng

Dish Type

Snacks

Course

Non-course dish

Mealtime

Anytime
Origin and Region

Mè Xửng: Origin and Region

Origin

Vietnam

Continent’s Region

Southeast Asia

Country’s Region

Nationwide Origin

Associated Region

Thua Thien Hue
Vietnam Map
A Deep Dive

Popular Mè Xửng Variations

Ingredients and Preparation

Mè Xửng: Ingredients and Preparation

Main Ingredients

Brown rice syrup, tapioca starch, sesame seeds

Main Cooking Method

Candying

Preparation Process

Heat the brown rice syrup before adding tapioca starch, and then incorporate it into a mixture of sesame seeds.
A Deep Dive

Mè Xửng: A Deep Dive

Cultural Significance

A traditional candy of Hue

Taste

Sweet

Texture

Chewy, crunchy

Aroma

Nutty

Color

Golden brown or amber

Serving Style

In plastic wrappers

Serving Temperature

At room temperature

Accompaniment

Tea

Occasions

On any occasions

Seasons

Year-round

Special Diets

Vegan, vegetarian

Calories

410 calories, according to data of MyFitnessPal for a 100-gram serving of Kẹo mè xửng

Popularity

Vietnam (especially in the Central region)

Popular Similar Dishes

  1. Kẹo Gương
  2. Cu Đơ
  3. Chè Lam

Popular Dining Area

Local stores and vendors in Vietnam, usually in the Central region

Mè xửng, commonly known as kẹo mè xửng, is a traditional Vietnamese sesame candy that originates from Hue City in Central Vietnam. This candy is a simple combination of peanuts and sesame seeds wrapped around a candy mix of maltose with tapioca starch.

Me Xung Overview

Typically, this candy is cut into square pieces and wrapped in plastic wrappers. Thanks to the maltose, the candy has a certain flexibility, being able to return to its original shape after bending. Alternatively, the crunchy version, known as mè xửng giòn, has less sugar content and is covered with a layer of grilled rice crackers.

As a specialty of Hue, tourists often purchase mè xửng as a gift. In Hue, the population even has a tradition of pairing mè xửng with tea while reading books at the same time.

Explore some of the popular versions of mè xửng before finding out the process of creating this candy. Then, don’t miss exploring the pros and cons of consuming mè xửng, along with common inquiries related to it. Also, you should explore some more dishes that are similar to mè xửng.

Key Points

  • Mè xửng is a sesame candy from Hue City in Central Vietnam.
  • The candy is cut into square servings and wrapped in plastic wrappers.
  • Mè xửng is flexible due to the maltose content

Mè Xửng Images

What Are the Variants of Mè Xửng?

Mè xửng offers various versions simply by adjusting the ingredient composition. Here are 3 common variations of this sweet treat:

Me Xung Gion

Features a crispier, crunchier texture
Has less sugar than the chewy version

Me Xung Guong

Known for its glossy, shiny appearance

Me Xung Den

Made with black sesame seeds
Offering a distinct flavor and darker color

Then, explore the process of bringing mè xửng to life by Vietnamese locals using interesting cooking procedures.

How Mè Xửng Is Made?

Mè xửng is made differently depending on the elements that contribute to this sweet candy. For that, let me introduce you to a general process of making mè xửng:

Step 1: Ingredient Preparation

Gather sesame seeds, peanuts, maltose, tapioca starch, and any additional flavorings or ingredients specific to the recipe.

Step 2: Roasting Sesame Seeds and Peanuts

Roast the sesame seeds and peanuts separately until they are golden brown. This enhances their flavor and crunchiness.

Step 3: Making the Candy Base

Cook maltose with a little water and tapioca starch over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes thick and transparent.

Step 4: Combining Ingredients

Once the candy base is ready, mix in the roasted sesame seeds and peanuts. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the candy mixture.

Step 5: Shaping the Candy

Pour the hot mixture onto a flat, greased surface or into a mold. Flatten it to the desired thickness.

Step 6: Cutting and Wrapping

Once slightly cooled and solidified, cut the candy into square or rectangular pieces.

Step 7: Cooling and Setting

Allow the candies to cool completely at room temperature. This step is crucial for the candy to set and develop the right texture. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap to preserve freshness and prevent sticking.

Also, make sure you don’t miss the benefits and drawbacks that this candy offers, especially when you’re looking to get mè xửng for your next trip to Vietnam.

Pros and Cons of Eating Mè Xửng

When you’re looking to consume mè xửng, make sure to consider these features closely:

Pros

  • Energy Boost: Being a confectionery item, it provides a quick source of energy, making it a convenient snack.
  • Portable and Non-Perishable: Its solid, non-perishable nature makes it easy to store and carry, ideal for snacking on the go.
  • Long Shelf Life: Due to its sugar content and lack of moisture, Mè Xửng typically has a long shelf life, making it a convenient snack to keep on hand.

Cons

  • Dental Concerns: Its sticky, chewy texture can be tough on teeth, potentially leading to dental issues like cavities, especially if dental hygiene is not maintained.
  • High in Sugar and Calories: Mè xửng is quite high in sugar and calories, which might not be suitable for those monitoring their sugar intake or calorie consumption.

Next, find out what are some of the common concerns that people often have about mè xửng.

Mè Xửng FAQs

Yes, as its primary ingredients are gluten-free, but it’s always best to check the specific product for any additional ingredients.

When stored properly, it can last several months due to its sugar content and low moisture.

While it contains nutritious ingredients like sesame seeds and peanuts, its high sugar content means it should be consumed in moderation.

It should be stored in a cool, dry place, preferably in an airtight container, to maintain its chewiness.

No, it’s not safe for those with nut allergies due to the presence of peanuts in some versions.

Yes, it’s typically suitable for vegetarians and vegans as it doesn’t contain animal products.

Similar Dishes of Mè Xửng

Keo Guong

Kẹo gương is a Vietnamese transparent candy, traditionally flavored with ginger and made from malt.

Cu Do

Cu đơ is a Vietnamese candy bar combining peanuts, sesame seeds, and molasses sandwiched between rice crackers.

Che Lam

Chè lam is a Vietnamese sweet treat made from sticky rice, ginger, and molasses or sugar.

Truc Tran (Kris)

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.

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