Vietnamese dishes like pomelo sweet soup and honeycomb cake rank among the world's best coconut-based foods, according to TasteAtlas.
Vietnam’s diverse culinary scene has once again earned international recognition, with several dishes making their mark on TasteAtlas's list of the 100 best-rated coconut dishes worldwide. The popular food magazine, after analyzing over 590,000 ratings, highlighted a variety of Vietnamese specialties that showcase the creative use of coconut.

At number 33 on the list is che buoi, or pomelo sweet soup, a traditional Vietnamese dessert. This delicacy blends cubed pomelo rind, steamed mung beans, and rich coconut milk to create a thick, flavorful sweet soup. The pomelo's spongy white parts are salted, soaked, boiled, and mixed with sugar and tapioca starch before being combined with the beans and coconut milk, resulting in a satisfying and refreshing dessert.

Ranked 41st is banh bo, or honeycomb cake, a coconut-flavored sponge cake known for its airy texture. Made from rice or tapioca flour, this light and fluffy dessert can be baked or steamed, often enhanced with natural colorings for added appeal.

Representing the Mekong Delta at number 79 is com dua tep rang, or coconut steamed rice with baby shrimp. This dish from Ben Tre is a harmonious blend of rice soaked in coconut juice, steamed inside a coconut with vegetables like carrots, onions, and lotus seeds, and served with caramelized shrimp seasoned in coconut juice. The dish highlights the rich flavors of the region’s abundant coconut.

Banh phu the, or husband and wife cake, ranks at number 90. This translucent dessert, made from tapioca flour, mung beans, sugar, and grated coconut, holds special significance in Vietnamese weddings. Wrapped in pandan leaves and steamed to perfection, it is often given by the groom to symbolize good wishes for the couple’s union.

Close behind at number 91 is banh kep la dua, or coconut pandan waffles. These fragrant waffles are infused with pandan for a bright green color and cooked to crispy perfection in a waffle iron. Variations may include grated coconut for an extra layer of flavor.

While Vietnam’s coconut-infused dishes have made a strong impression, the top spot on the list went to Thailand’s khao soi, a northern Thai coconut soup known for its rich coconut milk and red curry base, served with flat egg noodles and crispy fried noodles. Other highly ranked dishes included Brazil’s bombocado, a dessert made with shredded parmesan and coconut, and Indonesia’s rendang, a spicy coconut-infused meat dish.

Vietnam’s contributions to the global culinary scene continue to showcase its innovative use of coconut, reflecting the versatility and cultural importance of this tropical ingredient in the country’s cuisine.