The 16-bowl Platter Priced At 142,000 VND In Ho Chi Minh City Surprised Foreign Visitors

A unique street food experience in Ho Chi Minh City recently left two Western travelers in awe. Not only because of the generous portion size described as “enough for ten people,” but also due to its rich flavors and incredibly affordable price.

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An Unexpected Vietnamese Street Food Discovery

During their trip through Vietnam, British couple Silke and Kieran visited several must-see destinations and delighted in various local dishes, from delicate steamed rice rolls to fragrant beef noodle soup and shredded dried beef salad. But it was a humble street dessert that made a deep and lasting impression on them: a 16-dish dessert platter served in small individual bowls known locally as che mam in Ho Chi Minh City.

Silke and Kieran explores che mam in Ho Chi Minh City

While exploring Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant sidewalk food scene, the couple stumbled upon a small dessert stall nestled beside an older apartment complex on Van Hanh Street in the District 10 area. Drawn by the bustle and aroma, they decided to try something new: a platter of assorted sweet soups and treats displayed in tiny bowls.

After looking at the menu, the pair ordered what was described as a two-person serving… but what arrived surprised them both. When the server carried out a large tray with 16 bowls of dessert, they couldn’t help but wonder if there had been a mistake. “Is this really for just two people?” Kieran asked with disbelief. “It looks like it could feed a whole group!”

Silke laughed, equally taken aback. “Are we supposed to eat all of this? I might have to invite some new friends just to help us finish,” she joked.

A Platter Packed with Variety and Flavor

The assortment of desserts included a mix of classic Vietnamese sweet soups and ingredients. From creamy coconut and taro to chewy tapioca pearls and earthy beans, all served in miniature portions so that diners could sample a wide range of flavors without overwhelming their palate. Each bowl carried its own unique texture and taste profile: some were thick and velvety, others featured crisp pearls or softly steamed fruit.

The 16 – bowl platter calls “che mam” in Ho Chi Minh City

Kieran, after trying her first few bites, was pleasantly surprised. “I never would have thought that desserts made primarily from beans could taste this good,” she enthused. “But here in Vietnam, the flavors are truly wonderful.”

Silke agreed wholeheartedly, praising not just the taste but also the craftsmanship behind each dish. “The ingredients and textures are impressive. Each bowl offers something a bit different, some are silky sweet, others chewy or lightly spiced, giving you a real festival of taste in every platter.”

Too Much to Eat, but Worth Every Bowl

Despite their best efforts, the couple soon realized they had bitten off more than they could chew: quite literally. They managed to finish around 10 of the 16 offerings before giving up, stuffed and smiling. “We still have two bowls left,” Silke confessed. “Honestly, we’re full. I don’t think we can eat any more.”

Kieran laughed, echoing her partner’s sentiment. “This platter is definitely not for two people, it feels like it’s meant to serve ten!” she said, grinning.

When the check arrived, both were even more astonished: the entire 16-dish dessert platter came to only 142,000 VND, roughly equivalent to a modest price by Western standards. “That’s an incredible deal,” Kieran said, chuckling. “I’m certain I’ll be full until tomorrow!”

The British couple is surprised of flavor

A Family Legacy Behind the Famous Dessert Platter

According to the dessert stall’s owner, Ms. Angela Nguyen whose family has been serving these sweet soups for decades said that the tradition had began with her grandmother, who sold hot sweet soups before 1975 with a handful of familiar favorites like bean sweet soup and banana with tapioca dessert.

Over the years, new generations expanded the offerings. Angela’s mother introduced more varieties, and Angela herself continued that legacy by adding yet more creative combinations inspired by changing local tastes. Today, the stall boasts 16 distinct sweet soup varieties, making it one of the most diverse dessert experiences in Ho Chi Minh city’s bustling street food culture.

Because the desserts are presented together on a single large tray, locals began referring to the offering as a “dessert platter” that has become beloved not only among residents but increasingly among curious travelers.

Each small bowl typically costs between 8,000 to 12,000 VND, and customers can mix and match according to their appetite. While some may choose just a few bowls, others, like Silke and Kieran, might be tempted to try them all!

Regular patrons also praise the balanced sweetness and moderate richness of the desserts, which means even with so many servings, the experience remains satisfying without feeling overly heavy.

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