2026 Ho Chi Minh City chè recommendations | Ngọc Thạch Quán District 1 Hanoi-style dessert guide

After-dinner chè options in District 1

After sightseeing and eating pho or seafood in Ho Chi Minh City, if you want a place to sit and slowly enjoy desserts, Ngọc Thạch Quán (Q1) is a convenient choice. The shop is located around Nguyễn Thái Bình in District 1 and specializes in northern Vietnamese Hanoi-style chè. In Chinese it’s often called Vietnamese “sugar water,” but it’s more than just sweet liquid — it combines beans, coconut milk, jelly, sticky rice, tropical fruits and various toppings in one bowl, giving a richer texture than ordinary sweet soups.

The shop address is 57 Trần Hưng Đạo, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, and it’s relatively convenient to get there from Bến Thành Market, Phạm Ngũ Lão Street or The Café Apartment area. Public information shows opening hours around 09:30–23:00, suitable for cooling down in the afternoon or coming after dinner. However, during peak times turnover is faster and evenings can be busy, so you may need to wait; if you want to try many varieties, avoid ordering too close to closing time.

How to order on your first visit?

Ngọc Thạch Quán offers many choices; the official online menu lists about 72 dessert items, including Khúc Bạch (almond panna cotta), Chè Bưởi (pomelo chè), Tàu Hũ (tàu hũ / tofu pudding), caramel flan, coconut milk desserts, yogurt and various jelly combinations. On your first visit you don’t need to order too much — pick one bowl by flavor and share different toppings with companions.

If you like milky and silky textures, try the caramel flan series. The caramel flan itself is more like the Vietnamese version of flan; paired with coconut milk, jelly, beans or fruit, the sweetness and textures build layers. The caramel-flavored chè in the photos has a pronounced caramel aroma and suits those who like crème caramel.

If you prefer something lighter, consider the tàu hũ series, such as black tea caramel, golden, matcha or coconut milk pairings. The soft tofu melts in your mouth, and with glistening jelly, coconut milk and crunchy toppings it’s overall lighter than eating flan alone.

Durian, coconut milk and the特色 of Vietnamese chè

The shop also has many durian, coconut milk and tropical fruit flavors. Durian lovers can look out for the special edition durian chè or durian-coconut milk desserts; the durian flavor is more pronounced, and when paired with chilled coconut milk it gives a strong fruity aroma. If your companions don’t eat durian, choose coconut water, coconut milk, jackfruit, lotus seed or mung bean pairings so everyone can share.

In terms of price, the official menu shows most desserts around 33,000–62,000 越南盾, about HK$10–19（NT$43–81／人民幣¥9–18）; tàu hũ and common caramel series are around 40,000–53,000 越南盾, about HK$12–16（NT$52–69／人民幣¥11–15）. Drinks and snacks have different price points; overall it’s a relatively budget-friendly dessert option in District 1.

Where to fit it into a District 1 itinerary?

This chè shop is ideal after dinner — visit Bến Thành Market, Nguyễn Huệ walking street or Phạm Ngũ Lão first, then come for a bowl of chilled dessert. With many varieties it’s also good for a few friends to each order one to sample together. Note that Vietnamese desserts sometimes include extra coconut milk or syrup; if you don’t like very sweet items, ask when ordering if the sweetness can be adjusted, or choose fruit, coconut water and tàu hũ pairings.

If your feet feel tired after shopping, you can relax first at Win Royal Spa. The shop is located at 48 Lê Thị Hồng Gấm, District 1, open daily 09:00–22:00 — after a Vietnamese head-wash massage, going nearby for chè will be more comfortable than walking around continuously.

Overall, the advantages of Ngọc Thạch Quán are wide selection, affordable prices, open until late, and a location that fits well after District 1 sightseeing. On your first visit to Ho Chi Minh City, start with caramel flan, tàu hũ or coconut milk jelly, then try durian and Hanoi-style chè according to the textures you prefer.