Chè bà ba

Chè bà ba is a delightful Vietnamese dessert that features a sumptuous coconut milk base filled with cubed taro, cassava, and sweet potato. Often, you'll find tapioca pearls blended into the mix, making it a versatile treat that can be enjoyed either warm or chilled.

The origins of chè bà ba are somewhat enigmatic, with several captivating stories circulating. One popular tale suggests that a person nicknamed "Third" created the dessert, hence its name, which translates to "Ms. Third's sweet soup." Another story traces its beginnings to the bustling Bình Tây Market in Ho Chi Minh City. Originally, the dessert included coconut milk, green beans, sweet potato, cassava, and sometimes jujube and lotus seeds.

There's also an endearing anecdote that chè bà ba was the third most popular dish prepared by an elderly lady, possibly explaining the name. Additionally, "bà ba" refers to a traditional type of casual Vietnamese clothing, leading to another theory that the dessert's name could signify "sweet soup sold by vendors wearing bà ba."

Regardless of which story you find most convincing, one thing is certain: chè bà ba is a cherished delicacy that encapsulates the essence of Vietnam's rich culinary heritage.