Kẹo dừa

Coconut candy, known as "kẹo dừa" in Vietnamese, hails from the Bến Tre province, often referred to as the "Land of Coconut." This delightful treat is crafted from a blend of coconut milk, coconut cream, malt syrup, and sugar. The precise proportions of these ingredients remain well-guarded secrets among candy makers.

The creation of coconut candy begins with grating fresh coconut flesh to extract the milk and cream. These are combined with syrup and sugar, then heated over fires fueled by coconut shells. The mixture is stirred continuously until it caramelizes. Once ready, the caramelized mixture is poured into molds to cool. After cooling, it is cut into bite-sized pieces and packaged.

Traditionally, each piece of candy was wrapped in edible rice paper and vegetable oil-soaked paper. Nowadays, however, they are often found in heat-sealed foil wrappers for better preservation.

Bến Tre is home to numerous coconut candy manufacturers, which play a significant role in the local economy. While there are many producers, a few big brands dominate the market, with many smaller manufacturers producing candy under licenses for these well-known brands.

Coconut candy is cherished beyond Vietnam's borders; it is also a popular export. You can find it in various countries across Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America.