Food & Receipts

Indulge in the Refreshing Sweetness of Che Thach: A Taste of Old Saigon

In the heart of Saigon lies a gem of a dessert shop, a haven for sweet-toothed foodies - Hiển Khánh Che, a Chinese-inspired dessert house that has been a beloved institution since the 1950s.

Administrator

24 July, 2024

Hidden within humble and modest poems is the story of Hien Khanh Che – a place intertwined with the memories of generations of Saigonese. Established in the 1950s, Hien Khanh has captivated patrons not only with its elegant che flavors but also with the poetry composed by the patrons themselves, adorning the old walls. Join us to explore this delightful spot!

1 Introduction to Hien Khanh Che

Introduction to Hien Khanh Che

Restaurant Quality: 4.5/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: 718 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Ward 1, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM & 1:30 PM – 10:00 PM (Usually crowded at 7:00 PM)

Price Range: 8,000 – 30,000 VND

Phone Number: 02838326493

Website: None

Facebook: None

Delivery: Available (Shopee Food)

Menu: Che with white jelly, mung bean jelly, lotus seed jelly, longan and lotus seed jelly, tub tim (a type of jelly), mung bean ice, thot not (palm fruit) jelly, ginkgo and water chestnut jelly, lychee jelly, ginkgo jelly, and more; phu the cake, la gai cake, com cake, mung bean cake, and more.

Signature Dishes: Che with mixed jelly, sam bo luong (a type of sweet soup), flan, grapefruit che.

Pros: Long-established che shop, unique jasmine-infused syrup, moderately sweet and refreshing che.

Cons: Small space, located near a market which can be noisy.

Nestled in the heart of glamorous Saigon, Hien Khanh Che at 718 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Ward 1, District 3 is a must-visit destination for enthusiasts of traditional che. With over half a century of presence in Saigon, Hien Khanh has captivated patrons with its refreshing and mildly sweet che as well as its cozy and nostalgic ambiance.

The hallmark of Hien Khanh Che lies in its unique syrup made with jasmine flowers, imparting a delicate sweetness and subtle fragrance to the desserts. Patrons are treated to signature che with jelly such as white jelly che, mung bean jelly che, and lotus seed jelly che. Each jelly piece boasts a distinct texture and flavor, blending harmoniously with the rich and mildly sweet syrup, leaving a lasting impression.

While the space is modestly sized, it exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere, reflecting the architectural style of the Hoa people of the past. Despite the constant bustle of customers, the staff remains cordial and enthusiastic, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.

The signature of Hien Khanh Che lies in its unique syrup made with jasmine flowers

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2 What Makes Hien Khanh Che Stand Out?

Hien Khanh Che: The Enchanting Fragrance of Jasmine

Upon entering the shop, patrons are greeted by the enticing che thap cam (mixed che) served in generous portions. Each bowl presents a harmonious blend of soft and chewy white jelly, nutty lotus seeds, crunchy water chestnuts, chewy palm fruit, and sweet longan, complemented by the refreshing jasmine-infused syrup.

According to Ms. Nguyet Minh, the owner, the key to the distinctive flavor of Hien Khanh Che lies in the jasmine flowers. Carefully selected jasmine blossoms are cooked with syrup, resulting in a delicate sweetness and lingering fragrance.

Hien Khanh Che: The Enchanting Fragrance of Jasmine

In addition to che thap cam, the shop offers 22 varieties of che, showcasing creative combinations of familiar ingredients such as jelly, lotus seeds, longan, water chestnuts, and more, paired with yogurt, sam bo luong, and rau cau (another type of jelly).

The price range for the che dishes is between 20,000 and 30,000 VND, making it accessible to a wide range of customers. The owner takes pride in selecting the finest ingredients to ensure the best taste and quality for their patrons’ health.

At Hien Khanh Che, patrons not only indulge in delicious che but also immerse themselves in a nostalgic and cozy atmosphere, savoring Northern-style cakes like com cake, phu the cake, and mung bean cake.

Hien Khanh Che offers a variety of che options

Poetry and Memories at Hien Khanh Che

Concealed within humble verses is the story of Hien Khanh Che, a place intertwined with the memories of generations of Saigonese. Established in the 1950s, Hien Khanh has not only captivated patrons with its elegant che flavors but also with the poetry composed by the patrons themselves, adorning the old walls.

Poetry and Memories at Hien Khanh Che

Through the years, Hien Khanh has retained its simplicity and modesty, much like the poetry penned from the hearts of its patrons. Each poem tells a story, conveying joy and sorrow, and evoking memories associated with the refreshing and sweet che.

For Saigonese, Hien Khanh is not just a place to enjoy che, but also a journey back to the cherished past

To Saigonese, Hien Khanh is not merely a place to indulge in che, but a sanctuary where they reconnect with the past, immersing themselves in humble and heartfelt poetry. It preserves the beautiful memories of old Saigon and its warm and hospitable people.

Frequently asked questions

Che Thach is a traditional Vietnamese dessert, originating from Saigon. It is a sweet and refreshing treat, made with layers of coconut milk, jelly, and crushed ice.

The main ingredients in Che Thach are coconut milk, which provides a creamy texture and sweet flavor, and jelly, which adds a chewy texture and vibrant color. Crushed ice is also used to create a refreshing, chilled dessert.

Che Thach is typically served in a glass, showcasing the beautiful layers of coconut milk and jelly. It is often garnished with crushed peanuts or coconut shavings, adding a crunchy texture and extra flavor.

Che Thach has a unique texture combination of creamy, chewy, and crunchy elements. The coconut milk provides a creamy base, the jelly adds a chewy contrast, and the crushed ice and garnishes contribute a refreshing crunch.

Yes, Che Thach is a well-loved dessert in Vietnam, especially in Saigon where it originated. It is a popular street food and can be found at many local markets and cafes.

Yes, Che Thach can be easily made at home with simple ingredients. It is a versatile dessert, allowing for variations in jelly flavors and garnishes to suit individual tastes.