
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsChè Thái is a vibrant and refreshing Vietnamese sweet soup that showcases an abundance of tropical fruits and textures. This beloved dessert features chewy jellies in various colors, chunks of ripe jackfruit, and longan fruit swimming in a lightly sweetened coconut milk base served over crushed ice. Originally inspired by Thai fruit desserts, Vietnamese cooks have made this their own with unique ingredient combinations and presentation styles. The name literally means "Thai sweet soup," but it has become a staple in Vietnamese dessert culture. The beauty of Chè Thái lies in its versatility—you can adjust the sweetness, mix different fruits based on availability, and customize the toppings to your preference. Street vendors across Vietnam serve this colorful creation in plastic cups or bags, making it a popular grab-and-go treat that provides instant refreshment and satisfaction.
Instructions
step by stepPrepare the jelly: If using agar agar powder, dissolve it in water according to package instructions. Add food coloring to create red, green, and yellow jellies separately. Pour into shallow pans and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours. Once set, cut into small cubes.
Prepare the fruits: Drain canned jackfruit and cut into bite-sized pieces. Drain canned longan or lychee. If using fresh fruits, peel and prepare accordingly. Set aside in a large bowl.
Make the coconut milk mixture: In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves completely. Do not boil. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold.
Prepare crushed ice: Use a blender or ice crusher to create fine crushed ice. Keep in freezer until ready to serve.
Assemble individual servings: In tall glasses or bowls, add a generous amount of crushed ice as the base. Layer jelly cubes in different colors for visual appeal.
Add the fruits: Distribute jackfruit pieces, longan, and any other fruits evenly among the glasses.
Pour the coconut mixture: Slowly pour the chilled sweetened coconut milk over the ice and fruits, filling about three-quarters of the glass.
Final touches: Top with additional coconut milk if needed. Optionally garnish with fresh basil seeds or pomegranate seeds for extra texture.
Serve immediately: Chè Thái is best enjoyed fresh and cold. Provide long spoons so diners can mix ingredients as they eat.
Chè Thái - Fruit Salad Sweet Soup
A refreshing sweet soup filled with tropical fruits, jelly cubes, and jackfruit in a sweetened coconut milk base. This colorful treat is perfect for hot days and celebrations alike.
Ingredients
Base
- 2 cups coconut, canned full-fat
- 4 tablespoons honey, or sugar to taste
- 1/8 teaspoons salt, pinch
Fruits
- 1 1/2 cups jackfruit, canned, drained and cubed
- 1 cups lychee, canned or fresh, peeled
- 1/2 cups strawberry, fresh, diced (optional)
- 1/2 cups pineapple, fresh or canned, diced (optional)
Toppings
- 2 teaspoons basil, basil seeds, soaked (optional)