Do you ever think, "I want to buy Vietnamese snacks as souvenirs, but I don't know what to choose," or "I went to a Vietnamese supermarket, but there were just too many kinds"?
Sweets are a go-to Vietnam souvenir, but they can be hard to choose without tasting first. If you picture who you're buying for ahead of time — individually wrapped pieces for colleagues, a flavor that suits a close friend's taste, or a locally distinctive snack for yourself — you'll be able to narrow down the options even in a large store.
In this article, a Japanese resident gives a thorough rundown of the snacks you can buy at Vietnamese supermarkets and souvenir shops.
I want to buy both casual snacks to hand out and something special as a gift.
This article covers 15 items in detail, from snacks for handing out widely and gifts for someone special, to treats for everyday snacking.
Easy to Find at the Supermarket!Vietnamese Snacks That Make Great Souvenirs
Here we've picked out snacks that are easy to buy at the supermarket and that make souvenirs people are happy to receive.
Dried jackfruit chips (Vinamit)
「Vinamit” is a Vietnam-born maker of dried fruit and dried chips.
The classic banana and sweet-potato chips are delicious too, butWhat I often buy as a souvenir is jackfruit chips.
Jackfruit isn't very familiar in Japan, but it's a staple fruit in Vietnam.
These dried chips are addictive, with a crisp texture and a tropical sweetness reminiscent of mango and pineapple.
In addition to standard products, organic options like those pictured are also available. Compare textures and quantities as you browse.
Coconut crackers(individually wrapped)
Coconut crackers are a staple you'll see at supermarkets and souvenir shops. Many manufacturers sell them, andIndividually wrapped products that are easy to share can also be found.
For anyone who loves the aroma of coconut and a satisfying crunch, this makes an easy-to-share souvenir. Before buying a large bag, check how many smaller packets are inside so you can match the quantity to the number of people you're giving to.
Which maker do you especially recommend?
My recommendation is the coconut crackers from a brand called "QUY THU."You can buy it at souvenir shops geared toward Japanese visitors and at markets. If you spot it, do give it a try.
Mung bean sweets
Mung beans are small green beans grown mainly across Asia. In Vietnam, you can enjoy drinks, ice cream, and buns made with them.
Banh dau xanh (bánh đậu xanh) is a confection similar to Japanese rakugan, and it can be easily purchased at local supermarkets.
Its crumbly, melt-in-the-mouth texture pairs well with a warm cup of tea. It's a candidate for anyone who prefers simple, understated flavors. The pieces tend to crumble inside the box, so when bringing them home, avoid stuffing them at the bottom of your luggage, and check the expiry date for each product.
Kẹo đậu phộng (Peanut Candy)
Kẹo đậu phộng is a traditional Vietnamese confection made by binding peanuts together with sugar and other ingredients. It has a crispy, toasty texture reminiscent of Japanese ikazuokoshi (thunder crackers) or peanut senbei, giving it a familiar and approachable flavor.
It's easy to find at supermarkets and souvenir shops and tends to suit Japanese palates fairly well, making it a good choice if you want an old-fashioned Vietnamese sweet.
Nut-filled seaweed crunch
A savory snack combining seaweed with a variety of nuts.Inside are pumpkin seeds, almonds, cashews, brown rice, seaweed, and more.
You can find it at local supermarkets too, but the "ODEHA" seaweed crunch (pictured) sold especially at Hanoi shops has a rich nut-and-seaweed flavor and a crunchy texture that's hard to resist.
You can enjoy them as a snack with drinks, too
Vietnamese Sweets Worth Giving to Someone Special
For those who feel supermarket snacks are a bit too casual, here are some sweets recommended as gifts for someone special.
STAR KITCHEN's "Banh mi rusks" (individually wrapped)
If sweets from the supermarket feel too casual,We recommend STAR KITCHEN's "banh mi rusks."
A rusk developed and quality-controlled by Japanese staff, with the concept of "a souvenir that feels distinctly Vietnamese." It comes in a gift box, making it suitable for formal occasions as well as for friends who want to compare flavors.
The six-flavor assortment includes mango, coconut, coriander, pho, pepper, and coffee, with each piece individually wrapped. Single-flavor products are also available, so if you want everyone to taste and compare, check the box to confirm whether it's an assortment.
Being an easy-to-eat rusk, it's easy to give even to people who are wary of foreign food.
La Petite Epicerie Saigon | A Souvenir With Cute Packaging
La Petite Epicerie Saigon is a food brand founded in Ho Chi Minh City in 2013.
Its dried fruit lineup is extensive, including mango, passion fruit, papaya, and pineapple. Among them, the mango, with its tropical sweetness, and the passion fruit, with its moderately addictive tartness, are especially recommended.
The 40 g pouch is a handy size for a small gift to a friend. Larger bags are also available, so you can choose based on the recipient and the quantity you need.
Chocolate from Maison Marou
Marou is a premium chocolate brand made with Vietnamese cacao. One of the early adopters of bean-to-bar in Asia, it suits anyone looking for a souvenir that feels distinctly Vietnamese and refined.
The packaging is stylish too, so it works not only as a gift for friends but also as a souvenir for your boss or seniors.
When samples are available, being able to compare cacao flavors before buying is a welcome bonus.
Maison Marou has several locations in Hanoi. It's also in large shopping centers, so look for the branch nearest you.
ALLUVIA Chocolate
One Vietnamese chocolate brand you shouldn't overlook is ALLUVIA.
It has multiple stores in tourist areas of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, and some locations even let you sample the chocolate.
The packaging, illustrated with nostalgic Vietnamese scenery, makes it a valued choice for a special souvenir.
Chocolate requires care in high temperatures regardless of the season. Maison Marou advises storing it in a cool, dry place between 18–24°C, away from direct sunlight. On hot days, buy it last during your city walk, and even with a cooler bag, avoid leaving it in a hot car or similar environment for extended periods.
A Good Fit for Japanese Palates, Too!Everyday VietnameseSweets
Vietnam isn't just home to snacks famous as souvenirs — there are also plenty of treats that locals enjoy every day at supermarkets and convenience stores.
Here we introduce staple products that you'll often spot while living locally, perfect for everyday snacking.
These are snacks that suit Japanese tastes, so be sure to try them during your stay.
Pillows
Pillows is a snack by Oishi featuring a light, crispy shell filled with cream. Oishi is a brand originating from the Philippines that also sells products in Vietnam. It's a locally beloved snack worth hunting for in supermarkets.
Starting with the chocolate flavor, its familiar taste appeals to Japanese palates too, and it's easy for both kids and adults to enjoy.
In May 2026, a coconut coffee flavor created in collaboration with Vietnamese coffee chain Cong Ca Phe was also featured in food industry media. Combining the sweetness of coconut with a coffee flavor, it may bring back memories of the coconut coffee you had at the café.
You can find a detailed introduction to Vietnam's popular chain, Cong Ca Phe, in the article below.
Đậu phộng rang (Coated Roasted Peanuts)
Đậu phộng rang literally means roasted peanuts, but what's introduced here is the coated variety. Each peanut is encased in a crispy batter, delivering a toasty aroma and a light, satisfying crunch. It's also a good option for those who want something savory rather than sweet.
It comes in a range of flavors, including coconut, which is relatively easy to enjoy. It's also a good pick for anyone wanting to try a slightly unusual, distinctly Vietnamese snack.
ICHI Rice Crackers(individually wrapped)
ICHI is a rice cracker brand made by Thien Ha Kameda, a company established jointly by Vietnam's Thiên Hà and Japan's Kameda Seika. It incorporates Japanese rice-cracker-making techniques while tailoring its products to Vietnamese tastes.
The classic is a sweet-and-salty rice cracker made with soy sauce and honey. It has a light, crisp texture that's easy to eat, and it's also a familiar snack for children.
AN Rice Crackers(individually wrapped)
AN is an Orion rice cracker series commonly seen in Vietnamese supermarkets. Besides plain, it comes in various flavors including seaweed and cheese.
The plain type has a mild sweetness and a gentle flavor, making it popular as a snack for children too.
Cosy Biscuits
Cosy is a staple biscuit brand sold widely across Vietnam. Among its lineup, Cosy Marie's milk flavor stands out for its simple sweetness and crisp texture.
Many of its products come in large sizes at fairly affordable prices, making it perfect for everyday snacking at home. There are also individually wrapped versions, which come in handy for kids' snacks or when out and about.
GingerCandy
A candy with a pleasantly sharp ginger kick. It suits those looking for something beyond straightforward sweetness, though the heat level varies by product, so it's worth trying one yourself before choosing it as a gift.
Where to Buy Vietnamese Snacks?
Each place to buy has its own pros and cons, so it's efficient to choose depending on your purpose.
4 Recommended Places to Buy Vietnamese Snacks
There are broadly four types of places to buy snacks in Vietnam.
| Where to buy | Selection | Price | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large Supermarkets | Staples to snacks in general | Cheaper | Buying in bulk for handouts |
| Markets | Mainly traditional sweets | Cheaper | For those who prioritize a local feel |
| specialty shop from Tsukiji, Tokyo, | Mainly branded sweets | Pricier | For gifts / yourself |
| Airport duty-free shops | Classic sweets + brands | Pricier | For last-minute purchases |
For bulk buying based on price and quantity, a large supermarket works best; for advice on packaging and flavors, a specialty shop is the better choice. The table reflects general tendencies — prices vary by size and set contents even within the same brand. The airport is an option if you've forgotten something, but if you have a specific product in mind, selecting it in the city beforehand gives you more flexibility.
Forgot to Buy Something? Where to Get Vietnamese Snacks in Japan
For those who "forgot to buy it while there" or "want to taste that flavor again," here are some options for finding Vietnamese sweets within Japan.
Kaldi Coffee Farm
Kaldi is one option for finding imported foods. However, its selection of Vietnamese sweets varies by store and season, so you may not always be able to find the same product you discovered on your trip. It helps to search for the product name and country of origin on the official online store before checking with a nearby branch.
Amazon / Rakuten imported-food stores
On Amazon and Rakuten Ichiba, you can search for Vietnamese coconut sweets and similar products by name. Review counts alone won't tell you about storage conditions, so compare the seller, the best-before date at the time of delivery, and the quantity. Taking a photo of the packaging of a product you liked while traveling makes it easier to distinguish it from similarly named alternatives.
Summary: Choose Vietnamese Snacks Based on Who You're Giving Them To and Why
Vietnam offers all kinds of snacks, from casual staples you can pick up easily at the supermarket, to premium chocolates worth giving to someone special, to snacks locals enjoy as everyday treats.
If you're not sure what to choose as a souvenir, use the following as a guide.
- For handing out widely, individually wrapped items like coconut crackers are convenient
- If you want something distinctly Vietnamese, jackfruit chips and mung bean sweets are recommended
- If you want to enjoy snacks unique to the local scene, supermarket staples like Pillows, ICHI, and AN are also worth trying
A large supermarket in particular lets you find everything at once, from snacks for handing out to everyday treats. On the other hand, if you want to choose a special gift, a specialty chocolate brand store makes it easier to pick something out.
When you visit Vietnam, be sure to browse the supermarkets and souvenir shops and pick up any snacks that catch your eye.
If you'd also like to choose coffee, tea, or other goods besides snacks,our Vietnam souvenir guideyou can pick by who you're giving them to here.
