Published:  22:48 Wednesday - December 14, 2011

"Chè” is a Vietnamese term that refers to any traditional Vietnamese thick, sweet dessert soup or sweetened porridge. Sweetened porridge is a kind of sugary flavored beverage which is protein-rich.

in Vietnam, "Chè" are often prepared with one of a number of varieties of beans and/or glutinous rice, cooked in water and sweetened with sugar. Many local have famous "che" as Hue, Ho Chi Minh city (called "Chè Saigon")...

Other ingredients may include tapioca starch, salt, and pandan leaf extract. Each variety of "chè" is designated by a descriptive word or phrase that follows the word chè, such as "chè đậu đen", "chè đậu xanh" (“black bean sweet dessert soup, green bean sweet dessert soup...).

"Chè" are often garnished with coconut milk, dry banana... They're usually served in a glass over ice and eaten with a spoon. They may be served hot or cold or over ice.

"Chè" may be made at home, but are also commonly available freshly made in plastic containers, in Vietnamese grocery stores.

With each Vietnamese child, he scent of chè simmering on family’s stove always had him jumping in excitement.