Vietnamese Fruit Cocktail (Che Thai)
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Loading... - Buppha Suksai
- 21 Feb 2023
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What is Chè Thái
Chè Thái is a Vietnamese dessert or fruit cocktail that is similar to the Thai dessert, Tub Tim Krob, but with an added array of toppings. It contains assorted tropical fruits, jellies, crushed ice, and milk, making it a refreshing and colorful dessert. If you are craving something sweet but don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen, Chè Thái is for you.
Chè Thái is similar to Chè Ba Màu, another Vietnamese dessert drink, and the Filipino dessert, halo-halo, but this requires less work. You can make it quickly by using canned tropical fruits only and a no-cook milk mixture.
What You Will Need
The best part about Chè Thái is that it’s versatile. Choose from a variety of fruits and jellies to make it as colorful and texturally-appealing as you want.
The tropical fruits can be fresh or canned. I listed the different fruits and jellies in color categories below. Simply choose one from each color category. Once you have your fruit and jellies, select your desired milk options and sweeteners.
Yellow
- Jackfruit
- Mango
- Durian — Some Vietnamese will say that Chè Thái is not complete without durian. However, this fruit may not be for everyone. If durian isn’t your cup of tea, don’t include it.
Yellow ai-yu jelly
White
- Rambutan
- Lychee
- Longan
- Young coconut meat
- Toddy palm's seed - This is similar in taste and texture to young coconut.
- Coconut jelly
Red
- Red “rubies” — Made out of red-dyed water chestnut cut into small cubes and coated in tapioca starch. This requires cooking. Recipe below.
Green
- Green ai-yu jelly
- Green grass jelly
- Pandan jelly — Requires cooking. Recipe below.
Black
- Grass jelly
My Go-to Milk Mixture
- Half & Half (milk)
- French vanilla coffee creamer (sweetener)
For a more traditional and non-dairy milk option, use coconut milk and sugar instead.
Some people prefer to use the syrup from one of the canned fruit as a sweetener. I personally do not recommend it as it contains citric acid which throws off the taste too much.
How to Make Red Rubies
1. These red rubies resemble pomegranate seeds, but they have a chewy exterior and a crisp interior.
2. Making the red “rubies” is a simple process. You will need fresh or canned water chestnuts, red food dye, and tapioca starch. If you don't have water chestnuts on hand, you can use a firm pear, green apple, or jicama. Read More…
