1. Origin and flavor of black sesame soup in Hoi An
Black sesame soup originated in China and made its way to Hoi An in the 17th century through cultural exchanges with foreign traders. Over time, it has become a beloved staple in Hoi An. Crafted from black sesame seeds, sugar, and other ingredients, this soup offers a unique blend of sweet, creamy, and refreshing flavors. Both locals and tourists enjoy the simple pleasure of sitting by a steaming pot of sesame soup, watching the bustling streets, and engaging in lively conversations while savoring this dessert.
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2. How nutritious is black sesame soup?
Black sesame soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Its key ingredient, black sesame seeds, is rich in essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc, crucial for maintaining healthy bones. They are also a good source of healthy fats, protein, and dietary fiber, supporting digestion and weight management. Additionally, black sesame seeds contain powerful antioxidants, including sesamin and sesamolin, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and support heart health. Together, these nutrients make Chinese black sesame soup a wholesome choice.
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3. How is Hoi An black sesame soup made?
The main ingredient of black sesame sweet soup is high-quality black sesame seeds. Unlike other desserts that involve a mix of many components, the uniqueness of this soup lies in its meticulous preparation process.
Only shiny, aromatic, and rich black sesame seeds are selected, with defective or moldy seeds removed. This painstaking process ensures that when the seeds are roasted and ground into a fine powder, they release a fragrant aroma.
Each vendor has a specific black sesame soup recipe based on personal experience, but a few essential ingredients are always included. To achieve the perfect consistency and flavor, a small amount of diluted tapioca starch, fresh milk, and lime leaves are added. These elements blend perfectly to create the unique fragrance that captivates diners.
A perfect bowl of Chinese black sesame soup features a smooth, glossy black appearance with just the right thickness. Although it might seem simple, the moment you taste it, you will be enchanted by its rich, nutty, and subtly sweet flavors.
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4. Where to eat black sesame soup in Hoi An?
Hoi An offers several excellent spots where you can enjoy black sesame soup. Here are some of the best places to try this dessert:
4.1. Ong Thieu black sesame soup
Ong Thieu's sesame soup has become an iconic feature of Hoi An. For nearly a century, the special recipe created by Mr. Thieu has made this dessert a popular treat deeply tied to the childhoods of many locals. The recipe is a closely guarded family secret, passed down only to Mr. Thieu's descendants. His daughter revealed that two irreplaceable ingredients in the recipe are Duy Xuyen sesame seeds and Ba Le well water, a thousand-year-old well in Hoi An. The soup attracts customers with its rich, nutty flavor from the black sesame seeds, the gentle sweetness of the sugar, and a subtle herbal aroma reminiscent of traditional medicine.
- Address: Opposite No. 108, Nguyen Truong To Street, Hoi An
- Price: 10,000 VND per bowl
4.2. Ba Mu black sesame soup
Ba Mu is another famous spot in Hoi An for this delightful dessert. The soup here is renowned for its fragrant sesame aroma, creamy texture, and subtle sweetness. Prepared with great care and without preservatives, Ba Mu's black sesame sweet soup ensures a clean and healthy treat. Besides black sesame soup, the shop also offers a variety of other traditional Vietnamese desserts, including tofu pudding, mixed sweet soup, corn sweet soup, lotus seed sweet soup, and red bean sweet soup. The wide selection and commitment to quality make Ba Mu a must-visit for dessert enthusiasts.
- Address: No. 728, Hai Ba Trung Street, Hoi An
- Price: 10,000 - 20,000 VND per bowl
4.3. Co Chinh black sesame soup
Co Chinh's black sesame sweet soup is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. This dessert spot is known for its meticulously prepared sweet sesame soup, made from carefully selected black sesame seeds, brown sugar, and coconut milk. The result is a memorable bowl of soup with a sweet, creamy, and refreshing taste. In addition to sesame soup, Co Chinh offers a variety of other traditional sweet soups, such as mixed sweet soup, tapioca sweet soup, corn sweet soup, lotus seed sweet soup, red bean sweet soup, and black bean sweet soup.
- Address: No. 134, Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hoi An
- Price: 10,000 - 20,000 VND per bowl
4.4. Co Hiep black sesame soup
For those with a sweet tooth, Co Hiep's dessert stall is a perfect stop. Known for its simplicity, Co Hiep serves delicious sesame soup with a rich, nutty flavor and a smooth, creamy texture. The stall is set up on a humble sidewalk with wooden tables and chairs. Customers will appreciate the enthusiastic service, which adds to the overall experience. Besides sweet black sesame soup, Co Hiep offers a range of other sweet treats, including pomelo sweet soup, mung bean sweet soup, etc.
- Address: No. 39, Le Loi Street, Hoi An
- Price: 10,000 - 20,000 VND per bowl
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***Note: The information provided above may be subject to change over time.
Black sesame soup is a testament to Hoi An's rich culinary heritage. Whether you are a food enthusiast looking to explore local desserts or a traveler eager to immerse yourself in the local culture, black sesame soup is a must-try on your trip. Enjoy a bowl of sesame soup and let it create a lasting memory of Hoi An's vibrant food scene!
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