40 delicious types of candy from around the world

Whether you’re traveling virtually through online orders of local delicacies, looking to experience the sweets from another culture, or simply curious, here are 40 delicious (or just plain weird) types of candy from around the world.

Candy From Europe & Caucasus

Sweet Sujukh – Armenia

Sweet Sujukhs are Armenian confections made primarily with grape, apricot, and pomegranate must, walnuts and flour.  Makers string the walnuts onto a thread, dip them in a dense fruit juice, and then dry them, so the resulting product resembles a sweet, candy sausage.  Sweet Sujukhs and variations are also common in Greece, Turkey, and Georgia.

Think of it as sort of a hybrid of candy and energy bar!  It’s relatively nutritious to others on this list, and makes it one of the healthier types of candy from around the world.  They’re easy to make, too!

Mozartkugeln – Austria

Echte Salzburger Mozartkugeln by Mirabell are traditional Austrian candies famous throughout the world.  They are common gifts or iconic Austrian souvenirs. 

There are 14 different stages of production that come into play when making the candies!  Each individual candy takes over two hours to make.  Each one is produced in Salzburg, Austria, Mozart’s birth city (this is specific to the brand Echte Salburger Mozartkugel – other Mozartkugels are industrially manufactured!).

They are completely round candies with a pistachio, marzipan, and nougat filling covered in a layer of rich dark chocolate.  They were originally made in the late 19th century, named after one of Austria’s most famous citizens, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Fazer Chocolate – Finland

Fazer is a Finnish confectionary brand. They’re one of the most popular brands in Finland: they account for about 35% of all confectionary sales, and every single store in the country carries their chocolates, their candy and even their baked goods!

If you’re visiting Finland, you cannot leave without having some Fazerin Sininen – “Fazer’s Blue” in English. On paper, it sounds pretty basic: it’s milk chocolate. But in reality, it’s so much more. It’s creamy, sweet but not cloying. It’s an experience, an institution. And if plain milk chocolate isn’t for you, there are 18 flavors for you to try – such as Peppermint, Salted Caramel Crunch, and even Blueberry Yogurt!

Fazer milk chocolate is unique because, ever since its creation in 1922, it has been made with fresh milk instead of powdered milk.

Calisson – France

It’s difficult to think of a more traditional French candy than Calissons.  Within France, Calissons are most popular in Aix-en-Provence, though the original recipe is likely Persian. Regardless of their exact origin, Calissons are among the most delicious types of candy from around the world.

Calissons are delicate little almond-shaped candies. French confectioners blend candied fruits and almond paste for the smooth, golden filling. Then, they delicately paint the top surface with royal icing. The texture of the fruit-almond mixture is similar in consistency to marzipan, but with much more fruit and melon flavors. 

Try to avoid biting into your Calisson, and instead hold it with two fingers to snap in two and break the sugary icing.  Many French enjoy their Calissons with a coffee.

Printen – Germany

Printen is a famous German treat synonymous with Christmas Markets and holiday spirit.  The original, the Aachener Printen, is a very particular type of gingerbread. It was made in the early 19th century in Aachen.  Today, while you can find variations of Printen throughout Germany, only those made in Aachen can actually be called Printen. Think of these as the Champagne of gingerbread cookies.

The Printen has a characteristic sweet flavor, not found from sugar, but rather from honey.  Today, sugar beet syrup is another customary sweet component in Printen.  Common spice flavors you will encounter include anise, clove, and cinnamon – all of the spices most synonymous with Christmas.

Contribution:  Chrysoula, Greece Travel Diaries

Loukoumia – Greece

Loukoumi (also known as Turkish Delight) was first made in the Ottoman Empire in the 18th century. Refugees introduced the recipe to the Greek island of Chios in 1832, and eventually to Syros.

You can find Loukomatzides – loukoumi sellers –  in the harbor when you first arrive on Syros, one of the best Greek islands for foodies. They carry wicker baskets displaying the boxes of loukoumi for you to buy. There are many loukoumi workshops to visit where you can watch the sweet being made and sample some of the 25 different flavors!

To make Loukoumi, gently simmer sugar, water, and cornstarch in a copper cauldron for two hours. Next, add spices and nuts into the mixture before pouring it into large wooden trays to cool and set. After it has set for a day, dust your work surface with icing sugar and transfer the set mixture, cutting it into small cubes. Powder the cubes with more icing sugar, then serve or pack into gift boxes. Enjoy with a hot cup of Greek coffee!

Krumplicukor – Hungary

This is a really interesting sweet coming from Hungary. It was originally meant to be a healthier alternative to sugar-filled candies.  Krumplicukor, aka potato sugar, is something between a potato-y confection and rock candy, served in a small, square slab.  Potato starch is the starring ingredient, as its nickname indicates, and it gives a quick-release of natural fructose energy.

There are still a few stores in Budapest that sell Krumplicukor, and fewer still that offer the stuff homemade! I wouldn’t necessarily call Krumplicukor delicious, but it is certainly among the most interesting candies from around the world.

Kinder Bueno – Italy

Kinder is a famous candy all over the world, particularly in Europe, and even more so in its home country, Italy.  These (and other Kinder products) are made from the same company that makes Nutella and Fererro Rocher, so you just know this is going to be mouth- wateringly delicious.

Kinder Bueno employs layers of crispy wafers, hazelnut creme, and fine milk or white chocolate.  It’s near-to-impossible to not binge on these in Italy, particularly when you can find them just about anywhere.

Ptasie Mleczko – Poland

This unique candy from Poland’s name literally translates to ‘bird’s milk’.  Ptasie Mleczko is an aerated vanilla-flavored marshmallow foam covered in a thin layer of chocolate. 

In the early 20th century, confectioner Jan Wedel took a trip to France, where he discovered the mighty marshmallow.  He began making Ptasie Mleczko at his family’s factory shortly thereafter. 

Following the German invasion, the Polish company was forced to produce chocolate for the Germans, and Wedel was sent to the concentration camp in Pruszkow.  Though Wedel survived the camp, the company became nationalized by Communists and was overseen by the government until 1989.  A Korean conglomerate now runs the company.

Rom – Romania

This is probably the most familiar candy bar to citizens of Romania. It’s rather simple, with dark chocolate and a sweet rum infusion. The bars are impossible to miss at the hypermarkets, as the colors of the Romanian flag on the packaging draws your attention. One of my personal favorites on this list, ROM is probably one of the most underrated candies from around the world!

With irony and earnestness at the same time, The ROM campaigns remind Romanians their national identity. Their ads are, at the same time, patriotic and entertaining – “Rom is back” or “The American Dream in the Romanian Chocolate“.

Mishka Kosolapy – Russia

These Russian candies, whose name literally means ‘clumsy bear’, have been among the most popular in the country since the Soviet era.  Praline paste sandwiched between two wafers and coated in a rich dark chocolate.

In addition to their irresistible taste, Mishka Kosolapys are also adored for their bright wrappers, which are sometimes used to decorate Christmas trees in Russia.

Contribution:  Gemma, Everything Edinburgh

Tablet – Scotland

Tablet is a historically important sweet treat found at bake sales, in shops and sometimes as part of weddings in Scotland. This sugary snack goes all the way back to the start of the 18th century.

The ingredients consist of (a lot of) white sugar, milk, condensed milk and butter cooked in a pan. It isn’t easy to get the recipe right! It sets hard, and when you bite into it, you sink into a powdery, sugary square which melts in your mouth.

It’s not that common for locals to buy Tablet as a snack, but you can get sealed bags in shops. You also get Tablet ice cream at specialist dessert cafes and take-out shops.  It’s decidedly one of the most popular things to eat in Scotland.

Some hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation leave a couple of squares of Tablet out to welcome guests. One hotel had to make a statement letting foreigners know that their Tablet offering was for consumption, not for showering!

Contribution:  Cristina, My Little World of Traveling

Tortas Locas – Spain

Tortas Locas (crazy cakes), also known as Locas, are delightful sweets that you will want to eat again and again. Two small rounds of puff pastry with custard in the middle, topped with orange frosting and a cherry make this one of the most colorful sweets from around the world.

These cakes originated in Málaga, Spain. They were made by a famous local pastry chef during the post-war period. At that time, Tortas Locas were sweets that only the high class could afford to eat. Nowadays, they are quite affordable and you can find them in any bakery in Málaga and its surroundings. You definitely need to try them when you visit Costa del Sol.

Crazy Bee – Ukraine

Crazy Bees are a candy that my Ukrainian friends go absolutely nuts over. They’re fairly simple, a carrageenan-based jelly candy of assorted fruit flavors that have been flavored with natural juices. The filling is thick, and soft with a tangy sweetness.

Crazy Bees come in seven flavors – lemon, lime, strawberry, grapefruit, orange, wildberry, and sour cherry.

Candy From Africa & Middle East

Caprice – Algeria

These teeny, tiny little caramels were born in Algiers in mid-1960’s.  The company, Société des Produits de Sucre Caprice, also distributes its products throughout Northern Africa and in parts of Europe as well.

In addition to producing Caprice, they also produce different fruity chews and caramels, though this iconic caramel in the gold wrapper is a local favorite in Algeria.

Nkatie Cake – Ghana

Nkatie Cake, aka Peanut Cake, is a snack traditional to Ghana.  Its ingredients consist of peanuts and melted sugar, which are then formed into a candy bar. It’s a common treat in other West African countries as well. In Guinea it’s called Kongodo, in Senegal it’s called Louga.  People of all ages enjoy Nkatie Cake, but it’s particularly popular with school-aged children. 

It’s super-simple to make.  All you need to do is heat sugar in a saucepan for about five minutes, adding your crushed peanuts when it starts to brown.  Transfer to a flat surface, spread and flatten, and then cut into your desired shape.  Just be sure to mold and cut before the mixture cools and hardens.

Contribution:  Ellis, Backpack Adventures

Gaz – Iran

Sweets are of great importance in Persian cuisine. Upon visiting any candy store in Iran you will be impressed by the massive selection of delicacies. One of the most popular options is Gaz, a nougat-like candy with pistachios, one of the most delicious types of candy from around the world.

The city of Isfahan is the original birthplace of Gaz, but it is now widely known throughout the country. In fact, any celebration of Nowruz (the Persian New Year) is not complete without it. As friends and families visit each other’s homes, it’s common to consume insane amounts of tea with Gaz. Gaz is also a much appreciated gift any time of the year.

Gaz has a long history in Iran and is one of the oldest candies in the country. Almost 500 years ago people in Iran started to make Gaz. Gaz refers to the sweet honey-like syrup that they found on the wild tamarisk trees that grew in the Zagros mountains. What they found wasn’t tree sap, however, but the product of an insect that lives exclusively on these trees.

The harvesting of Gaz is very labor intensive. It is only doable from August till October. Real Gaz is therefore expensive and difficult to find. Nowadays, simple syrup often replaces the liquid from the insects. Other key ingredients are almonds, pistachios, rose water and egg whites. The result may be less exotic than the original recipe, but it is equally sweet and delicious.

Popping Chocolate – Israel

Popping chocolate is definitely among the most world-famous of Israel’s local candies. Milk chocolate with…. pop rocks!? That’s right. The candy bars consist of up to 14% pop rocks, making for an exciting candy experience unlike any other. You’ll enjoy a fun and sweet surprise in every bite. Popping chocolate definitely ranks as one of the most exciting types of candy from all over the world.

Tomtom – Nigeria

TomTom from Nigeria is easily identifiable by its iconic zebra-print wrapper.  Falling somewhere between a lozenge and a breath mint, TomTom, a product of Cadbury, is a hard menthol candy with sugar that provides ‘soothing relief’.  It comes in different flavors including classic (menthol), honey lemon, and strawberry.

Super Twisters – Pakistan

Super Twisters are ropes of swirled, fluffy marshmallows in rainbow hues meant to mimic a unicorn’s tail.  The commercial, which is animated, is something out of a Beatles music video or bad LSD trip, with real children swirling colorful animated clouds and rainbows to make the candy.  It’s the stuff nightmares are made of, but if marshmallows are your thing, enjoy this traditional Pakistani candy!

Contribution:  Ummi, Ummi Goes Where

Ubuyu – Tanzania

With its imposing size and iconic shape, the baobab tree is the most majestic and sacred tree in Africa. But it’s not only its outer appearance that is impressive. This prehistoric tree — which predates humankind and can live for up to 5,000 years – has many uses. Every part of the tree is valuable, from the bark to the leaves and even the seeds.

In Tanzania, the seeds of baobab fruits are boiled and coated with a blend of sugar, salt, cardamom, and vanilla to make a popular traditional candy called Ubuyu (alternatively Mabuyu). A sprinkling of chili powder or black pepper is a common addition to give it a hint of spiciness. This, combined with the seed’s natural citrusy taste, makes for a candy with a well-rounded flavor. Ubuyu is usually dyed red, although you may also find it in other colors.

To enjoy the Ubuyu candy, you have to suck on it, allowing the sweet, sour, and spicy notes to slowly blossom on your taste buds. Once the flavor has faded, spit the seed out. Continue with another until your fingertips, tongue, and lips are completely red. You can find this candy in most convenience stores in Tanzania, be it in remote villages or in big cities like Dar es Salaam.

Amazon Pops – Zambia

Amazon Pops from Zambia are kind of reminiscent of deep, jewel-hued Dum Dums. However, they are much more flavorful.  They are a product of Trade Kings, a Zambian company.  The Pops are also distributed to surrounding countries and are especially popular in Tanzania and South Africa as well.

Amazon Pops come in luscious flavors such as Black Cherry, Pink Lemonade, and Sweet Strawberry.

Candy From The Americas

Bon O Bon – Argentina

A South American favorite, Bon o Bons from Argentina consist of flavored creme and crisp wafer coated in luscious milk chocolate.  Though the candy is Argentinian, they are also produced in Mexico and Brazil. Around 70% of the final product is distributed globally, making Bon o Bons among the most beloved candy from around the world.

The company that makes Bon o Bons is responsible (in part) for Argentina’s Sweetness Week.  This was a marketing initiative in the late 20th century where local candy lovers will exchange their Bon o Bons for kisses – Sweetness Week takes place in July in case you want to celebrate!

Contribution:  Bruna, I Heart Brazil

Brigadeiro – Brazil

Fudgy and delicious, Brigadeiro is by far Brazil’s most popular candy. What is it? Put simply, Brigadeiro is a chocolate fudge truffle consisting of only four ingredients!

But it hasn’t been around for a long time.  Actually, this candy came into being as part of a political move.  A female confectioner from Rio de Janeiro created it in order to support a presidential campaign in the period after World War II. The candidate, who was a brigadier, was said to be a rather young (and handsome) man.

And to show her candidate some support, this confectioner and some of her female friends started to cook and distribute Brigadeiro balls to the people. Needless to say that it was a hit and still is – not a single children’s party goes by without this delicious treat!

In case you were wondering, the candidate didn’t win the election. Still, Brazil, along with the rest of the world, surely did win a mouthwatering recipe!

Contribution:  Neha, Travel Melodies

Maple Taffy – Canada

Maple Taffy, a unique sugar candy, is a local Canadian treat.  It’s especially popular in Quebec, Eastern Ontario, New Brunswick, and parts of Northern New England.

Maple Taffy is a particularly sought-after treat for those taking a road trip from the USA to Canada.  Most try it and fall in love instantly. It is more fascinating to watch the process of making it. The warm maple syrup is poured over the snow in thin rows, which are then delicately twirled over sticks to get an irresistible local candy.

Maple taffy is available online at some candy or maple stores, but the best is to have it freshly made, warm and chewy.  As it cools, it will harden. You can make it at home on a snowy day, if you want to try it but can’t make it to Canada!

Guayabitas – Costa Rica

Guayabitas are delicious little morsels of guava jelly in sweet chocolate.  These fun candies are famous in Costa Rican culture.  Guayabitas translates as ‘little guava bites,’ and they are just that. 

Costa Rican guava has a specific flavor, evoking notes of strawberries and pears.  The guavas have a prominent, sweet scent to match.  Guayabitas are among the tangiest and most flavorful types of candy from around the world.

Higher quality Guayabitas have 100% natural Costa Rican guava and a shell of premium dark chocolate.  The tanginess of the tropical fruit with the smooth richness of the chocolate is the perfect combination.

Cri Cri – Venezuela

Cri Cri is a puffed-rice chocolate bar that has an interesting history.  The company that makes Cri Cri, Savoy, was the product of immigrants living in Caracas in the early 1940’s.  One of the immigrants was a man from Scotland who brought a chocolate-making machine to Venezuela with him.  At first, the group made a simple chocolate bar, creating the crispy rice version nearly 30 years after.

The candy bar didn’t get its current name, Cri Cri, until 1980.  The candies are especially popular during Amigo Secreto, similar to a Venezuelan style Secret Santa.

Súper Hiper Acido – Ecuador

Fancy sour candies?  Look no further than Super Hiper Ácido (S.H.A.).  These very well may be the most sour things you’ll ever willingly ingest.  The company behind the confection, Confiteca, is an Ecuadorian company that is targeting the extremists in Generation Z – no, there are no tide pod flavors.  The company actually developed its very own ‘sour scale’ – each product from Confiteca has to score at least 90 out of 100 (which is the most sour there is).  About 40% of the final product is exported. S.H.A. have been gaining popularity in countries such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, and Bolivia.

Mazapan – Mexico

Mazapan, known as marzipan in other countries, is one of the most beloved candies in Mexico. The De la Rosa brand is so iconic that you might even see people that have it tattooed!

You can buy De la Rosa all over Mexico and online, but trying it is so important that you have to add it to your Mexico City itinerary when you’re visiting. Just head to any grocery or convenience store and you’ll find De la Rosa mazapan.

While marzipan is a sweet confectionary paste made using sugar (sometimes honey) and almond meal, Mexico’s De la Rosa mazapan contains peanuts instead.

This change was made because peanuts are more prevalent, and more popular, in Mexico; however you can also find almond and even pistachio mazapan in Mexico. As it’s not super sweet, sometimes you can even find mazapan ice cream, or other desserts that include mazapan because it doesn’t overpower in sweetness.

When eating De la Rosa mazapan, it has a light, flaky texture, and tastes nutty and a little sweet. It is by grinding down sugar and peanuts into a crumbly paste, then shaped into small circles and packaged.

Contribution:  Karen, Somewhere Down South

Pecan Pralines – uSA

Pralines are a favorite candy in the Southern US. They are originally of French origin. The French settled New Orleans and brought this candy with them. They are credited to César, duc de Choiseul, comte du Plessis-Praslin. His surname was Anglicized to the commonly known ‘Praline’. It is said that he used this candy to woo women. They are so delicious, it just might have worked!

The French versions of a praline were harder and used almonds. Sugar cane and pecans were plentiful in Louisiana, so the women of New Orleans, particularly the emancipated black women, adapted the recipe to fit what they had available. The pralines that they created used pecans. Somewhere along the way, cream was also added to give the caramelized sugar in the candy a softer texture.

Yes, pralines are basically just caramelized sugar, butter or cream, and pecans. But they are so much more than the sum of their parts. Spoonfuls of the liquid mixture are dropped while warm onto wax paper to cool.  This means that they are sweet, irregularly shaped, lumpy with pecans and absolutely delicious!

The women who created the American version sold them outside of their homes to make money which adds veracity to the claim that pralines were one of the first street foods in the US. They are still popular today especially in New Orleans and other southern coastal towns like Charleston. If you get the chance you should definitely try a praline!

Candy From Asia & Oceania

Jersey Caramels – Australia

Jersey Caramels are a common candy from Oz.  There are three layers in these bite-sized squares. Caramel-flavored fudge forms the two outer layers, with a creamy, white layer in between.  They’re almost reminiscent of cow tails from the US. 

The name Jersey Caramels is a bit of a mystery.  Some ideas circulating involve Jersey Cows or rugby jerseys, but no one knows for sure. 

White Rabbit – China

Many Americans have probably been fortunate enough to taste these from their local American-Chinese restaurants. White Rabbit candies are creamy, chewy little morsels formed into cylinders, resembling the shape of a tootsie roll. 

The candies are individually wrapped in paper that is actually edible and made from sticky rice.  White Rabbit candies are actually marketed as a nutritional product in China, claiming to be the equivalent of one cup of milk. 

The original flavor is vanilla, but there are different flavors available, including toffee, maize, lychee, red bean and more.

Pass Pass Pulse – India

Pulse is a raw mango-flavored hard candy from India.  It’s official name is Pass Pass Pulse, but locals usually refer to them as simply ‘Pulse’.

The hard-boiled candy has tangy salt and spices, such as Amchoor, in the center. Other flavors are available including Guava, Pineapple, and Lychee.

Contribution:  Kaylini, The Curated Travelist

Klepon – Indonesia

These little round green sweet delights of Java, Indonesia are a traditional snack staple to locals and travelers alike visiting the country.  The reason behind its popularity is mainly its uncomplicated taste and inexpensive price tag. Local markets and street vendors are where you will most commonly find them. This delicious sweet has a mixture of glutinous rice flour, liquid Javanese brown sugar (gula Jawa) or palm sugar, pandan leaf paste, and grated coconut.

The dish is also called Klepon in the Netherlands, due to its colonial ties with Java. In the 1950s, Klepon was introduced by Indonesian immigrants to the Netherlands and became available in several Dutch restaurants.

Most Indonesian traditional foods have a meaning, and Klepon’s meaning is ‘simplicity‘. This is because all of Klepon’s ingredients are very easy to acquire and the recipe is fairly simple.

Mix Pandan leaf paste with the rice flour to create the green-hued glutinous rice dough. Then, insert a solid piece of palm sugar into the dough and roll the balls. Next, boil the balls, which will melt the palm sugar and create a syrupy liquid in its core. Last, roll the balls in desiccated coconut and serve on a banana leaf.

The sweet taste inside the Klepon symbolizes a person’s kindness even though it is not visible from the outside. The coconut outer coating reminds one of the layers to achieve happiness. The green color of the Klepon is symbolic of welfare and fertility.

Flavored Kit Kats – Japan

These flavored Japanese Kit Kats are famous, not only in Japan, but are finding their way in the rest of the world as well.  Despite this, many of the 300 flavors are not available in other countries, but are exclusive to Japan. 

With flavors such as green tea, baked potato, ginger ale, cherry blossom, hot Japanese chili and more, you’d never expect the top selling flavor to be… soy sauce (?). It’s safe to say that, given their recent global popularity, Japanese flavored Kit Kats are one of the top types of candy from around the world.

Durian Candy – Malaysia

This Malaysian candy, made from the Durian fruit, has a bit of a reputation.  For those of you who aren’t familiar, Durian is an Asian fruit that smells like “pig shit, turpentine and onions, garnished with a gym sock.”  Or, so the writer Richard Sterling avows.  While Durian is incredibly stinky, its taste is not as bad. In fact, Durian has a mild, custard-sweet flavor.  Some people describe it as sweet cream with a touch of garlic or some type of cream cheese.

Durian candy is a popular take-home souvenir when visiting Southeast Asia, and is the star of some hilarious YouTube videos.  This would be a great idea for a prank on a fellow candy-lover! Durian candy takes the title of ‘Strangest Candy from Around the World’.

Contribution:  Tom & Zi, Craving Adventures

Whittaker’s Chocolate – New Zealand

Based close to Wellington on New Zealand’s North Island, Whittaker’s chocolate is New Zealand’s biggest chocolate brand.  Despite their size they are still a family company, even four generations after James Henry Whittaker founded the company in 1868.

The reason Whittaker’s chocolate is so famous, and one of New Zealand’s most trusted brands, is their assurance of exceptional quality. The cacao beans are sourced from Samoa, a country that New Zealand has close ties to, and the milk they use is locally sourced. These premium quality ingredients, combined with Whittaker’s commitment to producing it themselves, makes their chocolate some of the creamiest, most delicious you’ll ever taste.

Be sure to try some of their seemingly weird but strangely tasty combinations – kiwi fruit & chocolate, or pear, honey & chocolate are both popular choices.

Pastillas De Leche – Philippines

These delectable little milk-based candies combine carabao (water buffalo) milk, powdered milk, and sugar.  This creates a soft, homogenous mixture. The mixture is rolled into little logs (similar to Tootsie Rolls), and coated in wax paper. 

Pastillas are associated with celebration in the Philippines. In fact, they are often favors at birthday parties or weddings and other events.

Ghana – South Korea

Ghana from South Korea is a bit misleading.  The name is not indicative of its geographical origins, but rather, to one of the largest cocoa bean producers worldwide.  The candy bar is most famous for its overly-emotional commercials.  The tagline in the late 20th century was “Even solitude feels sweet when with Ghana”.  Hmm.  Okay.

Contribution:  Jackie & Justin, Life of Doing

Coconut Candy – Vietnam

One of the delicious sweets to try on a Ho Chi Minh City itinerary is coconut candy (kẹo dừa in Vietnamese). This sweet, rich, and slightly chewy candy is found in South Vietnam’s Ben Tre. The city is located along the Mekong Delta and is famous for growing the best coconuts in the country.

A unique experience is to see the candy being made on a day tour to Ben Tre from Ho Chi Minh City. Many of the candies are made by local families in the area.

Coconut candy is made from fresh coconut meat, coconut cream, sugar, malt, and other flavors such as peanuts, pandan, and durian. A giant machine melts the coconut with the ingredients. The candy is slightly cooled before getting placed into a rectangular mold and cut into square pieces. Women wrap the candies with an edible rice wrapper and then place them into an outer wrapper before going into the sealed bag.

On the tour, try the candy and pick up several packages as gifts. They’re also available at the grocery stores and souvenir shops around Vietnam.