1. Introduction to Hoi An Black Sesame Sweet Soup
1.1. Origin of Hoi An Black Sesame Sweet Soup
Black sesame sweet soup, also known as xi ma or chi ma phu, originates from the Fujian region. This dish was brought to Hoi An by Chinese merchants during trade activities from the beginning of the last century. Many documents record xi ma as a familiar dish that Chinese immigrants brought with them when they came to trade and live in the prosperous Hoi An port. In the 16th and 17th centuries, when Hoi An was one of the major trading centers in the Central region, Hoi An black sesame sweet soup was gradually accepted by the local people thanks to the diverse cultural exchange.
The appearance of Hoi An black sesame sweet soup is a vivid testament to the harmonious blend of Vietnamese and Chinese cultures in the ancient town. The Chinese community from Trieu Chau, Fujian, and Guangdong not only brought their customs but also passed down many special culinary secrets. Initially, xi ma was a simple refreshing drink. But upon settling in Hoi An, the local people flexibly adapted the ingredients to suit the local tastes and conditions.
Mr. Thieu's black sesame sweet soup stall is famous for its secret recipe that makes the black sesame sweet soup delicious and authentic. (Source: Collected)
Mr. Ngo Thieu's family is known as the longest preserver of the secret recipe for making Hoi An Black Sesame Sweet Soup with a tradition of passing down the craft for nearly two centuries. The family's "xi ma" stall was once mentioned by the press as a symbol preserving the original, distinctive flavor. Today, Mr. Thieu's descendants continue to sell the sweet soup every morning, preserving the traditional flavor associated with the rhythm of ancient town life.
1.2. Cultural Value and Significance
For a long time, this black sesame sweet soup has become a part of Hoi An's culinary life. The Hoi An Black Sesame Sweet Soup stall is a familiar image in the memories of many generations of the ancient town's residents. On cold mornings, the sound of the sweet soup vendor's call echoes through the small alleys, creating a simple, distinctive characteristic for Hoi An. The stall is not just a place of business but also a meeting point for exchange and sharing life stories. Black sesame sweet soup thus becomes a glue that binds the community, a symbol of the slow-paced and friendly lifestyle of this place.
According to traditional medicine, Hoi An Black Sesame Sweet Soup is considered a nutritious dish. Black sesame is mild in nature, helping to nourish blood, and improve hair and skin conditions. At the same time, herbs like thanh địa (a type of herb) and rau má (centella asiatica) play a role in clearing heat, cooling the liver, and aiding digestion. This sweet soup is often consumed by locals as a way to nourish the body, cool down in the summer, and naturally enhance skin beauty.
1.3. Why Tourists Should Try Hoi An Sweet Soup When Traveling
Hoi An Black Sesame Sweet Soup offers a unique taste experience rarely found in other regions. Its glossy black color, smooth texture combined with a light sweetness and the nutty richness of black sesame create a distinctive highlight. The aroma of roasted sesame mixed with a subtle scent of traditional Chinese medicine makes diners even more impressed. The soup is usually served in small porcelain bowls that retain heat for a long time, and each spoonful brings a spreading warmth.
When enjoying black sesame sweet soup, tourists not only discover local cuisine but also have the opportunity to learn more about the history of Hoi An's trading port, the Chinese community, and the process of preserving traditions by a family that has been dedicated to the craft for over 70 years. Each bowl of sweet soup tells a story about a part of the ancient town's memory, about the people who contributed to building the identity of this land.
The price of Hoi An Black Sesame Sweet Soup is very reasonable, ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 VND per bowl, suitable for all tourists. At this price, you can easily enjoy it multiple times, experience the differences between various vendors, and appreciate the diversity in preparation methods. This is a delicious snack that also carries cultural value, which everyone visiting Hoi An should try.
1.4. Flavor Characteristics, Ingredients of Hoi An Black Sesame Sweet Soup
Hoi An Black Sesame Sweet Soup embodies the essence of carefully selected ingredients. Black sesame is sourced from the Thanh Ha hills north of Hoi An. This area is famous for its fertile soil and climate suitable for sesame cultivation, producing firm, fragrant, and nutritious sesame seeds. Additionally, glutinous rice flour, tapioca starch, and rock sugar combine to create a smooth, slightly sweet, and non-cloying texture. Fresh coconut milk and herbs like thanh địa and rau má also contribute to the distinctive flavor and add extra nutrients.
Hoi An black sesame sweet soup with a smooth, thick texture, fragrant aroma, and mild, easy-to-eat sweetness. (Source: Collected)
The special point in Mr. Thieu's family's recipe is using water from the Ba Le well – an ancient, famous well in Hoi An. Water from this well brings a pure, refreshing sweetness to the soup, unlike when using tap water. In addition, a special traditional Chinese medicine ingredient known only to this family is added to the soup, bringing a unique aroma that is hard to find elsewhere.
When completed, Hoi An black sesame sweet soup has a glossy black color, a suitable texture, neither too thick nor too thin. The pleasant mild sweetness, the richness of black sesame combined with herbal fragrance create a dish that is appealing to both sight and taste. The traditional Chinese medicine aroma is not too strong but gentle, making those who enjoy it feel warm and comfortable.
1.5. Preparation Process of Authentic Hoi An Black Sesame Sweet Soup
To prepare Hoi An black sesame sweet soup, the cook starts by roasting the black sesame seeds over low heat after cleaning, washing, and draining them. The sesame seeds are roasted until fragrant, glossy, and not burnt. This step requires meticulousness and experience to preserve the natural flavor of the sesame. The sesame is then ground or pounded finely; some places even filter the pulp to obtain the clearest sesame water.
The soup cooking process is crucial for determining quality. The sesame water is put into a pot with diluted glutinous rice flour and tapioca starch, stirring continuously while cooking to prevent lumps. Rock sugar is added to create a mild sweetness, different from using granulated sugar. The heat is maintained at a moderate level until the mixture reaches the desired consistency and glossy black color.
Mr. Thieu's family recipe also includes adding thanh dia (a type of dried herb) and other medicinal herbs during the cooking process. This helps increase nutritional value and create a unique aroma for this sweet soup. The result is a finished black sesame sweet soup with a beautiful black color, a moderately thick texture, emitting the aroma of roasted sesame mixed with a gentle herbal fragrance. All ingredients blend together to bring an unforgettable taste experience to diners.
2. Top 3+ Delicious and Affordable Hoi An Black Sesame Sweet Soup Addresses
2.1. Che Xi Ma Phu - 45/17 Tran Hung Dao
Che Xi Ma Phu is a familiar address when mentioning Hoi An black sesame sweet soup with traditional flavor and affordable prices. The shop is located at 45/17 Tran Hung Dao, in the ancient town area, making it very convenient for tourists to combine sightseeing and enjoying local cuisine. This is a long-standing sweet soup stall, frequently appearing in articles introducing Hoi An cuisine and often recommended by tourists looking for authentic black sesame sweet soup.
The distinctive feature of Che Xi Ma Phu lies in its traditional cooking method associated with the ancient Xi Ma Phu craft. The soup is made from carefully roasted black sesame seeds, finely ground, and slow-cooked to achieve a natural smooth thickness. The soup has a glossy black color, a distinct roasted sesame aroma, and a thanh (clear/light) sweetness that is not cloying. When tasted, diners can easily feel a light, nutty aftertaste on their tongue. The soup is usually served hot in small porcelain bowls, in the traditional Hoi An style of enjoying sweet soup.
Regarding pricing, each serving of sweet soup at the shop ranges from 20,000 to 35,000 VND, suitable for both tourists and local residents. The menu is not overly diverse, focusing mainly on black sesame sweet soup, which helps the shop maintain a stable flavor and consistent quality. The operating hours are usually from morning to late afternoon; however, on peak days, the shop may run out of soup early. For those who want to enjoy authentic traditional Hoi An black sesame sweet soup, associated with the ancient town atmosphere and the story of an age-old Xi Ma Phu craft, Che Xi Ma Phu is a very worthwhile choice.
2.2. Xi Ma Phu - 108 Nguyen Truong To
Amidst the peaceful streets of Hoi An, Xi Ma Phu at 108 Nguyen Truong To is a familiar stop for many who wish to enjoy Hoi An black sesame sweet soup in the traditional style. This is a long-standing sweet soup address associated with the daily life of Hoi An residents, often mentioned as a place selling Xi Ma Phu with a simple, dân dã (rustic/popular) character. The shop's simple space with a small cart on the sidewalk creates a friendly atmosphere from the very first visit.
Black sesame sweet soup shop on Nguyen Truong To street with a simple space but the soup quality is always highly rated. (Source: Collected)
Xi Ma Phu stands out with its traditional cart selling style, preserving the ancient culinary spirit of Hoi An. The soup is cooked in large pots and always kept hot when served. Each bowl of soup has a smooth, dark color, a clear aroma of roasted sesame, and a pleasant, mild sweetness. When enjoying, customers feel a light, nutty, fatty aftertaste that is not cloying.
Regarding the price, Xi Ma Phu is considered very affordable, only about 5,000 – 10,000 VND per bowl, suitable for both locals and tourists who want to experience traditional food. The shop usually opens in the morning, from about 6 AM to 10 AM, and may sell out early when there are many customers. The menu focuses solely on black sesame sweet soup, helping the shop maintain stable quality over time.
2.3. Che Oanh
When mentioning long-standing sweet soup shops frequented by many people in the ancient town, Che Oanh is always a familiar name on the suggestion list. The shop is located at 33 Phan Chu Trinh, near the city center, making it very convenient for combining sightseeing and culinary experiences. Thanks to its easy-to-find location and simple space, Che Oanh has become a familiar stop for both locals and tourists.
The menu at the shop is quite diverse with many traditional sweet soups that have familiar flavors such as tofu pudding, lotus seed sweet soup, mixed sweet soup, xoa xoa, corn sweet soup, mung bean sweet soup, etc. Among them, Hoi An black sesame sweet soup is the dish chosen by many customers when visiting the shop. The soup has a moderate thickness, a characteristic glossy black color, and a distinct aroma of roasted sesame. The sweetness is balanced, so it is not cloying when eaten, even on hot days. The cooking method retains the traditional style but still suits the taste of many customers, from the elderly to young people.
Besides the quality of the food, the prices at Che Oanh are considered reasonable and affordable. This is a factor that helps the shop always be crowded, especially in the afternoon and evening. According to actual reviews, the shop has an average rating of about 4.3/5 stars with over 20 reviews, reflecting satisfaction with the taste as well as the service style. The shop is usually open from afternoon to evening, suitable for a leisurely stroll and light snacking. For those looking for a place to enjoy authentic Hoi An black sesame sweet soup that is easily accessible and reasonably priced, Che Oanh is a worthwhile option in your culinary exploration of the ancient town.
3. Suggested Itinerary for Traveling and Experiencing Hoi An Black Sesame Sweet Soup
To make the trip more complete and easier to visualize, tourists can choose a 2-day itinerary combining sightseeing, relaxation, and experiencing the characteristic cuisine of Central Vietnam. The first day is dedicated to exploring Hoi An. In the morning, tourists begin their journey by strolling through the ancient town, visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge, assembly halls, and ancient houses bearing historical imprints. The peaceful atmosphere and slow pace of life create a sense of relaxation from the very first steps. In the afternoon, tourists rest and enjoy familiar specialties such as Cao Lau, Mi Quang, or Chicken Rice.
The afternoon is the ideal time to visit handicraft shops, take photos by the Hoai River, and feel the ancient beauty of Hoi An. In the evening, tourists should take time to visit long-standing sweet soup shops to enjoy Hoi An black sesame sweet soup. A bowl of hot, smooth soup with a fragrant, nutty roasted sesame flavor and a mild sweetness helps the body feel comfortable after a day of travel. At this time, tourists can also enjoy eating soup while soaking in the magical atmosphere of the ancient town at night.
On the second day, tourists travel from Hoi An to Da Nang to expand their itinerary. In the morning, it is advisable to depart early to visit Sun World Ba Na Hills, experience the cable car system, admire the Golden Bridge, and explore the French village.
Sun World Ba Na Hills is a suggestion for an interesting entertainment spot in your Da Nang travel itinerary. (Source: Collected)
Having lunch at the tourist area helps the itinerary remain uninterrupted. In the afternoon, after returning to the city center, visitors can stroll along My Khe beach or visit famous bridges. In the evening, enjoy Da Nang cuisine and conclude the trip with many memorable memories.
4. Experience and useful tips when trying Hoi An black sesame sweet soup
4.1. Notes on price, opening hours, and the best time to eat
When experiencing Hoi An black sesame sweet soup, visitors should be aware of some important notes regarding prices, opening hours, and the best time to enjoy it for a complete experience. Firstly, regarding the selling price, black sesame sweet soup in Hoi An is considered an affordable snack, suitable for both locals and tourists. The current popular price ranges from about 10,000 – 20,000 VND per bowl, depending on the shop and the amount of soup served. Some long-standing establishments or those located in the ancient town area may sell at slightly higher prices, but overall, they are still very reasonable compared to tourist culinary prices. This is also why Hoi An black sesame sweet soup is often chosen by many tourists to enjoy multiple times during their trip.
Regarding selling hours, most traditional black sesame sweet soup stalls usually open from afternoon to evening, commonly between 3:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Some long-standing vendors may open earlier or close early when they run out of ingredients for the day. Therefore, if you want to enjoy the authentic taste, you should proactively go early in the afternoon to avoid running out of soup. Especially during peak tourist seasons, many stalls sell out very quickly.
Black sesame sweet soup is best enjoyed hot. The best time to eat it, as shared by many locals, is in the cool afternoon or evening, when Hoi An's air is milder after a hot day. At this time, a hot, smooth bowl of Hoi An black sesame sweet soup will help cool you down gently, while also bringing a sense of relaxation after strolling through the ancient town. This is also the ideal time to fully appreciate the traditional flavor of the soup associated with the life of the ancient town.
4.2. Health and etiquette considerations when enjoying the soup
Although black sesame is a nutritious food, people with weak digestive systems should consume it in moderation and avoid eating too much at once. Black sesame sweet soup contains sugar, so people with diabetes should check the ingredients or ask carefully before eating. If you have previously had allergies to sesame, beans, coconut milk, or herbs, you should inquire about the ingredients or try a small amount before eating the whole bowl.
Black sesame sweet soup is delicious and nutritious, but not suitable for everyone's taste and diet. (Source: Collected)
When eating Hoi An black sesame sweet soup from street vendors, maintain politeness, queue up, do not push, and speak softly so as not to disturb others. Pay the correct price and limit bargaining as the price is already very reasonable and this is the long-standing income source for the sellers. After finishing, don't forget to dispose of trash in the designated areas to help preserve the ancient town's landscape.
4.3. How to eat and fully appreciate the flavor of black sesame sweet soup
Black sesame sweet soup is usually served hot in small porcelain bowls. Only take a moderate amount each time to avoid feeling overwhelmed and to fully appreciate each layer of flavor. Enjoy small spoonfuls, savoring the light sweetness, the richness of black sesame, and the aroma of roasted sesame and herbs. The mild herbal scent helps warm the stomach and creates a pleasant feeling.
Some places may add shredded coconut, roasted peanuts, or coconut milk to enhance richness and crunchiness, offering a novel experience. However, many recommend trying the traditional black sesame sweet soup to experience its original flavor, especially at Mr. Thieu's stall with its family recipe. A lingering aftertaste and a spreading warmth are signs of a quality bowl of Hoi An black sesame sweet soup.
Hoi An black sesame sweet soup is not just a snack but also a culinary heritage that embodies historical stories, cultural fusion, and the soul of the ancient town's people. When visiting Hoi An, take the time to enjoy a hot bowl, listen to old tales, and preserve beautiful moments in your journey of exploring Central Vietnamese cuisine.
