Vietnam’s tropical climate is perfect for growing a wide variety of exotic and delicious fruits. Not only are there many types of Vietnamese fruits available, but their flavors also make a lasting impression on foreign tourists.
Here is a curated list of 12 tropical fruits in Vietnam that are loved not only by local people but also by foreign tourists.
1. Sầu Riêng – Durian
Durian is globally renowned for its strong aroma, so intense that it’s banned from public transport in numerous countries. Often referred to as the ‘king of fruits,’ it possesses a unique appearance and taste unlike anything else. The texture of durian is often likened to custard, with its buttery flesh melting on the tongue, leaving behind a potent flavor and fragrance that durian enthusiasts can’t resist.
2. Mít – Jackfruit
Jackfruits are often mistaken for durians due to their similar size and color on the outside, but they’re quite different once you open them up.
Jackfruit always catches the eye when displayed in fruit stalls, thanks to its green or yellowish-colored exterior adorned with numerous sharp hexagonal spines.
Inside, you’ll find plenty of fleshy yellow bulbs emitting attractive fragrances and boasting a sweet taste, coupled with a crunchy, stringy texture. Moreover, jackfruit is packed with vitamin C and other nutrients that are beneficial for your overall health.
3. Chôm Chôm – Rambutan
Rambutans are like saying “messy hair” in a fun way. They’re tasty and colorful. Their outside is vibrant and hairy, but inside, they have white flesh that’s mildly sweet and sour, like grapes. You can find big bunches of these fruits in summer and winter because they’re harvested twice a year.
4. Bưởi – Pomelo
Pomelos are like the bigger cousin of grapefruits, but they have a milder taste. Although they may seem intimidating, pomelos are worth trying. These large, slightly oblong citrus fruits are green and turn faintly yellow when ripe. You can find them throughout most of the year in Vietnam, especially during special occasions.
5. Nhãn Lồng – Longan
Longan is a popular snack in Vietnam, often seen in large bunches at street markets across the country. Known as the ‘dragon’s eye’ in Vietnamese, this fruit is frequently likened to lychee, but it has a slightly sweeter flavor and more flesh.
6. Quả Roi – Rose Apple
This red fruit looks like a bell and has crunchy, juicy flesh, kind of like a melon. Rose apples are tender and taste like unripe pears with a touch of rosewater. You can find them growing in the south of Vietnam for most of the year.
7. Vú Sữa – Star Apple
In Vietnam, the star apple is called “mothers’ milk,” a name linked to an ancient folktale. This round fruit is about the size of an orange, with smooth, shiny skin in shades of violet or green. Although the skin and rind are bitter, the fruit inside is white and has a mild taste.
8. Măng Cụt – Mangosteen
One of the most exotic fruits you’ll try in Vietnam is mangosteen, available only from May to August. Even locals eagerly await mangosteen season. With its thick purple rind and soft, tangy flesh, you can easily find mangosteens in supermarkets and street-side vendors all over Vietnam.
9. Vải – Lychee
Lychee is one of Vietnam’s favorite fruits in the summer. It has a round shape and rough red or pinkish-red skin. Inside, you’ll find thick, juicy pulp surrounding a hard brown seed. Its flavor is a blend of strawberry and watermelon, which makes it sweet and refreshing. Many people find lychee addictive because of its sweetness and freshness, making it one of the most popular fruits in Vietnam during the summer.
10. Mãng Cầu – Soursop
Soursop is a fruit loved by both Vietnamese and foreigners for its delightful aroma and taste. Unlike the sweetsop (or sugar apple), soursops are larger, oval-shaped, and have a darker green color.
11. Hồng Xiêm – Sapodilla
Sapodilla, a native Vietnamese fruit, has an egg-shaped appearance and thin, brownish skin, rarely seen in Western countries.
12. Bòn Bon – Langsat
In Vietnam, there are many delicious tropical fruits, and one of them is the bòn bon fruit, which has a unique and tasty flavor. Langsat starts off sour but becomes sweet and juicy when ripe. You can get it from May to October, mostly in Quang Nam, Central Vietnam.
