20 EXOTIC VIETNAMESE FRUITS TO KNOW

Vietnamese Fruits are probably one of the few things any travelers will notice as soon as they touch down, and here,  we talk about a collection of exotic fruits in Vietnam to Experience in Hanoi, or just about anywhere you travel.

Like the smiling easygoing people, exotic fruit greets you on almost every corner in the streets of Vietnamese Cities. The country’s fertile plains and hot tropical climate zone, as well as its more temperate northern regions, means that pretty much anything grows here, from those yum bite fruits to any sort of veggies.

Local fruits of Vietnam come in different seasons unless you able to find them year round but, it’s best to know when to try these fruits fresh from the tree.  Here, we introduce an exotic local fruits in Vietnam and the best time of the year to get them!

And to make it short, the best places to get those yum bite fruits are at a local grocery store, wet markets and through the street vendors that each carry a bunch of fruits on the back f their bicycle spinning around. Local Vietnamese fruits are sweet, citrusy, and sometimes chewy but always juicy.

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Mangosteen | Vietnamese name: Măng cụt

Mangosteen (Măng cụt), referred to as purple mangosteen is regarded as the queen of tropical fruits – it grows anywhere across South-Eat Asia and specially around cities of Mekong Delta.

This fairly popular Vietnamese Fruit its got a soft flesh, which is white and somewhat watery, melts in the mouth and offers a sweet taste with occasional hints of sourness, while predominantly being soft and creamy.

The ideal mangosteen contains more flesh and fewer seeds. The season typically spans from May to September. To pick the best ones in the market, look for a green cap, ensure the fruit is fresh and free from cracks. Additionally, when holding the fruit upside down, the number of “flower petals” on the bottom indicates the number of sections inside the fruit.

Durian | Vietnamese name: Sầu riêng

Vietnamese Durian considered as a king of all tropical fruits, you love it or hate it, that’s just because, for some, it smells and they can’t take it.

Even though Durian is the stinkiest fruit you eat in Vietnam, but that doesn’t stop locals from eating it. This Exotic king fruit is taken by its spiky thorny and hard outer shell. Compared to its smell, the Vietnamese durian has a creamy taste that locals love it when its creamy on a vanilla taste ice-cream. The best durian features less seeds and has a soft, sweet flesh with a buttery color.

The best and premium quality of this tropical fruit in Vietnam varies from the top Ri 6 from Vinh Long and the Cai Mon growing in Ben Tre (Both in Mekong Delta).

However, Vietnamese typically eat Durian fruit at home rather than in public places due to its strong odor.

Pomelo | Vietnamese name: Bưởi

Vietnamese pomelo is a special citrusy fruit with natural sweetness and aromatic taste with variety of types found in any season and, anywhere in Vietnam.

Pomelo got a thick and sturdy skin and its typically a citrus type of tropic fruit that boasts a very refreshing mild flavor which left your mouth watering.  It may be confusing with grapefruit, however Pomelo isn’t grapefruit at all.

This Exotic flavorful Vietnamese fruit is high in fiber and Vitamin C which helps for a better digestion (Reason Vietnamese eat it after lunch). In addition to the delicious taste, this is also a very suitable fruit to have in your diet.

Vietnam features a variety of Pomelo fruit, including green, Nam Roi, Dien pomelo from Hanoi and north, Doan Hung and another type called, Pomelo Phuc Trach.

Each Pomelo fruit has its distinct origin. Ben Tre in Mekong, in particular, stands out for its extensive green cultivation of Pomelo farming or centuries.

In addition, Pomelos are in both green and yellowish pulp and they weight something from 500 gram to 2 kilos each.

Dragon Fruit | Vietnamese name: Thanh Long

Dragon fruit, known for its striking pink skin and speckled flesh filled with tiny black seeds, is an exotic delight among all fruits in Vietnam. This watery fruit boasts a subtle and mildly sweet taste, making it a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savoury dishes. Consequently, it is a popular choice for smoothie bowls, fruit salads, and desserts, due to its vibrant appearance and pleasant flavour.

Furthermore, Vietnamese dragon fruit is cultivated in various locations, including Mui Ne Binh Thuan, Long An, Tien Giang, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Notably, the plant is a type of cactus. The fruit comes in three distinct varieties: two with pink skin but differing flesh colours, and another variety with yellow skin and white flesh.

Moreover, dragon fruit is significantly low in calories and rich in antioxidants provides Vitamin C, phosphorus, calcium, fibre. Its flavour combined kiwi and pear making it a valuable addition to the diverse range of Vietnamese fruit.

In addition, Vietnam stands out as the only Southeast Asian country to export Dragon fruit.

Rambutan | Vietnamese name: Chôm Chôm

Rambutan known as hedgehog by Vietnamese, this tropical fruit features green pulps that are notably soft and easily removable. Among the exotic varieties, Chôm Chôm, as it called by Vietnamese stands out due to its smaller size—approximately that of a golf ball—and fewer thorns compared to the standard rambutan you may find in Thailand.

Consequently, it offers the sweetest and juiciest flavor with a subtle taste, and it is easier to remove the seed from the pulp. However, remember to avoid taking the bitter seed concealed within the pulp.

Furthermore, rambutan is the most popular tropical fruit in Vietnam during the summer season, which extends from April to June. You might use peeled rambutans into fruit salads as an ideal substitute for lychee. Additionally, consider trying rambutan juice with a hint of cinnamon or vanilla, which provides a unique and delightful summery taste.

Longan Fruit | Vietnamese name: Long Nhãn

Longan, often referred to as the “dragon’s eye” due to its appearance when peeled, provides a subtle watery sweetness taste with floral undertones. This Vietnamese fruit features translucent, juicy flesh that is both refreshing and soothing. Additionally, the longan is widely used in desserts, teas, and beverages, and it represents rejuvenation and vitality in Vietnamese culture.

In addition, Vietnamese Longan fruit is cultivated predominantly in southern country, where the high humidity of regions creates ideal growing conditions. The fruit grows in clusters, presenting as small round balls with soft, pale yellow skin and smoky white flesh that offers a sweet taste.

Furthermore, longan is rich in essential nutrients, including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and vitamins B1, B2, and C. The longan season in Vietnam typically spans from April to November.

Jackfruit | Vietnamese Fruit name: mít

Jackfruit called Qua Mít in Vietnamese –  Renowned as the world’s largest tree fruit, boasts a distinctive sweet aroma that enhances its tropic taste. Jackfruit features fibrous, yellow flesh that can be consumed either ripe, in a dessert, or unripe, serving as a versatile savoury meat substitute. Consequently, jackfruit holds a prominent place in Vietnamese cuisine and frequently appears in as a snack, or as in stir-fries, in desserts, or find them as a crispy chips in the supermarkets.

Additionally, it stands out among Vietnamese fruits for its adaptability and rich flavour.

Jackfruit is rich in important nutrients such as vitamin A & C, calcium, potassium, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, magneisum and many other nutrients. Check out Jackfruit on Wikipedia

Custard Apple | Vietnamese name: Mãng Cầu Or Na 

Mãng Cầu, or Na are the local names of the Custard Apple – One of the commonly consumed fruits in Vietnam, known for its health benefits. When ripe, its peel becomes soft and easily removable, allowing you to directly enjoy the sweet and creamy white pulp. Remember to discard the black seeds. The optimal time to enjoy this popular Vietnamese exotic fruit is in the autumn, from August to late September. When you buy them fresh from the wet markets – best it to place the custard apple in a paper bag.

Custard apples are densely cultivated in the south of Vietnam specially in Mui Ne Ninh Thuan and Ba Ria Vung Tau where the fertile is more humid and climate is more tropic.

Sapodilla | Vietnamese name: Hồng xiêm 

Sapodilla is another highly popular tropical fruit in Vietnam, know for its brown, round or slightly oval shape with a very thin skin. The fruit offers a sweet and delicate pulp that evokes flavours reminiscent of caramel, pear, and honey. Additionally, sapodilla contains two to five black, hard, and elongated seeds.

Sapodilla fruits have been a diet consumed in many parts of the world specially in Vietnam and other South-East Asian countries. Eating the flesh of sapodilla is safe and considered healthy.

In Indonesia, people consume young sapodilla sprouts either raw or cooked with rice. However, In Vietnam locals eat it fresh as it offers a tasty summery combination fleshy texture that appeals to those seeking a tropical flavors.

Green Tangerine | Vietnamese Fruit from Mekong

Vietnamese Green Tangerine is a delicious fruit that is growing rapidly in the southern region specially around Mekong Delta. The lightly skinned tangerine, is one of the most popular local fruits in Vietnam widely grown in cities such as Cai Be, Tien Giang, Lai Vung – Dong Thap and Long Tri – Hau Giang.

The fruit is juicy and citrusy flavored sweet, features a distinctive aroma, and leaves a sour aftertaste in the mouth when eaten.

The best green tangerine originates from Lai Vung in Dong Thap Province and is also known locally as Tieu Son. This fruit is harvested only once annually, typically from November to December .

Rose Apple | Vietnamese name:  Quả Roi, Or, Quả Mận

Vietnamese Rose apple, known as a delightful and distinctive tropical fruit that epitomises Vietnam and some other South-East Asian countries such as Thailand. The rose apple’s delicate flavour and refreshing qualities have earned it popularity among both locals and tourists seeking to try Vietnamese Fruits. Additionally, this fruit is referred to as Quả Roi in Vietnam and can also be known as Quả Mận.

This bell shaped testy fruit often comes with many different colors from red, light pink, dark pink, milky white to even green.

Jujube | Vietnamese Fruit name:  Táo Bi

In Vietnamese, jujube fruit is referred to as ‘Táo Bi’ or ‘Táo Gió’ and it grows predominantly in Ninh Thuan Province in southern Vietnam as the sunny days are longer with enough breezy conditions . This Vietnamese exotic fruit is renowned for its crisp texture and less sweet flavour.

Jujubes vary in shape from round to elongated and in size from cherry to plum-sized, depending on the season. Although the fruit remains edible after it becomes wrinkled, most people prefer it between the yellow-green to the fully red stage.

Additionally, research shows jujube fruit contain exceptionally high levels of vitamin C.

Star Apple or Milky Fruit | Vietnamese name: Vú sữa

The Vietnamese star apple, also known as Melastella or Cainetta – according to the old folklore, it is translated as mother’s milk this is due its milky juice squeezed out when cutting the fruit. In Vietnam, the most renowned variety of this fruit comes from Lò Rèn Vĩnh Kim of Tien Giang Province. This Vietnamese fruit features a round shape as big as an orange, with green or light purple yet bitter skin but soft, tender, slightly mellow taste inside.

Currently, Vietnam stands as the sole exporter of the star apple to Europe, including UK, as well as to Canada, Cambodia, the Philippines, India, and Thailand.

An interesting fact about the star apple is that it ranks as one of the lowest-calorie tropical fruits exist, with 100 grams providing only 31 calories, making it lower in calories than most other tropical Vietnamese fruits.

Additionally, the nutrients in star apple may offer protective benefits against diabetes and certain types of cancer, and it can aid in weight loss.

Guava | Vietnamese name: Ổi

Guava or Ổi as they call it in Vietnamese language- Is another tropical fruit grow in most regions of Vietnam specially in the northern city of Bac Giang. The Vietnamese guava, typically round or oval, features a green to slightly yellow skin when ripe. Its flesh can be milky white, or slightly red, and it offers a dry but slightly tangy flavor. Also, Guava fruit is extensively cultivated in the Mekong Delta, Thai Binh, Ha Noi and Hung Yen.

Vietnamese guava fruit remains available anytime of the year although its taste may vary slightly with the seasons. In Vietnam, people often enjoy guavas raw with a pinch of salt and chili to mix up the flavour.

Lychee | Vietnamese name: Vải

Summer marks the lychee season. Although this fruit predominantly grows in the north of Vietnam, however, it is readily available throughout the country. Lychees, or Quả vải in Vietnamese, are exceptionally juicy and sweet, making them easy to consume. However, one should note that lychees do not stand well for more than a day or two. Therefore, it is advisable to store them in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness.

This small sized slightly round shaped tropical fruit grows extensively in Hai Duong & Bac Giang in northern Vietnam and is rich in vitamins, minerals & antioxidants that are beneficial for health.

Lychee is one of the most popular fruits consumed during the summer in Vietnam. This locally grow fruit is not only rich in nutritional value but also benefits for digestion.

Passion Fruit | Vietnamese name: Quả chanh dây

Passion fruit is a tropical fruit known for its distinctive sour taste, which many people, particularly those focused on their health, find appealing. Despite its small size, passion fruit boasts a rich composition of antioxidants, vitamins, and other beneficial compounds.

Locally known as Quả chanh dây, is a popular Vietnamese fruit to eat. This tropical fruit, widely found among fruits in Vietnam, offers a tangy flavour and is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Its vibrant taste and health benefits make it a sought-after choice for many.

Langan fruit | Vietnamese name: Bòn bon

The Longan fruit (Quả bòn bon), scientifically known as Lansium domesticum, is a tropical tree widely cultivated across various provinces in Vietnam. This Exotic Vietnamese fruit is round, with a light skin and opaque white flesh that contains approximately 5 to 6 segments. Longan fruit is rich in vitamins and minerals beneficial to human health. It has a slightly sour taste, which becomes sweeter as it ripens.

Longan, or Bòn bon, a tropical fruit found in Vietnam, contains carotene, which provides excellent antioxidant benefits. Carotene helps prevent the formation of harmful cells and supports the maintenance of beneficial cells within the body.

In addition, Langon fruit is widely available at street markets, and any supermarkets with fair cheap price per KG.

Star fruit (Carambola) | Vietnamese Fruit Name: Khế

A Popular Fruit in Vietnam – Ripe and golden star fruit offers a refreshing and juicy treat that many people enjoy. This tangy delicacy is a popular fruit in Vietnam, particularly available year-round in the Mekong Delta.

Carambola tree is a native of South-East Asia as well as Vietnam – to eat the star fruit, slice it horizontally to star-shaped pieces. The thin, waxy skin is edible and requires only a quick rinse before slicing.

Additionally, star fruit often appears in a home-style sweet and sour fish soup known as canh chua cá. If you travel to countrysides in Vietnam, you’ll see Star Fruit at pretty much any house in the villages.

Vietnamese Mango | Local name: Xoài

Mango is a popular Vietnamese fruit found in so. many other tropical countries all across the world – In Vietnam, there are more than dozens of different species of Mango that is originate and grow only in some part of the countries. Mangos are all fleshy, juicy and aromatic and are available just about anywhere in Vietnam.

In addition, xoài xanh (green mangoes) are always eaten as a desert and snack dipped in chili salt.

Some commonly “Vietnamese Mango” that are actually available to expert including:

Hoa Loc Sweet Mango

Acacia Mango

Cat Chu Mango

Elephant Mango

Cam Lam of Khanh Hoa

Soursop | Vietnamese Fruit name: Mãng Cầu

Soursop is called Mãng Cầu, in an oval shaped very popular among Vietnamese fruits famous for its  aromatic taste. Soursop fruit with a dark greenish skin with inner white flesh tastes much like a pineapple with sweet and sour flavor.

Scientifically known as Annona muricata, Soursop belongs to the custard apple family tree which typically reaches a height of about 6 to 8 metres, is known for its distinctive characteristics.

It features a trunk with numerous branching, smooth surface, and alternately arranged oval shape. The tree bears yellow flowers with six petals, while the seed-shaped berries are covered in thorns. The flesh of the fruit is white, and the seeds are dark brown.

All parts of the soursop tree, including the shell, flowers, leaves, fruit, roots, and seeds, offer health benefits. As a popular fruit in Vietnam, soursop enjoys widespread appreciation for its taste and nutritional value among Vietnamese fruits.

What is Vietnam’s National Fruit?

Dragon Fruit known as Thanh Long names the Vietnam’s National Frit. However, this is a little confusing since there are a few other Vietnamese Fruits that has been in the list by locals. Anyway, when it comes to name the “Vietnamese National Fruit” Dragon Fruit ,  has been declared strongly as the national fruit, signifying the nation’s commitment to preserving its natural cultivation.

In addition, some locals suggests Mangosteen, known as the Queen of all fruits – others introduce Rambutan and jackfruit to be in the top 3 list of the National Fruits in Vietnam.

What fruits are in season in Vietnam?

Fruit  Seasons in Vietnam

When visiting Vietnam, one often encounters a diverse array of fruits that tantalises the palate. As a country of tropical seasonal fruits of any type, Vietnam provides year-round seasonal access to various fruits. However, people typically enjoy fruits according to their seasonal availability.

Fruit seasons in Vietnam are depending on the region. Some fruits are available throughout the year but are considered especially delicious during specific times. Certain trees produce a larger yield in particular seasons, while other fruits only appear during specific periods.

What is Jicama fruit in Vietnamese?

Jicama in Vietnamese called củ đậu and it is a very common type of fruit Vietnamese often consume after lunch or dinner break.

The jicama features a thin light semi-yellow skin that encases creamy white texture much like a pear. When consumed, it offers a light super juicy sweet and refreshing taste and can be enjoyed raw with salt and chili or use it together with various foods dishes such as soups, stir-fries with shrimp or meat, salads, and stews.

Known also as the Mexican yam bean or Mexican turnip, the jicama is a herbaceous perennial vine native to Mexico and Central America consume widely in Vietnam. It consists of enlarged taproots, with the largest tubers weighing up to 20 kilograms and reaching lengths of up to 2 metres.