Traditional Southern sweets stir memories in Dong Nai

(ĐN) – Traditional food has a special way of stirring nostalgia, especially when it comes to rustic Southern sweets that capture the essence of rural life. Now, locals in Dong Nai province’s Bien Hoa ward don’t have to travel far to experience this charm. A cozy little shop tucked in an alley on Bui Huu Nghia street offers a true taste of the Mekong Delta.

Cakes is neatly arranged and full of vibrant colors.

Bringing the countryside into the city

Located at 1075/8/35 Bui Huu Nghia street, “Bánh Dân Gian Miền Tây Bếp Mẹ Bơ” (Mom Bo’s Mekong Traditional Cakes) is a small but vibrant shop run by Ms. Tran Thi Thuy Linh, a Bien Hoa native with a deep love for the flavors of the Southwest.

Ms. Linh carefully arranges each freshly steamed cake on trays for customers to choose.

Driven by passion, Linh studied traditional cake-making through various short courses and trips to culinary heartlands such as Can Tho, An Giang, and Vinh Long. She carefully adapted recipes to suit local palates, reducing sweetness and tweaking textures, while preserving the authentic soul of the original dishes.

Steaming pot releases fragrant aroma every time the lid is lifted.

Durian layer cakes is a favorite among many diners.

Cakes are topped with shredded coconut and roasted sesame seeds.

Every morning, the kitchen comes alive with steaming pots and the unmistakable aroma of freshly made cakes mingling with rich coconut cream. Outside, a long table displays colorful treats like steamed palm sugar sponge cakes (bánh bò thốt nốt), durian layer cakes (bánh da lợn sầu riêng), cassava rolls, grilled banana cakes, sticky rice with mango or jackfruit, and more. The cakes are warm, inviting, and beautifully arranged, allowing customers to handpick their favorites.

Cakes is poured into molds in small batches to ensure each cake remains evenly textured and fluffy.

Baking is a daily routine carried out with the help of family members.

Baker carefully adds filling to the steamed rice cakes with coconut.

The cake shop opens at 7 a.m. and usually stays open until 1 or 2 p.m., often longer if customer demand remains high.

Each day, the kitchen produces between 5,000 and 6,000 cakes. Among the top-sellers is the durian layer cake, known for its soft, chewy texture and the fragrant richness of fresh durian. The palm sugar sponge cake is another favorite, light, amber-colored, and delicately sweetened with pure palm sugar.

A standout feature is the accompanying thick coconut sauce, made in-house, to elevate the richness and bring out the depth of flavor in every bite.

Prices range from VND4,000 to 15,000 per piece. The cake shop also offers combo sets at VND59,000 and 99,000, enough for two to share a hearty, satisfying dessert session. With fair pricing, consistent quality, and a flavor profile that evokes memories of home, it’s no surprise the shop has quickly gained a loyal local following.

Traditional cake shop draws a large crowd every morning.

A place for memory and discovery

For older patrons, the cake shop offers more than just delicious treats, it brings back cherished memories. Mr. Nguyen Van Thong, a long-time resident of Tran Bien ward originally from Bac Lieu (now part of Ca Mau), discovered the shop by chance when preparing for a family memorial. A neighbor recommended it, and one taste was enough to make him a regular.

Mr. Nguyen Van Thong and his wife leave happily after picking out their favorite cakes.

“Back home, my favorite was palm sugar sponge cakes. The look and taste here are almost identical,” he said. “They’re fragrant, flavorful, and hygienically made. Plus, the prices are very reasonable.”

Meanwhile, younger customers are drawn by the shop’s charm and social media presence. Vu Thi My Duyen, a local from Long Binh ward, discovered the place through TikTok videos.

Customers choose from a wide variety of cakes at their leisure.

“What struck me first was the warm and friendly atmosphere,” she said. “The display is simple but eye-catching, it makes you want to try everything.”

To Duyen, the shop stands out in Dong Nai for offering such a wide selection of Southern traditional cakes. Every tray is carefully arranged, often lined with banana leaves, reflecting both care and craftsmanship.

In this intimate space, the scent of pandan, coconut, and sticky rice fills the air, reminiscent of old countryside markets. For the elderly, it’s a journey back in time. For the younger generation, it’s an exciting culinary discovery in the heart of the city.

So if you ever find yourself in Bien Hoa, take a detour down a quiet alley off Bui Huu Nghia street. There, in a humble corner, you’ll find a little piece of the Mekong Delta waiting to be savored.

Reported by M. Hanh