The 5 Must-Try Vietnamese Desserts At Duc Phuong Thach Che, Houston's New Top 100 Gem

Duc Phuong Thach Che, a vibrant fast-casual spot in Houston’s bustling Asiatown, has recently cemented its status as a culinary powerhouse, moving far beyond a simple dessert shop to become a celebrated destination for authentic Vietnamese flavors. As of December 12, 2025, the buzz surrounding this establishment is louder than ever, thanks to its prestigious inclusion in the *Houston Chronicle’s Top 100 Restaurants* list.

This recognition is a testament to the restaurant’s mastery of *chè*—the traditional Vietnamese sweet soups, puddings, and dessert drinks—along with its impressive selection of savory Vietnamese snacks. If you’re curious about the soul of Vietnamese street food and its delightful sweet side, Duc Phuong Thach Che is the essential stop in Houston’s Little Saigon.

The Essential Menu: 5 Must-Try Desserts and Snacks

While the menu is extensive, featuring everything from tropical fruit smoothies to savory delicacies, certain items stand out as the pillars of Duc Phuong Thach Che's success. These signature dishes are what draw crowds to the Bellaire Boulevard location and earned the restaurant its spot on the city’s most coveted dining list.

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• Chè Ba Màu (Three Color Pudding): This is arguably the most famous and highly recommended *chè* on the menu. A visually stunning dessert, it features layers of red beans, mung beans, and green pandan jelly (or agar-agar), all bathed in rich coconut milk and served over crushed ice. It’s a perfect balance of texture and sweetness.
• Sương Sa Hột Lựu (Jelly and Pomegranate Seeds): A refreshing and textural delight, this dessert combines clear and colorful jellies, crunchy "pomegranate seeds" (actually water chestnut pieces dyed red), and sometimes crunchy coconut shavings, all mixed with sweet coconut cream. The name translates literally to "dew drops and pomegranate seeds."
• Specialty Smoothies: Duc Phuong Thach Che is renowned for its selection of smoothies made with exotic and pungent tropical fruits. The durian, jackfruit, and soursop (mãng cầu) smoothies are must-try items for those looking for an authentic and intense fruit flavor experience, often served with tapioca pearls or other chewy additions.
• Vietnamese Pork Ham (*Giò Lụa* or *Chả Lụa*): Moving to the savory side, the Vietnamese Pork Ham is a classic delicacy that captures the essence of authentic Vietnamese ingredients. It’s a savory, dense, and flavorful item, perfect for a quick, grab-and-go snack or a side dish.
• Shrimp Spring Rolls (*Gỏi Cuốn*): Perfectly cooked shrimp and vermicelli noodles wrapped in fresh rice paper, served with a savory peanut dipping sauce. These fresh spring rolls offer a light, healthy, and flavorful contrast to the rich desserts.

The Rise to Houston's Top 100: A Culinary Landmark

The inclusion of Duc Phuong Thach Che in the *Houston Chronicle's Top 100 Restaurants in 2025* is a significant achievement, highlighting a shift in how critics and diners view the city's diverse culinary landscape.

This recognition, which was part of a new, collaborative approach by the *Chronicle's* food team, signifies that authentic, fast-casual establishments—especially those specializing in niche, traditional foods like *chè*—are finally receiving the high-level critical acclaim they deserve.

The restaurant is not just a place to eat; it's a cultural hub. Located in the heart of Houston's Asiatown, it serves as a vibrant haven for lovers of traditional Vietnamese desserts and snacks. Its reputation for authenticity, quality, and variety has solidified its place as a beloved gem in the city's food scene.

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Deconstructing the Magic of Vietnamese *Chè*

To truly appreciate Duc Phuong Thach Che, one must understand the depth and diversity of the *chè* category. *Chè* (pronounced "cheh") is a general term for a wide range of Vietnamese sweet beverages, puddings, or soups. It is an integral part of Vietnamese culinary heritage, offering endless combinations of ingredients.

Unlike Western desserts, which often rely on heavy creams and simple sugars, *chè* is celebrated for its complexity in texture and its use of natural, subtle flavors. The components are often layered, creating a multi-sensory experience in every cup or bowl.

Key ingredients that make up the magic of *chè* include:

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• Legumes and Pulses: Red beans, black beans, and mung beans (often cooked until soft and creamy).
• Tubers: Taro (khoai môn) and sweet potato.
• Grains and Starches: Sticky rice (xôi), often flavored with pandan, and tapioca pearls.
• Jellies: Homemade jellies like grass jelly (*sương sáo*) and agar-agar.
• Fruits: Tropical fruits such as banana (*chuối*), longan, lychee, and the aforementioned durian and jackfruit.
• Base: Almost always a rich, sweet coconut milk or coconut cream base, sometimes mixed with shaved ice for a refreshing finish.

The enduring popularity of Duc Phuong Thach Che lies in its ability to master these traditional recipes while offering a clean, modern, and accessible experience. Whether you are craving the creamy richness of *Chè Chuối* (banana and tapioca) or the light, fruity complexity of *Chè Thái* (Vietnamese Fruit Dessert), this Houston institution delivers an authentic taste of Vietnam with every spoonful.

Finding Your Perfect Sweet Spot in Little Saigon

Duc Phuong Thach Che stands as a beacon of Vietnamese culinary tradition and innovation in Houston's vibrant Asiatown. It is a testament to the power of focusing on a specialized niche—in this case, the art of *chè*—and executing it to perfection. By balancing beloved classic desserts with a variety of savory snacks, the restaurant caters to both the sweet and salty cravings of its patrons.

For visitors and locals alike, this spot is more than just a dessert stop; it’s an essential cultural experience. Its recent inclusion in the city’s Top 100 list ensures that the unique, refreshing flavors of authentic Vietnamese *chè* will continue to be celebrated and enjoyed by a growing audience for years to come. Don't miss this destination on your next culinary tour of Houston.