Keo Dua Coconut Candy (Kẹo dừa)

Kẹo dừa is a traditional confectionery originating from Bến Tre, famous for its coconuts. This candy with a soft and chewy texture is made with a combination of grated coconut flesh, coconut milk, coconut cream, sugar, and often malt syrup. The mixture is heated in large woks and it’s continuously stirred until it caramelizes and becomes thick.

It is then placed into molds, left to cool, and cut into rectangles that are wrapped in rice paper, and then again in regular paper that’s been soaked in oil. The double wrapping ensures that the candy doesn’t stick to the paper. Nowadays, there are many variations, and kẹo dừa is often flavored with roasted peanuts, pandan leaves, or durian.