In a country where the heat can be relentless and the street food endlessly flavorful, Vietnam has a secret weapon to cool you down and freshen you up — sương sâm.
Light, refreshing, and naturally detoxifying, this green grass jelly may look simple in a bowl, but it’s one of Vietnam’s most underrated summer delights. Forget expensive health drinks — sương sâm is the local answer to detox, but with a flavor that makes you want more.
What Exactly Is Sương Sâm?
Sương sâm is made from the leaves of the Tiliacora triandra plant, locally known as lá sâm. These leaves are crushed and filtered with water by hand, producing a thick, green jelly that sets naturally without the need for heat or gelatin.
The result? A cooling, herbal jelly with a soft, slippery texture that’s incredibly satisfying on a hot day. On its own, it has a mild grassy taste — but it’s typically served with crushed ice, palm sugar syrup, coconut milk, or even mung bean toppings.
Nature’s Cleanser in a Cup
Locals have known for generations: sương sâm isn’t just a treat — it’s good for your body. Traditionally believed to help cool the liver, cleanse the digestive system, and reduce internal heat, this jelly is Vietnam’s natural way to detox, especially in the scorching summer months.
Instead of reaching for bottled juices or trendy powders, many Vietnamese simply stop by a street cart for a cup of green jelly — delicious, healthy, and budget-friendly.
Found Everywhere, Loved by All
From humble market stalls in the Mekong Delta to the cooler highlands of Da Lat, sương sâm is loved across the country.
In the South, you’ll often find it mixed with sương sáo (black grass jelly), basil seeds, and coconut milk in a sweet, refreshing dessert drink. In Central Vietnam, it’s eaten more simply — just with a splash of sweet syrup and shaved ice.
No matter how it’s served, sương sâm brings a little relief, a little joy, and a whole lot of freshness.
Discover It with Vietnam Private Tours
If you’re looking to taste Vietnam beyond the typical phở and bánh mì, let Vietnam Private Tours take you deeper. On our personalized food adventures, you’ll sips local drinks at countryside markets, meet home vendors who still hand-make sương sâm, and discover the healing wisdom behind Vietnam’s everyday cuisine.
We believe the best way to understand a culture is through what people eat — and sương sâm, though simple, tells a story of balance, wellness, and flavor in harmony.
Cool down, detox naturally, and fall in love with the little green jelly that’s been refreshing Vietnam for centuries. With Vietnam Private Tours, every sip is a step closer to the real Vietnam.