Hoi An City is not only famous by the magnificent ancient house but also its cuisine, especially dessert. Besides corn sweet soup, which is listed in almost every restaurant menu in Hoi An, “Xi Ma” or Black Sesame Sweet Soup is also popular for people in here and tourists.

Long time ago, when Chinese traders came to Hoi An, “Xi Ma” from Fujian Province in China is imported to this city. Therefore, this dessert is attached with many local people childhood. It is not only considered a delicious dessert, but also good for your health due to its ingredients such as black sesame, coconut, Chinese herbal medicine, rice flour and sugar.

Xi Ma on Hoi An street

Mr. Thieu had been diligently selling “Xi Ma” over 70 years

Mr. Thieu’s daughter, who carried on the family tradition when her father turned 100

Regardless of the weather, “Xi Ma” is served hot in small portion; very mild and not too sweet. Chi Ma Phu (Black sesame sweet soup) in Nguyen Truong To Street, near Hoi An Centre for Orphans and Disabled Children is one of the oldest place selling this dish, which has been operating for over 70 years from 7a.m. every day.

If you have a chance to visit Hoi An Ancient Town, Vietnam, don’t forget to keep this special dessert in your must-eat foods checklist!